TVS ensured that our first experience of the BS6 Apache RTR 200 4V was on their test track in Hosur, and the impressions were good. However, for a motorcycle to be successful in a country that has only three racetracks, it is far more important it ticks the right boxes on the road. So, to see how it fares, we’ve given the RTR 200 V4 our full road-test treatment.
The updated RTR 200 is 2kg heavier than the model it replaces and not a lot has changed when it comes to its dynamics. The KYB fork and Showa monoshock continue to deliver that supple but comfortable ride quality on the road. Having experienced the race bike, which used a very similar setup, it's safe to say that this feedback-rich, double-cradle frame will take on corners like nobody's business. However, that being said, some may find that it is a little too agile.
While the RTR continues to use the grippy TVS Remora tyre at the front, it now gets an even grippier new dual-compound radial rear tyre called the Eurogrip Protorq Sport SR as standard. The brakes have always been a sore point with the RTR 200, and while they aren’t bad, they could still use more bite and feel. It would have been nice to see TVS switch to a 300mm front disc, but it's still the 270mm unit that you get. The bike now gets a dual-channel ABS system; it works well, but it tends to engage a little early so you need to get used to the feeling of a pulsating lever under hard braking.
One of the biggest new features is the Glide Through Technology (GTT). This uses the fuel-injection system to inject a small amount of fuel to allow the bike to crawl forward in 1st and 2nd gear with no throttle inputs once you let out the clutch. This helps in bumper-to-bumper traffic and makes daily commuting a little less fatiguing.
As before, the RTR 200 gets TVS’ Smart Xonnect technology that made its debut on the Ntorq. This pairs with your smartphone via Bluetooth to display incoming calls, number of unread messages and even the battery level of your paired phone, all on the bike’s LCD screen. What’s new is that the RTR 200’s system uses the phone's gyro sensors to display your lean angle.
With its BS6 update, the RTR 200 4V has become costlier by Rs 13,000, taking the price to Rs 1.27 lakh, and unlike earlier, only one version is available now. This may seem very expensive, but its nearest rival, the Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 costs an almost identical Rs 1.28 lakh.
As has become the unfortunate trend, motorcycles are getting more expensive, but TVS is trying to offset this with equipment like a slipper clutch, dual-channel ABS and Bluetooth connectivity. These features are hard to come by at this price point, and that makes the RTR 200 good value for money. The Apache holds on to its identity, and while it’s still not the best high-speed highway cruiser, it makes up for it by being a fun yet fuel-efficient package.
from Autocar India - Bikes https://ift.tt/2OQ0c4Q
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