200cc Streetfighter Battle: TVS Apache 200 RTR 4V vs KTM 200 Duke

The performance bike segment in India has come a long way over the last few years. The Austrian manufacturer KTM has gradually aced in the 200cc arena with its good looking orange machines - the 200 Duke and RC200. Though, Bajaj tried to end its rule and came up with its liquid-cooled Pulsar 200NS but soon realized that the idea backfired as the bike didn’t manage to meet its expectations on sales. Bajaj was left with no option but to discontinue the bike and instead bring its faired, adventure-styled version - the AS 200. This left the KTM sole option in this segment. TVS was watching all this happening silently, while polishing its RTR series time to time. Then when this manufacturer perceived it was the correct time, it decided to join the party and answered the Austrians with its flagship - Apache 200 RTR 4V.

Whether this new Apache be able to take down the current segment ruler 200 Duke or not, let us find out in this short comparison.

Design and Styling:

TVS Apache RTR 200 has received its design cues from the Draken concept showcased at the previous edition of the Indian Auto Expo. The flagship TVS is the most aggressive and mean machine in the range so far and is more on the streetfighter side in its latest version. The bike loses out on semi fairing and has been equipped with an extended, aerodynamic fuel tank, W-shaped rear body grab rail, two-port exhaust set up and much more.

KTM 200 Duke comes with a quite futuristic and sharp body styling and is clearly one of the most well-designed motorcycles available in the market today. The chiseled fuel tank, aggressive headlamp section and the exposed and raised rear complements the bike presence really well.

Engine and Performance: TVS Apache RTR 200 4V comes powered by a 197.75cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder, oil cooled engine that comes mated to a five-speed gearbox. The carbureted version churns out a maximum power of 20.23bhp at 8,500rpm while the fuel injected motor develops 20.7bhp of power at the same rpm. The peak torque is identical at 18.1Nm at 7,500rpm. The specs reveal that the bike does 0 to 60kmph in 3.9 seconds and attains a top speed of 129kmph.

On the other hand, KTM 200 Duke draws its power from a 199.5cc, four-stroke, liquid-cooled engine that is linked to a six-speed transmission. The mill generates a peak power of 24.6bhp at 10,000rpm with a maximum torque of 19Nm at 8,000rpm. The bike sprints from 0 to 60kmph in 3.4 seconds and hits a top speed of around 135kmph, emerging as the clear winner here.

Chassis and Equipment: Built on a double cradle split synchro stiff frame, the new Apache has been equipped with telescopic forks at the front and first-in-range KYB mono shock absorber at the rear. As for braking, the bike gets 270mm and 240mm disc brakes at the front and rear respectively, with a dual-channel ABS on offer as an option. The new RTR gets full digital instrumentation on-board that also features a rev-limit indicator, lap timer, low battery warning indicator and much more. The bike moves over 90/90-17” front and 130/70-17” rear Remora tyres and the company has also put Pirelli rubber as an option to further upgrade the value.

When you talk of KTM, it sits on a tubular steel trellis frame and comes loaded with gracious equipment that you will not find in any other machine under this segment. The 200 Duke has been equipped with inverted forks up front, split step-up seats, a highly informative instrument console and backlit switches. The Duke rolls on 110/70 front and rear tubeless tyres that come mounted over stylish black alloy wheels. The bike comes to a halt effortlessly with the help of 280mm disc brake at the front along with a 230mm disc at the rear. KTM does not offer ABS on the 200cc Duke.

Price:

TVS has launched their flagship Apache in three variants. The base carbureted variant is priced at Rs. 88,990 while the fuel-injected one comes at Rs. 1.07 lac. Lastly, the premium trim that features dual-channel ABS and Pirelli tyres will cost you Rs. 1.15 lac. The 200 Duke on the other hand, comes at a price of Rs. 1.43 lac, being pricier than all Apache variants (all prices, ex-showroom, Delhi). We have to wait for the first ride review to see if the new Apache justifies its pricing or not. Stay tuned!