[kraft.wagen]

I was out for lunch and saw these two Apache RTR 180 ABS bikes. Tried to talk to the guys who were riding it, if it was a personal import or they are testing. They were tight lipped to answer any of my questions, but finally said they were testing and took off from.

[basuroy]

Nice find .

Spitballing here but maybe after the TVS - BMW partnership , they are feeling adventurous and want to release this and/or whatever those two brands are jointly coming up with ( something say on par with the bajaj-KTM bikes for the lack of a better example) overseas and this is their first step there .

[hellmet]

A 180CC would oh so quickly run out of breath on USA's highways! But still, wouldn't it be lovely to ride an Indian bike on foreign soil!

[GTO]

Could be that it's being officially tested by TVS or even a small importer. I'd spotted Indian 2-wheelers at a Boston superbike showroom (primarily scooters though).

Here's a related Economic Times article from way back in 2009:

NEW DELHI: TVS Motor, the flagship company of the $4-billion TVS Group, will launch its premium 160cc bike Apache RTR in the US this year, the world's most developed automobile market this year, said a top company executive.

The Chennai-based two-wheeler company has cleared the mandatory technical and emission tests for its bike and plans to launch it later this year.

TVS Motor president (marketing & sales) HS Goindi told ET: "We are in the launching mode, and finalising our entry into the US market. Our bike has met all stringent technical norms in the US and we have also appointed distributor to sell our products in the market." The company will launch our advanced fuel injection Apache in the US. We have tweaked the product we already sell in India with some minor changes to meet the US automotive standards."

According to an auto industry executive, TVS has held negotiations with Classic Motorworks, an importer and distributor of two-wheeler in the US, which already distributes Royal Enfield Motorcycle — Bullet, Classic and Croma — brands in the US.

[Sheel]

Was it a private facility? I believe it is mandatory to have RVM's in the US. The pictured bike doesn't have one.

[kraft.wagen]

Originally Posted by GTO

Could be that it's being officially tested by TVS or even a small importer. I'd spotted Indian 2-wheelers at a Boston superbike showroom (primarily scooters though).

Here's a related Economic Times article from way back in 2009:

There is Zero Motorcycles which has its headquarters very close to where I saw these bikes.

Originally Posted by Sheel

Was it a private facility? I believe it is mandatory to have RVM's in the US. The pictured bike doesn't have one.

No it was parked at a local store.

[vinit.merchant]

Quite a news.

I was under the impression that no one in the US buys anything below 350cc. Their dirt bikes start from 350cc.

How and where does a 160cc bike fit and who could be the target buyers?

[aargee]

On the other hand, I feel very sorry for those 2 riders who may be riding nervous amidst of cars flying in 80 MPH & the monstrous 18 wheeler bullying these puny single cylinders out of the way. Hope the riders have a good, fully covered proper riding gears :(

[Sheel]

Originally Posted by vinit.merchant

Quite a news.

I was under the impression that no one in the US buys anything below 350cc. Their dirt bikes start from 350cc.

How and where does a 160cc bike fit and who could be the target buyers?

No

Initially, it was all 250's & 400's for quite sometime. Infact, there were 4 cylinder 250cc bikes.

They were popular because of the licensing structure present in US & Europe. Slightly varied between these two, but you get the picture.

With a change in the licensing structure, people moved on, but still people over there do buy CBR-250 & Ninja 250, but few jump to commuterish/tame 650's (subjective to proper 600's)

I am clueless as to where does the RTR fit in this scheme of things?

[kraft.wagen]

Originally Posted by aargee

On the other hand, I feel very sorry for those 2 riders who may be riding nervous amidst of cars flying in 80 MPH & the monstrous 18 wheeler bullying these puny single cylinders out of the way. Hope the riders have a good, fully covered proper riding gears :(

Ironially the guys were in t shirt/jeans and helmets.
Possibly since their location was near by. Anyways its close to my work location and I will keep my eyes open if I can spot it in any offices.

Originally Posted by Sheel

No

I am clueless as to where does the RTR fit in this scheme of things?

Like I mentioned the only motorcycle HQ is Zero Motorcycles and they are into electric bikes. Not sure if the RTR has any technology that they can adopt?

[Sheel]

TVS does have an electric scooter, but not motorcycles.

Yes, please do keep an eye on it. Thanks for sharing

[sids911]

Great! Where was this? Bikes like these would probably make quite a bit of sense in cities like LA, which has the horrible traffic and small alternative roads to the freeways!

[kraft.wagen]

Originally Posted by sids911

Great! Where was this? Bikes like these would probably make quite a bit of sense in cities like LA, which has the horrible traffic and small alternative roads to the freeways!

This was in Scotts Valley, California a small town close to Bay area.