Apache Uprising

Combine the nimble nature of the old TVS Apache RTR with a new powerful and refined engine and what you should have is a great motorcycle. Is the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V a great bike? We tried to find out at the company’s test-track in Hosur

ANINDA SARDAR

SANJAY RAIKAR

set of tell-tale lamps that tell you when to shift up, remind you about service and indicate low battery level. One of the more gimmicky features which I thought was a nice addition to the motorcycle was an alpha-numeric message that pops up on the screen when you start the bike and reminds riders to wear helmets.

As its name suggests, the Apache RTR 200 4V is powered by an all-new 197.75-cc air-cooled single-cylinder four-valve SOHC engine with an oil-cooler, the lastnamed being a first in the Apache RTR series. The engine also gets the benefit of a much-needed counter balancer. If you’re familiar with the old Apache RTR bikes, then you’ll know that one of the major drawbacks of those machines was vibrations from the engine. The benefits of the counter balancer become evident as soon as you start the engine, which, despite its larger size, feels a lot more refined. Confirmation of this positive change came after nearly two hours of whizzing around the TVS test-track for there was none of the familiar tingling in the palms that Apache riders are so used to. At least, nothing significant enough to mention.

TVS are offering customers a choice of fuelling so you can have a carburetted version that puts out 20.5 PS or one with electronic fuel-injection that puts out 21 PS, both peak power outputs being achieved at an identical 8,500 RPM. Maximum torque in both cases is 18.1 Nm, which is available at 7,000 RPM. Although on paper this puts the Apache RTR at a disadvantage against its more powerful competitors, TVS claim that they have intentionally worked on the engine to provide a wider spread of power than just providing high output. Rational as it sounds, whether potential customers will