BS6 TVS Apache RTR 200 4V review, road test

We were glad to see that TVS has managed to meet the BS6 emission norms without meddling with the RTR 200’s sporty character. The 197.7cc, oil-cooled, single-cylinder still loves to rev and continues to deliver that solid mid-range punch. TVS says that the engine revisions include using a new lightweight piston, and while the power figure remains unchanged, there is a slight 1.3Nm drop in torque. Despite this, the BS6 RTR 200 managed to go from 0-60kph in 3.99sec and from 0-100kph in 11.74sec. These figures are quite close to those of the carburetted BS4 model.

As fun and revvy as this engine is, what’s unfortunate is that vibrations creep in through the handlebar and footpegs at around 7,000rpm and get stronger as you approach the redline. And that leads us into another issue we’ve had with this bike since its inception - the lack of a 6th gear. On the highway at 100kph, you’ll find yourself right in the rev range where the vibes begin to make themselves felt. A sixth cog would have made this a much nicer highway machine, but for now, you’ll still enjoy its punchy performance in urban confines. Nonetheless, the BS6 Apache delivers impressive fuel efficiency figures of 44.7kpl on the highway and 41.4kpl in the city.