Should you buy TVS Apache 200 4V?

If you're looking for entry level performance bike in Indian market The TVS's Apache 200 4V is obvious bike to choose among.
After long time period TVS finally given it's flagship product in January 2016 but is it worth buying? let's dive into the details?

Powered by 197.75 cc carb or fuel injected motor making around 20 bhp of strong performance at around 8,500 relatively high rpm , It's the most powerful Apache yet complimented by 4 valves engine can stay raging into higher power bands unlike previous Apache's which were loosing out it's breath into higher rpm's , So if you're looking to upgrade from previous gen Apache or even other 150cc commuter motorcycle Apache 200 4V is way to go.

So you're the person who like's to lean hard into the corner? no problem TVS Apache 200 4V can do that for you, The previous gen Apache was no different all were perfect weapon of choice for corner craving, But this one feels more rigid and confidence inspiring. Although TVS haven't used Twin spar frame but they have improved double cradle frame from previous gen Apache maybe for cost cutting reasons , But flick ability and maneuverability at corners definitely feels more than satisfyingly good.

You might be a person who likes to do lots of touring over bike, So you might thinking, do Apache ticks checklist for me? From my point of view It does, While testing out speed varying from 95 to 110 kmph I was able to get constant fuel economy from 42 to 47. So even with relatively small 12 liter fuel tank you can go hard around 400 kilometers before emptying whole tank. As for wind-blast it's just universal truth that street fighter comes with that issue , with the use of good helmate and some after market wind shield you can sort out that problem.

As for sitting position it's definitely more on sportier side rearset foot pegs and slight forward biased handlebars basically street-fighter posture a person upto 85kg or even 90 kg can ride comfortably for non stop 150 kilometers without problems.

Finally best aspect of bike is it's price point,  ranging from 1 to 1.2 lakh on road various options such as gripper tyre's ,ABS and fuel injection one can choose what he/she feels perfect for him.                 

Read More

Why did Bajaj Auto Relaunched Pulsar 200NS!

While I was busy in different things that's the reason I was unable to update blog for long time, So I missed out lots of things going in Indian two wheeler market Now we'll try to look through many things in depth in upcoming posts.

Red color option In first version when it was launched in 2012. 

Let's start with 200NS a motorcycle which really changed motorcycling scene in India when It was launched in 2012 why ? well because It was the only motorcycle during that time that had such insane price to performance ratio, You were getting close to 24 bhp high revving bike under 1 lakh Indian rupee which was mind blowing considering it's modern hardware and equipment.
Then Bajaj launched another successful Pulsar RS 200 it was another phenomenal product from Bajaj Auto, So much so that to increase the production capacity company has to stop the production of 200NS to fulfill demands of RS200.

2017 Version with different color scheme

Then what ? Bajaj tried to do new adventure sports experiment with AS150 and AS200 bikes , Specifically speaking of AS 200 it's just NS200 with refined motor and semi fair front end, The hard core fans of 200NS were really faced disappointment by companies decision and many of 200NS's fans were forced to buy AS200. But many of automobile Industry enthusiasts Including me, were knew that due to huge fan followings Bajaj has to start 200NS production again. And as expected Bajaj auto has relaunched 200NS in January 2017 with BSIV regulation.

This time the price bracket were around 1.1 lakh on road with many improvements such as grippy MRF tyre's , 5 map CDI unit instead of 2, not much has been changed from motor perspective it's getting same high revving 199 cc 4 valves SOHC setup.
Currently 200NS is fighting with TVS's flagship Apache 200 4v but that bike doesn't seems to performing well in terms of sales numbers why ? we'll see that in upcoming posts.             
  

Read More

Spied TVS Apache 200 close observation

Indonesia is huge marketplace for TVS, where TVS have it's whole lineup, some of mopets are specifically sold in Indonesia due to market specification so hence it's no surprise if TVS wishes to test it's upcoming Apache 200 in Indonesia.

Spied sometimes back in India this upcoming sporty TVS will go head to head against Pulsar range in It's displacement capacity, This new Apache will be powered by 200 CC 4 valve SOHC setup it could be 2 valve setup as well , we'll discuss it further in article.

First lets have some closer look on this mean machine.

As you can see above this image beside is snapshot taken from video and the guy who have taken this video claiming that this machine was cruising at 110 - 120 kmph on highways, which means newer engine have tones of performance on the tap,
The older Apache was known for its punchy mid range but it was lacking in top end performance which is required on highways, seems like TVS have sorted out that performance issue with newer power plant.

 The side profile seems pretty sleek with Hero CBZ sports like appearance due to longer mudflap but as you can see in Indonesian spyshot , the mudflap is removable for more sporty look, the front dome have minimalestic typical street fighter look, something which we already have seen in TVS Draken concept.

 

 The headlight cowl is not completely visible so it's hard to imagine it's final look, but what you can see is absent windshield n front of console for more streetfighter appeal something which we see in bigger streetfighter bikes like BMW S1000R or KTM's Superduke 1290.

Apache have clip on handlebars and fuel cap at right hand side rather than in center, moreover split seats are clearly visible in this picture.

  Here you can see brake hoses for rear disk brake and engine cooling fines which confirms engine is not liquid cool it could be just oil cool.

Engine appears to be taller which suggest bike will be in square bore and stroke or longer stoke, The idea of longer stoke gets support from longer exhaust pipe to suppress loud scream of longer stroke motor. Remember exhaust canister of  Royal Enfield ? it's longer because longer stoke motor produces heavy thumping sound.

and if TVS decides to develop bike which is high on torque rather than horse power TVS might ditch the idea of 4 valve in favor of 2 for punchy mid range torque something previous generation Apache is renounce for.

  The Instrument cluster seems come with all the important information and it's all digital!
The digital tacho have redline define at 12 k rpm and thus engine should surely climb 10 k rpm at least.
The gear indicator is visible with clock beside,
The big digits for current speed takes place at center below which fuel indicator is present , which the wording RACE ON might be welcome text on console.

with this Apache TVS will try to  strike upon the performace segement bikes which costs around 1 lakh , so there's no doubt TVS will try to keep price of this TVS apache 200 under 1 lakh

Feel free to post your comment below let us know what you feel for this next generation TVS Apache.    

Read More

TVS-BMW's collaboration 300 cc bike revealed

BMW cleverly unveiled their upcoming 300 cc machine which we all know been under development by code name K3 , BMW revealed this concept yesterday at bike show in Brazil and we can see it's actually their upcoming smaller bike which will also flagship Apache for TVS.

The K3 project is under development for quit some time now and there's chances for multiple version of motorcycle for this 300 cc engine platform. There's highly chances for being upcoming Apache form of K3 will be full faired.

The above image reveals smaller but important detail about upcoming bike, Concept Stunt G 310 has longer swingarm but still retains shorter wheelbase. If TVS plans to launch this machine in street fighter format then surely it'll be blast in competition with orange KTM machine.

Bike is build for purpose and that sole purpose appears to take down on Duke's and RC's (in faired variant), The tubular trellis frame is visible holding 300 cc power plant and we can expect figures like above 30 bhp on such machine.

At the point there's no clear words from TVS regarding project K3, but BMW said in press release about their stunt Concept  "BMW Concept Stunt G 310 – Street. Style. Stunt.

Munich/São Paulo. With the world premiere of the BMW Concept Stunt G 310 at South America’s largest motorcycle show, BMW Motorrad is presenting a completely new side: the uncompromising interpretation of an aggressive and agile stunt bike based on a single cylinder study.

Thanks to his experience as a four-times World and European stunt riding champion, Chris Pfeiffer, contributed to the realisation of the BMW Concept Stunt 310. “Stunt riding is a demanding and multi-faceted sport. Ideally you need a compact, agile bike which is also stable and robust at the same time. You have to achieve the ideal balance between aggressiveness and control”, explains Chris Pfeiffer.

Compact proportions, highest-level agility.

The BMW Concept Stunt G 310 combines all these qualities and makes clear at first sight: the newly developed 1-cylinder engine allows for very compact proportions thanks to its innovative concept. The special feature is the cylinder which is inclined towards the rear and the cylinder head which is rotated by 180 degrees. This permits optimum placement of the engine in the motorcycle and a short wheelbase in spite of the long swinging arm thereby making the motorcycle very agile. The low-slung front and the raised tail section promise fast and nimble changes of direction as well as dynamic riding. By shifting the intake area towards the front while also moving the exhaust system towards the rear it was possible to place the rear silencer in an upright standing position underneath the seat between engine and spring strut. In this way the silencer is optimally protected and does not limit the stunt rider’s freedom of movement. Even though you may hardly see it, you will not overhear it. Once started, the sound of the BMW Concept Stunt G 310 is sure to attract attention.

Emotional surface design in typical BMW Motorrad style.

The emotional side view of the Concept Bike is characterised by the powerful three-dimensional design of its surfaces. The precise lines and the expressive interplay of the contours create a sense of movement and speed even when the bike is stationary. What is especially striking in this respect are the side wing contours of the fuel tank which significantly emphasise this effect. All lines seem to generate a sense of movement towards the front wheel and underline the playful ease of handling of the BMW Concept Stunt G 310. Simultaneously the bike’s surfaces create a compact and distinctive silhouette emphasising the favourable centering of masses around the engine block.

The slim front view of the BMW Concept Stunt G 310 also draws attention to its high level of agility. The expressively modelled surfaces of the fuel tank result in a broad shoulder section which is underscored further by the design of the front facia. Similar to its front, the raised, filigree tail promises playful cornering and handling. It shifts the visual centre of gravity to the front even further and in combination with the engine spoiler emphasises the front wheel even more.

Extensive stunt modifications.

The numerous modifications are typical for a stunt bike; in making them Chris Pfeiffer brought his many years of experience as a stunt professional to bear in cooperation with the BMW Motorrad Design Team. Their single aim is to provide the best possible handling properties for the stunt rider’s feats on the asphalt. The lockable throttle ensures constant propulsion even when the rider’s hand has to let go of the throttle grip. In addition a slightly altered gear ratio secures greater propulsive force to the rear wheels at low engine speeds while the intentionally oversized rear wheel brake ensures reliable deceleration in every situation. A second, even larger rear wheel brake allows the rider to brake the rear wheel using only his middle finger, in case his right foot is not on the footrest in certain stunts. The additional brake lever is specially placed on the left side of the handlebars and can even be operated at the same time as the clutch. So-called axle pegs on the front axle and in the seat area give the rider additional options for placing his feet which go way beyond the possibilities offered by normal foot rests. The distinctive red crash bars provide additional protection for the engine. A special highlight on the BMW Concept Stunt G 310 is the “stunt tail” which was specifically developed by BMW Motorrad and which has not been seen in this shape on a stunt bike. It is milled from solid aluminium and features an opening in the centre, which offers the stunt rider a hold for his foot. Together with the non-slip seat, the aluminium component also ensures a stable seating position when riding thanks to its shape.

Modern colour and material design.

The colour concept features the classic BMW motorsport colour white as the base colour as well as red and blue in combination with the national colours of the Brazilian flag in a modern interpretation. The spectacular neon green and yellow colour and material design is certain to attract attention. The bright neon colours extend along the entire body thereby emphasising the dynamic lines and surfaces of the bike. The core of the bike, the drivetrain, features darker colours and moves the visual centre of gravity even lower. Edgar Heinrich, Head of BMW Motorrad Design sums up: “The BMW Concept Stunt G 310 is a real eye-catcher. Everything on this concept seems to be shouting out to ride it and defy the laws of gravity.”'

Read More

TVS is Working on 300 cc Apache

The above image doesn't make much sense cause it could be just a piece of some 3d model rendering.

But this is actually wheel design of TVS's upcoming Apache which is being under development in collaboration of BMW.

Recently TVS applied for patent of this rim in India which is almost reminiscent to BMW's 300cc test mule spy pictures we have shown earlier here. 

The other parts of bike's visual design and technological elements are patented which points towards release date is under an year.

Most of manufacturer prefers to take interval of time between patents in their designs so as full glimpse of design can only be taken after releasing actual product, especially if its flagship product for that firm.    

Read More

Our thoughts over spied TVS bike. Is that really 250 cc motorcycle?

almost modified offroad looking test mule.

Few day's back almost every Indian automotive site were talking about TVS's spied bike, speculating  spied bike is Draken inspired 250 cc bike, while this may be true that bike has employed host of technological update from Draken concept, but truth may far from fact.

Draken 250

Draken was shown in last years auto expo at Delhi, short stroke liquid cool single with 250 cc putting some 38 bhp at very high 12000 rpm which is hard to believe. But again giving over optimistic figures in such big expo grabs media's attention cause no one care's to prove those no's and even if that bike make's somehow to production version with same power ,

Even Draken's dash seems inspired by Superduke 1290's dash.

 we're sure Draken won't gonna pass sound pollution test because of almost muffler less exhaust pipe to which TVS proudly calls reverse exhaust! TVS really ? anyways bike looks fantastic and futuristic with Superduke 1290 inspired bulky tank.

New frame is apparent, piston block cooling fins are visible, monoshock is present.

Now  let's have look at these test mules look's somewhat incomplete because TVS have removed excessive plastic cowls to hide identity of bike, In this second spied image if you look with your precise eyes , you will see cooling fins around piston block and this single clue is enough for us to understand that this isn't Draken 250 employ power plant, instead it's bore up version of Apache 180 block and may be TVS is willing to brought Apache 180 in 200 cc format, or to increase power of existing Apache 180 by increasing compression ratio and adding 4 valve setup! whatever it is but we're sure TVS don't wants to jump from 180 cc to direct 250cc. from the spy picture you can also see there is no double cradle frame like current model instead there is new perimeter or trellis frame just like Draken so like we said before TVS is using technological development taken in Draken but this bike is no 250 cc Draken, instead bike that spied is upgraded Apache. Draken was relatively premium bike and we don't believe TVS will test that bike on public road just like what hero did with their HX 250R.           
 

Read More

Spy Shot Of TVS-BMW join Outcome, This will be the new Flagship Apache!

This test mule bike is Developed by BMW for sub 500 CC segment as well as flagship bike for TVS in India.

 Mule image reveals liquid cooled four-stroke naked sport bike is being tested in Germany last week.
This bike will be 300 cc, powered by single cylinder, 4 valve motor. And it will be the first product from TVS-BMW joint venture.

This test mule has single headlight unit which is probably projector type, upside down forks, alloy rims with grippy Michelin tyres, disk brake at front and rear as well as Side slung exhaust. We're not saying this is final avatar of bike, but it could also possibly come with fairing, Just like KTM RC series.

This bike will go head to head with Duke 390,Mahindra mojo, CBR 250 and RC 390 in India, expected price is around 1.8 lakh (ex-showroom).

BMW test riders also been caught in action riding duke 390 through paces most probably for comparing performance level with this new Apache. As previous report this bike is in development phase being K03 as code name.

Read More

TVS Just Launched Special Edition of Jupiter In Celebration for Being Most Awarded Scooter

Celebrating one complete year as India’s most awarded scooter ever, TVS Motor has launched the new Jupiter special edition version in the country. The special edition model gets a host of exterior upgrades that distinguishes itself from the regular model and will be made in limited numbers to maintain exclusivity. As part of the special edition package, the TVS Jupiter gets a new Stallion brown paint scheme finished in matte with unique beige inner panels. The front panel also sports the special edition dome sticker, giving out its special edition credentials.

In addition, TVS has added a new ‘Dura Cool’ seat on the Jupiter special edition that retains almost 10-degrees lesser heat when compared to normal seats, if the scooter is left parked in the sun. The company states that the special edition version has been launched in a bid to provide something fresh to customers and maintain the overwhelming response the scooter has received since its launch in 2013.

With no mechanical changes, powering the TVS Jupiter special edition is a 109.7cc air-cooled engine producing 8 PS of power at 7500 RPM and 8 Nm of torque at 5500 RPM, paired to a CVT transmission. The scooter comes with telescopic forks at the front and gas charged shock absorbers at the rear, while stopping power comes from 130 mm drum brakes
at the front and rear. Priced at a marginal premium, the special edition Jupiter is currently available in dealerships across the country. TVS is likely to offer a front disc brake option on the Jupiter in the near future.

Read More

Upcoming TVS apache might be 300 cc ,Developed in join collaboration with BMW

BMW'S tie in with Indian firm TVS is promising to result in an intriguing new machine later this year – and from recently uncovered shipping documents it looks like it’s codenamed ‘K03.’
The name suggests that it’s in the region of 300cc, which fits with BMW’s intention to gain a hold in the sub-500cc market. At the moment, it’s been revealed on two shipments of prototype exhaust parts, both coming to India from Italy, one in June and another in August last year.

reference to shipping document of TVS-BMW K03

Further shipments show that prototypes were delivered to TVS from BMW, including one
complete bike including its engine, also in June last year, and two further engine-less rolling chassis.

prototypes  delivery record from BMW to TVS

It’s possible that the bike will bear some relation to the TVS Draken concept shown early last year, or at least share its 250cc, 38bhp engine, although TVS claimed at the time that the Draken was a purely in-house design.

Read More