READER REVIEW OF FACELIFTED 2012 TVS APACHE RTR160 SPORTS MOTORCYCLE

Existing owners of a motorcycles are usually the best judges of facelifted or new versions of the same motorcycle. One such owner is ICB reader Dinesh Kumar, who owns a TVS Apache RTR160. Dinesh went ahead and test rode the recently launched facelifted version of the Apache and here’s what he had say about this motorcycle.

“NEW BREED OF TEARS” New Apache RTR 160 – FIRST IMPRESSION!

The new beast is tested and tried.  It is a tamed beast and lacks the punch.  ”New breed of fear” is the tag line.  I would say leave alone the fear factor, it is a “nightmare” for Apache fans. It is slow and sluggish unlike the outgoing version, which is brisk and swift and loves to zip through.  They have tried to refine the engine, but nothing seems to have worked this time around for TVS.  The engine is tuned to go farther in each gear.
We no longer have the shorter gear ratios that take us to the top gear in absolutely no time.  I guess this was in an effort to give a smoother ride and improve fuel efficiency.  The vibrations do still exist and they have failed to deliver a smoother ride.  I rode my RTR 160, which is just four months old, immediately after the test ride and mine felt much smoother.  It will take some more time for the fuel efficiency figures to surface.


On the other hand, they have also lost out on the pure aggression of the older model.  The new one doesn’t have a sporty feel.  It seems more like a commuter motorcycle. The switch gear is new, but feels out of place.  I needed to reach for the switches – the turn indicators’ switch, horn switch, etc.  The tyres are wider and tubeless, which are two positives.  The wheelbase appears to have been slightly increased.

 


They seemed to have worked on the ergonomics and the seating posture seems nice and comfy, but it now lacks the sporty feel.  The seat is a little longer unlike the older one where-in there would be no room for a pillion if you had a back-pack on.  Now, the pillion gets somewhat more space than before. I must admit I never did feel like I was riding an Apache all along.  The vehicle also appeared to have put on a few kilos.
It appeared a bit heavier than the previous model.  I got a pretty decent test ride and maneuvering through the traffic was not as easy as it was with the older model.  The tank shrouds are huge and without the air scoops look like chunks of plastic sticking out. The price as I mentioned yesterday is 79k on-road in Hyderabad.  There are four color options – gray, green, yellow, and red.  All come with the dual tone theme where black is the other standard color.

Many will find this model to be “most un-Apache like.”  I guess that is the bottom line.  “New beast, old bloodline” was the tagline, but I would say “this is not at all a beast…to say the least”. Time to end this on a positive note guys.  The new 180 is yet to hit the showrooms here in Hyderabad.  I hope they do not mess with it.  Going by the latest spy pics, the 180 does look much better.  I hope it handles better as well.  I will keep you guys posted as soon as I can get my hands on the 180 here in Hyderabad.  Until then, wear your helmets, ride safe, put your headlights on low beam, and do not use a cell phone while riding.  Bye and God bless.

SOURCE : IndianCarsBikes

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Bike Review: 2012 Harley Davidson FXDF Dyna Fat Bob

To show off your attitude isn’t easy as it sounds and that’s precisely what Harley’s Fat Bob FXDF Dyna is designed to achieve on the road. The forward installed gear and brake levers, stylish looking drag-style handlebars and some luxurious leather to relax on is all that this Fat Bob has to offer to those who have an eye for such indulgence.


Looks
Drag style Handles have the wiring done inside the bars only with overall height of the handle being 1.25” high. The strong and wide handles too will rekindle the imagination of one those quarter mile sprinters that we have been seeing all these years.
The usual Bar and Shield medallions tucked to the fuel tank are a legacy in themselves and puts you in sync with the tradition of wandering unperturbed.
The way this machinery is paint is not an ordinary process either. The paint being used for the job is nearly twice the thickness then what the second best is covering their products with. All this quality comes to sight when the bike rolls out of the shed and people simply fume over what this bike is glossed with.
Crafting the fuel tanks with the Hands is also another procedure which makes this bike a worth looking at structure. All the designing cues come off brilliantly in each of the tanks.

Engine
It’s a patented Harley 103 twin cam powerhouse that comes fitted with this Harley.   The torque statistics are impressive and so is the Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection jet which lends certain vitality to the acceleration grip bars. Any kind of terrains is a glib ride for this piece of engineering.  The benefits of making the piston lighter than what it used to be is also to be felt in this cruiser because now every state of the engines performance has gone more polished and so is the improvement going to make you cover a little extra miles on that favorite highway of yours.

Features
The intelligent embedded chip inside this bike is also capable of auto turning off the side indicators based on the speed and turning angle of the bike. So there is not much fuss about remembering to turn off that signal of your bike.
The Anti Lock Braking System and Smart Security System are also available as additional add on options, so that it does not inflate the bill for that price sensitive customer plus whenever you have got some extra dollars to yourself you can get it fitted.
Even the suspension could be self adjusted based on the way that suits you being upright or laidback which seems pretty necessary for those long hauling road trips.

Customized riding tune-up
Apart from all the other features offered by this machine of Harley family you can also choose the distance between seat and front foot pegs so that it remains comfy and you don’t need to shift front and backwards to get that perfect position.
Another choice is that of choosing your own style of seat and the padding there-on to match up to your unique needs. The Engine Idle Temperature Management Strategy is also available so that when the bike comes to halt and remains so, the overall fuel burnt in the cylinder gets limited and as a result the heat flashes emerging from the engine could be controlled.

Conclusion
Analysing Harley seems a little awkward and so I too won’t take the liberty of spitting in the sky but one thing that particularly catches up my imagination is the option of choosing ABS and Smart Security. I think Harley should treat their customers a little with making them mandatory and play its part in responsible driving.
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2012 Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 Review plus some more Details inside.

Royal Enfield’s solitary launch for 2012 will be the Thunderbird 500, a motorcycle that wowed show goers at the Indian Auto Expo by literally being the showstopper at the Royal Enfield pavilion.

The Thunderbird 500 has been perhaps one of the most anticipated offering from the Royal Enfield stable considering that the Thunderbird 350 has been doing yeoman service for the last ten years. The Thunderbird has built for itself a reputation of being a comfortable touring motorcycle and is often the first choice amongst the Royal Enfield models for touring enthusiasts. The Thunderbird has earned itself the reputation of a capable highway tourer and established itself firmly in the cruiser market. The Thunderbird broke away from the mould of Royal Enfield’s traditional motorcycles and redefined a new lineup. In that direction, the new Thunderbird has come as fresh motorcycle.

Royal Enfield is nothing short of a phenomenon in countries where it’s standing out since the past many generations that have passed. Thunderbird is undoubtedly the most stylish and performance oriented addition to the lineup. The bike is the attractive mix of both retro as well as modern concepts in styling and technology both. The bike falls under the cruiser segment and this time the rider could be sure of more comfortable ergonomics and refiner power coming after that throttle roll.


Design & Styling :

The ‘black’ engine is one of the first styling elements that catch your attention the moment you see the motorcycle. The seat has been completely redesigned to suit the new foot pegs position. The handle bar too has received changes for better reach and ergonomics. The seat now opens using a lock mechanism, accessible through the side panel.

The instrumentation also includes two digital trip meters, allowing riders to keep a track of total trip mileage as well as intermediate mileage between tankfuls. The speed and engine rpm are shown via tastefully designed analogue clocks, housed in all new twin pods at the front.

Engine and Transmission :

The engine is 499 cc 4 stroke, single cylinder version that could make a 27.2 bhp power output through an electronic fuel injection system and delivers a prodigious peak torque of 41.3 Nm torque in the chamber. The bike is said to be featured with Classic’s 500cc UCE engine with EFI. The engine is mated to a five speed gearbox and uses maintenance free hydraulic tappets.

What's new in the Thunderbird 500 ?

The bike comes up with features like digital twin pod LCD console to make tracking speeds smoother in the night and low light conditions.
The saddle height has been reduced to enhance the stability and overall comfort during those long trails with no one else but you under the sun. The front wheel is a 19” spoke rim which has the sturdy grip of 41mm forks to hold them to their place.
The headlight has also got a projection type headlamp of 55/55 W H7 Bulb that could illuminate the roads much brighter than you could imagine. The rear wheel has also been given a 240 mm Disc brake to help it reach a halt in time.

Top Speed
The Thunderbird 500cc could get a maximum of 130 km/h on the road.


Dimensions
The length of the bike is 2120.00 mm, width is 750.00 mm and the height 1080.00 mm.

Shades Available
The color of the bike is only going to be in contours of black like Midnight, Matte and Arctic Winter Black.


Price and availability
Actual sales of the vehicle may begin only near mid 2012. It comes with a price tag ranging between Rs 1,40,000 to 1,90,000  for the Indian buyers.

RE Thunderbird 500 high points at a Glance :

• Matte black finished engine
• Seat has been completely redesigned to suit the new foot pegs position.
• Separately mounted pillion seat can be removed to accommodate luggage.
• Bungee hooks are provided to strap up that extra luggage during those long rides.
• The most noticeable is the tail lamp which is LED, unlike the earlier round shaped tail lamp. We found this to be a little out of sync with the design of the bike.
• The trip meter is now digital and a projector lamp is provided for low beam along with a halogen lamp for high beam.
• Rear Disc Brake

With increasing demand from several locations across the country, Royal Enfield has also embarked on widening its reach and improving after sales services . In addition to production and dealer ramp up, the company is also charting to launch its Thunderbird 500 motorcycle, which was showcased at the Auto Expo, in May or June. With this, it hopes to strengthen the brand position further in leisure motorcycling in the country.

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2012 KTM Duke 200 - Ride Review

KTM Sportmotorcycle AG is an Austrian motorcycle, bicycle and moped manufacturer.
KTM is most commonly known for its off road motorcycles though in recent years it has expanded into street motorcycle production . They are the acknowledged world leaders for off-road motorcycles, and have made a habit of dominating off-road motorsports events. Indian giant Bajaj’s stake in this European firm has steadily climbed to a hefty 39 percent, which makes it high time we ride our first KTM.

The single-cylinder 125 Duke is a street bike jointly developed by KTM with Bajaj and already introduced in select European markets. It’s taken no time to charge into the lead and become a segment leader there, while Indians have patiently stood by waiting for a 200cc variant of the same bike to be specially prepared for our market. The eagerly anticipated KTM 200 Duke will be backed by the sales and service might of Bajaj Probiking. It boasts remarkably potent specifications, which is why we couldn’t wait to get behind the handlebars and tell you how it all comes together as a package.

The bike looks sporty, feels sporty, and don’t go by the 200cc engine, because this monster is expected to generate 25 Bhp of maximum power which is much higher than the normal 200cc commuter bikes which deliver 15 to 17 Bhp power.

The new KTM Duke 200 is very distinctive and attractive sports bike which carries lots of attitude with it. The advanced aerodynamic design used in the new KTM Duke 200 is extraordinary and has a great charismatic effect which spells bounds the costumer with its unmatched appearance and racer look.
The new bike is specially designed for the racer with dynamic body graphics which is very impressive. The front portion of the bike has only cowl which has stylish halogen headlight in it which is very well stacked and looks very elegant. The straight handle bars of the new bike KTM Duke 200 is also very sporty and also very comfortable, specially designed for racing purpose. The stylish turn indicators are placed beneath the front cowl and looks very stylish and unadulterated. And the riding saddle is roomy and well padded, although the same can’t be said for the compromised pillion seat. Split alloy grab bars lead to a slender tail lamp, behind which extends a lengthy mudguard and number plate holder.The revolutionary and stylish large and bold alloy wheels of the new KTM Duke 200 will enhance the style and looks. The rear portion of the bike is also very impressive with sweeping style side indicators. The rear tyre-hugger and saree guard are parts we feel the 200 Duke would look best without, but you can’t help but marvel at the sleek, clear-lens turn signal indicators on this spanking new motorcycle. A ‘stand down’ warning system is standard.

The distinctive center console comprises of fuel gauge, speedometer, trip meter, turn indicator signal, etc. The stylish and unmatched fuel tank of the new KTM Duke 200 is also very appealing and has a feel of racer bike in it. The foot pegs available in the bike are very stylish and tuck in neatly when unused.
Overall quality, as well as the turnout of rubber and plastic parts is as good, as expected on the KTM 200 Duke.

You couldn’t ask for a more tech-rich engine on an Indian motorcycle. The new KTM deploys a short-stroke, four-stroke and single-cylinder, 199.5cc powerplant with 72mm bore and 49mm stroke measurements. State-of-the-art specs with no-compromise engineering ensure you receive the works; fuel injection, liquid cooling, a twin-camshaft-driven quartet of valves and a bantamweight, compact, six-speed gearbox.

The riding position is upright, comfortable and good for daily use with the wide handlebars providing excellent leverage. Ride quality is good, pliant and still firm enough to enable sporty handling, but our ride was too brief and only over smooth surfaces, so a final verdict must again remain reserved for our road test. The KTM 200 Duke handles with a light, nimble feel, always steering with neutral manners and the MRF radial front and rear tyres provide terrific grip. This is a stable bike at all speeds, with superb cornering manners and brakes which always offer a powerful and reassuring bite.

We expect the KTM 200 Duke to return close to 25-30kpl for every litre of fuel. Bajaj is offering a variety of KTM merchandise as optional with this bike, including a pair of tasteful knuckle guards.

Also to mention is the KTM Duke 200's lap timing . The KTM  Duke 200's 0-60 kmph time is 3.3 sec while its 0-100 kmph time is 9.2 seconds , which is quite impressive .


FACT FILE OF KTM DUKE 200 :

Engine: Four-stroke Single, 4-valve DOHC
Displacement: 199.6 cc
Bore x Stroke: 72 x 49 mm
Peak horsepower: 25.5 bhp @10,000 rpm
Peak torque: 20Nm @ 6,800 rpm
Starter /Battery: Electric starter
Transmission: 6 gears
Fueling: Electronic fuel injection


Primary Drive: 22:72
Final drive: 14:43
Cooling: Liquid cooled
Clutch: Multi-disc wet clutch, hydraulically operated
Frame: Chromium-Molybdenum trellis frame, steel subframe
Front suspension: Inverted WP 43mm fork, 5.9 inches travel
Rear suspension: WP monoshock, 5.9 inches travel
Front brake: 300mm disc
Rear brake: 230mm disc


Tires front/rear: 110/70 x 17 x 150/60 x 17
Trail: 3.9 inches
Wheelbase: 53.5 inches (1360 mm)
Seat height: 31.9 inches (810 mm)
Fuel tank: 2.9 gallons (11 liter)
Dry Weight: 278 pounds (126.4 kg)



Bikoholic Verdict :
KTM 200 Duke is a special motorcycle, just as comfortable puttering around town as a zippy commuter bike or being thrashed while you attack your favorite section of twisty tarmac. KTM and Bajaj have certainly found a sweet spot, as the Indo-Austrian KTM 200 Duke has all the trappings of quickly becoming a best-in-class 200cc street motorcycle.

For latest updates and news on the 2012vKTM Duke 200 Click HERE

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KTM Duke 200's Rev Limiter , Key Code Card , Mileage,Top Speed plus some more details revealed!

The KTM Duke 200 is the first of many KTM’s that will come to India via the 40% Bajaj connection.A few media outlets were invited by Bajaj Auto to spend some quality time with the Duke 200 and give thier feedback . No doubt it is an outstanding performer but there was a small disappointment, Bajaj had introduced a rev limiter in the KTM Duke 200 which kicks in at 10,000 RPM. This restricts the speed at a mere 126  km/h which won’t be liked by the motorcycle enthusiasts.Bajaj Auto seems to have addressed the problem somewhat and increased the limit from 10,000 to 10,500 RPM thus taking the top speed to about 138 km/h (on the speedometer).

When you hit 10,500 rpm, the rev limiter cuts in quite sharply; so sharply that riding at full throttle, even in 6th gear is impossible as the ECU keeps killing the power when the bike touches 138 kmph. They bike definitely can go way faster. At a constant 137 kmph though, everything is fine and you can keep cruising. Increase the speed by just another 1 kmph and engine seems to be stuck deciding between delivering full power & delivering no power. That’s how sharp the cut off is.. In case you won’t be satisfied with the speed, you have to wait for sometime as we have news of people working on removing the rev limit altogether.

All KTM Duke 200s which are being delivered to the first customers across the nation have had their rev limiter raised by 500 rpm to 10,500 rpm. So, the top speed of the Duke is now 138 Kph on the digital speedometer it comes with. with an average speedo error of about 5%, the Duke 200 effectively does a true 130 Kph, which is no means a slow speed. Even so, speed hungry folks will have to resort to after market piggy back ECUs or remaps to get past the rev limiter on the Duke 200 or go in for a sprocket change to improve the true top speed by 5-10 Kph. According to the on-board computer, we obtained mileage figures between 21 & 34 kmpl depending on the riding conditions and speeds. Expect no more than 22-23kmpl if you ride around the city mostly in the first 4 gears. On the highway, we obtained a decent 34kmpl while cruising in 6th.

• Bajaj is offering a 2 years/30,000 kilometer warranty on the Duke 200 with free service intervals at 1,000 Kms, 5,000 Kms and 10,000 Kms.
• For the first 1,000 kilometers, the Duke 200′s revs will be limited to 7,500 rpm as a measure for good running in of the engine.
• This limit will be raised to 10,500 rpm post 1,000 kilometers.
•  Service interval for the Duke 200 is 5,000 Kms.

A surprise touch on the Duke 200 is the key chain that it comes with. The key chain (known as the Key Code Card) is a smart card which contains all your service information and you can get your bike serviced from any location in the world, yes, in the world.All you need to do is swipe this card to retrieve your motorcycle's service data . By this new innovative idea there's no need to carry the service booklet for your general services and warranty claims.


KTM 200 Duke is a special motorcycle, just as comfortable puttering around town as a zippy commuter bike or being thrashed while you attack your favorite section of twisty tarmac. KTM and Bajaj have certainly found a sweet spot, as the Indo-Austrian KTM 200 Duke has all the trappings of quickly becoming a best-in-class 200cc street motorcycle. All in all, the KTM Duke 200 brings a lot of refreshing features, many of which are segment firsts and mates it to a high performance-high value package .Deliveries of this motorcycle have already begun and you can head to your nearest KTM store to test ride the Duke 200.

For latest news and updates on KTM regarding its technical specifications , performance and accessories click here
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New Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS first ride Review

Our first impressions of the all-new Pulsar 200NS. It has impressed us with its ample performance and sharp handling.

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There’s no two ways about it. Bajaj’s Pulsar 200NS is a storm raiser. On our first ride today the all-new Pulsar impressed us with its ample performance and sharp handling. Even at standstill the P200 NS looks potent.

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New Honda Dio 2012 Launched at Rs 42,632

Honda Dio, during its launch before 8 years in India, created a new generation of followers for its unique design and styling. The 102cc scooter raised the standards of scooter design in India, even much better than the top selling Honda Activa.

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New Bajaj Pulsar 200NS 2012 : Review & Specifications

Its been a just over 10 years since we in India were introduced to the Pulsar series from Bajaj. We saw it grow from strength to strength year by year and saw a lot of changes that made this motorcycle a favorite to many. Many engine variations, even more design changes and a lot more small bits that were added made every iteration of the Pulsar family all the more special over the years. The Pulsar brand is now sold in many countries

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Bajaj new Pulsar 200 NS unveiled, mileage 58 kmpl, top speed 136 kmph, price less than Rs 1 lac

Bajaj Auto finally unveiled their all new motorcycle, 2012 Pulsar in India today. As of now Bajaj has not revealed the price of new Pulsar motorcycle. Price of 2012 Pulsar will be revealed during its launch in April 2012. Bajaj new Pulsar 2012 variant is christened as Pulsar 200 NS.

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Piaggio Rolls Out Ultimate Racing Machine Aprilia RSV4

The Italian two-wheeler major Piaggio has launched its Superbike, Aprilia RSV4, the ultimate racing machine at the recently concluded Delhi Auto Expo 2012. Aprilia, a part of the Piaggio Group since 2004, is globally acknowledged as the most technologically advanced name in motorcycles.

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Cbr 250r vs Ninja 250r - Clash of the titans

The Kawasaki Ninja 250R was already a world- acknowledged 250cc class favourite when Bajaj Auto introduced it in India in 2009. No direct competition meant the Ninja has enjoyed a monopoly in the quarter-litre segment for all this time
After ruling the 250cc territory for over two decades, the Kawasaki Ninja 250R has finally got a challenger in the form of the new Honda CBR250R.
Will it be possible for the old hand Kawasaki to hold its own against the tech-laden young Honda?

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KTM Duke 200 set to rock India !

KTM Sportmotorcycle AG is an Austrian motorcycle, bicycle and moped manufacturer.
KTM is most commonly known for its off road motorcycles though in recent years it has expanded into street motorcycle production.

KTM and Bajaj are soon going to launch a 200cc bike, which is expected to be launched in the first week of January and deliveries to start afterwards. The Sporty Dirt bike will be called KTM Duke 200. It has already been in Malaysia and it is expected that it will be priced around 1.3 lakh rupees, when it will be launched in India. The bike looks sporty, feels sporty, and don’t go by the 200cc engine, because this monster is expected to generate 25 Bhp of maximum power which is much higher than the normal 200cc commuter bikes which deliver 15 to 17 Bhp power.

The new KTM Duke 200 is very distinctive and attractive sports bike which carries lots of attitude with it. The advanced aerodynamic design used in the new KTM Duke 200 is extraordinary and has a great charismatic effect which spells bounds the costumer with its unmatched appearance and racer look.

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Yamaha version 2.0 - Racing instinct

Yamaha R15 was the first model for the Indian market designed in the true supersport image and featuring a high-level balance of enjoyable running performance on winding roads.

 Now, Yamaha India has launched 2011 model of Yamaha R15, which is priced at Rs. 1.07 lakhs (ex-showroom New Delhi). The company is promoting it as 'R15 Version 2.0', which resembles to R1, to some extent. Previously, it was expected to be launched in April, then in July, finally New Yamaha R15 version 2.0 is here, it is one of the most awaited bikes of 2011. But the sad part is that New R15 Version 2.0's specifications are exactly the same in comparison to R15 Version 1.0 except the kerb weight which is now 136 kgs.

 The engine displacement, maximum power and maximum torque figures are same. Yamaha fans would be feeling very disappointed with this because they were waiting for R15 Version 2.0 from 10-12 months and it was expected that power will be increased from 16.8 bhp to 20-22 bhp and torque from 15 nm to 18-19 nm but Yamaha India has kept all the technical specifications intact.

The R15 version 2.0 has undergone changes as compared to the present YZF-R15 in the specs of the Engine Control unit (ECU), drivetrain unit, a long aluminum swing arm, wider front and rear tires (radial tire for the rear), split seat, LED taillights and new-design middle cowl & tail cowl.

New features in r15 version 2.0 :

- All new engine fairing which looks very sporty

- New alloy wheels further enhances the looks of the bike
- Proper split seat which is anti-slip and better cushioned
- New decals/graphics which are now in white shade

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Honda CBR 250R - To known the unknown

The CBR250R reveals a mature side to this multinational company, who’s put on its thinking cap to conjure up a practical bike for daily use that’s also affordable.

The attractively faired CBR250R looks a full-size bike. This sporty quarter-liter motorcycle resembles Honda’s VFR1200F, also sporting a mass-centralized stance. The front fairing extends down to shroud its engine bay, and a curved visor provides ample high speed wind protection, wrapping around a sporty cockpit

The motorcycle business has evolved a full circle at Honda. It brought the world high-tech bikes, higher-tech bikes, superbikes and then pushed the envelope to supersports, this giant punching through every barrier of motorcycle development along the way.

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TVS Launches Apache RTR 180 ABS – India’s First Motorcycle with Anti lock Braking System

1. Here is the much awaited news for all Apache fans. Finally TVS has launched ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) in one of its premium motorcycles TVS Apache RTR 180. We at Bike Advice have already rolled out a post a couple of days back regarding TVS bringing this bike to the stands anytime soon and here is TVS with their Apache RTR 180 ABS motorcycle. This happens to be first bike in India that will have ABS technology. ABS technology will equip the bike with a great stopping power and superior braking control that perfectly compliments Apache’s high performance capability.

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