Automobile Technology

Looked liked TVS has two solutions to solve their problem with Bajaj on the TVS Flame. 1) To go ahead and start marketing the bike with a single plug. Removing the dual plug configuration. 2) To still stay in the competing ring. The flame as it is but without the twin plugs.

The new Apache RTR FI with the fuel injection technology. Hmmm as usual a simple copy paste from other manufacturers to compete in the market. Nothing so crazy about this. Check it out. A bad one. Sorry about that.

The new TVS Flame rocks..... I mean at least in terms of TVS trying to figure out those nitty witty elements that is required to compete with the market.

Tips for a better mileage 1. Prompt servicing Give your vehicle to service when the right time comes. You really dont want your engine components to die and this also includes the filter in your bike. A good filter will give you a good mileage. 2. Throttle Use the throttle respectfully. Sometimes I find people throttle their vehicle at third gear when the engine is at idle RPM. It will work and the engine will move but why make a small gear in the input shaft move a large one in the output shaft when the engine RPM is too low? That leads to unwanted fuel wastage coz your are forcing the engine to increase its RPM stuck at the third gear. 3. Release the clutch man. Don't keep sticking it towards you all the time.... Ok you are in the first gear, let go off the clutch as your throttle, and release it FULLY when you find that the engine RPM is above 1000. Nothing is gonna damn happen at this stage since it is only in the first gear. A small gear in the input shaft will be stable enoug...

Hi guys after the second service and several weeks after that the mileage is 54kms / litre. One thing I would request you guys to do is - Tweak your idle input. If you look to your left just close to the carburetor this is a golden screw with a spring. Screw it anti-clockwise to loosen the the screw to make sure there is more inflow of petrol to keep the engine running in the idle state IF the vehicle tends to stop on closing 1 x 1000 RPM. However if you think that the engine is vibrating a lot and also if the RPM is way beyond 1 x 1000 RPM then probably you would want to screw it clockwise to tighten the idle inflow. This will also ensure that you have have a good mileage. If I am right, if you don't throttle, the idle valve tends to input the petrol to the carburetor to keep the engine running. So if your idle screw is too loose then you tend to lose a lot of petrol resulting in poor mileage. Also carefully monitor the Zero and the amount of petrol input to your tank when you ref...

I was surprised myself. It was just neat at Tristar TVS. Looking at the service center in Intermediate Ring Road, I wasn't quiet happy and confident to give my vehicle for second service there. But staying close to Airport Road I had no choice to make. When I reached the service center, an executive arrived immediately and jotted down all my complaints and requirement. I had to replace my left foot rest and it was jammed due to an accident. This is the best part:- I asked him when it would be ready and he said "you can collect it in the evening" . I was just dumb founded. For a second, I was worried if they would just do a simple water wash and two or more screw tightening acts. But the story was totally different in the evening. I went at 6.30 PM to the service center to collect my vehicle. He was sparkle clean. A few things I failed to mention was the loose right mirror and brakes. And voila! they even fixed it even though it was not in the requirement / ...

All ads of Apache has been stunning. Bajaj has a long way to go in learning even this. I wonder what people find amazing in that fuel sucking monster. Check out for a promo video of the Apache 160cc RTR http://indian2wheels.blogspot.com/2007/06/tvs-apache-rtr-160-launched-apache-150.html

VOOOOOO!. I must say the bike has got a cool look. The finish is just amazing. Few negative points in design:- The silencer. It looks puncher ed at the tail. I don't know why? The horny pillion handle. This was not needed. The zebra like strip on the mudguard. Yuk! TVS has mastered its technique in capturing the market so fast. Coming in competition with other manufacturers is really worth noting. And hey! did you observer the engine in 160cc RTR. Its just clean, neat, compact, masculine and perfect. The alloys look good. And the petal disk. I did not expect them to be so big. They are just amazing. Plus points The disk brake - petal disk The engine - Marvelous finish Adjustable handles The frosty brakes and gear bars. (I presume there must be a lot of issues with gear-shifting here. But not tried it though.) From an ugly looking bike like Fiero FX to a beautiful crafted Apache (with a few exceptions) TVS really rocks. I can happily say Apache is better than the new Bajaj Pulsar v...

Why do riders still keep complaining about the gear box in Apache? I did face a problem with it once, and that was when my idling screw was too tight. There was hardly any fuel during rest and I had to throttle on and on to keep the fuel flowing and the engine running. It was my mistake and not the fault of the bike!!!! I have not faced any issues wit the gear box in Apache. Its absolutely same as in any other bike. To be honest is it manly, than the smooth shift in unicorn. To dos.. Release the throttle fully. Don't half throttle, engage the clutch and shift gears. Engage the clutch fully. Half clutch might damage the gear box. Relax. Release the throttle, depress the clutch fully, and give some time for the vehicle to breath. Shift the gears now. Trust me guys. I use the gear box like hell, shifting severals times within few meters of heavy traffic. And I have not faced any problems with it till date. One rare case is the False Neutral. This is common in all bikes. And there is ...

Ok guys! Its been due for the second service now and I have not still given it for service. I have driven an extra 500kms. Hope it does not melt??? But It gives me an average of 57 - 58 kmpl. Can there be any better rider than me???

Rock steady at 104 Kmph. This time at the Intermediate Ring Road in competition with a Pulsar 150cc updated model. A nice, clean arrangement of the handle bar makes Apache a real comfort while turning suddenly. Off course, maybe this suits me coz of my height, but I was convinced with my bikes performance since I smashed and overtook the pulsar. Vibration was there, but the stability of the vehicle at that speed made it really transparent. I am happy with the vehicle. To all those who keep complaining about the vehicle (excepting the style and looks) I have five words - "learn to ride a bike".

Okie! Another mileage-o-phobia. This time it gave me 68kmpl. I don't know what to say. The devil is being too kind to me.

A disappointing 160cc. I don't know about you guys out there, but I really did not expect a copy cat version of the new Bajaj DTSi just to survive in the market. (Image source from rearset.blogspot.com) What I don't like in the 160 cc 1. 160 cc itself. I would rather go in for a 150cc with a good mileage. 2. Why did he not update 150 cc to these extras, but instead opt for 160cc? 3. The silencer! oh boy! what a mess 4. The pillion handle - Copied! doesn't he have brains to bring in something of his own? 5. The meters. Another copy from Bajaj. Grow up TVS! What I appreciate 1. The handle bar 2. The engine guard 3. The new petal disk brakes I wonder why the second versions of all manufacturers SUCK. Oh boy! I must say the 160cc is a real MESS of an engineering. Especially because it offers a copied version of other bikes. And this does not make it unique at all. Check out more at rearset.blogspot.com

Okie! After 1900 kms now, and one free service down the lane I am proud to announce the final results of the mileage-o-phobia . My silver Apache gives me an unthinkable 65 - 66 kmpl . Now this is why I am a happy customer. One more thing. You wanna be happy with the bike, then the bike's got to be happy with you. This means that you gotto clean and check every single component of the bike every week. I had this problem today. Though my tank was full, the vehicle stopped in between twice. This could probably mean that there was no proper air + fuel mixture going into the single cylinder four stroke 147 cc engine. Or that the Air filter is has got a sexy back. Gotta check that out. Nevertheless, drive safe guys. Few days back driving at 80 I had this Honda City bumping me from the left. Luckily, nothing happened to my bike and me. I would gladly say - Apache is SUPERBLY STABLE. Imaging a car bumping you at 80 from the left. He hit me to my left foot rest, and just a right turn, and ...

A new 159.7 cc version of Apache is going to be launched soon. It sports the same foundation, but with some classy colors and disc brakes. A little bit of engine tweak and great style. Check out more at www.tvsapache.com

"She is the fastest 150cc bike around today and probably the highest top speed as well." - Overdrive "Ultra-flickable, yet rock steady at speeds around the magical 100kmph." - Autocar As from the main website www.tvsapache.com

vooooohooo! 100kmph Okie! its not that funda speed limit, but atleast its my first experience with a 150cc bike. You can just see the speedometer needle respond so fast to the increase in speed. I must say - APACHE IS VERY VERY STABLE AT HIGH SPEEDS. What really surprises and made me choose TVS is for their leap from the boring production to something classy like Apache. Its an Awesome bike for the Indian market. And at first shot, TVS just did it. It gives you good mileage - If you make sure you have exact one litre in your tank - Read the previous blog. It gives you good stability It has a re-defined style Dome is just amazing. Looking at the bike from the front makes you hug it. Nice exhaust sound effect Good service - but got to check out in detail of the golmaal in there. RESPONDS VERY VERY FAST What more, its one of the best bike produced so far for the Indian market. Its stand apart from the goofed up style of the new 150, 180 and 200 cc bikes of Pulsar from bajaj. Something is ...

I am back again with another shocking report on the mileage phenomenon. If all you bikers think that going to a Petrol Bunk in India or Bangalore for that matter should possibly give you a better mileage, then you better think again. India is ranked as one of the most corrupted country in the world. Other than Shell or Reliance , all other Petrol Bunks are fraudulent. I would say "BASTARDS" out of sheer anger and irritation. A case yesterday at Bharat Petroleum - Airport Road when I faced this problem. I gave him 51 rupees for a litre of petrol and touched the tank to see if I could feel the movement of the fuel in the tank, and voila! It ceased at 600ml, but still the meter was running to fool me. Can you believe it? I had a tough time with the fellow there, demanding him the value for money. But I could do nothing single handed. Imagine the amount of people being fooled especially people who own cars who just rely on the meter reading and cannot really feel what’s ha...

When in fifth gear and traveling above 60kmph, you can feel the heavy vibration of the engine in the left footrest, though it is hardly visible in the right. This gives a real sickness in riding the vehicle those it disappears at higher speeds. And at fifth gear, you literally get the impression as if its time for you to switch to another gear. It rarely gives the feeling of a fifth gear because of the pull it provides. Looks like its an issue with my bike alone. But nevertheless in most of the Apaches in town, I think the engine is closely tilted to the left side of the frame, and hence the left side vibrates more than the right.

Hi guys! Can anyone here tell me how its possible to switch gears in Honda Unicorn without engaging the clutch lever? What is the mechanism? Is the engine semi-auto tranmission?