TVS Apache RTR 180

Before going into the writing - actually I was a pulsar fan boy since childhood and until the college and was thinking about ns200 / 220f but my parents declined my idea stating it is a deadliest bike of that time. Then, I just thought of going for a below 200cc bike.
Bought my bike in the year 2017 (August) and it has been 4 years and I love each and everyday riding it. Done around 36000 kms, mostly city commute and took for 2 to 3 long rides (300 kms to 500 kms at a stretch) and it was very memorable in my life.
Coming to the buying experience - actually, it was not so good for me - that time, i was checking out for Apache RTR 180 ABS (not for the braking, safety though) but for the name badge that comes in the silver color and metallic.. But my bad luck, it was not available in the showroom and since I was no longer having patience, I went with the normal version in my favorite color - pearl white.
That time, to be frank - i never had driving license and I applied for it and with it I was practicing for my driver's test with it and I completed the test with my bike itself and by that time, I got more familiarized with it.
On the riding front, only one thing sometime annoying is the non abs front disc brakes which could cause you injuries in some unfortunate situations and discourage you to apply front brakes during rains and bad roads. And the other thing would be the usual one which we all could have heard - vibration, but it doesn't bother the rider and after 85 km/h, even the pillion would not feel the vibration.
And looks - it is subjective but I feel, it is one of the good looking motorcycle and even today, it stands in the market. One thing i love the most is the clip on handle bars which is better than all the bikes out there. It gives you a greater sports bike like ergonomic posture and everyone loves it. People would say, it might give you back pain but I never experienced such as you are committed to the bike more and the other reason would be age :p (maybe I may get back pain when I ride in my 30's). Another thing, i loved the apaches were exhaust note, but due to bs4 and now bs6, the true bass tone of the exhaust pipe is not there but still, you could hear it in a silent surroundings.
Also, the bike is budget friendly. I was servicing it in the TVS showrooms until 25000kms which cost me around 2500 Rs. per service once for three months but now giving it in local garage which is 1500 Rs / service cheaper than before - even sometimes, it costs me only 700 Rs..
Summary:
Pros - look- head turner for sure, initial pickup (way better than other 150/200 cc bikes), highway performance, budget, mileage, pillion seat (for ladies)
Cons - vibration (not felt by the rider but pillion) between 65 km/h and 85 km/h, need better aerodynamic structure (wobbles sometimes - i suppose, even the other bikes do in side winds), front fork (very light and small in diameter and bad roads easily cause oil leaks), rear suspension (many feel, mono suspensions are better and but i felt it was good since all our favorite bikes our ages had double suspensions)
It is surely a better buy and even i see people buying it in 2021 and they are happy about it.
Thanks folks for giving me a chance to pen down my experience i had with my bike!
Wear helmets ! ride safe ! enjoy ride ! live happy !

About the Reviewer

I have ridden this bike for 12 years and still, I am hesitant to exchange this bike. Wonderful performance in the area of pickup, look, stability and mileage compared to weight and these features.
Commute 70 kms/day on this bike and I had to service this only once in 4 months or 5000 kms whichever is earlier.

About the Reviewer