TVS Apache RTR 200 4V Test Ride Review

It was 11 years ago when TVS introduced the Race-spirited bike called Apache in India. Within very short span of time the moniker, "Apache RTR" became very popular among the Indian youth. Back in 2006, when the Apache was introduced, it was the first performance bike to be made by an Indian brand. This flagship model was developed by the TVS Racing wing, who are specialized in developing race bikes for the team TVS. 'RTR' in the name stood for Race Throttle Response which is one of the specialties of Apache bikes.

How this Apache looks

The new Apache 200 4V looks very distinct from the previous models. This time it has grown to a mature bike with some serious design changes. It is inspired from the concept model TVS Draken showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo. Moreover, this is the first product be introduced by the TVS, as they were signed an agreement with the BMW Motorrad for sharing the technology for developing high-performance motorcycles in the future.



Now, the bike looks a lot closer to a real street fighter with the BMW G310R inspired headlamp at the front. The updated leaner single headlamp cluster looks more aggressive and had helped in employing a new benchmark to the Apache clan. The headlamp houses LED DRLs with halogen lamp at the center. The front telescopic forks are painted in golden coloured just like the USD forks of BMW G310 R. The fuel tank looks similar to the older models. The extension bears the 'RTR' title and it looks more aggressive. To make it even more unique, the conventional fuel lid has been moved towards the right side of the bike. The engine cowl is painted in body colour which has reduced the ground clearance of the vehicle.



The new RTR 200 4V gets split seats, whereas the rear portion has been totally upgraded with 'W'-shaped grab rails and smaller LED tail lamp.

Features

The new Apache features one of the best and most advanced instruments console in the segment. Moreover, it is the first TVS bike to get a fully digital unit. The unit displays speedometer, tachometer, gear position indicator, clock, fuel gauge, acceleration timer, top speed indicator and lap timer. For me, the tachometer is the most interesting part, which runs horizontally from one end of the screen to the other. The matte paint job on the body is extremely good and it helps in adding the lust for the Apache.



TVS bikes and scooters are good for their switchgear quality and they had maintained all their richness in their flagship model as well. The handlebar grips are one of the best in the segment. Other additional features include alloy wheels with body coloured strips, double barrel bass exhaust and clear lens indicators at both the ends.

The Engine and Performance

The Apache RTR series consists of 160cc, 180 and the latest one gets the 200cc engine. A 197.75cc, 4-stroke, single cylinder engine uses 4 valves for the optimized performance. It comes in two variants. The carburettor model gets Keihin CV carburettors and the other one gets Bosch-closed loop fuel injection system. The fuel injected model also gets Mapped Ignition System. This Fi engine derives a maximum power of 21 bhp @ 8500 rpm and a maximum torque of 18.1 Nm @ 7000 rpm. The TVS has employed an Oil cooler with Ram air assist for cooling the engine.



The double barrel exhaust system has been developed by the TVS Racing, which delivers throaty note even in the lower revs. The performance of the engine is admirable, especially in the lower and mid rev ranges. One can ride this motorcycle as comfortable as a 125cc commuter with power delivery always available at the twist of the throttle, thanks to the dual mode digital ignition system. Power delivery isn't quick as the Yamaha FZ25 for KTM Duke 200. TVS Apache is a different bike with great potentials. At higher revs, it performs brilliantly. The addition of a sixth gear would have been benefitted in reaching higher digits. Even though, it generates more torque than some of the other bikes in the segment. One can easily take this vehicle to track days and for day to day rides with same perspective and dynamics.



The bike can go from 0 to 60 kmph quite easily under 4 seconds and the recorded top speed of the bike is 129 kmph. Despite the fact that Apache is a race-spec performance bike, it still manages to deliver a decent mileage of 38 kmpl on highways.

How It Rides

TVS has used race spec split cradle chassis with the engine as the stressed member in the frame. It is the upgraded frame, which is light in weight and helps in balancing the vehicle with much comfort and ease. The race-tuned KYB monoshock suspension at the rear and 37 mm Kayaba fork at the front does the job in absorbing all road shocks and pressures. The suspension set-up of the bike is too good.



This new Apache is quick and easy to change lanes on the traffic. TVS has done a decent job by developing a bike that combines agility and stability. The braking duties are monitored by 270 mm petal disc at the front and 240 mm disc at the rear. The Apache 200 4V lacks the ABS, whereas the younger sibling RTR 180 gets the ABS system. Even without the ABS, one could bring this bike under our control without making any menace while sudden braking. The beefy Pirelli tyres offer much confidence while braking and cornering.

Verdict

The new Apache RTR 200 4V has lived to the expectations in every department. As I mentioned earlier, it is a racing bike with the qualities of a commuter. The mill delivers lesser bhp when compared to Pulsar NS 200 and Duke 200. However, one could easily glide this bike in slow speed in heavy traffic with much easiness and comfort. The One lakh plus ex-showroom price tag is not a bad pricing for this well-balanced performance bike. I would like to recommend this bike to youngsters as well as more matured riders who prefer to own a bike that does well in every department. Altogether, it is a perfect motorcycle which have some race spec features

Full Details, Specification and Pricing of Apache RTR 200 4V

Photos By: Jithin Johnson