All about the TVS Apache RTR 200 4v

We  have just returned from the TVS plant at Hosur outside Bengaluru where we were offered the opportunity to ride the new TVS Victor and this, the new TVS Apache RTR 200 4V. Here’s everything you need to know about the new TVS Apache RTR 200 4v.

TVS have been sitting back, allowing the Apache to do its thing in the market for ages now. The rumours of a larger RTR have been around for years too. But finally the RTR 200 is out. It would ordinarily have gone head to head with theBajaj Pulsar 200NS but as you know that bike isn’t currently available. In essence, outside of the KTM 200 Duke – which is substantially more expensive – the RTR has no direct competition. It’s an interesting lull in the bottom of the premium-sporty space that the RTR enters. TVS, of course, will expand further into the premium space when their version of the BMW G 310 R debuts, most likely later this year.

The engine

The new 200cc engine is effectively all-new, and makes 21PS at 9,000rpm, and 17.5Nm of torque at 7,000rpm. It uses a Nanofriks coated piston (a nano particle blend that acts as a lubricant during the initial running of the engine). Up top is an all-new four-valve head operated by a single overhead camshaft.

The engine itself is oil-cooled with the heat exchanger mounted high and forward under the tank extensions. Oil cooling, says TVS, produces thermal stability but also cuts down noise.

The engine can be had as a carbureted or fuel injected unit – this will be one of the ways that variants will differ from each other. The carburettor is a vacuum slide type unit while Bosch supplies the closed loop fuel injection system. TVS use a 5-speed gearbox and chain final drive.

The company says that the RTR engine could have been tuned in many ways, all the way to a patently not-street legal 40PS. But from the start, the intention was not to fight the spec sheet battle but compete in the real world. To that end, TVS believe its below-segment par power output is a good choice. Instead, it offers a significantly greater torque spread across the range. Albeit the range is smaller than the competition by a thousand rpm or so.

Frame, suspension and brakes

The RTR 200 uses a completely new frame that uses the engine as a stressed member. TVS have a fancy name for it – Double Cradle Split Synchro Stiff Frame, but in essence, the engine is hung from two members that extrude downwards from the headstock – the same way KTM/Bajaj 200s are. At the back, the engine is mounted to the back of the frame in the area where the swingarm pivot sits. This is a fairly well-understood way to make a light, stiff chassis. Indeed, the weight of the RTR is 148.5kg, a little lighter then the Pulsar 200NS (151kg), and much heavier than the KTM. At the back is a box-section steel swingarm.

Design and styling

Does the RTR look familiar? TVS are very thrilled that as much as 60 per cent of the 2014 Auto Expo’s Draken Concept has made it to the RTR as is. This allows the RTR 200 to cut a fairly dashing figure, especially given TVS’ choice of bold, matte colours. The tank extensions look good and serve to ram air into the oil cooler as well as on the engine head.The tank itself is slimmer that the Draken but the flat planes and sharp edges look neat. TVS did move the fuel filler cap – which inexplicably has an orange key hole cover – to the right of the middle. This leaves a crease that used to be symmetric but now looks like someone damaged your tank.

The riding experience

The TVS Apache RTR 200 4v is quick. The engine is refined and only near the top does it betray any signs of hard work. Progress is efficient and I saw as much as 127-130kmph regularly at TVS’ small but fun test track at Hosur. Flat out performance may not match the Bajaj Pulsar 200NS, but I’d be very surprised if the TVS wasn’t quicker and easier to ride in traffic.


Source: overdrive.in