Apache RTR 2004V – Jack of All Trades, Master of None
It's the flaw that brings out beauty. ~ Holly Black.
In my previous post, I tried to translate the change in ideology towards motorcycling after purchasing the Apache RTR 2004V and the thought process behind the purchase. And it seemed I was head over heels for the bike and it seemingly came across as a product with no flaws and only upside but as we all know nothing in the world of automobiles and motorcycles is perfect and flawless.
So, is the case with the Apache RTR 2004v, and as good as the Apache is, it is flawed, and in this post, I’ll try to highlight some of those flaws that I have felt were standouts in my three years of ownership – call it an open letter to the TVS Motors to improve their flagship motorcycle and make it a segment standard for others to follow suit.
Jack of All Trades
Apache RTR 2004V is an impressive bike which embodies an impressive brochure at a formidable price, which gives it a clear advantage over any other motorcycles in its competition. To name a few features, TVS has equipped Apache RTR 2004V with a slipper clutch, riding modes (in newer models), Rear Lift Protection(RLP), Adjustable suspension, adjustable brake and clutch lever, Dual Channel ABS, Bluetooth Connectivity with turn by turn Navigation and KYB Suspension for the older models, newer ones come equipped with Showa suspension. The List Goes On.
Apache RTR 2004V’s engine produces 21hp and 17nm of torque, which helps it to propel its 150kg mass from 0-100 kph in under 12 seconds. Its Dual barrel exhaust exhibits a sound which manages to engage the rider and makes even the simplest task such as shifting and rev matching an event in itself-small crackles upon downshifts easily makes it the best-sounding motorcycle in its class, we can all agree acoustic plays a great part in making the whole riding experience more endearing and Apache nails it in that particular department
The engine is responsive and has a decent low end which makes strolling around in the city traffic an easy task and has a great mid-range to punch your way past any vehicle you’re trying to overtake, engine illuminates some fun characteristics which makes the motorcycle more engaging even at the slow speed with quick short stacked gear ratios it makes sure to keep you engaged at all times, which also has its downsides which I’ll discuss later on.
Perhaps the chief attraction of this motorcycle is its sophisticated suspension setup, if you’ve read my previous article you’ll know I mentioned how compared the motorcycle remains while cornering even on bad surfaces and soaks up nearly all the undulation on its path, emitting confidence unlike any in its class. Also giving you some liberty to be playful.
Master of None
Apache RTR with an all-rounder, which can be your regular commuter, a fast motorcycle when you want it to be and a long-distance cruiser if you want it to be – a sophisticated suspension that is stiff, but not to an extent that makes riding unbearable – soft, but not enough to be all over the place on a straight path makes it a decent commuter, Engine that embodies the character and stacks enough punch to put a smile on your face when the throttle is twisted but – not too crude to make daily riding a cumbersome experience.
At first, it would seem like Apache RTR came down from a fairy world –capable of performing almost everything its rider demands it to. but after years of owning it, I would say Apache RTR 2004V is far from the unicorn it seems to be.
An engine that has enough mid-range to blast past any moving vehicle struggles for breath on the highway when the speedometer displays 120kph, short stacked gear ratios that make the bike engaging and fun struggles to keep the motor in the powerband – now, that might be down to the fact that it only has 5 cogs to play – there is no doubt in my mind, the addition of a 6th cog would easily transfer the bikes pulling capacity and its ability to haul for the longer distances- for the better.
Perhaps the biggest gripe I have against the Apache RTR is its chassis, whenever I get back from one of my joy rides around the backroads on the outskirts of my City Hyderabad, it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth – knowing very well, the double cradle synchro stiff Frame is not up to the standards compared to the almost perfect suspension setup -perhaps, the best in its class, a perimeter frame similar to its rivals could have made it –The Best Sports Bike in its class.
TVS market’s it as a motorcycle breed on the track and no doubt it is still one of the best handling machines in its price, but perhaps, in its attempt at being the best all-rounder around it forgot to become a sports bike.
It is not as sharp as the Yamaha’s MT-15, or as torquey and effortless as the Yamaha FZ25 or the most engaging and thrill hungry as the KTM Duke 200 and The Bajaj NS200 – it is a very thoughtful and well-built bike but a flawed sportbike.-Perhaps, it’s the flaws, that makes it one of the special motorcycles in its segment.
Recommend0 recommendationsPublished in Opinion
