TVS Apache RTR 200 4V Ownership Experience

I’m just sharing my experience on the right engine oil for rtr200. Till my 11k kms I used the TVS true 4 oil. On regular city riding conditions it lasts about 2.5k kms. So for every service I was recommended to replace the engine oil. But in the manual it’s recommended for 5k. And also it’s claimed that the true 4 is fully synthetic. But later till now I got the situation to travel around 300kms every week end on highways. I always used to ride above 100kmph and very often I’ll try to max out if the road is free. With the TVS oil I faced few problems within few weeks.
1. At high revs above 8k rpm I can hear mild knocking noise from the engine especially when I’m maxing out.
2. The motorcycle struggles after 120kmph to reach its max speed. If the climate is cold I can see something above 130kmph. If not it goes around 128. I saw a maximum of 136 once in a sloping road. Additional information I weigh 89kg.
3. The last worst thing is the engine oil lasts only 1.5k kms. It become black and engine becomes harsh and powerless. There is no chance for any cheating in service centre because I did the oil change by myself.
Then I realised I should go for a better oil. I did a small research on availability of various grades. The manufacturer’s recommendation is 10w30. In the market only scooter oils are available not that grade and very few mineral oils are the in that grade.
Then I came across Motul 300v 5w30 which is used for super bikes. It’s a bit costly about 1100₹. And the bike requires 1.2 litres so I should buy 2L first. But I bought and used it. The difference is remarkable.
1. Smoother higher rpm performance. No knocking. i.e the heat management is good. Even for prolonged high speed riding.
2. The bike can easily go beyond 130 with ease. I maxed 138 many times and even reached 143 once down a sloping road (and I’m still 89kgs). The acceleration is also seamless.
3. The oil lasted around 5k kms. Just replaced it yesterday after doing around 5.5k kms of harsh riding.
And also during the cold days I didn’t have any cold starting issues.

So in my experience I found this. If anyone has any other options please share.

Re: TVS Apache RTR 200 4V Ownership Experience

Hey guys!! Got a few updates about the rtr200 2.0 abs version...

In Bangalore most of the dealers are accepting booking and telling the bike can be delivered by a month's time. Some say wait for 15-20 days and we will have more information about it.

However, there are a few dealerships who have told it will take at least 6 months for it to come out. One of the dealer also called the plant manager and said that TVS always released models in stages. And the ABS version is not being manufactured as of now. So they will wait for user feedback of the basic racing edition, then will rollout the pirelli tyre version, then the FI edition and finally the ABS version.

I'm confused what to do now ! Had the racing edition launched a week later, I would have had the keys to the normal abs version. I thought I'll watch till last week of April. If still there is no news of the racing edition with ABS, I'll buy the old version with ABS. What to you guys suggest?

Re: TVS Apache RTR 200 4V Ownership Experience

Stop waiting and buy the available options. The truth is the sale reception is not as expected even though the bike provides an excellent all rounded performance. So they may hesitate to launch the costlier model right now. Other than big cities it’s a hard see for rtr200 in remaining region.

Re: TVS Apache RTR 200 4V Ownership Experience


I also have switched to Motul 7100 10W40 and there is a definite difference between TVS engine oil and Motul 7100. Motul oil have made the bike more responsive and smooth whereas TVS oil only initial say 1000 kms bike was smooth and then the roughness would be back. Next change will definitely try Motul 300V.

Re: TVS Apache RTR 200 4V Ownership Experience

Will 110/70 tyre size fit on the rtr 200 front rims and also what about 150/60 or 140/70? Will they fit on the rear. Any other suggestion for a new set of tyres?

Re: TVS Apache RTR 200 4V Ownership Experience

It might fit, but the tyre will form a very exaggerated curved profile on the thin rim. It's best if you go for R15 v2's front tyre (90/80).

The rear is good for 140/70, once again 150/60 will form a exaggerated round profile.

Also 140/70 will make the bike more front biased (you'll have to lean more to reach the handlebar).

Re: TVS Apache RTR 200 4V Ownership Experience

For the front you can go up to 100/80. 110 won’t suits because the front rim is too narrow. For rear go for 140 max...

Re: TVS Apache RTR 200 4V Ownership Experience

Even 100/80 is too wide for the front rim.

Re: TVS Apache RTR 200 4V Ownership Experience

Yes it is... but it’s usable when compared to 110.

Re: TVS Apache RTR 200 4V Ownership Experience

Usability will be limited unless you reach insane lean angles due to the excessively curved profile.

The RTR has a 1.85" rim, while the gixxer/NS has a 2.5" rim and uses a 100/80 tyre. You can imagine how the front tyre will be pinched in that thin rim.

Re: TVS Apache RTR 200 4V Ownership Experience

Bro I agree with you. But most people go upsize simply for it’s bulk look. That’s why I told.

Re: TVS Apache RTR 200 4V Ownership Experience

Is there any possibility to swap a larger brakes in the front? Have anyone seen any such modification in apache?

Re: TVS Apache RTR 200 4V Ownership Experience

I am interested in enhancing the breaking too. Not ABS. But just in general, better breaks.

Re: TVS Apache RTR 200 4V Ownership Experience

The brakes fade soon in high speed braking. Should try a different set of brakes...

Re: TVS Apache RTR 200 4V Ownership Experience

Anyone know the cost of the ball racer kit for the bike? Went to the SVC the other day, they said around 400, went to the SVC today again and they said 650.