TVS Apache RTR 200 Fi E100 Ethanol Launched In India

It is India’s first ethanol-powered motorcycle

• The concept version was first unveiled at the 2018 Auto Expo.
• Commands a premium of Rs 8,655 over the carburetted ABS variant.
• Will be available in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka for now.

After showcasing the concept version at the 2018 Auto Expo, TVS has finally launched the Apache RTR 200 Fi E100 in India at Rs 1.20 lakh (ex-showroom, India). This is the first motorcycle in the country to be powered 100 per cent by ethanol. It will be available only in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka for now. Compared to the petrol-powered carburetted ABS variant, the new bike is dearer by Rs 8,655.

The ethanol-powered variant features a new white and green colour scheme along with the ‘Ethanol’ logo. The motorcycle is powered by a 197.75cc single-cylinder air- and oil-cooled engine with twin-spray twin-port electronic fuel-injection technology. The company claims that this tech results in better driveability, faster throttle response as well as a reduction in emissions. TVS also says that the motorcycle is capable of running on a combination of 80 per cent ethanol and 20 per cent petrol if need be. That said, the distribution network of pure ethanol is still being discussed.

In fact, the ethanol-powered bike produces 50per cent less benzene and butadiene along with reduced nitrogen, particulate matter, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide emissions. Moreover, ethanol can be domestically produced from renewable plant-based resources, further enhancing the environment friendliness of the motorcycle. It is also claimed to be non-toxic, biodegradable and safe to handle, store and transport.

With this technology, the engine produces 21PS of power at 8500rpm and 18.1Nm of torque at 7000rpm. The output figures are similar to the petrol-powered fuel injected variant. Its claimed top speed of 129kmph is also the same as the petrol Fi variant. The engine works alongside a 5-speed transmission with slipper clutch.

As far as underpinnings are concerned, it comes with KYB telescopic fork and a KYB-tuned monoshock. Brakes include petal discs on either end, but unlike the petrol-powered version, the ethanol-powered motorcycle comes with a single-channel ABS to keep costs in check.