2020 TVS Apache RTR 200 4V & Apache RTR 160 4V BS-6 Road Test Review
The BS-VI 2020 TVS Apache RTR series feels so new and different than the predecessor BS- IV Models.
There are not much updates to the looks of both these bikes but yes in terms of ride quality they are a step above.
This is the only manufacturer who could manage to keep the same power output in the BS- VI engine as its outgoing BS-IV model and that is something to talk about.
They at TVS have almost reworked on every aspect of the engine to keep the weight and the power same as their ongoing models.They have also introduced the Feather Touch Start for a quick start to the vehicle. The TVS Apache Series have also got all new keys for their range of bikes which they call it the Wave Bite Key which has close to 900 combinations to secure your vehicle form any kind of theft.
Few Highlights of the 2020 BS-VI TVS Apache RTR 160 4V are that it’s got an all new RT-FI ( Race Tuned Fuel Injection) system which enhances the power delivery and increases the fuel economy.
They have also introduced the GTT (Glide Through Technology) which basically takes off the stress of operating the clutch in bumper to bumper traffic to a certain limit making the motorcycle just glide through all those traffic jams.
The all new Race Double – Barrel Exhaust rapidly exhales the gasses from the combustion chamber and gives a signature exhaust note which the Apache are always known for. TVS Apache RTR 160 4V comes with an Digital Racing Console which gives the rider all the information like recording the top speed, time the rider takes from 0-60 km/h ( company claims 4.73 sec) and also a gear shift indicator.
All in all it was fun riding the bike, it felt very nimble thanks to the lightweight body
, will be easy to manoeuvre in day to day traffic without causing much fatigue and also to park in tight spaces when going about day to day chores . With everything that it has to offer it does seem like a tough competition to its competitors.
The 2020 TVS Apache RTR 200 4V BS-VI comes with a lot of new features starting from it’s all new Smartxonnect which is a part of the LCD + Dot Matrix display which is very informative to the rider and also gets more best in class and first in segment features than ever before.
The Smartxonnect has a bunch full of features connecting your vehicle to your mobile phone and get you your race telemetry, turn by turn navigation, Call / SMS alert, low fuel warning and assistant to guide you to the nearest filing station when you hit reserve , crash alert system as and when if the vehicle meets with any mishaps a message will be sent to the dedicated contact with your location details and finally it also gives you a lean angle mode where the system uses the gyroscope sensor on the phone which is connected through the Smartxonnect to record the racer’s lean angel 1st in its segment , for this to work the way its supposed to , it’s suggested that you mount the phone on the bike .
2020 Apache RTR 200 4V comes with a dual channel ABS with the RPL ( Rear wheel lift – off Protection) that helps in higher stability and control of the vehicle this is also a first in its segment. The all new RT Spiller clutch allowed the rider rapid downshift without losing any traction. The GTT (Glide Through Technology) is one of the best features for our Indian traffic conditions where the rider just needs to release the clutch slowly without any acceleration.
The engine uses a NanofriKS coated Asymmetrical light weight piston & PVD (Physical Vapor Deposits) coated rings to improve the life of the engine rings. The 0-60 km/h on the RTR 200 4V is at a breathtaking 3.9 sec and the 0-100 km/h mark is at 12.1 sec. TVS Apache RTR 200 4V comes with Race – Tuned Monoshock and High performance Radial Tyres for the best cornering experience on the race track, it really gives the rider the confidence to actually kneel as much as possible to scrape those knees for a perfect track experience. The all new Racing Decals and aggressively styled headlamps gives the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V unmatchable presence on the race track. Apache RTR 200 4V gets a brass coated chain for its long durability.
The TVS Apache 200 RTR 4V seems to tick all boxes and yet manages to be within the most attractive and competitive price segement while not compromising much on any aspect . With the all new much more refined engine and the Smartconnect feature its set to shake the 200cc segment market in India.
TVS has gone all out and done everything perfectly when it comes to the Apache RTR 200 4V in terms of styling, features, quality and the riding pleasure. May it be on the track or on our daily city roads this is one of the best and the most enjoyable bike for its segment.
Words – Neville Barsivala
Photography – Govind Gadekar
