TVS Unviels there new bikes

In their attempts at catching up with the industry leader, two-wheeler manufacturers Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor are putting together new teams of bikes and scooterettes with great speed. The fact that the two-wheeler market has experienced a slowdown has not deterred the second- and third-ranked manufacturers from planning new products.

Another difference between the market leader and the two manufacturers that follow is that the investment in in-house research and development that Bajaj and TVS Motor have made during the last few years has enabled them to come up with new technology platforms and features that have been successfully adopted in their new bikes.

Now, both the companies are extending their in-house technologies, such as VT-i and DTSi, to newer, more sophisticated versions that enhance the benefits from the adoption of these features. Bajaj unveiled a new version of its digital twin spark ignition in August. Called DTS-Si — referring to the extension of its twin spark ignition to also include swirl induction — the new engine technology is to be installed in Exceed, a bike that is to be launched later this month.

Bajaj unveiled the new technology, but TVS, which is emerging as a strong competitor, beat the Pune-based company into the customer’s mind-space by unveiling both the new technologies and the new bikes that will sport them.

The new bikes are not going to be available at the showrooms before October or November this year, but the auto media and through them the customers will get a sneak peek into the potential of these new products.

After witnessing the roll out of its first three-wheelers and the new bikes and scooterette that will now be manufactured at its Hosur plant, we were given exclusive, first test rides of these new two-wheelers. Here is a summary of the four new two-wheelers that will be available at TVS showrooms from November.

TVS Flame

TVS Flame 125

The most exciting new launch from TVS is likely to be the new Flame, a 125cc bike that sports a very unique new-age design and a new 3-valve engine with the company’s latest CC-VTi (controlled combustion variable timing intelligent) technology.

TVS says that the styling of the Flame is inspired by the Delta wing design found in the latest fighter jets. So, it has adopted a triangular (DeltaEdge) design theme to many of the Flame’s features.

The Flame is brand new and is likely to be a good alternative to the Victor. This bike is also the first to feature the extension of TVS’ in-house technology. Developed by the company’s R&D in collaboration with AVL of Austria, the CC-VTi technology features two different intake ports for swirl and power.

The swirl port creates a swirl motion of the intake air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber, thereby leading to a more efficient burning of lean air-fuel mixture and helping improve the bike’s fuel efficiency. In the power throttle mode, the power port opens to allow a high flow rate of the air-fuel mixture to deliver high power. The engine’s peak power is a class leading 10.5 bhp at 8,250 rpm.

StaR City 110

TVS Star City 110

The TVS StaR City has had a bit of a late start. Sales of this entry-level bike have gradually grown to reach a critical mass for the company. With new variants that address a wider range of buyers in the entry-level segment, the Star City probably only lacked a more powerful engine for those looking for a bike that focuses on fuel economy but can also deliver a decent on-road performance.

The new StaR City 110 will attempt to cater to that segment. The new StaR City features quite a few cosmetic changes, though the overall design of the bike remains the same. The bike also features a new 110cc engine that now sports TVS’ CVTi engine technology that combines swirl and tumble motion to achieve a very high in-cylinder charge leading to improved combustion. In addition, TVS has applied its VTi technology consisting of fuel cut-off on deceleration and significantly reduced friction to improve the overall fuel efficiency of this bike.

Scooty Teenz Electric

TVS has tested alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles in the past, but had not made a foray into the segment with marketable two-wheeler. The new Scooty Teenz EV is likely to be the first of a group of new alternative energy two-wheelers that the company will launch in the coming months.

Targeting the growing community of buyers that are opting for a completely electric two-wheeler, TVS is planning to launch the Scooty Teenz EV. The new Scooty is a pure EV and will only feature an electric motor — there will be no petrol engine — that has a peak power of 800 watts. The Scooty Teenz EV will be capable of touching a maximum speed of 40 kmph and will have a driving range of 50 km per charge.

It will house a normal VRLA battery that can be fully charged by plugging it into a household power socket for four hours. Extending its focus on alternate fuels, TVS is also likely to launch dual-fuel LPG and CNG powered bikes in the near future.

Apache RTR 160 F1

TVS Apache RTR 160 with Fuel-Injection

The Apache RTR 160 is still fresh in the market, but TVS has chosen to quickly come out with a fuel-injected version of this bike. The new Apache RTR 160 will feature electronic fuel injection and will enable the same bike with the same basic 160cc engine to offer an additional 0.5 bhp of peak power. It will also be capable of offering a higher top speed of 121 kmph.

The new EFI technology employs an electronic control unit that is combined with sensors, a fuel pump and a main injector. The EFI technology offers better engine smoothness and refinement, faster throttle response, lower emissions, better performance consistency under varied riding conditions and lower emissions.

Source:- Thehindubusinessline

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Striped warrior: TVS Apache RTR 160 - Hands on

At long last, a racing black stripe and red rim rings boldly announce TVS`s fresh approach to motorcycling.

Bring out the hair dye, carve out a tattoo and pull up some low-waist jeans and you conjure up the carefree youth of today.Dive into his mind and it doesn`t take an Einstein to realise that his needs from a bike are rather unique - his machine has to be a rebel, zippy and also one that won`t dent his pocket. The all-new Apache RTR 160 is TVS Motor Company`s effort to meet this young indian head-on.

New Digital Speeedo

Why Abadon an image that`s nicely accepted? The RTR looks very similar to its predecessor, yet it infuses an extra dollop of sporty character into the original Apache platform. Styling changes are few but well executed, like a racy Ford GT like stripe bisecting this sharply chiselled bike from head to tail.There`s also the black theme thats fast becoming de regueur across bike segments. Move closer and RTR delights with thin prinstripes running along the wheels as well as bright rear suspention springs. The new Apache instruments are digital, with the rev counter remaining analogue. Twin trip recorders, a fuel counter, time-clock, digital speedometer, odometer, neutral icon, high beam icon, turn signal icon, low fuel warning, low battery warning,
and even a service due warning icon are on offer within this amber backlit display. And voila!, its cockpit is far smarter, with clip-on handlebars and all-alloy steering clamp section bearing the new RTR logo. Highlights include smart mirrors, fantastic alloy-finished levers and adequate grips (sweet!), while switchgear remains standard.

Fancy alloy footpegs and rear brake lever lend a touch of class

Classy touches are an alloy brake pedal and alloy footrests. The Apache RTR retains an identical fuel tank and body panels, but has now upgraded to clear lens turn indicators, and an LED tail-light system on its raised butt. The rear fender and silencer exit area are altered while the numberplate region is now illumnated.

RTR 160`s smart looking aloly finish levers.

The old Apache motor adopts a new cowl and has undergone major changes, to up capcacity from previous 147.5cc to 159.7cc on the new RTR. The larger capacity RTR uses a short-stroke mantra to become quicker-revving. This air-coled and twin-valve unit has recieved several internal tweaks, including attention lavished on its inlet and exhaust ends, clutch and gear processes as well as the combustion chamber. The gearbox remains a 5-speed unit, shifting in the ubiquitous one-down and four-up patters the RTR 160 differing from the Apache 150 to use a sporty toe shift lever.

All-new 159.7cc short stroke engine

Thumb the RTR motor to life at idle speeds and its apparent much fine-tuning has gone into achieving a perfect and powerful exhaust beat. The clutch feels well weighted, and completely judder-free even when strained to launch the bike hard for quick acceleration. gearshifting is efforless too. The new RTR 160 shares gear ratios with the Apache 150, filling them better with its now 15.2Bhp peak power developed at 8500rpm. while our stint with the bike was limited to few hours, the RTR felt like it accelerated convincingly faster than all its smaller 150cc segement rivals. RTR is acronym for Rapid Throttle Response and the bike lives up to its name with its quick response from any region in powerband. Power delievery kicks in close above idle, building viciously with a small step in its mid-range as revs rise to a scream when pulling towards the red line. The short-stroke motor holds high revs with ease and loves being given the stick. We were pleased to find the new RTR offering enough oomph to still display stout pull while shifting from 4th to 5th gear just under its red-line at speeds hovering around 100kmph
mark. We have yet to strap any test gear to the new bike, our guess is that it should achieve a top-whack somewhere close to 115kmph. Vibes seemed to be isolated to bearable limits, no doubt helped by the RTR`s use of rubber mounting for its footrests.

Ergonomics are unlike any 150cc, with the RTR 160`s footrests being clearly rear-set, and its clip-on handlebars dropping the rider significatly lower than on the Apache 150. Its worth mentioning the riding position can be slightly altered using simple tools to shift the handlebars a few millimeters. Tall riders will enjoy the `bars set slightly further away from them.

New gas charged rear shocks

These changes make the rider sit further into the riding saddle which helps the inner thighs grip the tank surface in a better manner. Riders who don`t like sporty bikes will be advised to skip the RTR 160 and stick to bikes like Honda Unicorn and Hero Honda Achiever.

With its added power, the RTR stretches its twin-downtube frame closer to its limits, and wheelbase on the new bike is up to 1300mm, with the use of a 17-inch front rim and 18-inch rear, loaded with TVS rubber. Kerb weight is enarly the same, while suspention front and rear has been reworked extensively to embrace the new sporty character, but remains similar format front telescopic forks and twin gas-charged rear shock absorbers mated to a rectangle section swingarm . While our purely trackside experience on the RTR was too brief to pass concrete judgement on its ride quality, this TVS felt like it was set on sporty and firm side, with impoved straightline stability and sure-footed and neutral cornering manners.

Petal front disk brake makes its debut in India

Brakes have been beefed up considerably, with massive 270mm petal disk used in front, and rear retaining its 130mm drum. Brake feel is potent and razor-sharp, the bike managing to hold a straight line even under heavy emergency stops. A petal disk arrangement helps the disc rotor disperse heat faster and makes its appearance in India for the first time

Seen overall, the Apache RTR 160 makes a clear disvergence from TVS' Philosophy. Rather than half-hearted job trying to keep everyone happy with sporty as well as little commuter-friendly personality bliend in, this model makes a bolder
statement. The RTR is not here to please the commuter. This TVS is clearly going to delight the discerning biker, with racy styling, a relatively large bore, quick revving short-stroke powerplant and sporty riding stance. the Latest Apache should become the sought-after true-blue sports bike among its competitors- and lends itself nicely to the phrase 'race on Sunday, sell on Monday'.

Pics and review from Auotocar India May 2007

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