2019 TVS Apache RTR 200 ABS Race Edition 2.0 Review, First Ride

2019 TVS Apache RTR 200 ABS Race Edition 2.0 comes with slipper clutch and ABS on offer as an option for now

TVS has been on a aggressive streak since 2017. The manufacturer has launched many products in all categories. The performance RR310, the milder performance RTR 160 4V, Apache 200 4V, the Raedon and the popular 125cc NTorq. The manufacturer launched a new variant of the most popular and best selling 200cc bike which has a slipper clutch and ABS along with cosmetic changes. It is called the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V Race Edition 2.0. Long name, does it live up to the hype, we find out!

Styling

The design and the stance is the same as before. The elements such as the fuel tank and its extensions look sporty. The multi-spoke alloy wheels look good, the headlight with DRL is a good edition.It misses out on LED lights for now though. The side profile has the chunky dual barrel exhaust, same tail-piece and overall, a new black and red paint scheme which is exclusive to this variant. Overall, a high quality sporty bike just got more attractive and a tiny bit sinister with this paint scheme.

Speedo and Switches

Fully loaded instrument cluster has everything in digital format. Clock, tachometer, speedometer, lap timer, trip and odometer, gear shift indicator in fuel injected model, service reminder and tell tale lights are visible which includes fuel gauge and fuel warning light.

Ergonomics continue to be on the side of short height riders with seat height being very small. Splits are comfortable for rider and pillion. Large grab handles make things easier to hold. RVM’s are placed well and show perfectly what is behind.

Engine

Performance continues to be the same as before. The 20 BHP and 18 Nm of torque producing 4-valve, oil-cooled motor is smooth and refined. It rev cleanly and fairly quickly to make good mid-range and adequate low and top-end power. Gearing is predetermined and a tailored power band means rideability is in spades and motorcycles loves to play in city traffic and intercity highways. Motorcycles reaches 120 km/hr and 0-60 is done in 6 seconds. 0-100 km/hr comes up in 13 seconds.

The NVH levels are low, the intake and exhaust note are quite pronounced for such a small capacity motorcycle. Throttle response and fueling is great even on the carburetor version which we had on test here. The clutch was light and gearbox offered seamless shifts.

Ride and Handling

Dynamically, the RTR continues to be supremely agile in the corners and nimble in the city. The stability has increased thanks increase in weight, addition of monoshock and KYB front forks because the damping is sporty and compliant at the same time helping it stay glued on the road all speeds. The rake could have been more sharper, but then the highway stability would have been compromised. Tyres are good from TVS.

The Remoras are great for intercity duties, but in the corners, while weekend rides in the twisities you wish you had the optional Pirellis which will help you push harder as the confidence from them is quite high. Brakes have good progressive power and the lever bite is also impressive.

2019 TVS Apache RTR 200 ABS Race Edition 2.0 Review, Verdict

The TVS Apache RTR 200 4V Race Edition 2.0, phew, long name, has been through a long duration of time with us where it has impressed us thoroughly with its abilities. Excellent city bike with ample performance for the highway as well. Comfortable and easy to ride along with ABS and now slipper clutch on offer make this bike complete in this segment. No wonder it remains the king of the segment despite competition from the Japanese brands.