My 2022 TVS Apache RTR 200 4V: Shopping for course of & preliminary impressions

This bike is the exact opposite of the previous RTR 160 and 180s. It’s now one of many phase benchmarks. Absolute zero-to-hero story, on this one.

BHPian OffPoynt lately shared this with different fanatics,

Good day everybody! I am OffPoynt, and that is my first put up right here.

Staff BHP performed a giant half in my selecting this bike (thanks Hagaru and vijai!). And never many evaluations of the 2022 bike, so I assumed why not.

Background:

Automobile lover since so far as I can bear in mind. I used to get my repair in my highschool hostel days with an Evo journal subscription (no mobiles allowed there). And watch High Gear at any time when I went for outings.

A few years later, I’m now in a bachelor’s course for Visible Media (after having give up engineering). I was in a hostel for my engineering, however now although, the faculty is near my house, which meant taking my dad’s nine-year-old Entry 125 to varsity. This might create some scheduling conflicts with my dad (we did have a Figo, however he did not like taking it for small runs like groceries, and so forth). That is the place the considered shopping for a automobile entered my thoughts.

I solely skilled 3 bikes till now, and all because of my elder brother. He first borrowed a buddy’s Unicorn. Then, brother-in-laws’ Pulsar 150. And he ended up shopping for an FZ, the primary era with the 164cc 14 hp engine. Which he ended up promoting when he went overseas to fund his schooling. Throughout all this, I used to be too small and younger to even journey scooters, not to mention bikes.

So, no bike within the household to journey, so no bike expertise and no ardour to journey. I did journey a motorcycle for my license exams, however that was simply because including on a geared motorbike license to a DL later could be very sophisticated, so why not get them multi functional go? I did have respect for tremendous bikes nonetheless.

At this level (starting of 2022), I significantly thought-about the TVS Ntorq and even pitched the concept to the household however it wasn’t taken a lot significantly. I additionally did not thoughts an excessive amount of; the Entry was doing effectively sufficient.
Quick ahead to March-April when my mother and father inform me that my sister’s buddy has an previous Apache that he would not journey and would lend it to me for my faculty period, a BS3 Yellow RTR 160. Having not a lot curiosity in bikes, I postponed getting it for thus lengthy. The day earlier than any individual else was about to borrow the bike, I went and received it even then, my motive to get it was that it could be sooner than the Entry (and never completely as a result of my buddy purchased a Pulsar N250 which I may completely sustain with).

Not even a month later. Simply two weeks into using the 160, all of it sank in. Every thing made sense. I instantly understood biking. I had discovered Pandora.

The final service earlier than returning the bike. Sorry for the dangerous angle:

By June – July, I began to really feel dangerous for the 160. It was as soon as a university pupil’s bike, now in my palms. I’m a secure rider, however I do prefer to dwell my life within the higher half of the tacho (this engine). I felt dangerous, and to not point out, a few of the issues on the bike (vibrations, rust in a couple of locations, a cracked entrance cowl) which got here with the bike, made me really feel much more responsible about using it and felt the necessity to return it. However not earlier than I received one for myself…

Enter the “I desire a new bike” part:

I used to be in love with the RTR 160’s racy really feel. One thing about it actually tickled my interior baby when the bike was ridden exhausting. Naturally, that nominated the RTR 200 for me.

Choices I thought-about:

• Yamaha MT-15/R15 – Out of price range. My objective was underneath 2L. Nonetheless, because of having had a Yamaha in our household earlier than, I actually did take into consideration the R15.
• FZ250 – This one really prices similar to the bike I ended up shopping for. It makes comparable energy, however extra torque and is an easy metropolis bike. Nonetheless, I rejected this due to the dated options, and it did not tug at my heartstrings fairly sufficient.
• Hero Xpulse 200 4V – I am probably not into journey bikes. I can see the enchantment, although. My Neanderthal mind additionally went “200cc with 17bhp hmm not nice” too. I’m additionally a bit quick for this. Good bike, simply not my vibe.
• RE – Out of my price range, and too heavy for me. I’m additionally not a cruiser sort of man.
• Honda CB sequence – Hondas do not actually draw me, aside from the CB300R (which was out of my price range).
• KTMs – Already out of my price range. Additionally, it does look like everybody has one. I do know the RTR is widespread, however I’ve seen extra KTMs than the 4v RTRs,
  by many a number of instances.
• Pulsar F250/N250 twins – This one was a really exhausting bike to reject for me. As I’ve mentioned, my buddy purchased an N250, and it was 187000 on-road, which is virtually the identical as what I paid for my RTR (186000 on-road, Mysuru). The bike is improbable. It sounds completely unimaginable and is de facto performant. Since I did not wish to purchase the N250 (completely not as a result of a buddy has one) the F250 was additionally a selection for me. Ultimately, I made a decision that the Pulsar was an excellent bike, however it was extra a sporty bike, with all of the hooliganism that the Pulsar title represents. Which I haven’t got an issue with, I simply wished a observe really feel and never a sporty really feel out of my new bike.
• Pulsar NS/RS – Rejected for comparable causes as KTMs and the N/F250s. However, I do wish to have a multi-bike storage someday and the RS is across the high of the checklist.
• Suzuki Gixxer/V-Strom – Out of my price range, once more. I preferred the 250 bare Gixxer.

Aaaand out of all these choices, I went with the Apache secure and selected an RTR 200 4V, 2022, dual-channel ABS with using modes. My coloration of selection in the course of the reserving was white (fairly a uncommon coloration right here). I went with a small TVS supplier as a result of my household really had used their providers in the course of the 90s. There was a much bigger showroom nearer to my home however the salesperson simply could not be bothered to clarify concerning the bike. No drive/vitality in any way, which turned me off.

My first selection was really the matte blue one. Nonetheless, the showroom particular person advised me it is not made anymore (which can/will not be true, I did not examine) and went with white. This all occurred earlier than my year-end exams. I might ideally get the bike when the vacations began (win-win).

A number of days, I went to the supplier and requested him for an ETA. He mentioned that because of low demand for the white, manufacturing is much less and that it’s going to take time. Welp.

Went once more after every week to examine the progress. Identical factor, besides this time he mentions that two black RTR 200s within the variant I selected have simply been delivered to a showroom by the manufacturing facility and I may have one in every week.

Name me fickle-minded, however this was my first bike and first automobile. I used to be truthfully giddy for the entire one or two months earlier than and after I received the bike. I advised the supplier sure, I’ll take the black one.

Two days later, the bike made its strategy to the supplier.

The bike stayed there as there have been some issues to be completed (registration and so forth). I personally could not anticipate the day I received my bike.

And the day got here.

It really began drizzling in the course of the supply. To not be stopped, I donned a raincoat and rode house within the rain. Supply went effectively. The free TVS Xpod helmet would arrive every week later. I used my Vega till then. Every thing went easily. No issues or points on the bike. Quantity plate to reach about 2 to three weeks later.

At house, what a sense!

Since my holidays had began, it gave me ample time to know my bike higher.

Professionals:

• Very refined. This bike is the exact opposite of the previous RTR 160 and 180s. It’s now one of many phase benchmarks. Absolute zero-to-hero story, on this one.
• Ergonomics. I’m on the quick facet, which makes this bike swimsuit me effectively. The upright seating, though a departure from the race-style posture of the previous RTRs, could be very welcome and a few touring on this bike isn’t any downside.
• Exhaust notice. Numerous YouTube movies watched nonetheless did not put together me for a way good this bike sounds. It seems like a giant bike and sounds unimaginable. It would not have the outright bassyness of the N250 however it nonetheless is among the finest sounding single cylinder bikes. Gotta love the turning of heads as individuals hear this coming.
• Chassis, suspension, and dealing with. TVS has a manufacturing facility race staff and it exhibits on this bike. Quick corners and swooping curves actually present how nimble and fleet-footed this bike is, regardless of utilizing a conventional double-cradle chassis as an alternative of the extra fashionable perimeter/trellis frames. The suspension items are from Showa, which is a Japanese big-name model that’s discovered totally on superbikes. Adjustable forks are an excellent characteristic. The dealing with is de facto confidence-inspiring.
• The seems. This bike seems actually, actually good. From the seat, it does actually offer you a “massive bike” feeling. Do not be fooled by the tank measurement, it is not really that giant of a capability. Extra about this in Cons.
• Adjustable brake and clutch levers. The adjustability I discovered to not have an excessive amount of of an affect at first, however I ended up discovering that adjusting them modified how the levers really feel. Brakes really feel higher set at stage 3. Additionally, it’s helpful for the occasional time a trusted buddy takes the bike for a spin.
• Gearbox. It is vitally fast and permits for completely lovely downshifting, particularly if rev-matching.
• Energy. All of the RTR 200’s energy is packed largely into the mid-range, giving it one of many quickest 0-60 instances within the phase. It would not make sense on regular roads or highways however on tight roads with turns, it does.
• The console. Very helpful and informative console, though I might have preferred a much bigger and extra elaborate tachometer. Cellphone connection is a giant plus (to see the title of the caller is a big benefit whereas on the transfer, as I can decide calls with an intercom). Journey statistics are correct.
• GTT. Glide By way of Know-how, permits one to depart the clutch and throttle, and at low speeds, the FI system injects a little bit of gasoline to maintain the bike transferring at a set velocity (7 in 1st, 14 in 2nd, 22 in third, 29 in 4th and 34 in fifth). It’s not advisable nevertheless to make use of GTT for the 4th and fifth gears.
• ABS and using modes. The ABS works effectively, and with the Rain mode, it makes it unimaginable to lock up the wheel in any state of affairs. Very helpful.
• As in comparison with the 2021 model (rode a buddy’s bike), the 2022 model will get a greater facet stand (his remark). The 2022 model additionally will get a change to show the headlamp on/off whereas the DRL stays on, and dims itself when the headlamp is on.

Cons:

• Brakes. The no-name model brakes have a really spongy really feel and are very uncommunicative. Additionally, the stopping energy just isn’t sufficient (most, if not all rivals have higher stopping energy). The rotors are additionally small (private opinion). Setting the lever to step 3 makes it really feel higher. I’ll begin utilizing LiquiMoly’s brake fluid after the guarantee on the bike is over.
• Energy. For the cash, the RTR 200 is now rivaled by the NS200 and the N/F250 twins, each of which make extra energy. Probably not a giant level, however I’ve felt the necessity for extra energy for cruising at larger speeds on expressways. This bike loses most of its steam above 110.
• Gearing. 5 gears is ok however above 110 the bike struggles to achieve velocity. The meat of the ability begins at 5k RPM, I really feel. 5k to 8k is the candy spot. Might’ve been wider. Additionally, sixth gear.
• Lack of aftermarket elements. I had such a tough time looking for some elements to enhance my day by day expertise on the bike (like tank/thigh pads). Many web sites have elements for KTMs, Bajajs, Yamaha, and the like however no Apache.
• Slight wrestle after chilly begins. Generally, the engine cuts off in 10s after a chilly begin. It at all times begins accurately, nevertheless. The idling can generally dip beneath 1k RPM for a break up second when idling after a chilly begin.
• TVS’ oils. Their brake and engine oils will not be good. Regardless of what I mentioned concerning the gearbox is nice, it does sometimes throw up a missed shift. I think the oil. I can be altering this too after the guarantee on the bike ends. Apparently, the brake fluid is DOT 3 from the manufacturing facility, like what?
• Driving modes. The bike produces 20.5 bhp on Sport mode and 17.1 on the others. Aside from the modes additionally altering the ABS intervention (which DO make a distinction), this energy distinction would not make sense and is sort of imperceptible. It might be as a result of the bike is new and I want time to inform, however that’s the downside. It feels extra like a gimmick at instances. Personally, I go away it on Sport on a regular basis. May as effectively name it ABS modes.
• Halogen flip indicators. Not a trouble for some. To me, it feels outdated. Full LED headlamp however halogen indicators?
• Toolkit solely incorporates a screwdriver and a 12/14mm (IIRC) spanner. Not a lot you are able to do with these (relating to adjusting clutch/throttle performs, putting in radiator guards, and so forth).
• TVS Join app is typically finicky. Did not anticipate a lot out of this, so not disenchanted. Navigation can generally get caught. Not totally dependable. Have not used it a lot because the app cannot take places shared for instance on Whatsapp. I solely use it if I want to trace efficiency and distance statistics.
• Tyres will not be confidence inspiring, particularly when chilly. Warmed up is once they have life. Switching these after they put on out. No Pirelli possibility too
• TVS releasing quite a lot of OEM equipment for the Ronin has made me a bit salty. The place are OEM equipment for the RTR? For instance, Ronin will get thigh pads and adjustable levers in two colours amongst different issues. The Ronin additionally received USD forks and a USB port. I would be capable to retrofit all these, however nonetheless.
• Ergonomics will not be good for tall riders. My tall buddies don’t just like the ergos one bit.
• Tank capability is simply 12L, regardless of how massive the tank seems. Sure, given a great mileage of 40, it ought to do 480 km which is enough. The previous RTRs nevertheless, got here with a 16L tank and near-50kmpl mileage (a theoretical 800km!). The upshot to that is that the tank you see is not a tank, it is a fiberglass panel protecting the tank that may be changed for cheaper than if one thing have been to immediately harm the tank.

Some would possibly really feel like I’ve bashed the bike lots, however I wish to be certain I put out every little thing.

The primary service was completed and dusted inside a month’s time of taking supply of the bike. After that, I waited until the bike hit 1000kms to journey to Bangalore. From Bangalore, I went for a journey to Krishnagiri with 3 buddies.

Me on mu bike.

I used to be using with a buddy who rode a Duke 390. Cannot anticipate this to maintain up, however I attempted my finest. It was clean all through. I had no issues all through.

Mods completed (cannot actually name what I’ve completed as ‘modifications’ however right here I’m going):

Display scratch protector:

The display screen getting scratched was a fear for me, who is aware of if I can get the glass changed? So I purchased this. Anybody eager to do the identical, be warned that the protectors are flat whereas the console display screen has a slight curve to it. It utilized positive, however the subsequent day after faculty, I discover half the protector has unstuck itself from the display screen. Took the protector off, cleaned the sticky facet with a cleansing sticker from a telephone tempered glass equipment, and this time I used a hairdryer on the new setting to get the protector to curve and fix correctly. No issues to this point besides 2 edges the place it will not sit correctly (minuscule, not there within the image).

Thigh / Tank pads from Autologue Design:

That is the thigh pad.

And that is the tank pad.

These have been nearly the one pads I discovered designed for this bike. It is product of rubber and offers a extremely good grip, enhancing dealing with and on a regular basis utilization. They arrive in a pack of 6. Two for the tank and 4 for either side. I wanted the rubber could be a very jet black coloration to match the bike, as an alternative of the darkish grey it’s, however beggars cannot be choosers.

Radiator guard:

After seeing a couple of fins bent, I used to be fairly scared. The bike didn’t include a radiator guard from the manufacturing facility, and asking the salesperson got here to nothing. So, I ordered one from Amazon. Once more, this was the one good one I discovered. No selection. I tried putting in it at house and gave up. Acquired it completed on the place I purchased the bike.

The radiator guard.

After putting in.

• Deliberate:
• Air filter.
• Windshield/Visor.
• Portray the panel above the tail lamp and the one between the seats pink and including two black stripes (to proceed and match the tank’s design to the rear) together with the radiator guard painted pink (this one was instructed by the salesperson after getting it fitted). Additionally need black levers throughout (clutch, brake, gear, rear brake).
• Brakes, both simply the pads and fluid or the whole system. I do not know if this can be sophisticated as a result of presence of dual-channel ABS.
• LED Indicators from both a Ronin or RR310 (as advised about by a fellow member).

Service:

Fairly cheap, general. The primary service price me round 650, with extra cash for a wash and polish. Exceeded my expectations with respect to price, I went to the middle anticipating a invoice of 1k to 2k. I have no idea if the middle I selected can cope with main issues however since I haven’t got any, no points in the intervening time. The second service is nearing quickly at 2.5k to 3k km. The oil filter was not modified (because of it being in fairly good situation, as per the gross sales/service particular person).

Total:

I really like this bike. It might not have the outright energy of its rivals, however it handles so effectively and so sweetly.

Truly, this bike was a little bit of an impulse buy. I’ve not test-ridden any bike, not even this one, earlier than shopping for. Why? I have no idea. All that I do know is that I’m happy and pleased. Extra mentally secure, too. Driving has that impact.

In comparison with the previous 2V RTRs, I really feel that the 4V RTR (I do not know concerning the 160, which has barely totally different ergonomics) has misplaced a few of that distinctive RTR observe really feel. It’s now an upright bike, and the tank form together with the way in which it feels to grip, makes the ergonomics really feel totally different from the 2V bikes. This is not a knock, per se. It locations the RTR firmly into the trendy bare/road bike. The sound too leans in direction of the sporty facet however it is a actually good-sounding bike and is a correct nook rocket. Not realizing how you can nook (and never being the kind to nook at excessive speeds), I’m not the particular person to inform you how the two generations of RTR differ on this side. However, I like this evolution.

Photos:

The three kinds of Apache, hmm.

My RTR with a buddy’s N250.

Eye sweet, this bike.

A Mustang of my very own.

Take a look at BHPian feedback for extra insights and data.