TVS Apache RTR 200 vs Bajaj Pulsar AS 200 vs KTM 200 Duke: Spec Comparison

After hiatus, TVS has decided to join the 200cc segment with the launch of the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V. This segment balances both performance and affordability as we find out how the TVS fares against its rivals -- KTM 200 Duke and Bajaj Pulsar AS200 -- in a detailed specification comparison. The Duke, as expected, is the most expensive among the three priced at Rs 1.50 lakhs (on-road price, Delhi), while the AS200 and RTR 200 are available at Rs 1.02 lakhs and Rs 98,150, respectively (both on-road price, Delhi). All the three are entry-level performance bikes of the respective brands and therefore, we haven’t added the fuel injection version of the RTR.

Powertrain
Let’s start with the new kid on the block, the RTR 200. It gets a brand new single cylinder 4 valves 197.7cc engine with a maximum power of 20.2bhp at 8,500rpm and torque of 18.1Nm at 7,000rpm. The Duke is powered by a single cylinder 199.5cc engine, which produces 25.5bhp at 10,000rpm and 19.2Nm at 8,000rpm. It also has the highest output among the three bikes. The Bajaj’s AS200 is not far behind with 23bhp at 9,500rpm and 18.3Nm at 8,000rpm. Its engine is same 199.5cc triple spark 4-valve engine that also powers the Pulsar RS 200, but the latter has an additional 1bhp, therefore the total output is 24bhp at 9,750rpm.

The RTR 200 is the only motorcycle in this comparison, which has an air-cooled system for its engine, while the AS200 and 200 Duke are liquid-cooled. Also TVS is mated with a five-speed gearbox while the Bajaj and KTM come with six-speed transmission. As mentioned earlier, we are comparing the specifications of the entry level variants, therefore carburetor is used for fuel supply in the AS200 and RTR, while the Duke 200 comes standard with Fuel-Injection.

Dimensions
In terms of a performance and practicality,the RTR's specifications reveal that TVS have got it spot on. It measures 2,050mm in length, 1.050mm in height and 790mm in width with the best ground clearance figures of 180mm. The AS 200, on the other hand, is a tourer cum everyday bike. It weighs 153 kilograms, making it is the heaviest out of three. It is also the longest measuring 2,070mm in length. The 200 Duke is the lightest bike in this comparison, weighing a mere 136 kilograms. When it comes to stopping capability, the Duke has the biggest front disc, 300 millimetres, which is complimented by 230 millimetres disc at the rear. All the three motorcycles come with front and rear disc brakes. The KTM has a shade smaller fuel tank, 11 litres, while the others have 12 litres.

If you want an out-and-out performance oriented motorcycle then it is the KTM 200 Duke. But if you would like to have both performance and the comfort so that you can ride a bike everyday then TVS RTR 200 4V is the one for you. But if you like to mix long rides with daily commuting then the Pulsar ticks all the boxes.