Must know information about TVS Apache RTR 180 MENACE - xBhp.com : The Global Indian Biking Community

manan_in_2000 · 02-17-2009, 04:32 PM

Hi All,

As we have always been discussing and speculating for the launch of RTR 180
Menace in different threads and blogs on XBHP.com and other sites as well.
I wanted to get these doubts cleared after hearing words from the horse’s
mouth for all of us at Xbhp.com, hence I have sent a mail to the Sr.
Segment Manager of Performance Motorcycles Arun Siddharth in TVS and got
the following answers to my queries:

Quote:

Dear Manan;

Hi. Thanks for writing in. Nice to hear from you in a while. I will
try and answer as much as possible with info that can be shared in
public domain at this point of time. Hope it helps you guys. Cheers
!!!

1. Do we really have something like RTR 180 Menace in the
making?
1. Yes I am confirming that we are working on Apache RTR 180;
which is the Episode III in RTR series after RTR 160 and RTR Fi 160.

2. Is it true that RTR 180 Menace has been code named as MENACE
? 2. As you know different projects are codenamed in different
alpha numeric and numeric nomenclature; the PPG (Performance Products
Group) do nickname our
development projects. And for this one we did nickname it
Menace. These are not in public domain but we are actually surprised
that so many people have got to
know of this. But Yes its True!!!

3. When are we planning to launch the same?
3. Very soon. We are in final testing stages of the product for
set up configuration for the final Stock machine.

4. What will be the specs for RTR menace if it is at all a
truth? 4. As I have confirmed above Apache RTR 180 / Menace is a total
truth and specs will be known in due course of time. It would a
little premature to comment at this
time and steal the thunder away

5. Why is TVS displaying such Hush-Hush on RTR 180 Menace as
reported in many Blogs i.e XBHP.COM, *********, Autocar India,
Overdrive?
5. Its not only TVS but all companies that maintain a certain
level of confidentiality regarding impending launches. This
particular version is the III Episode of the RTR
series and will have to live upto huge expectations from
Apache Tribe (Apache & RTR owners) in terms of Performance hence the
need to be quiet and allow the
judgement and verdict to be given by the Tribe. We are very
confident of the package and thats that.

6. There has been lot of speculations about its performance and
is considered as pocket rocket, is it true? 6. Thats for you all to tell us. We are very confident of the
Machines behaviour at this point of time. I dont know about Rocket
but Pocket it ll not be as it is as big as
competition

7. What is the future vision of TVS Racing for Apache RTR
Series, as TVS has always been considered as conservative commuter
bike company? 7. Well TVS was the first company to offer Kits on Supra range
of bikes and then Shogun and Fiero were TVS vehicles. Similarly at
present we want to be a Full Pyramid
company with representation in all segments of consequence.
And Apache RTR series has a huge role to play in this regard. This
segment is not Just for Bread alone.

Our vision is based on basics of Motorcycle Behaviour.

Vision : Performance First >>

Product Definition Strategy :

- Category defining Performance
- Track Honed Razor sharp Handling
- Racing Diagnostics

The idea is to talk to a niche of Premium segment buyers
who value Performance more than anything else.

8. What is the target market for RTR, why is it so single
mindedly bent on performance and when can we expect a style upgrade?
8. As I said above the Premium segment in India is divided into
1. Style Seekers 2. Performance Seekers
Our studies show that Performance seekers are true die hard
bikers. They are loyal to their brand and are opinion leaders in
their groups. Style seekers though a large
share of the premium segment lag in understanding true
motorcycle sentiment and flip continuosly between brands

Hence our focus on the Performance Seekers. We call them
Enthusiasts before they buy our bike and Apache Tribe after they buy
the Apache RTR.

9. Is it true that you have tested RTR 180 Menace specifically
on the race tracks in India and Abroad? Yes, in Chennai; Coimbatore in India and at Philip Island
Australia.

10. Is it true that TVS has benchmarked R15 initially for RTR 180
Menace, however later-on the same has been discarded as RTR 180
Menace was found more aggressive
in performance by the engineers in Indian conditions (as
reported in one of the blogs in Xbhp.com)?
10. No comments.

11. How are we planning to spread the awareness of performance
biking through RTR 180 Menace in the Indian biking population?
11. Starting March 7th 2009 in Bangalore we are starting ARE:
Apache Racing Experience with TVS Racing. This is a tailor made
programme by TVS Racing exclusively
for Apache owners. Where one can learn to Corner, Judge
lengths, Braking Techniques, Overtaking and some stunts under
controlled environment. The event has
space for only 80 people as we need to give one on one
attention and Instructors will be our racing riders from TVS Racing
who also work on RTR set up
development.

The program will be a First Come First Serve basis one and at
a nominal charge of 500 bucks which includes lap timing on Race Kit
fitted RTRs. one also gets a VBox
output of the lap they did which will be consequently mailed
online to them instantly and our TVS Racing Professional on site will
explain the graph to each independently.

12. How do you differentiate TVS internally as TVS Commuter biking
and TVS Performance segment in terms of product development?
12. Its an Organizational Set up question. I am not authorized on
this. But only thing is that PPG and TVS Racing; does not interact
too much with others.

13. Do you really test your bikes yourselves on the race tracks
before giving it to the customer, unlike other manufacturers who use
customers as Gineau pigs?
13. Yes the bikes go through several track testing sessions for
vehicle dynamics behaviour; set ups and tire testing sessions. They
are tested by TVS Racing guys as well
as Development engineers. The average age of PPG is 29 years
only hence everyone is Ready to Rip. :-))

14. Why we are not simply launching the RTR performance kit and get
the market a feel of performance biking from TVS?
14. We will be doing an Exclusive preview of the RTR Race Pro
Performance Kitted machines at the 1st ARE on March 7th. All
participants will be allowed for a CLOCK THE
FASTEST LAP SPRINT on these bikes and VBox data will be
given. This will be All India Exclusive Preview for 80 Apache Tribe
members who will be a part of the
program

15. What will be the Ex-Showroom price of RTR 180 Menace if it is
launched?
15. It will be extremely competitive for the slew of features it
will offer.

Thanks and hope this answers a lot of questions on your minds.

Regards

Arun Siddharth
Sr. Product Manager
Performance Products

Aryan · 02-17-2009, 04:34 PM

Topic Approved.

Tremendous piece of news there Manan! Thanks for sharing.

You are our "insider" at TVS it seems brother. Thanks again!

Praful · 02-17-2009, 04:41 PM

Quote:

10. Is it true that TVS has benchmarked R15 initially for RTR 180
Menace, however later-on the same has been discarded as RTR 180
Menace was found more aggressive
in performance by the engineers in Indian conditions (as
reported in one of the blogs in Xbhp.com)?
10. No comments.

^^The best part!

Fantastic piece of news there Manan!

Good work I say!

I think this bike should be a breath of fresh air for loads people who find the R15 too out reach in terms of cost but still want a bike thats a more complete package in terms of performance, handling & braking!

Aparajith · 02-17-2009, 04:46 PM

TVS sure know how to answer questions and look after their customers!!!

Great going TVS....

manan_in_2000 · 02-17-2009, 05:08 PM

Don't worry guys there are lot more surprises to come ahead from TVS, just keep your heart beating faster for them.

MG · 02-17-2009, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by manan_in_2000

11. How are we planning to spread the awareness of performance
biking through RTR 180 Menace in the Indian biking population?
11. Starting March 7th 2009 in Bangalore we are starting ARE:
Apache Racing Experience with TVS Racing. This is a tailor made
programme by TVS Racing exclusively
for Apache owners. Where one can learn to Corner, Judge
lengths, Braking Techniques, Overtaking and some stunts under
controlled environment. The event has
space for only 80 people as we need to give one on one
attention and Instructors will be our racing riders from TVS Racing
who also work on RTR set up
development.

The program will be a First Come First Serve basis one and at
a nominal charge of 500 bucks which includes lap timing on Race Kit
fitted RTRs. one also gets a VBox
output of the lap they did which will be consequently mailed
online to them instantly and our TVS Racing Professional on site will
explain the graph to each independently.

This is the best piece of news.A special thanks to all the people who are the mastermind for this event.

@Manan-Superb!Thanks for sharing.

onlinesatish · 02-17-2009, 05:22 PM

The 11th point seemed nice

Thanks manan!

Aryan · 02-17-2009, 05:24 PM

Manan, being the close contact to TVS that you already are, I am pretty damn sure you must have atleast seen the TVS Menace 180 in pictures. Can you please share a little details about the looks of the bike?

P.S:You have shaken the xTracker and with it, the hearts of people here!

Great job!

mithun.08 · 02-17-2009, 05:35 PM

Great news, waiting for March 7th.. Thanks for sharing

parveenkumarparv · 02-17-2009, 05:38 PM

[quote=Aryan;167063]Manan, being the close contact to TVS that you already are, I am pretty damn sure you must have atleast seen the TVS Menace 180 in pictures. Can you please share a little details about the looks of the bike?

Its look like this:-SimpleViewer

View Poll Results: TVS should conduct ARE in New Delhi.
Yes	76	73.08%
No	28	26.92%
Voters: 104. This poll is closed

02-17-2009, 04:34 PM	#2 (permalink)
Aryan Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: New Delhi/ Shillong Posts: 18,274	Topic Approved. Tremendous piece of news there Manan! Thanks for sharing. You are our "insider" at TVS it seems brother. Thanks again! __________________ ...in search of that perfect world - My Travel Blog :)

02-17-2009, 04:46 PM	#4 (permalink)
Aparajith RIP Kriss :( Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Chennai Posts: 1,866	TVS sure know how to answer questions and look after their customers!!! Great going TVS.... __________________ Democracy is when 2 wolves and a sheep meet to decide who is for dinner. Liberty is when the sheep has a gun.

02-17-2009, 05:22 PM	#7 (permalink)
onlinesatish Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 3,203	The 11th point seemed nice Thanks manan! __________________ Passion Guy : Moron am insane than u r.....look i ride with my head turned 00 Bajaj Chetak 02 HH CBR 100RR 07 RTR 160 09 Pulsar 220 10 Rx 135 4Spd 07 HH Zma 11 Honda Aviator DLX 08 Yamaha R15

02-17-2009, 05:24 PM	#8 (permalink)
Aryan Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: New Delhi/ Shillong Posts: 18,274	Manan, being the close contact to TVS that you already are, I am pretty damn sure you must have atleast seen the TVS Menace 180 in pictures. Can you please share a little details about the looks of the bike? P.S:You have shaken the xTracker and with it, the hearts of people here! Great job! __________________ ...in search of that perfect world - My Travel Blog :)

02-17-2009, 05:08 PM	#5 (permalink)
manan_in_2000 The Terminator Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Always Crossing borders Posts: 359	Don't worry guys there are lot more surprises to come ahead from TVS, just keep your heart beating faster for them.

02-17-2009, 05:35 PM	#9 (permalink)
mithun.08 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 816	Great news, waiting for March 7th.. Thanks for sharing __________________ ShoGun -- Offerings to the GOD of SPEED My Life on 2 Wheels :)

02-17-2009, 05:38 PM	#10 (permalink)
parveenkumarparv Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 47	[quote=Aryan;167063]Manan, being the close contact to TVS that you already are, I am pretty damn sure you must have atleast seen the TVS Menace 180 in pictures. Can you please share a little details about the looks of the bike? Its look like this:-SimpleViewer

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
[Ownership Thread]: Apache RTR/FI	Puneet1	Motorcycle Ownership Experiences	9142	Today 02:56 PM
Information on Manali-Leh route	vishwaschettri	The Tourer	14	08-13-2011 06:38 PM
Kodaikanal - Information wanted.	uniZma	The Tourer	12	12-29-2008 12:36 AM
Information on : Fuel Injectors for ZMA	lovemax	Desi Bikes	17	11-07-2008 10:35 AM
Information on Service Centers/Mechanics/Engineers	varunmichael	Help Me!	1	09-26-2008 08:57 AM

Register Now for FREE!
Are you registered on xBhp yet? If not, do so now and start participating to be able to share photos and experiences with other members. It will also enable to you have a chance to be a part of xBhp contests and roadtrips in the future! Username: Password: Confirm Password: E-Mail: Confirm E-Mail: Birthday: Image Verification I agree to forum rules