TVS has launched an ABS equipped version of its flagship Apache RTR 180. The RTR is the first Indian bike to feature ABS technology.
The ABS system for the RTR was by Continental AG. This system also comes with Rear-wheel Lift-off Protection (RLP) which relies on a brake pressure sensor to analyse hydraulic pressure in the braking system. If there is potential for the rear wheel to lift-off under extreme braking, the system momentarily reduces pressure in the front brake circuit till full stability is restored. The system used by TVS also allows riders the option to switch off ABS via a button in the instruments bay.
According to TVS, the Apache RTR 180 ABS concept displayed at the 2010 Auto Expo evoked a lot of interest among bikers, which is what prompted further development.
The Apache ABS will be joined shortly by Honda that will be offering its new CBR250R sports bike with the option of Combined ABS. As the Indian two-wheeler market matures, it is only a matter of time before such innovations become common on our bikes.
The ABS equipped RTR is available only in the white color with contrasting stickers and is priced at Rs 78,880 (Ex-showroom, New Delhi) which is Rs 9,000 more than the non-ABS version.
Vishal Venugopal
Ved Janve
Stephen Raj Antony
