Page 112 - Motoring World (January 2020)

The most noticeable visual changes on the new bikes are the headlights The TVS SmartXonnect app provides some very detailed ride data

TVS took it on as a challenge, then, prominent catalytic converter bulges a lean angle mode to tell you how
to prove him wrong. And the 2020 out on the header pipe. If you want much of a Marc Marquez you really
BS6-compliant TVS Apache RTR to distinguish between the 160 are. My favourite feature, though,
160/200 4V are what they’ve come and the 200, the seats are still the is the crash alert system. When a
up with. I’ll get to the performance easiest way. The 160 gets the bench crash is detected, it automatically
bit momentarily, but let’s start with seat, while the 200 gets a split unit. sends a text to your emergency
the obvious changes — the looks. TVS claims the padding has been contacts with your exact GPS
The headlight cluster is the only improved, too, but only a longer ride location so someone can come get
completely new visual difference will tell. Another difference between you. After spending an afternoon
from the previous bikes. It’s now an the two is the alloy wheel design; it playing around with it, I think it’s
LED unit which looks sharper and takes a keener eye to spot, but the more than a gimmick and actually
more edgy than before. It has the 160 has a simpler straightforward adds value. It’s a segment first and
‘eyebrows’ that most modern bikes spoke arrangement. I’d like to see other manufacturers
have these days. And the sides look Another addition for 2020 (I’m follow suit.
like Wolverine’s facial hair (I believe getting to the engine. Patience!) Anyway. The engine. Let’s start
‘mutton chops’ is the phrase). I love is the TVS SmartXonnect (only with the 160, as that has seen the
it, so far. It’s the main headlight in available on the Apache RTR 200), biggest change. It’s now fuel-injected
the centre that feels a bit unwieldy, and it is pretty cool. You can which means it now feels way
large and bland in an otherwise connect your phone to the bike more refined than the previous one
sleek and modern housing. But TVS via Bluetooth and, using the TVS which was very smooth itself. The
says it boasts improved light throw Connect app, access a whole host of powerband is still very linear and
and that’s always a good thing. features. The bike displays incoming it still tops out at 120 kph with my
The slightly less obvious change call/text alerts as well as turn-by- 60-kg weight. Essentially, it behaves
are the new mirrors. Then there turn navigation. The race telemetry and feels just like the outgoing bike,
are a few new decals on the tanks feature is incredibly detailed, saving smooth and very manageable, but
(chequered flag on the 160 and faux lap times and speeds at individual just a lot more refined. It’s the same
carbon-fibre on the 200), and the points on the track. There’s even story with the 200, too. The grunt is

MOTORING WORLD | JANUARY 2020
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