The RTR 200 is the type of bike that leaves an impression every time you ride it. We first got an impression at the company’s testing circuit in Hosur and were left impressed by its all-round capability. This is why its many awards don’t come as a shock. Even then, TVS has continued to update the bike and the latest variant is called the Race Edition 2.0.
On the outside
The New Apache has been mildly updated on the outside to differentiate it from the earlier model. This bike uses a small, smoked screen above the headlight that hides the otherwise exposed instrumentation. We found the screen to look neat and nicely tied in with the motorcycle. The original RTR didn’t use any graphics other than the RTR on the fuel tank. However, this variant does feature subtle ones on the bodywork. This bike also uses the all-digital instrumentation seen on the earlier model. While it isn’t cosmetically updated, there are a good number of changes when compared to the older motorcycle.
How does it perform?
This Apache is powered by a 198cc, oil-cooled engine like on the older bike. At present, ABS can only be had with the carb variant (done in order to lower costs). It makes 20.5hp and 18.1Nm of torque. In terms of feel, the RTR 200 has eagerness towards the low- and mid- range. The bike also has shorter ratios that better acceleration which in turn make commuting fun. On the highway, the motorcycle feels a bit stressed and the sixth cog is missing. That said, the bike does benefit from a slipper clutch that lightens the pull.
The Race Edition 2.0 does gain a slipper clutch that enables you to downshift aggressively without the rear wheel locking up. However, the slipper clutch does make for an easier riding experience because you aren’t required to rev match while downshifting for the most part.
In terms of braking, the disc brake does a fine job at dropping speeds but, like before we were left wishing for more bite. The ride, on the other hand, was plush thanks to the telescopic fork and adjustable monoshock the motorcycle uses. That said, the frame on the bike remains the same and its light on its feet. The bike we were riding was wearing TVS Remora tyres that felt confident in the dry but not the best on wet tarmac.
Should I buy one?
The new RTR 200 continues to be a good motorcycle. The additional features like ABS and slipper clutch have only made it a nicer package. The pricing for the motorcycle starts at Rs 96,230 for the standard carb bike and goes up to 1.10 lakh for the ABS-equipped variant (both prices, ex-showroom, Delhi). The additional Rs 13,800 may look heavy, but when you consider the safety on offer, it is a must.
