69 TVS Apache RTR 160 HyperEdge Review

How different is the Apache RTR 160 HyperEdge..?? I try to find out

The Apache RTR 160 had impressed me a lot when it was launched in 2007. Even till date it remains my favorite 150-160 cc motorcycle. The short stroke, over square engine of the RTR 160 is a joy to exploit. Coupled with a good power to weight ratio (thanks to the 136 Kg light weight body) this is actually the original “LightSports” bike of India.

Launched in 2007 in the "RTR" avatar, it received the first upgrade (when it got the tank flaps and the half chain cover) in 2008, the Apache RTR 160 was due for an upgrade in 2010. So there, we have the Apache RTR 160 in its “HyperEdge” avatar now.

So what’s new?

For starters the name is quite a mouthful: “TVS Apache RTR 160 HyperEdge”. Phew..!!

On asking the showroom manager (not the sales man, but the manager) "What’s new on this model?" he told me: “It’s the same old model, just with new stickers”. Well.. that's probably not the most convincing way to sell a newly launched product.

4 Mahindra halts/stops production of its Stallio motorcycle..!!

Mahindra has halted production of its debut motorcycle Stallio..!!

Anti Climax:

Sep 30, 2010 was the date when the historic verdict on the Ayodhya dispute was announced. Sep 30, 2010 was also the date when Mahindra 2 Wheelers had officially unveiled its motorcycles in Mumbai.

On that day, the whole of India was very anxious whether the Court's verdict on the sensitive issue could spark off unrest/communal tension once again in the country. Despite the tension in the air, I had decided to attend the official unveiling of Mahindra's two wheelers.

Flawed Strategy:

How on earth can one expect a new brand like the Stallio, convince the buyer not to buy a similarly priced Splendor?

The public anxiety regarding the verdict was very real and quite evidently palpable when on my return from the Mahindra event; I found the usually congested streets of Mumbai wore a deserted look at 7PM in the evening.

Thankfully India and Indians has matured, which was demonstrated by the peaceful way the verdict was accepted by everyone across the country. Personally I have been never happier to encounter such an anticlimax.

But on the other hand the official unveiling of Mahindra's two motorcycles Mojo (300 cc) and Stallio (110 cc) was also an anticlimax to me. The 300 cc Mojo was not what I was expecting and the 110 cc Stallio obviously was just another 100-110 cc commuter to interest me.

In fact I never bothered to follow up the launch of the Stallio to post about it on my blog. Obviously this was an anti climax which did anything but excite me..

6 Profits that Indian 2 Wheeler Makers made in 2010-11, Q3

So how much profit (after tax) did our "desi" two wheeler manufacturers make in the 3rd financial quarter (Oct-Dec) 2010-11..??

Everyone knows that Hero Honda is the "numero uno" in India when it comes to total sales of 2 wheelers. But more sales do not always mean the most profits.

As obvious from the data/graph posted below, it is Bajaj Auto which still remains the most profitable 2 wheeler maker of India even in Quarter 3 of the financial year 2010-11.

The profits of Hero Honda has in fact dipped 20% when compared to the same period of the previous financial year. On the other hand Bajaj Auto has registered an increase in 40% in terms of profitability over the same period.

1 Jan 2011, 2 Wheeler Sales India

January 2011 sales numbers of our Indian 2 wheeler manufacturers..

With all the 2 wheeler manufacturers continuing with positive growth, the highlight in the month of January 2011 was Suzuki Motorcycles India overtaking India Yamaha Motors by just "1" unit..!!

The contribution of Scooters (& Mopeds) for both TVS and Honda (HMSI) is more than that of motorcycles (individual details posted after the graph).

Note:

1. The monthly sales figures include domestic sales as well as exports.

2. It also includes sales of all types of 2 wheelers (Motorcycles, Scooters, Mopeds etc.)

42 How to Apply Brakes on Indian Roads

Some "desi" braking tips from my side..

There are many publication/sources which will give you “expert advice” on how to properly brake on a motorcycle. Most of which are copied gyan either from other sites or from sports bike riding guides.

So what you get to read is good advice but relevant only on perfect roads/tarmac/track (in developed countries)and not really practical when it comes to braking on our “desi” roads.

The experience posted below has been accumulated by yours truly after years of riding, skidding and even painfully falling on our Indian roads.

I was told not to touch the front brake (when I was young)...