Looking for a bike upgrade? Try the Apache RTR 200 | ABS-CBN

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Looking for a bike upgrade? Try the Apache RTR 200

Looking for a bike upgrade? Try the Apache RTR 200

Dennis Gasgonia,

ABS-CBN News

 | 

Updated Aug 14, 2016 09:42 PM PHT

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Apache RTR 200 4V. Dennis Gasgonia, ABS-CBN News

When we first saw TVS’ newest Apache at the Inside Racing Bike Festival four months ago, we were impressed by its bold, edgy look. And when we tried out it a few months later, we were blown away.

The Apache RTR 200 4V is the latest upgrade of the series first introduced by Indian motorcycle brand TVS in 2005. It carries the initials RTR which means “Racing-Throttle-Response” for a reason: it packs a punch for a bike its size.

At first glance at the Gun Metal Black demo bike we got, we were immediately smitten by its aggressive, sporty styling.

The RTR 200 sports a chiseled, muscular tank that gives the impression of a big bike-street fighter. The tank’s side fairings pointing toward the front shocks also seem to enhance the aerodynamics of the motorcycle, which is definitely a plus while blasting on straight roads.

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The new Apache RTR 200 has a host of new features. Dennis Gasgonia, ABS-CBN News

Adding to the appeal is the unorthodox positioning of fuel tank cap, which was positioned a bit to the right as opposed to the center placing of the fuel lid on conventional bikes. The RTR 200 comes with a belly pan, sport bike-styled split seat and pointed rear, all enhancing the racy look.

At the front, nestled by the clip-on bars, is an all-digital instrument cluster. It shows the speedometer, odometer, a pair of trip meters, gear indicator, digital clock and even a service reminder. The console also offers several extras that make the bike fun to ride: a lap timer, a high speed recorder and a shortest distance recorder.

Other features include a detailed headlamp which comes with a pair of LED daytime running lights, LED rear light and a tastefully styled grab rail.

The 17-inch mag wheels are wrapped with a pair of beefy Pirelli tires: 90/90-17 at the front and 130/70-17 at the rear. Both wheels were equipped with petal brake discs that provides adequate stopping power, given the grunt the bike generates (which we will be discussing a bit later).

The double-barrel exhaust generates a controlled, but baritone sound (not silent, but not too loud, either). The auxiliary chamber below the main muffler gives the canister a shotgun look.

The Apace RTR 200 has a 198cc, five-speed, four valve engine. Dennis Gasgonia, ABS-CBN News

Now we go to the power plant. At the heart of the bike is a 198cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine that emits a maximum power of 20.2bhp at 8,500rpm and maximum torque of 18.1Nm at 7,000rpm. It is a five-speed engine with four valve heads, which is why it is called RTR 200 4v (four valves).

The torque is very strong from low to midrange just above 6000rpm, which is very useful while passing cars in metro streets. The handling is effortless because of its relatively shorter wheelbase and coupled with the Pirelli tires, you can bank the bike deep with confidence and much delight.

The turning radius is very similar to a sports bike, which is a bit limited, but the engine’s power more than makes up for that as it assures ease in overtaking. This particular demo unit we tested ran for 135kph. At the hand of a more skillful rider, it could still squeeze a few more kph.

The fuel consumption is not so bad, too. A mix of racing-cruising speeds yielded a reading of 34 kilometer per liter of gasoline.

The Apache RTR 200 sports an eye-catching aggressive look. Dennis Gasgonia, ABS-CBN News

The Apache RTR 200 V4 carburetor type is priced at P94,990, and comes in Syrah Red, Gun Metal Black, and Mystic White. It has a fuel-injected variant (priced at P109,990) with optional anti-lock braking system.

The Apache RTR 200 V4, distributed locally by Wheeltek, is a perfect bike for longtime riders who are looking for an upgrade from their underbone or standard motorcycles with displacements of 150cc and below.

*Prices mentioned are for Luzon only

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