TVS Apache RTR 200 4V: 7 Things You Need to Know

The numbers may not make much of a difference on paper, but when we rode both bikes back to back at the TVS test track, the difference is obvious, if not earth shattering. For one, the induction noise; if you are looking for aural pleasure, then the induction sound of the carburetted version will certainly please you. It's old school and subtle, yes, but the difference is there and very obvious once you ride the bike, lap after lap. On the other hand, the fuel-injected version gets more linear power delivery and throttle control. Of course there's marginal improvement in the top end as well. Again, it's subtle but obvious. We, for one, quite liked the fuel-injected version and that is the version to go for.

The TVS Apache 200 4V gets an all-digital black-on-white multi-information display panel. It's aspirational and informative, and what TVS describes as "emotive racing diagnostics". So, apart from the usual speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter and fuel level indicator, what you also get is gear position indicator, gear shift indicator telling you when to upshift, service reminder and low battery indicator. For track use, there's lap timer, top speed clocked and even shortest time displays. It's a neat and useful read-out and there's even alpha numeric message display with start-up message and system health messages.

That apart, TVS has also designed the Apache 200 4V keeping in mind the riding dynamics most people would expect from the machine. So, there's optimum mass distribution and layout for both city and highway use. Cycle parts are high quality too, so the chassis, a double cradle Synchro Stiff Frame, allows for superior riding dynamics - both on street and on the track. Suspension is high quality precision tuned from KYB, to get the perfect balance between stability and comfort.

The Apache 200 4V is available in two different tyre options. The standard tyres are TVS, but with a brand new compound developed in-house, and offering better grip and reduced rolling resistance. The TVS Remaro tyres are not bad at all, and offer decent grip. But the ones to really choose are the optional race-spec Pirelli Angel tyres that are also on offer. The Pirellis offer great grip, whether under hard cornering or under emergency braking.

Braking on the Apache 200 4V is handled by petal discs at both ends - a 270mm disc at the front and a 240mm at the rear. Brakes are progressive and offer good bite too, offering confident and sure-footed stopping power. The Apache RTR 200 4V will also be available with a dual-channel ABS variant, but that is in the making and will take a month or two to make it to the market - that is sometime around March 2016. The ABS system will also have rear lift-off prevention, meaning the ABS system will automatically disengage when it senses the rear wheel getting lifted under hard braking.

The base variant carburetted TVS Apache 200 4V starts at Rs. 88,990 for the carburetted version. Add to that the Pirelli tyres and the price goes up by around Rs. 7,000. The fuel-injected variants cost between Rs. 12,000-14,000 more, going up to Rs. 1,07,000 for the fuel-injected version with Pirelli tyres. The ABS version is expected to be priced around Rs. 1,15,000. (All prices ex-showroom, Delhi). TVS will offer the Apache 200 4V in seven exciting colour options: White, Black, Matte Red, Matte Yellow, Matte White, Matte Grey and Matte Black.