Re: TVS Apache RTR 180

Some concrete news on tvs future launches:
Today my college had organized an industrial visit to tvs factory in hosur. So during the question answer session, when asked about draken launch, this was what they had to say: "draken is only a concept bike, and we don't plan to bring it into production anytime soon. Right now we are concentrating on the apache 200 which will be launched within the next 2 months and is completely built by us (without bmw). The tvs-bmw tie up will launch two bikes, one 300cc and another 500cc bike probably in the next 1 year."
^This coming straight from the tvs factory

Re: TVS Apache RTR 180

[MENTION=6155]abhishek[/MENTION]94 : Kab sooraj niklega
TVS is now like Mahindra, testing the bike but still not launching it
Although I have decided to either go for same power that does the work for me (track + touring) on d if money permits, might go for increase. Getting old I guess [emoji14]

Re: TVS Apache RTR 180

Okie. So good news for us. Our TVS is finally rising up to the competition domimated by enfields & ktms.
Guys what is your monthly running with the bike ??
Mine is around 400km a month.

Re: TVS Apache RTR 180

Are there any Adjustable Brake Clutch Lever for tvs apache rtr available in the market.
please guide me.

Re: TVS Apache RTR 180

Sadly, no. Searching for past 6 months now. Every shop said that the mechanism used in rtr is different.

Re: TVS Apache RTR 180


Mine would be approx 1200km a month.

Re: TVS Apache RTR 180

Mine is approx 500-600km a month

Re: TVS Apache RTR 180

Hi all!

I have been riding an RTR 180 ABS (black colour, ofcourse :P ) for the past 7-8 months and have clocked close to 8000 km. I absolutely love the bike, and have been taking good care of it (to the best of my knowledge). But I have been experiencing minor troubles right from the start.

After the third service at 5.1k+ km, I have already gone to the SVC three times ("running repair"). Some of my problems include:

- The bike turns off abruptly sometimes, when I engage the clutch. It's kinda scary when I am in traffic.
- Squeaky noises from the front wheel. I was told they didn't tighten the fork properly, and it was not level. The SVC rectified it, but there is still some squeaky noise from the front disk.
- Oil leak from the head of the exhaust. Rectified now.
- Timing chain noise. I was told it would settle after a couple of days, but it has gotten worse.
- Vibrations. A LOT of them. I asked some RTR friends to test my ride, and they said it's way too much.

Over the last couple of hundred kilometers, I have also been feeling a loss in transmission, when cruising at 80kmph+. It is sort of like when the bike goes into reserve; there is a jerk. The throttle response feels sluggish too.

I am also having problems with idling rpm. If I set it anywhere above 1200rpm, the engine lingers at 3-4k rpm when stopping in traffic or signals (drops once I put the bike in gear and start moving). Any less, and it tends to turn off (understandably so).

The rear disk gets really hot even after short rides. No, I don't ride with my foot over the brake lever. This is something the SVC has failed to rectify. I also think that they are reluctant to mess with the brakes on ABS models.

That was quiet a rant, but it does feel bad (not to mention, painful ) seeing the ride in such a condition. The SVC mechanics have been patient with me, telling me what work they have done on my bike, and giving me the occasional tip. I was promised that they would look into my bike thoroughly during the next service. I am a complete noob (techspeak for 'rookie' :P ) and I would be grateful if someone can point out the things that I should ask the SVC guys to look at. If you have experienced any of these before, I would really appreciate any solutions that worked. I am willing to read up and google. I am also open to DIYs that won't void my warranty. Please help

Additional info:
I use the kick-start for cold starts, and idle for about 3-5 minutes before the first ride of the day. I shift around 5-6k rpm (I usually just listen to the engine). I ride mostly on highways, cruising speeds ranging from 80kmph to 100kmph. Braking is usually 60% front and 40% rear. I use kerosene for cleaning the chain and TVS TruSpray for lubing; this happens about every 700 kilometers. I basically try to stick to best practices discussed on xBhp and elsewhere on the internet.

Any help at all is greatly appreciated. I cannot bear to see the ride sick no more

Re: TVS Apache RTR 180

Hi.
The idle rpm & the clutch problem is inter related. Visit the svc & tell them to check the spark plugs & the carb settings/screws/rotations needed.
I had the same problem just a week into my new ownership. The svc was able to resolve it. Its been a year & half now. Not a problem any more.

Regarding excessive vibrations , which engine oil do you use ?
If its the tvs oil then please try shell advance ax7 10w40 or motul 5100 10w30.

You said loss of transmission , this is the by product of a misalligned carb setting. If you solve the carb thing as I mentioned before hand then this might go away as well. Loss of transmission at 80kmph means the engine is running lean & rpm shooting up to 3k rpm stationary means symptoms of the engine running rich. Do check if your choke isnt on.
Regarding the noise from the forks no idea about it bro. Other members help will be useful here.

Re: TVS Apache RTR 180

Thanks, I will tell them to look into the spark plug and the carb settings.

I am using the TVS oil. "Synthetic oil for RTR by company", I was told. I am willing to try the Shell AX7, as I've heard good things about it here. But won't using it void my warranty?

Choke isn't on. I hope it goes away with the right carb settings.

Thanks a lot for your help. If my bike recovers, I will owe you one

Re: TVS Apache RTR 180


Untill you are using the recommended grade of engine oil, there shouldn't be a problem with warranty. The service centre people will scare you saying you'll loose warranty.. just because they want to promote sales of tvs engine oil. Also the service centre/dealer does not get to decide about your warranty. Warranty is given by tvs motor company and not the dealer.


About your bikes other problems, clean air filter and get the svc people to tune to carb (do not mention you want mileage, otherwise they will tune it towards a lean mixture), most of what you mentioned will go away
The squeaking noise from the front brake must be sand or dust between the disc and the brake pads. It is pretty common in disc brakes. Try spraying pressurized water into the gap between the disc and brake pads, this should solve the problem.

Re: TVS Apache RTR 180

cant even the clutch be changed

Re: TVS Apache RTR 180

In that case, I will go with Shell AX7 from the next time. I think the TVS TRU4 is 10w30 grade. So I think that's what I need for the AX7 as well?

I will clean the air filter now, and take the bike to the SVC shortly. Hopefully, after tuning the carb, the problems will go away

I will do this and see if its just the dust/sand. Can you shed some light on the rear disk heating issue?

Thanks for your help!

EDIT:
I just remembered that [MENTION=75631]Mr_Many_Places[/MENTION] recommended the AX7 10w40. Does that mean the oil of same grade varies between manufacturers?

Re: TVS Apache RTR 180

Hi.
Shell ax7 is only available as in 10w40 grade.
On a highway run the viscocity of w30 oil will vanish quicky than a w40 oil.
Initially 3-4 years back tvs used to recommend 10w40 but nowadays the manual says 10w30.
Frankly there isnt a problem w30 or 40 or 50 its the no. Before w thats important. As long as it remains somewhat close theres no problem.
U can use motul 15w50 too , it will provide really good engine behaviour at extended highway runs. But as its cold viscosity value is 15 it will take quite a time to warm up than a 10w oil.
Try the shell ax7 10w40 . If it doesnt suit your requirement then you can use motul
Regarding your rear brake heating up I think brake pads are rubbing with the disc all the time. Tell your svc to open them up & refit it properly. Any roadside mechanic can do it even. But your bike being an abs one you should not take chances.

Re: TVS Apache RTR 180

Thanks for the clarification. I will take your advice about trying the AX7 first.

That was my guess, but I think the SVC mechanics are hesitant to fiddle with ABS bikes' brakes. I will request them to take a look at it next time. Thanks for your help