TVS Apache RTR 200 4V FI Report 3
The streetfighter segment of motorcycles has a very interesting origin. In the early 1980s when manufacturers started bringing out ridiculously powerful fully-faired sportbikes, a streetfighter was a way for riders to flaunt their ‘battle scars’. Basically, riders who had crashed their motorcycles and couldn’t afford to get a new fairing started riding these bikes in their naked avatar, inspiring other riders to rip out their fairings and showcase the bike’s raw character. The trend quickly picked up momentum and manufacturers began to see potential in this new genre of motorcycling.
Fast forward to today and the concrete jungle has become the natural habitat of a streetfighter. With weight and compact proportions to their advantage, streetfighters possess an innate ability to change directions at the drop of a hat. Besides, the ease with which they fit in compact parking spaces and the peace of mind that you wouldn’t have to spend a bomb to repair the bike in case you meet with a crash makes streetfighters the ideal motorcycles for commutes and city rides. And in these aspects the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V truly shines.
The power from the 198cc oil-cooled engine flows in progressively through the initial part, with the mid-range packing an addictive punch. Stay below 6,000rpm and the Apache RTR 200 4V feels as docile as a 150cc commuter, rev it up and you will be introduced to its darker and more exciting side. Fuelling is taken care of by a Bosch closed loop fuel injection system. The Apache RTR 200 4V doesn’t jerk around between the throttle’s on and off transitions like we experienced in the Yamaha FZ-S Version 2.0. This initial smoothness makes filtering through the traffic a breeze, as you can brake harder and gas out without feeling like you are riding a rodeo. In slow moving traffic you can just let go of the throttle and let the Apache RTR 200 4V move on its own accord, which should give your wrist a break.
The low rake angle, quick steering and the grippy Pirelli radials inspire confidence to flick and squeeze your way through the traffic. The damping for the KYB monoshock has been tuned to offer the best of both worlds – stability on corners and a comfortable and absorbent ride on pothole ridden roads. The seat and the smartly sculpted fuel tank offer ample room and support for your buttocks and thighs, which keep you comfortable through those long hours spent stuck in traffic.
One weird thing about the Apache RTR 200 4V is that while you get a proper heel plate just for your left leg, the corresponding space on the right side is obstructed by the rear disc brake’s master cylinder. As such, TVS had to fit a plastic panel around the place where the right heel plate should have been. This annoying panel keeps interfering with you right heel and can take a while to get used to.
Also, the front brake has turned out to be disappointing. Brakes have always been one of Apache’s biggest strengths, but the same cannot be said for the Apache RTR 200 4V. It misses out on the initial bite and feel that you would expect in such a performance-oriented bike. The Pirelli Sport Demon at the front does compensate for its shortcomings, as you can trust it to grip even if you get over enthusiastic with the brake lever. However this doesn't change the fact that the brake needs to be more crisp and have better progression.
Despite these shortcomings, the Apache RTR 200 4V offers a pure essence of street riding which can turn a mundane commute into something worth looking forward to. Despite me hooning it around the city relentlessly, the Apache RTR 200 4V returned a respectable 35.2kmpl which is on par with smaller 150cc commuter bikes. Pulling the bike away from its natural habitat, I recently took her for a 2,500 kilometre trip to Karnataka which acquainted me with the bike’s proficiency as a mile muncher. Stay tuned to BikeWale for the Apache’s next report where we shall discuss its highway manners and touring abilities.
Click here to read the Yamaha FZ-S Version 2.0 Long Term Report
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