TVS launched the Apache 200 Fi4V in the Indian market recently, making their nomenclature even more confusing. And while TVS added a fuel-injection system to the Apache, its main rival, the Bajaj Pulsar NS200, was recently launched in a new variant featuring ABS. Let’s see how the Apache RTR 200 Fi4V plays out against the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 ABS.
Design and features
The Apache RTR 200 Fi4V and the Pulsar NS200 ABS both get conventional streetfighter styling cues like sharp headlamps, sporty tank extensions and a raised tail section. The Apache RTR 200 Fi4V gets a crown-shaped visor and the Bajaj gets an ‘ABS’ sticker to differentiate itself from their standard counterparts. The instrument console consists of a digital display. Apart from the usual functions, it integrates a gear indicator, shift light, clock, top-speed recorder, 0-60kmph time recorder, lap time recorder and a service reminder. The Pulsar’s instrument console gets an analogue tachometer and a digital display. It might look fancy, but lacks all the modern features that the Apache boasts of.
The Apache RTR 200 Fi4V uses conventional telescopic forks upfront and a KYB monoshock at the rear. Braking on the bike is done by a 270mm petal disc at the front end and a 240mm disc for the rear.
The Bajaj Pulsar NS200 ABS also rides on telescopic front forks and a monoshock for the rear, although the monoshock has provision to adjust the preload. The Pulsar features a comparatively bigger 280mm front disc while the rear disc is smaller than what TVS offers at 230mm. However, the Pulsar NS200 ABS gets a single-channel ABS system as standard while the RTR 200 Fi4V doesn’t get it even as an optional extra.
Engine
The biggest change on the Apache RTR 200 Fi4V is the inclusion of an electronic fuel-injection system along with a slight increase in its power. The 197cc oil-cooled single-cylinder fuel injected engine produces 20.7bhp of power at 8500rpm. The bike’s torque figure remains the same with 18.1Nm at 7000rpm and the engine is mated to a five-speed gearbox.
The Bajaj Pulsar NS200 ABS continues to use the same 199cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that produces a 23.2bhp at 9500rpm and 18.3Nm of torque at 8000rpm and is mated to a six-speed gearbox. The Bajaj Pulsar NS200 has an edge over in the powertrain department. It is more powerful than the Apache RTR 200 Fi4V and also benefits from an extra gear.
Pricing
The Bajaj Pulsar NS200 ABS is Rs 12,000 more expensive than the standard N200 and retails at Rs 1.08 lakhs. The Apache RTR 200 Fi4V demands a premium of Rs 14,205 than the standard version with a price tag of Rs 1.07lakhs.
