TVS Apache 200 Long Term Review

Throughout the lineup, the Apache has the dynamics of a sports and naked bike

This fun on the highway was just about adequate but the windblast was a lot which took away the enjoyment quite a few times. Yet the race inspired split-cradle chassis was the reason for extreme stability. This chassis has also helped the Apache 200 have better cornering capabilities and God we loved riding our long termer in the twisties. There was one weekend just a few weeks after the one make race where I had visited Pune for some personal work. As I was completely geared up, I did visit Lavasa on my return and it was the first time I did a proper knee down on an Indian road. Although there was no one to take a picture of me, sigh!!!

TVS Apache 200 Cost Of Service

* Service cost – Rs. 450/-
* Engine oil – Rs. 750/- (fully synthetic)
* Consumables – Rs. 80/-

So as we started riding the TVS Apache 200 from 6166 kms on the odometer, it had one of its service done and now it was time for the second service. We rode it for around three weeks and TVS called up for its second service which was done at around 7000 kms on the odo. Post the service, the experience became better. Mileage improved slightly and the better part was the new right clip-on of the handlebar. Before we started our long term, the bike was probably dropped once and the right clip-on felt out of place every time. But the new clip-on just made the ride perfect and I also got the rear suspension slightly adjusted to my need.

Our long termer was equipped with Pirelli tyres and by the time it had gone for service during our duration, it had lost a good amount of grip. The tread depth in the center had almost reached its limit. However, there was good amount of grip left for cornering. The brakes on our long termer had started squeaking by the end of our term. The front brakes were almost worn out at 8000 kms which is decent enough as all the braking was handled by the front. Due to the semi-aggressive posture, the motorcycle would lunge slightly forward making the rear skid under hard braking and this is when I missed ABS which I had on my Apache 180.

For the whole two months, I enjoyed a lot, taking the Apache 200 for a few long rides while doing most of the time in city traffic, running around Thane and Navi Mumbai. Every time I used to enter Mumbai, I was stopped for a checkup as the Apache had Tamil Nadu plates which led to quite some attention from the cops too. As I used to be owning an Apache 180 earlier, the service was pretty cheap but the availability of parts was an issue. During the duration of our long term, parts for the Apache 200 were easily available, only the replacement parts would take some time like the clip-on handlebar. The Apache 200 was with us for a very short time and I personally miss it a lot as it would act almost like my own bike.

What’s Cool

* Looks dashing, grabs lots of attention
* A compact bike for its size and handles like a gem
* The double-barrel exhaust is the best and sounds amazing too

What’s Not So Cool

* ABS was missed the whole time
* The seat is hard but the rider can do, it becomes difficult for the pillion
* The long termer Apache 200 returned poor mileage even in sane riding conditions

Further Reading –

TVS Apache 200 Long Term Video Review
TVS Apache 200 One Make Race Experience
TVS Apache 200 Ownership Review
TVS Apache 200 FI Video Review
TVS Apache 200 Video Review
TVS Apache 200 Review
TVS Apache 200 vs Pulsar AS 200
TVS Apache 200 vs Pulsar AS 200 Video
Pulsar RS 200 vs Apache 200 FI