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Naked streetfighters are the best choice for anyone looking for an urban commuting option with some level of performance on offer. The spectrum of choices are vast depending on the performance a buyer seeks and the amount of money he/she is willing to spend. In India, the major chunk of the volume is concentrated below the 400cc engine displacement category.

The TVS Apache RTR 200 4V is one such choice that has been around for almost a decade now. The Hosurbased bikemaker provided some key updates to the motorcycle earlier in June this year. I got to spend some time with the updated Apache RTR 200 4V, and learn if there’s something unique about this motorcycle and if the updates have brought any significant change.

2025 TVS Apache RTR 200 4V review: Design & Quality

TVS has rightfully not tinkered with the design of the Apache RTR 200 4V barring the addition of some new body graphics and a redcoloured front alloy wheel. The bike looks sharp with its chiselled body panels, a muscular profile courtesy of the tank, an aggressive face thanks to the split LED headlamp, and gold anodised front forks that add a couch of class to the bike.

Over the years, TVS has also made an effort to improve the overall quality of their products. Be it the bike’s paint, body panels, switchgear, seats, or handlebar grip; the fit and finish of every touch point is well above average for its segment.

2025 TVS Apache RTR 200 4V review: Features

The equipment onboard the Apache RTR 200 4V is one of the best in its segment. In fact, many of the features introduced with the bike at the time of its launch in 2016 were segmentfirst, including multiple ride modes (Sport, Urban, and Rain), dualchannel ABS with rear liftoff protection, adjustable clutch and brake levers, and a racetuned slipper clutch. 

Yet, certain features like the negative LCD digital instrument panel remain untouched. This display looks archaic and very difficult to read under direct sunlight. TVS would have done well if they introduced a more modern coloured LCD unit from one of its recent launches. There’s also no USB charger on offer which was a shock to me. Thankfully, TVS recently marked the 20th Anniversary of the Apache series with an update, introducing a new RTR 200 4V variant equipped with this feature.

2025 TVS Apache RTR 200 4V review: Engine Performance 

Powering the Apache RTR 200 4V is a familiar 197.75cc singlecylinder, oilcooled engine which kicks out a 20.54 bhp and 17.25 Nm of peak torque. As mentioned earlier, there are three ride modes on offer namely Sport, Urban, and Rain. The Urban mode is suitable for most daily needs, however, the Sport mode is where you tap into the entire power output and the difference in performance, although not drastic, is definitely evident.

There is a bit more grunt from the engine and more willingness to rev the motor hard to extract every bit of juice. The best part of this powertrain is that it doesn’t lose its composure even while you’re gunning the throttle hard. The harsh vibrations are well contained for most parts and only creep in when you redline the engine past the 9500 rpm mark. The Urban mode is more sedate and practical and definitely not as thirsty as the Sport Mode.

The Rain mode limits the power output significantly and should only be engaged when there’s torrential rain or you’re down on fuel. Another positive attribute is the super slick 5speed gearbox paired with a smooth slip and assist clutch that make gear shifts a super easy task. That said, there were a couple of instances where the display indicated neutral when actually the gear was engaged. I hope this is an isolated case reserved for this particular test unit. 

Coming to drawbacks, the engine doesn’t seem to offer the level of tractability that urban bikes should. The lowend torque is missing and the bike tends to stall if the revs fall beyond a certain limit. This is certainly odd for a motorcycle specifically developed for the urban jungle. Lastly, despite its smooth performance, the engine feels out of breath past 90 kmph and takes an awful lot of time to get to triple digit speeds. The sweet spot of the Apache RTR 200 4V lies between 80 and 90 kmph.

2025 TVS Apache RTR 200 4V review: Ride and Handling

The addition of upsidedown front forks in the updated model doesn’t seem to have made an outlandish difference to the ride quality. That said, the ride quality of the Apache RTR 200 4V is slightly on the stiffer side and it’s understandable with the segment of buyers it caters to. Yet it’s not too stiff to make the ride harsh or unpleasant. Yes, you do feel the large potholes or speed breakers but the motorcycle just glides over all undulations on higher speeds. 

When it comes to handling, this 200cc Apache wins your heart again. The way it changes lines effortlessly without dropping speeds is something TVS has mastered with years of motorsports under its belt. Since I got to ride it mostly in the city and expressways, I couldn’t properly test its cornering capabilities but the bike is super agile and stable on straight lines, thus, ensuring a fun experience every time you swing your legs across the seats. Speaking of seats, the saddle is a bit more firm than I would have liked, but definitely not uncomfortable.

Only if the grip from the tyres would have been a little better on wet surfaces, it will inspire more confidence for the rider. The braking is progressive in nature but there’s enough feedback from the lever as well as the pedal. At the same time, the dualchannel doesn’t cut in unnecessarily but prompt enough in case of sudden braking.

2025 TVS Apache RTR 200 4V review: Verdict

The TVS Apache RTR 200 4V ticks almost all the boxes and with a price tag of Rs 1.54 lakh (exshowroom), it turns out to be a very sensible choice for those seeking a daily motorcycle with a sporty performance and good handling prowess. Then why don’t we see several of this 200cc Apache on the roads? It should be noted that TVS doesn’t reveal the exact breakup of sales figures of each Apache model but their cumulative models dispatched.

The reason is that even though the Apache RTR 200 4V is a very good motorcycle in itself, it doesn’t have anything unique to offer. And in today’s highly competitive twowheeler market, there needs to be at least one universal selling product for a product to shine among the buyers. Moreover, the segment is crowded with numerous products in a similar price range, causing it to get lost in the crowd.

Regardless, despite its small flaws, the Apache RTR 200 4V is definitely worth at least a test ride, if one is on the lookout for a sub200cc naked roadster that doesn’t pinch the pockets too hard. More importantly, the motorcycle is backed by TVS’ reliability and learnings from over four decades on the track.