Well, at times you just want to blitz through that empty stretch and the last thing you want is vibrations!

Congrats on your new bike Chaitanya!

I am also looking at the Apache Hyper Edge as a replacement for my 12 year old Splendor. If you don't mind, could you share which dealer in Pune did you buy the bike from, on road price, delivery period, freebies if any etc?

Also, apart from the FI & carb and rear disc brakes, are there any other significant differences between the FI and Hyper Edge variants? Is the Hyper Edge available with rear disc brakes too?

Cheers,
Vikram

Thanks!

Buy your bike from The Shelar TVS.
On-road price of RTR160 rear-drum model is about 71k. I was given discount on Accessories, no other discounts.
Delivery period - 1 day!

Avoid FI - rep. said it may become a headache as the local mechanics can't fix it, if it breaks down. Carb is fine. HE is available with RD but costs 2k more than the drum model. Drum will be more than enough if you're driving style is smooth/sedate with occasional ripping, of course!

Cheers!

Thank you very much for your detailed reply, Chaitanya.

I took a couple of test rides of the Apache RTR 160 over the past few days- one at Chattrapati TVS and the other at Century TVS. As per the sales person at both showrooms, production of the FI variant has been stopped. So, I got the Hyper Edge to TD. Loved the looks, peppy engine and the maneuverability in traffic. The front disk plus rear drum brake combo was also more than enough for my driving style.

My only grouses were the seating position and some vibrations at mid - high rpms. However, one thing that I observed was that at the same rpms, the vibes were more prominent when I raised the throttle in neutral gear [bike at standstill], and not so prominent when I was actually driving the bike. This makes me think that I can live with the vibrations. However, my drive to and from office is of almost 50 kms, at least twice a week [I use the bus on other days]; so am a bit unsure if I'll be able to adjust to the seating position of the Apache RTR. I found it surprising that even a person of medium height like me [5'9''] was uncomfortable with the seating position; wonder how 6 feet plus guys ride this beast! Or maybe it's just a matter of getting used to it.

The OTR price at both showrooms was Rs.71,300, but am inclined to go with Chattrapati TVS just 'cause their service centre is on Karve Road, while Century TVS has their service centre on Satara Road. Even then, I'll take your advice and visit Shelar TVS sometime this week.

I'd taken my wife along for the TD too to see how the bike handles with a pillion; but an unwelcome side effect of that was now she's sold on the Wego, and wants me to keep the Splendor and buy the Wego instead.

Negotiations are in progress!

Cheers,
Vikram

Hi Vikram,

Although the production of FI has stopped, he said he can arrange a brand new bike if you're going to buy one. But, why invite unnecessary trouble? Stick with carb.

I have no prior experiences of Chattrapati TVS / Century TVS. We have already bought a Scooty Pep+ from Shelar TVS so decided to buy this bike from them. Service is A+ (both sales as well as their service center).

Many people have reported that this bike is not for those whose height is more than 6'. I'm 5' 9.5" and I simply loved the seating position. I'm unsure whether this seating position is suitable for long drives or not. My drives are never "long" so I guess that's not going to be an issue for me. Also, I don't give a damn about the vibes (if any). I'm sold on the throttle response!

You decide whether you want a beast/cheetah or a snail. All other bikes and scooters look like snails to me when compared to the RTR.

Do inform me if you're able to get any significant discount in your deal.