TVS showcased the Draken 250 concept at the 2014 Auto Expo, which made most of us believe that the next Apache will be a 250cc. But as per a new report, TVS is working on a 200cc version of the Apache which is expected to go on sale early next year. But this doesn’t mean the Apache 250cc is not under development.
TVS is looking to extend the Apache line-up to 200cc from the current 180c – the same strategy Bajaj followed few years ago with the launch of the Pulsar NS200. It is still not clear if TVS is developing a new 200cc engine for this Apache or whether it will re-bore the current 180cc engine that powers the Apache RTR 180 ABS. In terms of styling, we can expect the new Apache 200 to get few design cues from the Draken concept which looks really good. Also, the Draken concept might become the base design languauge for future TVS Apache naked motorcycles.
We don’t think the Apache 200 is a part of the TVS-BMW collaboration as both the companies are working on 250cc and above motorcycles. Once launched, the TVS Apache 200 will compete with the market leader, the Bajaj Pulsar NS200, which is currently the value for money bike one can buy in this segment.