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Apache 200 vs R15-S for a beginner

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  • Apache 200 vs R15-S for a beginner

    Hello everyone! I am from Chennai and have been riding a gear-less scooter for a while now and this will be my first bike. I have previously ridden a TVS Victor and Suzuki Hayate for around 150-200 km, which is as far as my experience goes.


    1. Budget - Maximum of 1.3 Lakhs


    2. Age - 20


    3. Height - 5 feet 9 inches


    4. Weight - 60 kg


    5. Intended use - Regular city commutes and occasional highway runs


    6. Usage - 70% city 30% highway


    7. City - Chennai


    8. Shortlisted bikes - Apache 200 and R15-S


    R15-S - Prefer it over the R15 V2 due to the pillion seat. Would the riding posture of R15-S and the forward biased weight be aggressive for city rides being a beginner? On the bright side it has a rev happy engine whose performance has been proved with high end features like Liquid Cooling, Fuel Injection, Delta Box frame etc.


    Apache 200 - The Apache 200 looks fresh and naked bikes are easier to be maintain than faired bikes. Are TVS Services as reliable as Yamaha? Being relatively new, not sure how the Apache will fare in the long run.


    Planning to get one by next month and being my first bike I will be riding it for a long time. Mind tells me to go for the Apache but the heart chooses R15!

  • #2
    Re: Apache 200 vs R15-S for a beginner

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    • #3
      Re: Apache 200 vs R15-S for a beginner

      Apache 200 gives you more bang for the buck, it's more powerful and torquey than the r15.. Though it lacks 6th gear but that doesn't matter much if you won't do highway much and 5th gear on apache is long..
      The svc is hit or miss with tvs, yamaha is little better when it comes to having good svc..
      And if you like r15 more you can wait for the new version 3.0 to come up in 2017.. There's no need to buy the older one as the new version is already in the pipeline for 2017..

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Apache 200 vs R15-S for a beginner

        R15s - As you said it's a rev happy engine but only on the long stretch roads with less traffic.
        Mileage is around 38 - 42 if you don't do a sane riding
        Regarding the SVC if you are near medavakkam don't give it in medavakkam Samukh Motors...
        My suggestion is to go for Bikers Service Center as they have some good mechanics around.
        If you are riding more on Traffic then I would suggest you for Apache as R15s handling on tight traffic and taking U-Turn is little difficult unless you know to do Body bends.
        My suggestion is to wait till 2017 for R15 V3 if you are going for R15.

        Apache 200 4V (Based on rides with my friends bike for few days)
        It has more pickup than R15 and more gruntier... You can reach 100 very much easier but later on it's based on the wind direction...
        Rider position is very much comfort than R15
        But the pillion seat is kinda small that if you are riding with the pillion then you may need to ask them to move back after every sharp brakings.
        Engine's vibration is almost low now compared to RTR 180 (As I have owner RTR 180 before which make my hands Numb)
        As per my friend the mileage is around 35 - 40... No idea about highway mileage... will update you if he updates me back...

        I would suggest you to get a Apache with Pirelli tyres and also wait till TVS launches the ABS version.

        Common pointers
        Headlight brightness is almost same for both the bikes. Also on high beam both the bikes throws the light towards sky
        Suspension wise I couldn't feel much difference with both, Apache felt more softer on potholes than R15.
        Brakes are really a boon on both the bikes. (Apache Roto petal is not so different with R15s both offers same stopping power)
        Apache RTR 180 (The Valentine) 2012 - 2016
        RC 200 (The GRUNTER) 2016 - 2016
        CBR 250R (F.R.I.D.A.Y) 2017 - Present

        CBR Ride to Pichavaram

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Apache 200 vs R15-S for a beginner

          I have ridden both the bikes before settling down on R15-s. For city traffic, both bikes are good enough and yes, R15 riding posture will indeed take a hit on your shoulders and palm during the initial days, once though you get accustomed to it, it will be a bliss.

          The bike has best in class tech which misses out even in the bigger engine bikes. If you like faired bikes, wait for the V3 to launch , it will be coming out soon. One disadv which I feel is the short SVC interval, 70 days or 2000 kms is the limit. I am not sure about the SVC interval of TVS.

          If power and pickup is your target, go for RTR 200, R15 is just a 4 hp down and you wont find the difference in city traffic. Handling is better compared to 200 and you get Nissin brakes, 2nd best in world after Brembo.
          R15S - Current
          Honda Dio - Current
          TNT 600i - Sold
          Classic 500 - Sold
          Pulsar 220 dtsi - Sold
          Yamaha YBX125 - Sold

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Apache 200 vs R15-S for a beginner

            Originally posted by harshdiavel View Post
            Apache 200 gives you more bang for the buck, it's more powerful and torquey than the r15.. Though it lacks 6th gear but that doesn't matter much if you won't do highway much and 5th gear on apache is long..
            The svc is hit or miss with tvs, yamaha is little better when it comes to having good svc..
            And if you like r15 more you can wait for the new version 3.0 to come up in 2017.. There's no need to buy the older one as the new version is already in the pipeline for 2017..
            Originally posted by sstherockz View Post
            R15s - As you said it's a rev happy engine but only on the long stretch roads with less traffic.
            Mileage is around 38 - 42 if you don't do a sane riding
            Regarding the SVC if you are near medavakkam don't give it in medavakkam Samukh Motors...
            My suggestion is to go for Bikers Service Center as they have some good mechanics around.
            If you are riding more on Traffic then I would suggest you for Apache as R15s handling on tight traffic and taking U-Turn is little difficult unless you know to do Body bends.
            My suggestion is to wait till 2017 for R15 V3 if you are going for R15.

            Apache 200 4V (Based on rides with my friends bike for few days)
            It has more pickup than R15 and more gruntier... You can reach 100 very much easier but later on it's based on the wind direction...
            Rider position is very much comfort than R15
            But the pillion seat is kinda small that if you are riding with the pillion then you may need to ask them to move back after every sharp brakings.
            Engine's vibration is almost low now compared to RTR 180 (As I have owner RTR 180 before which make my hands Numb)
            As per my friend the mileage is around 35 - 40... No idea about highway mileage... will update you if he updates me back...

            I would suggest you to get a Apache with Pirelli tyres and also wait till TVS launches the ABS version.

            Common pointers
            Headlight brightness is almost same for both the bikes. Also on high beam both the bikes throws the light towards sky
            Suspension wise I couldn't feel much difference with both, Apache felt more softer on potholes than R15.
            Brakes are really a boon on both the bikes. (Apache Roto petal is not so different with R15s both offers same stopping power)
            Originally posted by TheArcher84 View Post
            I have ridden both the bikes before settling down on R15-s. For city traffic, both bikes are good enough and yes, R15 riding posture will indeed take a hit on your shoulders and palm during the initial days, once though you get accustomed to it, it will be a bliss.

            The bike has best in class tech which misses out even in the bigger engine bikes. If you like faired bikes, wait for the V3 to launch , it will be coming out soon. One disadv which I feel is the short SVC interval, 70 days or 2000 kms is the limit. I am not sure about the SVC interval of TVS.

            If power and pickup is your target, go for RTR 200, R15 is just a 4 hp down and you wont find the difference in city traffic. Handling is better compared to 200 and you get Nissin brakes, 2nd best in world after Brembo.
            Agreed. Since I'll be riding in the city mostly, will test ride the Apache and see how it goes.
            Any idea on when the R15 V3 will be announced and launched?

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Apache 200 vs R15-S for a beginner

              Originally posted by riteshgupta View Post
              Agreed. Since I'll be riding in the city mostly, will test ride the Apache and see how it goes.
              Any idea on when the R15 V3 will be announced and launched?

              No fixed dates so far about the launch. And considering the history, Yamaha takes its sweet time to launch something new, while the prospective customers wait and watch (R3 is one good example of the long wait). So I won't be too sure about the V3 anytime soon. being a owner of a V2, Its the best in its class since it was launched and is keeping its place with everything the opponents has to throw at it. So I would not wait for the V3. If R15 is the one you want go for it. Else RTR is good considering your height and usage.
              I would like to thank my legs for supporting me, my arms for being always by my side and my fingers; I could always count on them.

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Apache 200 vs R15-S for a beginner

                I would suggest to wait for R15 v3. It's december and if you can wait till next year then it's a preferable choice. Only thing is it's seating position takes some time to get acclimatise to it.
                Apache 200 can be bought with pirreli tyres and abs in your budget.
                I own gixxer sf fi and there isn't any engine vibration in any rev range. It picks up speed in any gear from bottom of rev range. RE bullet 350 is also a good buy in this budget. It is has good amount of torque but lags in speed. Speed comes with lots and lots of vibrations. Nothing is visible in rvm above 60. It's heavy weight is good point as it remains stable in cross winds and on bumps if you encounter them all of sudden.
                Apache 200 isn't good on highways as it doesn't has fairing. Cross winds will affect. I was shaken by them on NS on highways due lack of fairing so I bought faired motorcycle.
                Hence if highway rides are a concern buy a faired one.

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Apache 200 vs R15-S for a beginner

                  Originally posted by Ankey View Post
                  No fixed dates so far about the launch. And considering the history, Yamaha takes its sweet time to launch something new, while the prospective customers wait and watch (R3 is one good example of the long wait). So I won't be too sure about the V3 anytime soon. being a owner of a V2, Its the best in its class since it was launched and is keeping its place with everything the opponents has to throw at it. So I would not wait for the V3. If R15 is the one you want go for it. Else RTR is good considering your height and usage.
                  Originally posted by ind.sidharth View Post
                  I would suggest to wait for R15 v3. It's december and if you can wait till next year then it's a preferable choice. Only thing is it's seating position takes some time to get acclimatise to it.
                  Apache 200 can be bought with pirreli tyres and abs in your budget.
                  I own gixxer sf fi and there isn't any engine vibration in any rev range. It picks up speed in any gear from bottom of rev range. RE bullet 350 is also a good buy in this budget. It is has good amount of torque but lags in speed. Speed comes with lots and lots of vibrations. Nothing is visible in rvm above 60. It's heavy weight is good point as it remains stable in cross winds and on bumps if you encounter them all of sudden.
                  Apache 200 isn't good on highways as it doesn't has fairing. Cross winds will affect. I was shaken by them on NS on highways due lack of fairing so I bought faired motorcycle.
                  Hence if highway rides are a concern buy a faired one.
                  Since I plan to getting the bike hopefully by the end of this month, waiting would not be possible . Is the pillion seat on the Apache accessible and comfortable for women compared to that of the R15-S?

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: Apache 200 vs R15-S for a beginner

                    Originally posted by riteshgupta View Post
                    Since I plan to getting the bike hopefully by the end of this month, waiting would not be possible . Is the pillion seat on the Apache accessible and comfortable for women compared to that of the R15-S?
                    R15-S Pillion seat height is around 800- 810mm
                    Driver seat height is 790mm


                    RTR200 Pillion Seat height 810mm
                    Driver seat height is 800mm

                    I would say that R15-S has a bigger pillion seat compared to RTR 200

                    RTR's Split seat makes the pillion seat small.

                    Ultimately if you are riding with your laptop bag and your pillion behind then it would be a little discomfort for you.

                    Again, am writing this with just my experience but if you both are lean then it would be very comfortable ride
                    Apache RTR 180 (The Valentine) 2012 - 2016
                    RC 200 (The GRUNTER) 2016 - 2016
                    CBR 250R (F.R.I.D.A.Y) 2017 - Present

                    CBR Ride to Pichavaram

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: Apache 200 vs R15-S for a beginner

                      R 15-S good beginner bike with good quality, least maintenance. You will never regret the purchase even after 4-5 years down the line.
                      Avoid noise pollution. Avoid honking.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: Apache 200 vs R15-S for a beginner

                        Go for RTR man, its more powerful than the R15, in heavy wind blast even R15 will not give you best result.
                        I have touched 120KMPH on RTR very easily on delhi-ambala highway and it was more hungry to go beyond.
                        Almost clocked 3000KM on it and its good , you will feel little heavy than R15, the only issue i faced till now is choke start in the morning rest its awesome bike.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: Apache 200 vs R15-S for a beginner

                          Sorry for hijacking this thread and asking this query,
                          How is the RS 200 when compared to the R15 and RTR 200?

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: Apache 200 vs R15-S for a beginner

                            As my view go for r15s. Yamaha built quality is superb than tvs. I already use r15 I never see other bike built quality like yamaha bikes.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: Apache 200 vs R15-S for a beginner

                              Originally posted by Kirankj1724 View Post
                              Sorry for hijacking this thread and asking this query,
                              How is the RS 200 when compared to the R15 and RTR 200?
                              Either a RS or R15...RS compared to R15 RS is performance bit R15 is quality.R15's for long periods.

                              Comment

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