TVS Apache RTR 200 4V Fuel Injected: Long Term Report 2

Features & Technology

Let’s start with a little background about the TVS Apache. The year 2006 saw the motorcycling fraternity get divided into two factions - ones who decided to stay loyal to the Bajaj Pulsar and the others who fell in love with the new naked from Hosur. It might not have tasted the kind of success that the Pulsar has, but the Apache has always had an ardent following. It has always been on par, if not ahead of the competition when it comes to technology and the Apache RTR 200 4V is no different. Take a look at any older generation Apaches and you will see the bike give a testament of the way things were done at the time. In this report, we will see how this newest entrant in the 200cc segment fares in terms of technology and creature comforts.

The Apache RTR 200 4V has ditched the part analogue part digital console to adopt a smart looking fully digital TFT display. Apart from the usual functionalities, this compact unit also integrates a top speed recorder, gear indicator, lap timer, 0-60kmph time recorder and a clock. The two buttons on either side of the display allow you to switch through the different screens, though these are disabled once you are on the move, for obvious reasons. These also allow you to program the gear shift light to different rpms. My colleagues thought it would be fun to set the shift light at 6000rpm to irritate me, though it wasn’t very complicated to reprogram it back to 8000 rpm. Another good thing about the shift light is that it gets deactivated when you are in the top gear, which means that you are spared the annoyance of continuously seeing the red light lit up when you are cruising on the highway. My only grouse with this display is that it can be too bright and distracting at night and in dark tunnels.

The Apache RTR 200 4V’s powertrain comes with a four valve layout - two intake and two exhaust valves, driven by a single overhead camshaft. This has helped improve the mid and low-range performance, and give the Apache RTR 200 4V a sporty and rev-happy character. It also gets a balancer shaft to iron out all the vibes that the Apache has always been associated with. And yes, it has worked wonders. Apache fanboys are sure to cry tears of joy after riding the RTR 200 4V, at least up to the first 7000rpm.

The Apache RTR 200 4V is the first ever TVS motorcycle to come equipped with a monoshock, and boy have they hit a home run in the first swing! TVS has managed to get the best of both worlds with the KYB monoshock, which takes care of the city potholes as well as hardcore cornering in the same gait. The additional weight of a pillion makes the bike feels even more planted. Complementing the bike’s eager handling are the optional Pirelli tyres. The 90/90 profile Sport Demon and 130/70 profile Angel GT tyres might not last as long as harder compounds, but sure are fun around corners. The Apache RTR 200 4V also comes with a USB charger, though the inconvenient placement of this port (under the seat) means that I seldom use it. Instead, I opted for an aftermarket USB charger, you can read all about it over here.

A few weeks ago, TVS asked us to get the Apache RTR 200 4V to the service centre to fit it with a few ‘necessary upgrades’. A week later, the bike was returned to us with a chain bracket, new gear sensor for the gearbox, a cover for the air box under the seat, a plastic heat shield for the exhaust bend pipe and most importantly, a rear tyre hugger to prevent you from facing the flak from angry pedestrians and fellow riders. Existing customers need not worry about these as all the motorcycles that are being sold to the public already come equipped with these upgrades. On the efficiency front, the Apache RTR 200 4V returned 32kmpl to 37kmpl in city riding, which is on par with other 150cc counterparts. We will discuss the bike’s city manners in the next report.