Opinion - The TVS Apache RTR 200 4V Needs A Makeover

“You have a winner in your hands”, was my first response when TVS officials asked me for feedback after test riding the RTR 200 4V at its test facility in Hosur back in 2016. The TVS Apache RTR 200 4V was a game changer bike for the brand in many ways. It proudly showcased the racing DNA of the brand, it showed that TVS can build a no-compromise performance motorcycle and more importantly, it was a statement that TVS was ready to reinvent itself as a bikemaker. The impact of the RTR 200 can be easily seen in its future projects from the NTorq 125 to the Apache RR 310. The Apache brand was the only real rival to the Bajaj Pulsar family but had always lived under its shadow as the popularity of the Pulsar range was much higher. The RTR 200 managed to change that perception as it easily outsold the Pulsar NS 200 and later, the RTR 160 4V managed to do the same against the 150cc range. 

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Over the years many iterations of the bike were launched to keep it relevant and also a racing series was spawned off it. However, the RTR 200 4V has started to show its age, especially when you have more modern machines like the Bajaj Pulsar N250, Hero Karizma XMR and to a  certain extent the Yamaha FZ25. Its competitors have stepped up the game and TVS has been caught napping. I am not saying that the RTR 200 4V feels slow or outdated, but it isn’t at the cutting edge of performance as it was at the time of its launch. One of the main reasons for the delay is that the Apache series still has been performing strongly with respect to sales. While there is no clear bifurcation of Apache sales, the bulk of the numbers will be courtesy the 160cc family. 

Now coming back to the Apache RTR 200 4V, the first aspect that needs a complete overhaul is aesthetics. The design of the bike has started to age and it’s high time that TVS designers give it a fresh lease of life. For this they don’t have to work very hard as the styling of the new Apache RTR 200 4V can be based or inspired from the new RTR 310. The design language is sporty and modern, which will help it stand out. The next big question is engine, TVS can take two approaches here, either plonk the same 225cc motor as seen on the TVS Ronin or develop a more modern 200cc engine. The first option looks likely as it will be a cheaper and faster solution, the only major task being to squeeze out more power from the 225cc engine and give it a sporty character to suit the Apache DNA. 

However this wouldn’t solve the achilles heel of the bike and that’s its 5-speed gearbox which makes touring on the RTR 200 not an enjoyable experience. If not an additional cog, TVS engineers need to alter the gear ratios so that the bike doesn't feel out of breath at high speeds and consume petrol at the rate of knots. The RTR 200 4V has solid foundations with respect to chassis and suspension, the other area of update could be brakes as stopping power isn’t the best in its segment.

On the features front, the LCD display needs to go as it’s cluttered and given that even the Raider 125 gets a TFT console, the RTR 200 definitely deserves one. When it comes to connected features, TVS has been at the forefront and we can see some new innovations coming through. Pricing will also be a key factor as the RTR 200 4V is positioned in the entry-performance segment and the buyers are cost conscious. Whether TVS rides in the RTR 200 4V with the above mentioned upgrades or takes a completely new direction, both remain uncertain, but what’s certain is that the TVS 200cc motorcycle definitely needs a makeover.