The TVS Apache RTR 200 4V ushered in a new era of performance-oriented motorcycles from the bike maker, making it the company’s first bike with a 4-valve head. TVS has provided the naked with a few updates, the last one being the BS6 updates it received late last year. While available in multiple variants earlier, the RTR 200 4V BS6 is available in just one trim.

The 197.7cc single-cylinder air-cooled motor, with an oil-cooler, is fuel-injected, the carb variant couldn’t make it to BS6. While 20.5PS of power remains constant, peak torque rating has taken a serious hit -- from 18.1Nm on the BS4 motor to 16.8Nm now. The five-speed transmission gets slip and assist clutch. TVS has also introduced a feature called Glide Through Traffic or GTT. It helps the engine build up revs and bumps up the engine torque to get off the line smoother. This can be done by just modulating the clutch and with no throttle input.

One of the major reasons why the Apache RTR 200 4V BS6 remains an able handler is its brilliant chassis. The double-cradle chassis is extremely potent for cornering fun with the suspension setup able to handle sport as well as daily riding situations. It still uses a conventional fork and monoshock setup, the latter suspension unit being tuned by KYB. TVS continues to use petal disc brakes at both ends with dual-channel ABS arriving as standard. The only new bit in terms of hardware are the tyres. TVS now offers a TVS Protorq radial rear tyre as an option alongside the usual bias-ply Pirelli Angel CiTy rubber.

The Apache styling DNA remains intact with the RTR 200 4V as the BS6 model now gets a LED headlight. It lends the bike a sharper face but the overall design is still familiar. It arrives in two colours with red accents on the body panels. First featured on the TVS NTorq 125, the SmartXonnect Bluetooth console has made its way to the Apache RTR 200 4V. This update came a few months before the BS6 model. Aside from the usual trip-related data, the console helps you track your lap times, top speed, and even lean angles, although you have to keep your mobile connected to the dash for the last feature. And if you do keep your phone connected to the console, you will be able to receive calls as well as text alerts and make use of the turn-by-turn navigation feature.

The TVS Apache RTR 200 4V BS6 locks horns with familiar rivals such as the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 and the KTM 200 Duke BS6. Bajaj is yet to officially launch the BS6 Pulsar but the prices of the bike will be on par with the Apache. However, the Duke has become a lot pricier in comparison to the TVS.