TVS Apache RTR 200 4V fully revealed before January 20 launch

After numerous speculations that led to blurry spy images that led to a teaser website that led to official press invites, it is finally time for TVS Motors to unveil the long-awaited TVS Apache RTR 200 4V. But we fear the Chennai-based bikemaker may have let the cat out of the bag inadvertently a tad too early as images and technical specifications of the upcoming motorcycle has been leaked online by various foreign media over the last weekend.

Launch Update - TVS Apache RTR 200 4V launched at Rs 88,990

From what we can see in the pictures, the Apache RTR 200 4V bears a strong resemblance to its smaller siblings, the RTR 160 and 180, and Bajaj Auto’s Pulsar 200 NS. That doesn’t still take away anything from the 200 4V though, as it is still a looker, its design resembling much larger streetfighters, especially some European models.

The athletic wind-swept design of the RTR 200 4V is enhanced by the large faux tank scoops and the underbelly cowl, and flows well to the upswept, if a tad over-engineered, exhaust can finished in matte black. The instrument console is all-digital (a first for TVS), including the tachometer, and there’s a large red rev-limiter light perched on top of it. Snazzy split 10-spoke 17-inch alloys at both ends and a minimalist headlight with LED DRLs round up the style.

But is what is underneath that bodywork that matters, and TVS Motors is promising big things in this department. Motive power comes from an oil-cooled (Note: not liquid-cooled) 197.75 cc single-cylinder engine producing 20.51 PS of peak power and 18.1 Nm of max torque. Redline is reportedly between 9000 to 10,000 rpm. Fuel injection has been given the miss, and a good old carb handles fueling duties on the 4-valve (that’s where the 4V in the name presumably comes from) SOHC engine instead.

With a kerb weight of 140 kgs, the 200 4V will reportedly sprint to 60kmph from standstill in 3.9 seconds, and go on to a top speed of 130 kmph.

While the engine is a highly-tuned version of the one we have seen on the RTR 180, TVS Motors has reportedly gone to great lengths to reduce the NVH levels and improve its overall efficiency. That should come as a relief for customers who’ve ridden smaller Apaches in the past and complained about the vibes in what was otherwise a superbly-performing engine. The transmission is still a five-speeder, which might come as a disappointment for those who were hankering for a 6-speed transmission.

Braking on the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V is handled by petal discs mooring radial TVS tyres -- 270mm and 250mm at front and rear, respectively -- and there are unsubstantiated rumours that dual-channel ABS will be available as an optional extra. Stickier Pirelli tyres are also believed to be on the options list.

When it is launched here on 20^th January, the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V will play ball with the likes of the KTM 200 Duke and the 200cc-engined Pulsars. Expect pricing in the similar range, which is somewhere around the Rs 90,000-95,000 mark.