TVS Apache RTR 200 4V Race Edition 2.0: First Ride Review

Quality

The Apache 200 4V has always been a superior product. The parts used are of good quality, the attention to detail is appreciable and the paint finish is the best in its class. It’s the same story with the Race Edition 2.0. In fact, there’s some minor improvement in areas like the plastics around the instrument cluster and the buttons on the switchgear. To make things exclusive for this Apache, TVS has given it a different paint scheme – red and black, which to be honest, looks cool on the bike. Plus, there’s a bigger black windscreen which works more like a visual enhancement.

Comfort

The Apache RTR 200 4V has been setup for city usage. So the 37mm Kayaba forks at the front and adjustable monoshock at the rear have been tuned according to that. It’s not soft or firm. But strikes a nice balance between city comfort and performance riding. The overall ergonomics makes riding this bike for long duration an easy affair. The wide clip-on handlebar, perfect knee recess, comfortable seats and not-so-rear set footpegs – all these aspects contribute to a good city riding experience. 

Performance

We have been a fan of the 200cc oil-cooled single cylinder since the time we rode the Apache at the Hosur test track. It’s a tractable motor that offers quick acceleration and good mid-range throughout the ride. But the top-end misses out on the action, and that’s something we really wished for. There are vibes post 8000rpm but TVS says this bike will be ridden in the city most of the time, so the riders will be in low to mid revs. But enthusiasts like me do love some spirited riding and I really enjoyed that on the Apache 200. This bike further plays to my passion because it is now equipped with a slipper clutch. So aggressive down shifts are now possible without the rear wheel hopping all around the road, thereby drastically reducing some dangerous outcomes.

This motorcycle is now loaded with the most important safety tech – ABS and it’s a dual-channel system. It does the job of shedding speeds well. The system has been calibrated well enough to work without any unwanted sounds. While the ABS has improved the overall braking performance of the bike, a tad more bite and feedback would have greatly enhanced the overall experience. The TVS Remora tyres perform fantastically on dry surfaces, but unfortunately, the same thing can’t be said about the wet roads. 

Technology

The Apache RTR 200 4V Race Edition 2.0 gets slipper clutch and ABS which, by the way, is the only motorcycle in the class to offer a dual-channel system. This system also offers rear wheel lift-off mitigation. To keep its price in check, this variant gets carburettor and TVS Remora tyres. It carries forward the same fully-digital instrument cluster from the other Apaches.

Fuel efficiency

The Apache RTR 200 4V returned 40kmpl which is 2kmpl less than the BS-III variant. So with a fuel tank capacity of 12 litres, the Apache can be ridden for close to 480kms without the need to refuel. 

Fitness of purpose

With the slipper clutch and dual-channel ABS system, TVS has taken things to a whole new level with the Apache RTR 200 4V. This variant is the most expensive ones, but it gives an option to buyers who are looking for a perfect entry-level performance bike with good safety net. 

Our take

The Apache RTR 200 4V checks all the right boxes. It looks great, has good performance, is comfortable and can jump up your adrenaline on the twisties. It also gets slipper clutch and ABS, making it an enticing motorcycle. All these features will set you back by Rs 1.23 lakhs (on-road Mumbai) and that’s slightly on the expensive side. But it is worth it.