TVS Apache RTR 200 4v Review
November 11,2016
In early 2016, TVS finally brought in a non cosmetic update to its performance series by launching the RTR 200 4V. Knowing TVS's history and racing pedigree, it got us all very excited. The new bike had a 200cc oil cooled 4 valve engine pumping out 20-21 PS of peak power and 18 NM of turning force at the crank. It offered optional ABS, Fuel Injection and Pirelli tyres. However it took about 6-7 long months for the motorcycle to actually hit the Mumbai dealerships and that too in its basic avatar. So if you wish to buy the 200 4v, you can only get a carburetted, non ABS one with TVS tyres at the moment. However, it's a matter of time that TVS ramps up production and delivers us the ABS and FI versions pan India. The enthusiast will wait. Patience pays they say. So has the patience of ten long years paid off at last? Have TVS been able to meet and maybe exceed the expectations of the Apache fans? Let's find out.
Starting off with the styling, I must say, ever since I lay my eyes on the bike in person, it has got me drooling. Pictures and videos don't do justice to just how gorgeous the bike looks in the flesh. The muscular sculpted tank, the offset fuel cap, the white all digital dashboard, the led DRL's, the paintjob, that saffron-white-green strip on its face, the golden forks and brake calipers. It all blends in as if to tell you that the bike has been designed by sculptors and artists rather than and technicians and engineers. The fit and finish is immaculate as well. The dash incorporates some chic features like lap times and top speed recording. All in all, she's a total looker and wreaks of quality from all angles.
Straddle across and you notice that the 800mm seat height seems kind of tallish. Grab the handlebar and you can't help but reminisce sitting across a Triumph Street Triple. There's this slightest of forward leans coupled with the slightest of rear set pegs giving you a perfect bigger capacity street fighter stance. The turning radius is pretty large by commuting standards and cutting across halted cars at traffic lights or taking u turns in narrow lanes is going to be a task. The tallish seat height also means that reversing the bike while still seated on it isn't going to be easy either for an average sized Indian.
Start the engine and it's an absolute delight to listen to the throaty exhaust note of the double barrel exhaust. Pull the light clutch, slip it into gear, release the clutch and off you go. Up until this point, TVS had exceeded all my expectations on all fronts. The biggest let down to me came in the way this engine delivers power. The low end power is kind of weak, mid range strong, very strong and the top end is practically absent. Couple this with short gearing and it really makes your daily commute a busy one by constantly making you go up and down the gearbox, searching for that very short mid range power band. The 5 speed gearbox itself is butter smooth and the shifts are precise and slick. Full marks there to TVS.
Another area where the RTR 200 falls short is braking. The brakes feel spongy and totally lack the initial bite. There is progression when you press the lever harder but still not confidence inspiring. With brakes like these, one probably wouldn't need ABS and very easily become a fly on the rear screen of a car. Maybe the brakes on my test bike needed bleeding and the same issue may not be there on other bikes. The suspensions seemed softly sprung but the bike felt pliant through potholes. In the couple of u turns made, I could get the feel that this one is an out and out corner carver, even with TVS tyres.
To conclude, the RTR 200 4V brings in a lot of value on the table. It's a great looking bike, it's frugal, packed with features and most importantly, it comes in at a very attractive price point. This makes it an out and out no brainer for college kids wanting to impress their girls with their street riding and stunting abilities. However, for someone a little more serious about motorcycling, a considerable further thought is required. Say for example, touring. It lacks top end torque to keep it at touring speeds all day. At the moment, there's no option of fitting wind protection either and to top it all, there's no sixth gear for comfortable highway riding. Next up, track days. though it's a great tool for carving corners, the lack of top end again will always keep you wanting for more. And finally, good ol daily commuting. Well, a better turning radius with lower seat height and a bit more power low down would have helped but that's just me. If you are looking for a motorcycle and have Rs.1 lakh or thereabouts in non 500 or 1000 notes, go to the TVS showroom and insist on a test ride. Show them that you're genuinely interested in buying and they might oblige. Even arranged marriages these days involve a bit of dating. Who knows, it might just turn out to be your perfect date! Ride safe and always wear a helmet!
