TVS are offering customers a choice of fueling so you can have a carbureted version that puts out 20.5 PS or one with electronic fuel injection that puts out 21 PS, both peak power outputs being achieved at an identical 8,500 RPM. Maximum torque in both cases is 18.1 Nm, which is available at 7,000 RPM. TVS say that they have intentionally worked on the engine to provide a wider spread of power than just providing high output. You will also note that the double barrel exhaust looks a little unconventional. That is because TVS have fitted the Apache RTR 200 4V with an exhaust that houses twin catalytic converters in order to meet future emission norms as well as the current norms.
Accelerating from standstill on the long straight of the TVS test track the bike feels grunty and picks up speed easily. In fact, we could get up to an indicated 123 km/h on the fuel injected bike and around 120 km/h on the carb version before we ran out of track. There’s plenty of mid-range grunt too, which should make short work of overtaking or riding through the city. Transmission is via a very slick five-speed ‘box.
