TVS APACHE RTR 200 4V
Our favourite 200cc machine gets better than ever
The TVS Apache RTR 200 4V won our 200-250cc naked comparison test last year, even outshining established rivals like the KTM 200 and 250 Duke. For 2020, TVS has upgraded the RTR 200 4V with BS6 trickery along with some cosmetic and feature upgrades. We came back impressed after riding it on TVS’ test track at Hosur and now is the time to show it around Pune’s roads.
Let’s talk about the design which hasn’t changed much. The halogen headlamp is replaced with a new LED unit integrated into a new ‘claw’ positioned cluster. The LED headlamp doesn’t look very pleasing although it illuminates the road fairly well. Another significant addition is Bluetooth to the all-digital cluster. The display is crisp and it provides plenty of data including navigation, call/SMS alerts, and lap times among others. The navigation though is inaccurate, and there’s some delay before it shows directions.
Get astride the RTR 200 4V and that same gruff exhaust note welcomes you. The 197.75cc motor has been internally overhauled and comes with new, asymmetrical piston rings, new intake and valve timing along with a new manifold. At 16.8Nm, torque has reduced by 1.3Nm but you don’t really feel the difference. Power remains the same at 20.2bhp. Get going and the bike deploys torque linearly before hitting peak torque at 7500rpm. The gear ratios are well-spaced out allowing great tractability. However, the lack of a sixth gear means the Apache gets to 7000rpm in fifth gear at 100kmph which isn’t really comfortable on highways.
It has another trick up its sleeve in the
WELL-SPACED OUT GEAR RATIOS ALLOW GREAT TRACTABILITY
form of what TVS calls GTT, or Glide Through Traffic – a feature aimed at alleviating the hassles of riding in traffic. Without any throttle inputs, the motorcycle can get up to speeds of 7kmph in first gear, 12kmph in second gear and 17kmph in the third cog, all by itself. Slowly release the clutch and the ECU works fairly well thereafter.
The low speed ride continues to be comfortable and as you build up speed, the RTR 200 feels planted and stable, just like before. Bumps don’t unsettle the motorcycle even mid-corner and the suspension soaks up undulations well. It is as agile as ever and the front-end allows easy manoeuvring around traffic. A surprise package are new TVS tyres that perform impeccably. You don’t miss the Pirellis, which are still offered as an option. And lastly, braking has improved significantly, with the BS6 definitely stopping much quicker than its predecessor.
Apart from the imperfect navigation system, lack of a sixth cog and the slightly overdone headlamp cluster, it is hard to fault this motorcycle. The ripped and lean design has aged well and gimmicks like the GTT work well. Currently, there are limited options in the 200cc naked streetfighter space, with the RTR 200 4V, Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 and the KTM 200 Duke being the only BS6 bikes on sale now. If you want something sporty with budget no bar, then go for either of the KTMs (200 or 250 Dukes). But if you want a jack of all trades, then the 2020 RTR 200 4V is still the best. No compromises at all!