TVS Apache RTR 200 4V BS6 vs Apache RTR 200 4V BS4: Image Comparison

We compare the new and improved Apache RTR 200 against its predecessor with the help of detailed images

The TVS Apache RTR 200 BS6 got a substantial upgrade as part of its BS6 update. Besides a greener motor, it also received cosmetic and feature revisions. We compare both motorcycles via a series of detailed images. Let’s start with the looks.

Also read: 2020 TVS Apache RTR 200 4V BS6: Road Test Review

The Apache RTR 200 BS6 gets a new LED headlamp that gives it a more premium look. Its mirrors feature a slightly revised design with a faux carbon finish. The BS4 Apache RTR 200 gets a windscreen that's absent on the new bike. 

Also read: 2020 KTM 200 Duke BS6: First Ride Review

Other than the headlamp, the rest of the body panels remain unchanged except for a revised cover near the motor. While at first glance, the graphics appear the same but the stickering is minimal on the BS6 motorcycle. 

Also read: Yamaha MT-15: Road Test Review

The BS6 Apache RTR 200's digital instrument console gets a gear position indicator and thanks to Bluetooth connectivity, it shows battery star, call alerts and navigation directions. It also gets TVS SmartXonnect app connectivity that shows bike details such as lean angle and G-forces. TVS did offer these features on the BS4 Apache RTR 200 just before it was discontinued.  

The new Apache RTR 200 4V BS6 gets a dedicated 'i' button to navigate through Bluetooth data. Another nifty feature is the ‘Glide Through Traffic’,  which is a torque-assist feature that prevents the bike from stalling at low speeds. Without throttle application and the clutch released, the bike will reach 7kmph in 1st gear, 12kmph in second gear and 17kmph in third gear. 

The Apache RTR 200 4V BS6 gets a lot more than fuel injection and a catalytic convertor. It now has a new asymmetrical piston with new piston rings and revised valve timings for the 4-valve head. The intake gets a new layout and an air filter while the exhaust system has been reworked on the inside. Power output remains an identical 20.5PS at 8500rpm though torque is down by a substantial 1.3Nm to 16.8Nm and now peaks 500rpm higher in the rev range at 7500rpm.  

Also read: Royal Enfield Himalayan BS6: Road Test Review

Besides the drop in torque, the Apache RTR 200 BS6 is now 2kg heavier. Both these factors take a toll on the acceleration runs. While the fuel-injected BS6 Apache is marginally quicker in the run up to 60kmph, its lack of top-end grunt makes it more than half a second slower to 100kmph than the carburetted BS4 Apache. The reworked fuel-injection tuning as well as significantly reduced friction inside the cylinder and gearbox, helps it offer better fuel efficiency than the carburetted BS4 Apache RTR 200 4V. 

There are no changes to the underpinnings. The Apache RTR 200 BS6 continues to use the same telescopic forks and monoshock suspension setup with 270mm front/240mm rear brakes with dual-channel ABS. It does get new Eurogrip Protorq SR tyres with a radial tyre at the rear. These tyres feel like a vast improvement over the previous setup and impress with their grip levels. Thanks to the new tyres, braking has improved with the BS6 motorcycle coming to a stop from a shorter distance and offering improved stability under hard braking. 

The TVS Apache RTR 200 4V BS6 now costs Rs 1.25 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), which makes it Rs 11,000 dearer than its BS4 predecessor. For that price, you get an updated motor as well as new features in the form of an LED headlamp and GTT.  While there is a drop in performance, it can only be felt on highway speeds. The tradeoff is improved fuel efficiency and refinement levels as well as better traceability at high speeds. The new TVS Apache RTR 200 4V still retains the VFM tag of its BS4 predecessor.