TVS to launch variant of Apache RTR 180 with ABS soon

TVS Motors will soon launch a variant of its Apache RTR 180 with ABS. This is the first time that 'A made in India' bike will feature the technology. CNBC-TV18's Overdrive team went to Chennai to check it out.

If it wasn't for the tiny ABS sticker on the side you wouldn't know the Apache RTR 180 was any different. A closer look will reveal the sensors and ECU but the proof of this pudding is in the eating or should we say testing. A test rig is in place that stops the bike from falling over from people getting hurt during the tuning phase of the ABS. There are long technical explanations for how and why ABS operates. Simply put, the ABS computer monitors both wheels for rotation and when it detects a wheel about to lock, it can release and build pressure accordingly. It sounds simple but it isn't until you try panic braking on slippery surfaces with ABS off, that the need for and utility of the system sinks in. The ABS equipped Apache should hit showrooms in the next few weeks and we expect it to cost between Rs 13,000 and Rs 15,000 more than the stock RTR 180. Also watch the accompanying video.