BS6 TVS Apache RTR 200 & 160 4V: Review In Images

Does the drop in performance really affect the way the bike behaves on track?

The strict BS6 emission norms pushed TVS to tinker with the Apache RTR 200 & 160 4V’s engine, resulting in a drop of performance. However, how does this translate on the track? Does the performance drop affect the way the bike behaves? Here’s our opinion compressed in images:

Right, what’s changed? 

The most prominent change in the updated 160 4V and the 200 4V compared to their BS4 counterparts is the new LED headlamp unit.

The seat cover on the RTR 160 4V now gets a dual-tone treatment

In addition to which it gets new decals and a faux carbon-fibre finish on the mirrors. 

The 200 4V also gets new stickers and the same faux carbon-fibre finish on the mirrors as seen on its smaller sibling… and that’s about it. 

TVS engineers have added some cool new segment-first features to the BS6-compliant motorcycles. The updated bikes now come with a feature called ‘Glide Through Traffic’ or GTT. 

This feature kind of works like torque-assist (as seen on some high-end motorcycles) where the rider doesn’t have to twist the throttle or use the clutch at low speeds but simply roll off the throttle nicely and smoothly.

This system worked brilliantly at TVS’ test track in Hosur where we could do about 7kmph in first gear, 12kmph in second and around 17kmph in third gear… without even touching the throttle.

The 200 4V also comes with Bluetooth connectivity and shows more than just turn-by-turn navigation. It displays lean angle mode, tour mode, race telemetry and a crash alert as well. All of this info can be monitored on TVS’ mobile app.

What about mechanical changes though? \

TVS has heavily revised some components to make these models adhere to the new emission norms. For instance, TVS’ engineers claim they have thoroughly tweaked the internals of the exhaust system.

TVS has also redesigned the pistons and piston rings, in addition to which it gets a new intake, and even the valve timing has been changed. The outcome is a small difference to the power output.

The BS6 RTR 160 4V now churns out 0.78PS and 0.68Nm less than before, with peak power coming at a slightly higher 8250rpm (up from 8000rpm) and peak torque available at 7250rpm (up from 6500rpm).

The updated RTR 200 4V makes the same power as before, but the torque figure is down by 1.2Nm and is available at a higher 7500rpm.

Although there’s a slight difference in torque output, it was quite hard to point out this difference on TVS’ test track.

The suspension setup and the chassis on both motorcycles are the same as their BS4 counterparts. It soaks up undulations with ease while providing a calm and composed ride.

TVS has fitted the BS6 200 4V with the new Eurogrip Protorq SR tyres, of which only the rear is a radial. On the track, the new tyres offered a good amount of grip, but we will reserve our judgement until we road-test the bike.

Just like the suspension, even the braking hardware is the same as before. While the RTR 160 4V’s brakes still continue to feel a bit spongy, the 200 4V’s setup offers a decent braking feel.

What could have been better? 

Well, the 160 4V is just a year old, so we weren’t expecting any major cosmetic update. The new LED headlight does its work to make it look fresh.

The RTR 200 4V has been on sale for more than three years now and TVS could have done a bit more than just adding a new headlight.

So, has the updates rob the performance feel on the RTRs? 

Although there is a slight drop in power figures, the updated RTR 160 4V and the 200 4V feel similar to the outgoing versions in terms of riding experience and especially the handling. At Rs 1.03 lakh, the BS6 variant of the RTR 160 4V is around Rs 2,444 more expensive than the BS4 FI variant, which is a very minute price hike. The BS6 RTR 200 4V, on the other hand, now retails at Rs 1.24 lakh, making it around Rs 10,000 more expensive than the base model, which is a pretty fair price hike considering the changes.

Back to our question: Is there a drop in performance? Well, not much and that’s the best thing about these BS6-compliant Apaches. What TVS has done is retained the same performance ethos of the bikes while making them greener than before.