Honda Hornet 2.0 vs TVS Apache RTR 200 4V: Image Comparison

How does Honda’s first attempt at the 180-200cc class stack up against the segment favourite?

Honda has seen a lot of success in the motorcycle market in India, but the 180-200cc segment is a hot space at the moment and this is a segment that Honda has never entered before. It now has made its debut in this displacement bracket with the handsome Hornet 2.0, but to be able to make a mark here, it has to prove itself against the established favourite of the class: the Apache RTR 200 4V. We see how these two stack up against each other in pictures:

The RTR 200 has always been a butch, smart-looking bike with meaty proportions. But in comparison to the very modern-looking Hornet, it now looks a little bit dated. We’re also not fans of the new headlight design on the BS6 RTR and we wish the older design had been retained.

We like the Apache’s tank extensions with their smart red stickering. But once again, the Hornet takes things even further with bigger, sharper and edgier tank extensions finished in a contrasting grey colour scheme.

One area where the RTR does have a distinct advantage is the engine. With a 13cc displacement advantage, oil cooling technology, and a 4-valve head, it’s no surprise that the Apache’s motor produces 3.23PS and 0.7Nm more than the Hornet’s air-cooled 2-valve unit.

Both bikes get an LED headlight but the Honda takes things a step further by throwing in an LED tail-lamp as well as LED indicators, both of which the Apache misses out on.

Both bikes are neck and neck when it comes to instrumentation hardware, with fully digital LCD displays, but the TVS has the Honda beat on the software front, adding Bluetooth connectivity to the pot.

Another area where the RTR pokes its nose ahead is in the braking department. There’s only millimeters to separate disc diameters, but crucially, the Apache gets dual-channel ABS while the Hornet has to make do with a single-channel system.

The Honda fights back by packing in a gorgeous golden upside-down fork that really puts the RTR’s right-side-up unit to shame. At the rear, both bikes use a preload-adjustable monoshock.

Despite having identically-sized 12-litre fuel tanks, the Hornet tips the scales at just 142kg, making it a significant 11kg lighter than the Apache, so real world performance might be closer than you think.

To match the Hornet’s muscular looks, it also rolls on chunky tyres: 110 at the front and 140 at the rear, which are considerably wider than those seen on the RTR.