TVS Apache RTR 200 4V BS6 vs Bajaj Pulsar NS200 BS6: Spec Comparo
Which one of these 200cc nakeds has the upper hand in the BS6 era?
The TVS Apache RTR 200 4V and the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 have been vying for top honours in the naked 200cc segment in India for ages now. The KTM 200 Duke, while being the most powerful in this segment, is expensive and caters to just the performance-driven buyer. The Hero Xtreme 200R is quite underwhelming. It is only the Apache and the Pulsar that offer a sensible balance between performance and daily usability while keeping prices in check. How do the two motorcycles fare against each other in the BS6 era?
Engine
|
Specifications |
TVS Apache RTR 200 4V BS6 |
Bajaj Pulsar NS200 BS6 |
|
Engine |
197.75cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, four-valve engine |
199.5cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, four-valve engine |
|
Power |
20.5PS @ 8500rpm |
24.5PS @ 9750rpm |
|
Torque |
16.8Nm @ 7500rpm |
18.5Nm @ 8000rpm |
|
Gearbox |
5-speed |
6-speed |
The Apache RTR 200 4V BS6 has suffered power loss while meeting the new emission laws. The Pulsar’s motor, on the other hand, has gained, thanks to the addition of fuel injection. And now, there is quite a significant difference in between the power output of the two bikes. Both motors are also 4-valve equipped but with liquid-cooling and a six-speed transmission, the Pulsar has the technologically superior engine here.
Underpinnings
|
Specifications |
TVS Apache RTR 200 4V BS6 |
Bajaj Pulsar NS200 BS6 |
|
Frame |
Split double-cradle chassis |
Perimeter frame |
|
Front suspension |
Telescopic fork |
Telescopic fork |
|
Rear suspension |
Monoshock |
Gas-charged monoshock |
|
Front brake |
270mm petal disc with a twin-piston caliper |
300mm disc with a twin-piston caliper |
|
Rear brake |
240mm petal disc with a single-piston caliper |
230mm disc with a single-piston caliper |
|
Front tyre |
90/90 - 17 |
100/80 - 17 |
|
Rear tyre |
130/70 - 17 (130/70 - R17 optional) |
130/70 - 17 |
The two motorcycles are quite equally matched in terms of components. Both run on conventional telescopic forks and monoshock units. The rear tyre dimensions are also the same. The Apache RTR 200 4V does provide you an option of a radial rear tyre though. It is also the safer of the two, with dual-channel ABS. Where the Pulsar NS200 manages to outshine the Apache is by offering a larger disc and a wider section front tyre, both of which should translate into better braking performance and stability.
Dimensions
|
Specifications |
TVS Apache RTR 200 4V BS6 |
Bajaj Pulsar NS200 BS6 |
|
Wheelbase |
1,353mm |
1,363mm |
|
Ground clearance |
180mm |
168mm |
|
Fuel tank capacity |
12-litres |
12-litres |
|
Seat height |
800mm |
NA |
|
Kerb weight |
153kg |
156kg |
In terms of packaging, the Apache certainly does a better job as it offers a sharper riding experience with accessible rider ergonomics. It is also lighter and has better ground clearance. You might not scrape the speed breakers on the Pulsar NS200 BS6, but you will definitely not face any issues whatsoever with the Apache in this regard.
Price & Verdict
|
TVS Apache RTR 200 4V BS6 |
Bajaj Pulsar NS200 BS6 |
|
Rs 1,25,000 |
Rs 1,25,030 |
All prices, ex-showroom Delhi
The two motorcycles are identically priced in the BS6 era. There is no debate the Pulsar NS200 BS6 is the technologically superior of the two bikes here, offering a more powerful liquid-cooled motor with a six-speed transmission. The disheartening bit is Bajaj does not offer dual-channel ABS on the Pulsar, unlike the Apache RTR 200 4V BS6. It is still one of the hottest contenders in the BS6 era and going by just the spec sheet, the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 edges out marginally. However, we would like to get our hands on both bikes before we can recommend one.
Jehan Adil Darukhanawala
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