TVS puts on display ABS kitted Apache RTR 180 @ Auto Expo 2010.. and yes some cool concepts (as usual).
TVS had its regular production models like the Flame, Scooty Pep+, Scooty Streak etc. on display at this year's Auto Expo. Also on display was a Hybrid (petrol + battery powered) Scooty Streak. In fact test rides were being provided to select guests on the Hybrid Scooty Streak, just outside the TVS Pavilion. It therefore appears that a hybrid two wheeler from TVS is very much a production reality. Way to go TVS. Related Posts This is to remind that the Views or Opinions in the blog are entirely mine unless explicitly stated. The Views and Opinions published in this blog should in no way be related to any other person or organization associated -- directly or indirectly -- with me.
But the center of attraction at the TVS Pavilion during this year's Auto Expo were the recently launched 110 cc Jive (with the clutchless gear shift mechanism) and the Wego scooter. These two models were kept at the center of the TVS Pavilion.. and according to TVS big bosses, the focus of TVS in 2010 would be very much on these two models. So much for over enthusiastic rumours of a 200(+) cc Apache RTR.
ABS on Apache RTR 180
But bike enthusiasts need not be totally dissappointed. TVS did show an ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) kitted Apache RTR 180. The bike looked every bit like a regular RTR 180, but to differentiate it and to announce that "ABS" has been kitted on the bike, the bike had a sticker on the front fender which read "ABS". The bike was also given cool looking Golden Colored Alloys and Suspension parts.
A few years back, ABS units used to be heavy and cumbersome to be used on two wheelers. But these days it has been made compact enough to be used on two wheelers. In fact many international 2 wheelers now come with an ABS either as standard or as an option. If launched, TVS would be the first 2 wheeler manufacturer to put an ABS on a two wheeler in India.
But then the big question would be: "ABS? Great..!! But at what price..??"
My price point: Rs. 5,000 for the ABS Kit.
Pro (Performance/r]Racing) Kit for Apache RTR
TVS also displayed a Pro (Performance enhancing) Kit on a Apache RTR 180. Now a similar kit was shown during the 2008 AutoExpo, but still it hasn't been made available to the bikers. Even this time there was no mention of any launch dates for this Pro Kit. Anyway, this kit is supposed to be used only on "Closed Circuits" (Race Tracks).. and installing one would in all probablity would void the warranty on your bike.
TVS also put on display two of its race bikes. One was the "Group B" RTR 160 and the other a 250 cc motocross bike. According to what I have gathered, though this 250 cc motocross bike is named as "RTR 250FX", the bike actually has imported engine and parts.
TVS Hammerhead "Quad Concept"
As far as I remember, TVS have had a history of showing some cool looking concepts during the last few AutoExpo's. Even this year TVS did show a few concepts like the Qube 2.0, which is the second version of the Qube hybrid scooter shown during the 2008 Auto Expo. But what really caught my eye this time is an aggressively styled "Quad Concept" named "Hammerhead".
Quads are quite popular as a recreational vehicle especially in the developed parts of the world. Even though I am all sold out on the aggressive looks of the Hammerhead, the real world possibility of riding this Quad in India is quite distant according to me. The low profile tyres and the "Pulsar" like hump of the fuel tank on the Hammerhead indicates that this concept was meant to be driven on smooth/paved roads. But then could this be registered for road use in India..??
Nevertheless, the Hammerhead does look delicious.
More Photos:
TVS Motors @ AutoExpo 2010: (Photo credits: Motorbeam.com, motoroids.com, Team-Bhp.com, Indiaautomotive.net)
Disclaimer:
Also kept at the Honda pavilion were the 2010 versions of the CBR1000RR and CB1000R which are on sale in India as CBU imports. The recently (globally) launched technically advanced Sports Tourer, VFR1200 was also kept at the Pavilions. There is a buzz that the VFR1200 could be on sale in India soon.
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