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Apache RTR RD or w/o RD?

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  • #1

    Apache RTR RD or w/o RD?

    Hey guys,

    I'm planning on getting a new Apache RTR 160, and I see there are two versions available - one with the Rear Disc Brakes and one without. The RD version costs 1.5K more. Is it worth getting it? I drive at 40-70kmph in average road conditions.

    I've asked lots of my friends for advice. Few say it's good and most say it's not. They say drum brake is the better choice for the rear, and that disc is going to result in lots of skids. I didn't get a chance to test out the RD version properly during the test ride because they allow you to circle around the showroom and you can't go at high speeds (~60kmph) to test out the rear discs.

    So what do you experienced guys say? What should I go for? With or without disc brakes?
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Topic Approved.
    :)

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    • #3
      RTR with the RD is not at all dangerous, the rear disk is as good as the front one. There is no problem what so ever with it, otherwise no bike would come with a RD.
      Most of the people can skid their bike without the rear disc.
      Never upgrade without getting your basics RIGHT.

      Comment

      • #4
        Hi.. i have a rtr fi which does come with RD

        I drove bikes with drum breaks after some 2-3 months.. and there is a lot of difference. I would recommend the RD.. even though it doesnt have the bite of the front discs(makes a lot of sense). But both of the discs together gives you that much more confidence..

        apart from better braking... it lends better looks..

        one downside is that you cannot 'tighten/sharpen' the RD brakes AFAIK

        if your budget allows.. get the FI .. its well worth the extra money.. lesser vibes than the carb.. more power and mileage..

        the fuel pipe also is hidden i think.. so no issues of fuel theft ..

        please do give the FI a serious thought

        and congratz m8 .. you will be buying yourselves a beast eitherways
        Lets put a smile on your face

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        • #5
          Its more to do with the fact that people expect a rear disk to perform as good as the front and so end up pressing really hard on it . Rear brake should be used 35% while rest of the braking should be by the front brake .

          Comment

          • #6
            go for FI..(RD) absolutely its new technology....n gr8 styling...
            "You not a biker, you nobody." —ME
            sigpic
            Four wheels move the body. Two wheels move the soul.

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            • #7
              Originally posted by Puneet1 View Post
              Its more to do with the fact that people expect a rear disk to perform as good as the front and so end up pressing really hard on it . Rear brake should be used 35% while rest of the braking should be by the front brake .
              its not that straight rear 35 % wont help ... u have too look at braking sinario too ie on a turn/ straight .. same size rear disk will always have less bite compared to front... there is a crew on rear disk brake lever pedal to adjust amount of free play which m\one may tweak to suit ones liking

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              • #8
                Originally posted by blackcatasus View Post
                its not that straight rear 35 % wont help ... u have too look at braking sinario too ie on a turn/ straight .. same size rear disk will always have less bite compared to front... there is a crew on rear disk brake lever pedal to adjust amount of free play which m\one may tweak to suit ones liking
                Could you please post a tutorial with pictures on how to adjust the freeplay.. im talking about the rear disc

                thanks
                Lets put a smile on your face

                Comment

                • #9
                  Originally posted by blackcatasus View Post
                  its not that straight rear 35 % wont help ... u have too look at braking sinario too ie on a turn/ straight .. same size rear disk will always have less bite compared to front... there is a crew on rear disk brake lever pedal to adjust amount of free play which m\one may tweak to suit ones liking
                  no the play in the RTR rear disc cannot be adjusted,you got to stick to the factory settings..........

                  the rear disc of the RTR may be lacking the out and out bite like the front but it gives more control while leaning out of the corners (braking while scrapping pegs to be more precise) and slowing the bike from seroiusly high speeds.....

                  the most gr8 advantage of the rear disc brake tht is it wont be fading as the drum brake after repeated usage...and it's a petal so it cools off much better then the conventional disc brakes....

                  and man for just 1500 more it's DAMN CHEAP........

                  GO FOR THT VERSION.....

                  (FI is still the awesome option dude....think of it and take a test ride, or i must say buy it just for tht killing exhaust note....)
                  The Magician"

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    Hey guys,

                    I was quite amazed to see so many of you recommending the RTR FI even though I never mentioned anything about it. As a result (and a little more research on this forum), I want to buy the FI now But the only downside is, the delivery time for the FI is around 10-15 days Anyway, guess it's worth the wait

                    I hope my dad agrees to spend 5.5K more on the FI... making a list of pros of FI over the carb version now

                    Wish me good luck

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      One more thing for all you Bangaloreans... where do you suggest I buy the bike? (in other words, where do they provide best service?) I'm thinking of getting it at Ashwa Motors as of now.
                      Last edited by Nithanth; 03-23-2009, 11:18 PM.

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                      • #12
                        hey dude.. convince your dad.. that 5k is easily worth..

                        i got mine from bharath tvs from 3rd block.. had booked it at ashwa before.. but bharath got it for me faster..

                        ive only had my first service done at bharath and they do a nice job of it.. the service manager is very friendly at bharath..

                        get the tyres changed before the rainy season.. coz its raining in summer itself

                        you can read the ownership experience thread to find out the tyre choices etc

                        congratz on your decision to get the FI.. wait till you hear it switch on
                        Last edited by terrordrone; 03-24-2009, 02:35 PM.
                        Lets put a smile on your face

                        Comment

                        • #13
                          Woohoooo... I finally convinced my dad to get the FI... all I had to do was make him read the reviews on this site and how almost everyone kept recommending FI over carb, and he gave me green signal

                          Hey thanks terrordrone... I inquired at Bharath and they had 2 FIs of the colour I wanted in stock!

                          Ordered the RTR FI Titanium Grey yesterday... gonna get registered and delivered this evening!!

                          Both pieces had a few small scratches on the visor.. the guy said all bikes come with a few scratches on the visor and that he'd fix it somehow before delivering it... is this usual?

                          Anyway, I'm really excited!

                          Comment

                          • #14
                            Hey congratz mate!!!

                            awesome decision.. you will only feel better for making the right choice..

                            take care of the bike while its new.. (renny helped me run in the bike and it rocks.. )

                            and the visor.. DEMAND it to be replaced to a new one.. you dont want scratches on your baby

                            And welcome to the Apache Tribe .. you have bought yourself a beast (in rennys words )

                            post some pics on the ownership experience thread.. and issues you have with the bike.. you can post it there

                            Congratz again.. happy riding, ride safe.

                            PS: if you want to go for the performance kits that tvs will be releasing.. it is NOT possible to fit it on the FI.. (someone confirm this please)
                            Last edited by terrordrone; 03-26-2009, 09:22 AM.
                            Lets put a smile on your face

                            Comment

                            • #15
                              Congrats for the new bike & ride safe.Since you have made the decision this thread stands closed.For any further queries and reviews please move into Apache RTR Fi Ownership Experience thread here.

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