The TVS Apache RTR 200 4V ABS with Pirelli tyres comes with the price tag of little more than 1.3 lakhs on-road depending upon the city you live. We knew the original TVS Apache RTR 200 was a great performer but ever since release, TVS has been upgrading it every year with additional features. Is the newly updated race edition worth the extra asking money? Is it still the killer city commuter? You will get the answers very soon.
We have seen extensive coverage on various versions of TVS Apache RTR since its launch and it is time to have a look at the all-new Race edition 2.0. Race edition 2.0 brought with it the much awaited two features. Both Dual channel ABS and slipper clutch happen to be the first in class for 200cc motorcycle in India. Let us see the specs in detail first.
Read About:Â Suzuki Gixxer FI SP ABS
Design and Styling
As far as the design and styling not much have changed from the original TVS Apache RTR. The body parts remain the exact same except for the small visor in the front that doesn’t help much in wind shielding, just an aesthetic addition. The paint scheme has gone through a refresh for the Race Edition 2.0. You get a dual tone graphics with sharp accents of red running over black. If that does not look convincing you have 4 other options to choose from.
Also Check:Â Kawasaki Ninja ZX
Engine and Performance
The engine is the same 200cc oil-cooled, four-valved engine. The power and torque value have remained untouched at 20.7 bhp at 9,000 rpm and 18.1 Nm at 7,000 rpm. 5-speed gearbox with the newly added slipper clutch takes care of the transmission. The shifts are quick and easy offering lead in traffic riding. The bike is equipped with Anti Reverse Torque (ART) limiting system which streamlines the jitter caused by sudden downshifts at high speed. As always, the engine feels well refined and low end is punchy favouring the city ride. The engine is smooth and does not emit any vibration till the speed of 110 Kmpl. The maximum speed as we tested was 117 km/h and the 0 – 60 km/h streak took 4.53 seconds while 0 – 100 km/h took 13.29 seconds.
Tyres, Brakes, and Suspension
As always you get to choose between TVS self-made tyres and Pirelli tyres to fit on the 17-inch alloys. Either of the tyres come in the same dimension – 90/90 front and 130/70 rear. Both have disk brakes as we already know and here comes the greatest new feature in the segment – Dual channel ABS. Only a few bikes in the segment like Bajaj Pulsar NS and Suzuki Gixxer already have ABS but only on the front. The TVS Apache RTR 200 4V ABS was already doing good at the brakes, the addition of ABS adds to more reliability to the bike. ABS is a necessity for a bike in this segment, thanks to TVS for understanding the needs of proper Indian city rider.
Suspensions are the usual dual Kayaba 37mm front forks and rear mono shock set for city riding – neither rigid nor too soft. Which means cornering is not as flamboyant as on track bike and city ride is not painful too. Stability is high speed is commendable. The 180mm ground clearance offers a lot of freedom to ride in the roughest of terrains.
Also Check:Â TVS Zeppelin-The Bike For Future
Features
The headlamp has enough light throw and the digital display odometer is commendably good too. All of the lights from indicator to tail lamp get LEDs which is not common in the segment.
Is TVS Apache RTR 200 4V ABS Worth the Price?
Back at launch TVS Apache RTR 200 cost almost the same as its arch rival Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS. After a few years, both the bikes have gone through upgrades and gone high on the pricing. TVS Apache RTR 200 4V ABS has seen a lot of upgrades reportedly and hence quite a large price difference. The price difference is satiable for all the specs it brings to the table, to me it still feels cheap. What can you expect for 1.3 lakhs better than the Apache RTR Race Edition 2.0? Of course, there is another variant of the Apache RTR expected to launch soon - TVS Apache RTR 200 FI ABS. Yes, as of now only the carburated version gets an ABS option and we are not sure of the time or price of the FI variant with a slipper clutch and dual-channel ABS.
