2021 TVS APACHE RTR 200 4V
We ride the 2021 Apache RTR 200 4V to see if it still has what it takes to be the best naked in the 200cc space
The Apache gets a few important updates and a bump in price
THE TVS APACHE RTR 200 4V IS ONE OF THE best 200cc naked streetfighters that you can buy currently. It has numerous accolades to its name and it even won our mega 200cc comparison test last year, outshining stalwarts like the KTM 200 Duke. For 2021, TVS has added a bunch of segment firsts, including riding modes, adjustable front suspension and adjustable clutch and brake levers. Does this add value to the RTR 200 4V or are they gimmicks? Let’s find out!
The party piece is the addition of three riding modes — Urban, Rain and Sport. No, there isn’t a ride-by-wire system that alters the power delivery or throttle response, it’s merely a change in engine maps. The modes can be selected using a button on the right handlebar and can be changed on the fly. The Urban and Rain modes deliver lower power and torque figures, 17bhp and 16.5Nm. In Sport mode, you get maximum punch, with the engine producing 20.5bhp and 17.3Nm. The calibration of the ABS is also what differentiates the two modes. In Rain mode, ABS is the most aggressive while in Sport there’s minimum intrusion.
Do they work? The way the modes have been calibrated, it is hard to tell the difference, especially at speeds below 60kmph. It’s when you build up speed that the difference is noticeable. In third gear, in Rain or Urban mode, the bike hits the limiter at 81kmph while in Sport mode I was able to clock 96kmph due to the higher 9000rpm redline. These modes work, but it would have been nice if they were noticeable at lower speeds and in traffic, where riders would want to feel a difference. That said, in Sport Mode, the bike retains its refined and tractable characteristics that we all know and love. The addition of a sixth cog could also help make highway cruising more comfortable.
When it comes to the ABS, it does work as advertised with it being the most intrusive in Rain and Urban modes. However, it’s not perfect. In Sport mode, the ABS is more intrusive than I thought it should be. A switchable or supermoto setting would provide good fun, allowing riders to slide the rear wheel. Apart from the overactive ABS system, the brakes lack initial bite and tend to fade over time in the saddle.
The next major update for the bike is the preload adjustable Showa front suspension. The operation of adjusting the preload is straight forward. You don’t need any special tool at all because the screwdriver in the bike’s toolkit does the job. Ideally, you want to set the sag properly but I fiddled around with it and found the middle setting struck the perfect balance between a comfortable
THE PARTY PIECE IS THE ADDITION OF THREE RIDING MODES – RAIN, URBAN, SPORT
and sporty ride for me. Where preload settings really help is if you’re going to be loading up the bike often to tour on it, tweaking the sag in the suspension when the weight it has to carry changes. Furthermore, the adjustable brake and clutch levers allow you to adjust the span so that the levers can be reached effortlessly, making these controls more friendly to a larger number of riders.
The chassis continues to be confidence inspiring, something that has always been a highlight of the RTR 200 4V. It is nimble, but friendly and even beginners wouldn’t mind pushing themselves and their limits on the saddle. That, paired with the TVS Eurogrip radial tyres make the bike an absolute hoot and a half.
The 2021 TVS Apache RTR 200 4V is an extremely well put together bike and at `1.33 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the bike offers you a fair bit for that amount of money! Adjustable suspension, levers and dual channel ABS are great and while the riding modes don’t add too much to the riding experience, they don’t get in the way either. The Apache continues to offer the best balance of performance and value in its class! ⌧