Re: TVS Apache RTR 180

[MENTION=93140]apacherider[/MENTION], I was just lucky! however if you are ever touring up north and stop at Delhi, Id be happy to introduce you to this mechanic He is sincere and knowledgeable.

Also wanted to say that i just now read your ownership review and it is the sweetest review of the 180 that i have ever read. It reminded me of my initial days with the apache.

Still looking for tyres, zapper c unavailable, masseter unavailable. Dont want to go for remoras or michelins. Any help from Delhi members would be highly appreciated.

Welcome to the tribe [MENTION=94792]kishleykrishna[/MENTION], wish you many enjoyable miles ahead.

Re: TVS Apache RTR 180

I wish i knew a mechanic like this.... Me too not fully satisfied with svc...

Re: TVS Apache RTR 180

An Epic Servicing!

Hello riders
It was high time to get my 2014 Apache 180 serviced. Tired of the chalta-hai attitudes of service centre people for the last three years (First in Bangalore and then in Delhi), I took it to a mechanic near my house on my day off and got it fully serviced in front of my eyes. Just wanted to share an account of the most comprehensive servicing my Apache has ever received.

A bit of background:

After of traversing all across south India for two years and delhi for another year the apache was in severe need of repair. The engine felt sluggish, gruff and unwilling. Revs climbed slower and never went above 9K, Brakes had lost their bite and on braking the machine stopped in stages with unpredictable dives. Two services at the TVS service centre, In June and again in September (without oil change) had failed to do anything except the bare minimum. The more I rode it the sadder I felt about the sorry state of affairs. I was determined to do whatever it took to restore the beast to its former glory.

Preparation:

In preparation for the servicing I had been collecting information through this forum and youtube videos about overhauling bikes and had gone to the mechanic with a long list of things to do. Unlike service centre guys who give ready smiles and say “sir we already do all these things, why don’t you go sit in the waiting room” to all my concerns, Mukesh the mechanic at SDA Market (Delhi) heard me out and took the bike for a short ride and added his inputs. Together we figured out a plan of action.

Work Done:
Here is a list of things that Mukesh did (divided into bike sections worked on):

Front Forks:
Front fork seals
Front fork oil
Front fork cleaning
Disassembled the front forks completely and drained the old oil. Cleaned up the springs inside and put in new oil (Escorts fork oil bought from TVS service center).

Steering: Removed the triple clamp and found that the ball bearings were rusted in places. Also the grease around it had completely dried up and was acting like glue! Steering cone set replaced.

Front Brake
Changed the front brake pad (the old one was literally chipping away in bits around the edges.)

Changed the front brake pump (the part which fits into the brake lever on the handle)

Changed brake oil (Bosch dot 3)

Brake bleeding for both brakes


Oil and filter change: Used TVS Tru4 synthetic oil

Chain: Cleaned and lubricated and tension readjusted. Specially need to mention here that when the mechanic was cleaning the chain, he opened the cover of the primary sprocket and took out more than two handfuls of gunk and black tar-like grease! Service centre guys have never ever cleaned this even though they say that they do it. In fact opening the cover itself was tough because the screws were so tightly jammed into place! (Further proof of negligence)

Carburettor, Spark plug and air filter – Cleaned

Cleaned and regreased axles of the front and back wheel.

Fixed a new side stand (the old one had fallen off a while back)

Washed, polished and waxed the bike.

Cost
The whole thing took about 5 hours of work and cost me Rs 2900. Here’s the break up
Parts bought from Apache service centre – Rs 1,700
Side stand – Rs 150
Pressure wash – Rs 50
Labour charge – Rs 1,000

Result
The bike is now running like a dream! While the oil change has obviously smoothened out the engine, the overhaul of the front forks and front brake pump has made a massive amount of difference. The bike now feels tactile and road feedback has improved tremendously. The bike brakes bite in as soon as you feather the brake lever and the chassis responds immediately, so the braking dive is predictable and not in dramatic delayed stages which leaves you guessing.

Personal opinion:
Guys seriously if you like me always stick to the service center for the regular maintenance of your beloved steed, it is worth getting these things looked into by a mechanic you trust. Not saying that all service centers cut corners but in my experience they tend to do the bare minimum. When you complain that the bike isn’t performing as it once used to their common reply is that “Sir this part is worn out please replace it.” And then they proceed to replace a whole section and handover a lengthy bill to you. Not only does this strategy save them time but also earns them extra money on all the spares you buy.

When I was getting my bike serviced from the local mechanic, I noticed that many screws have never been opened probably since the bike was manufactured. This includes the primary sprocket cover, the plastic lid of the front brake fluid reservoir and some parts of the steering. This is after I have been billed multiple times in the past for “brake bleeding” and “body balancing” and other random things.

In fact such was my happiness after this servicing, when Mukesh the mech asked for 800 bucks for his work I gave him a thousand and then thanked him repeatedly. He has truly breathed life back into the Apache.

Ride safe and apols on the long post.

Re: TVS Apache RTR 180

Congrats brother... Love the angel..

Sent from my Mi A1 using xBhp Connect mobile app

Re: TVS Apache RTR 180

I have the same issues after changing my rear tyre by a person who don't know much about disc brakes.. he ruined it... Took six months to get the brakes to the perfect condition... Pads, calipers all changed except the disc plate.. but none helped... The brake will slow the speed but won't stop no matter how you hit it.. The actual problem was the fluid flow. At last it give me the solution.. may be this will also be a solution for you....

Sent from my Mi A1 using xBhp Connect mobile app

Re: TVS Apache RTR 180

New member in the family, my RTR 180

Re: TVS Apache RTR 180

Aah thanks, will not go for the michelin in that case. One of the main complaints with the srichakra is its absolute lack of control in wet. Not that I ride a lot in rains but dont want to spend good money on a tyre just to have the same problems again. Pretty much settled on Masseter now.

One more thing, at every servicing I have asked the mechanics to bleed the brakes. TVS mechanics (both in bangalore and delhi) have always insisted that they do this but i dont think it has ever happned. As a result my bike now brakes in stages with sudden dives (even though Brake pads and discs are in good condition). Also brake lever has become very hard. Really missing the tremendous bite and feel of how the apache used to brake before.

Anyone else face this problem? What is the cure? brake lines change, brake bleeding? (bike has done 30k km)

Re: TVS Apache RTR 180


Am currently using Michelin pilot Sporty 120 on the rear. Trust me bro its a mess in wet conditions. It will drag you in the road in case of little pressure on the rear brakes. On dry conditions its good. If you are not a cornering junky (Dry road is OK) and ride in dry conditions mostly (60-66 KMPH in wet conditions) go for it. Its slippery in wet conditions especially on 66+ kmph. Can't say much about the front wheel. cause i was using stock tvs tyres while having massater.

Re: TVS Apache RTR 180

I would avoid fs oils on RTR's as it gives no significant advantages really. RTR would run happy on a mineral oil without any fuss. Again drain interval in my opinion whether with fully synthetic oil or mineral oil is about 2000 kms. Max i would push is to about 2500 kms. At 4300 kms you have literally stretched the oil to its limits. Best oils would be in the grades of 10w40, 15w40 or 20w40. Just don't go beyond these grades and keep in mind the drain intervals which in an air cooled engine can vary anywhere starting from 1600 kms to 2500 kms at the maximum end to be on safer side.

Re: TVS Apache RTR 180

Mrf Zapper Fs 90/90-17 for front would be correct fit and would last long without much hassle. Or i would suggest the mrf zapper fy1 which comes at 90/80-17. A little lower profile. Speedo error might increase a little bit. But grip is just frickin awesome!!!

For rear, mrf Masseter x for starters. Else you can even look at Mrf zapper vyde. I guess you would have to settle with 120/80 profile as the stock profile in110/80 is quite difficult to find other than Tvs remora ones or mrf zapper c (which is again difficult to source).

Cant comment on michelins for rear as i have never used one. I would avoid any button type tyre for rear anyday. Hence suggested the masseter and vyde.

Re: TVS Apache RTR 180

Thanks for the tyre suggestions. This proly a very noob question but can you tell me how much of the handling is influenced by the front wheel? Asking cuz I was planning to spend on a michelin for the back and something cheaper for the front (MRF zapper).

About the stock headlight - broke it a year back in a small crash and had always been fan of the cafe racer look. So thats why made the change.

While i do miss those cool drls, the headlight now gives better throw(its got a 60W lumax car bulb) plus saves about 2 kilos at the front.

Re: TVS Apache RTR 180

I love the stock heads.. [emoji12] as far as tyres are concerned go for mrf massetter on the rear and Michelin on front.. massetter is a little costly 3600 but performance is good especially in corner with pillion.. also check the front forks, carbon deposit etc, etc..

Re: TVS Apache RTR 180

Hello Riders

Just finished 30K on my 2014 Apache 180. Bike is now due for a thorough servicing. I am thinking of changing the tyre as well (that tough-as-nails srichakra is finally showing signs of wear) and as always found many helpful suggestions here

PS Here's a picture of my trusty companion






Thanks all
Obe

Re: TVS Apache RTR 180

My ODO is at 48900, I had serviced my bike before 4300K kms. For that service i filled Motul 3T FS oil. When i drained the oil to replace it came out close to 200-300 ml only. I was surprised to see the FS oil had disappeared. I have not seen any oil leaks on engine neither on ground. There isnt smoke coming out of exhaust which can indicate engine burning it. What can be other issue apart form the Long duration of oil change?

Re: TVS Apache RTR 180

No problemo..