Wake Up, New TVS Apache Has Been Teased! Apache RTR 180 To Get Safer?

Quick Read: 

• New teaser on TVS Apache’s social media channel hints at an update to the RTR 160 or the RTR 180

• We believe it could be only for the RTR 180, and have explained why in the story 

• Expected to be launched this week itself 

Just barely a week left for June to end, and TVS has just dropped a new teaser via its Apache social media channels. The teaser shows a pair of angry-looking LEDs, and if you look it up, you’ll realise this pair of lights are exactly the ones found on the Apache RTR 160 2V and the Apache RTR 180. Welp, that clearly eliminates the possibility of grander dreams including the Apache RR 450. 

 

 

 

 

 

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But we digress. Coming back to the teaser, we think it might be an update to the TVS Apache RTR 180, and not the 160 2V. Wondering why? Well, the current-gen Apache RTR 160 2V is already pretty well equipped in terms of mechanicals and features, and those who are looking for even more premium bits already have the 4V variant - complete with a brand new chassis, engine, and everything. After updating the Apache RTR 200 4V earlier this month, it’s safe to assume TVS might update the next smaller Apache, the RTR 180. 

A “Full-Circle” Moment 

While the most logical update for the Apache RTR 180 is to get an upside-down fork, we think this is less likely to happen as it will make its positioning a bit weird. The reason is the increase in price that the new suspension setup will command. Currently priced at Rs 1,35,020 (ex-showroom, Delhi), it is only Rs 13,600 less than the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V. 

Judging by the premium the RTR 200 4V USD commanded over the telescopic fork-equipped variant, it could cost around Rs 5,000 more for the RTR 180, if it were to get USDs. That means, the price difference between the updated RTR 180 and the RTR 200 will shrink down to Rs 8,600. This premium, in our opinion, is very small to make any sound business sense as the RTR 200 gets not only a bigger, more advanced engine, but also a more modern chassis, not to mention better features. 

Considering this, the only logical and practical update the Apache RTR 180 might receive is dual-channel ABS. Even the last line of the caption in the TVS teaser hints so. A premium of around Rs 3,000 would be fair for the updated Apache RTR 180 (costs Rs 1,35,020, ex-showroom Delhi, at the moment) as it would still ensure a sizeable price buffer between the more powerful Apache RTR 200.

Hardcore Apache fans might remember the TVS Apache RTR 180 had dual-channel ABS way back in 2011, and was the most affordable bike to get the safety feature. But when ABS was made compulsory in 2019 for all bikes above 125cc, many manufacturers moved to a single-channel ABS setup to reduce costs, and so did TVS with the Apache RTR 180. The motorcycle would come full circle if it gets dual-channel ABS in the upcoming update. Apart from dual-channel ABS, we also expect the Apache to come with new colour schemes to keep things interesting. Currently, TVS looks at the 180cc Apache (literally) only in black and white, so a bit of colour will be appreciated by the fans. 

Other than these updates, expect the overall motorcycle to remain unchanged and continue with its 177.4cc single-cylinder engine, which makes 17.02PS and 15.5Nm. With TVS beginning this month with the launch of the updated RTR 200, it would be poetic if the brand launches the Apache RTR 180 update by the end of the month.