At face value and on paper, the comparison between the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and the Hero Xtreme 200R, looks inappropriate. But pricing and power output apart, both motorcycles echo their brand’s DNA. The Apache is sporty and is the most powerful bike in its segment, benefiting from the brand’s learnings through years of racing. The Xtreme 200R takes a conservative approach in terms of design, features and performance. So how do these two stack up against each other?
Looks matter
The TVS is sleeker and chiselled; the Xtreme 200R is more muscular and conventional. The RTR 160 4V carries forward most of its styling elements from the more premium RTR 200; taking a completely opposite approach, the Xtreme 200R adopts cues from the smaller and cheaper Xtreme Sports. However, the rather long exhaust muffler and the poorly finished chrome brake pedal that look very commuter-esque. Overall, in terms of styling, the Apache is more attractive and in sync with the demands of a younger audience. The Xtreme 200R is likely to appeal to a more mature audience.
The Xtreme 200R features a semi-digital console, which looks quite basic. On a positive note, it does get a side-stand indicator, which is a useful addition. It’s among the few bikes in this segment to feature a metal fuel tank – an appealing feature for buyers upgrading from commuter bikes; and also useful for mounting magnetic tank-bags. The TVS offering employs an all-digital instrument console and gets more comprehensive details such as a lap timer, top-speed recorder and a 0-60kph timer, in addition to the standard details. In terms of quality, the TVS offering looks and feels better put together.
City-slick
Both have been designed to make urban commutes entertaining, and thus take a different approach to their powerplants. The Xtreme 200R is more basic with air-cooling and a two-valve head, while the Apache gets the benefit of four valves and oil-cooling. Talking about numbers, the Hero’s larger 199.6cc engine produces 18.4hp and 17.1Nm of torque, while the Apache’s motor churns out 16.5hp (carburettor variant) and 14.8Nm of torque.
On the move, the Xtreme 200R feels slightly peppier at lower revs on city roads. This is down to its better bottom-end as well as the rather short gearing Hero has chosen to run. It also has better throttle response. In terms of flat-out acceleration, there was hardly anything separating the two machines. The Xtreme 200R managed a 0-60kph time of 4.62sec, while the Apache managed the same in 4.66sec. The Hero also recorded a 0-100kph sprint time of 14.34sec, with the TVS close at its heels at 14.50sec.
However, the TVS motor feels noticeably more refined, especially closer to its redline. The Xtreme gets quite vibey above 7,000rpm and it’s not as relaxed as the TVS at higher speeds. Factor in the short gearing, and the TVS will undoubtedly hit a higher top speed — it crests 120kph without too much effort, while the Hero struggles to cross 115kph.
Transmission duties are handled by a 5-speed unit on the duo and it’s the Hero’s unit we prefer, here, thanks to its slick and crisp shifts.
Both the motorcycles are quite flickable and a joy to ride on congested roads. The Xtreme 200R is heavier by 3kg, at 148kg; but the shorter 1,388mm wheelbase helps it counter the weight disadvantage. With respect to braking, the Xtreme 200R came to a standstill from 60kph in 17.88m, while the Apache took 19.45m. The Xtreme 200R gets single-channel ABS as standard, something that TVS doesn’t even offer as an option.
Stretching its legs
After the city run, we rode both the motorcycles on the highway. In terms of riding position, the Xtreme 200R is more upright and comfy, while the Apache is slightly canted and sportier. However, the single seat on the Xtreme 200R is surprisingly hard. The RTR 160 4V is a sweet-handling bike and among the best in its segment; but it was the Xtreme 200R that impressed us more on the mountain twisties. Hero engineers have got the chassis set-up spot-on, and the bike flows through corners smoothly. The Xtreme offers great confidence, which is nice after the Apache’s eager (almost over-eager) responses.
Matter of efficiency
Both these motorcycles promise to offer a dose of performance, while being light on your wallet. In our city fuel-efficiency test, the Apache RTR 160 4V emerged victorious as expected. It returned 44.9kpl, while the Xtreme 200R delivered 39.8kpl. On the highway, the Apache clocked 53.7kpl and the Hero delivered a respectable 50.3kpl. Despite having the smaller fuel tank — 12 litres against the Hero’s 12.5 litres — the Apache will have a real-world range close to 570km, while the Hero will be heavier on your pocket with around 530km.
The mandate
At ₹89,900, the Xtreme 200R is significantly cheaper than other 200cc motorcycles on sale in our market. However, it just can’t match the sportiness and the overall appeal of the Apache RTR 160 4V, which is our pick in this comparison. Currently, the Apache RTR 160 4V retails for ₹85,810 (rear disc-brake variant).
