TVS Apache RTR 200 Road Test Review

At first glance this is a motorcycle to fall in love with. We got ours at the 2014 auto expo, when TVS unveiled the Draken concept and now in 2016 the Apache RTR 200 is here in flesh and blood. The Apache RTR 200 carries forward the distinct genetics its predecessors had, it boasts of power and torque, a throaty exhaust note and one of the most thrilling ride experiences a 200cc motorcycle can offer. The fuel tank is now bulkier and riders get a very snug fit while crouching in, the aggressive looking tank and engine cowl add to the bike's edgy appeal. The bike also features clip on handle bars, race derived O3C tech engine, a split cradle chassis, double barrel exhaust and a race tuned KYB monoshock.    

One can simply sit and drool at this bike but riding it is much more fun. Push the ignition and the engine roars to life, with the double barrel exhaust growling even louder in the same distinct Apache note. The 197.75cc bike has enough grunt to make you slide back in your seat and stream line. Putting out 20.5bhp and 18Nm of torque, the Apache RTR 200 provides a very zippy ride. It is fascinating to note that the bike weights in at 148kgs and yet has a 0-60kmph time of just 3.95 seconds and a 0-100kmph time of 12 seconds. The Apache RTR 200 can hit a top speed of 129kmph and we took it to about 122kmph. The bike gets to 120kmph with ease but past that mark it does take its own sweet time to go further.

But speed is not the be all and end all of this bike, there is a lot more which goes into making this a race oriented machine. The first would be adequate braking power and the Apache RTR 200 boasts of petal discs in the front and rear. The front sports a 270mm petal disc with a 2 pot caliper and the rear has a 240mm petal disc with a single pot caliper. TVS has provided the option of adding ABS on this bike which comes as a very hand feature in tricky situations. We performed a lot of panic braking tests and not once were we apprehensive about its capability. The bike can come to a halt from speeds of 80kmph in a matter of seconds making it rather safe as well. Another interesting fact to note is that while braking the Apache RTR 200 does not get its tail out too often.

The ride of the RTR 200 has been facilitated by 37mm telescopic forks in the front and a race tuned monoshock in the rear. The ride is reasonably soft and soaks in most bumps and potholes on the road. Even on bad roads the RTR 200 can hold its own and provide a rather comfortable ride. The bike has been set on 90/ 90 R17 tyres in the front and 130/ 70 R17 tyres in the rear. TVS is also providing the option of Pirelli tyres on the bike which we found to be exceptionally sticky and provided phenomenal grip on tarmac. Even while cornering hard the bike lends you nothing but confidence and that says a lot about its exceptional build and handling dynamics.    

The split saddle is comfy and riders get a low set seat height of 800mm. The switch gear has been neatly placed on the clip on handle bars and every button is easily accessible to the rider. The rear view mirrors provide a good view of the road behind and the digital console up front is also quite easy to read. One can view top speed achieved and lap times on the digital console up front. The console also features a shift indicator and gear position indicator. If you are planning to buy a 200cc motorcycle and are stuck, then this bike offers a fresh design philosophy, a very thrilling ride experience and exceptional handling abilities. The fuel efficiency mark of the Apache RTR 200 stands at 35kmpl and the top of the line ABS version of the bike is available with Pirelli tyres for Rs. 1.15 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), making it a very hot deal!