At the 2014 Auto Expo, TVS stunned us with the amazing Draken concept. Now, the alleged upcoming TVS Apache 200, based on the same concept has been spied in India. As can be seen, the new motorcycle model retains many elements from the Draken concept.
New TVS Apache 200 spy image
As evident in the the spy image, the new Apache retains the alloy wheel design, the fuel tank extension and the headlamp assembly from the Draken. Seen on the test mule is a the gold-coloured telescopic fork and petal disc brake rotors on both wheels. What is a bit of disappointment, though is that the front forks are still conventional units, and not upside down, as adopted by many other makers.
A big difference from the Draken concept is the position of the exhaust, which was placed ahead of the engine, below the frame on the concept, but has taken the conventional position on the production bike. The slim exhaust on the new motorcycle features a two tone silver-black treatment along with angular styling. The swing-arm, chassis, and the side mounted mono-shock unit from the Draken have also been watered down to fit within a certain budget.
The TVS Draken was introduced as a 250cc concept motorcycle which was claimed to deliver 39 bhp of power and 23 Nm of torque. However, the new Apache is likely to receive a newly developed 200cc motor which should deliver about 25 bhp of power and about 20 Nm of torque. The engine is expected to come mated to a six-speed transmission. The Draken was claimed to deliver 33 kilometers to a litre of fuel and we expect the new Apache 200 to churn out similar figures, if not more.
Going by the images, the new motorcycle seems to have a comfortable riding position which isn’t as aggressive as one would have expected. While the foot-pegs are quite rear-set the handlebar position isn’t too low or committed. The presence of a pillion rider suggests TVS’ willingness to have a blend of aggression and practicality in its new motorcycle. Overall, the size of the motorcycle seems average, and until it has some really sharp styling cues, it doesn’t seem to be capable of grabbing much attention on the road.
We only hope that the new Apache offers performance figures which are a notch above the segment benchmark. TVS is a company which the fans have always had great expectations and no delivery from. While everyone is keenly looking at the upcoming TVS-BMW 300cc motorcycles, we also hope that the new Apache brings something new and exciting for fans to the tables.
Do let us know your first thoughts on the motorcycle, looking at that spy image. Stay tuned for more info as it emerges.