MIRED IN ASSORTED GLITCHES

Recently I bought a copy of Bike India and was amazed by its varied contents. Therefore, I subscribed to the magazine.

I bought a TVS Apache RTR 180 on April leak (from the pipe next to the carburettor) when the engine was stopped. The next day the speedometer failed to work. Both the

service centre free of cost.

replaced, the cost of the replacement being borne by me. After seven months the chain set of my bike had to be replaced at my cost. bike, the rear wheel got slightly jammed and I had to transport the bike to the service centre in a rickshaw. They said it was due to air in the system. After one year the rear brake pads were replaced. It came as a shock to me that after one-and-a-half months the pads started to emit noise, so the service centre replaced them at my cost. The same problem resurfaced after a month and this time the service centre replaced them with my used ones. No labour charge was levied.

To date I have never used the choke to start the bike, for the choke is not working, its cable being stuck somewhere.

I don’t complain about the above aspects of maintenance in terms of money or time wasted, because I am extremely happy with the ride my bike nor do I allow a heavy pillion on it.

Now, one year and seven months later (and after 35,089 km) the authorised service centre needs to replace the engine block, piston, camshaft and rockers, etc. The engine oil used by me is up to the mark (Shell mark is yet to be crossed.

Does a TVS Apache engine last less than two years if serviced as per schedule? Or is this an instance of product failure on the part of TVS?

Please advise me.

Vinod L Pednekar, Dona Paula, Goa