Marketed as track-focused TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and RTR 200 4V, have undergone another round of price hike even as consumer sentiments continue to be weak. RTR 160 4V drum and disc variants now cost Rs 1,02,950 and Rs 1,06,000 respectively, which is 2k more as compared to the earlier price. RTR 200 4V revised price is Rs 1,27,500, which is Rs 2.5k more.
TVS has been proactively updating its two-wheelers to comply with BS6 emission norms. As may be recalled, RTR 160 4V and 200 4V were updated to BS6 way back in November 2019. At that time, 160 and 200 had become pricier by Rs 2,444 and Rs 9,450, respectively. This was in line with industry trends wherein most other manufacturers including Yamaha, Honda and KTM had increased prices of their BS6 models.
One reason for repeated price hikes at short intervals could be that the cost of upgrade to BS6 would be too high to cover in a single instalment. If prices are hiked all at once, it is bound to adversely impact sales. That’s why many two-wheeler manufacturers including TVS have opted for multiple price hikes spread over several months.
New vs Old Prices – TVS Apache
| TVS | New | Old | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTR 160 4V (Drum) | 1,02,950 | 1,00,950 | 2,000 |
| RTR 160 4V (Disc) | 1,06,000 | 1,04,000 | 2,000 |
| RTR 200 4V | 1,27,500 | 1,25,000 | 2,500 |
Another reason could be that sales volume has dipped significantly due to Covid-19. There’s a lot of uncertainty and consumers are unwilling to invest in new vehicles. Every day, people are hearing stories about job cuts and businesses fighting for survival. Most rating agencies have predicted that India’s economy will take several months to regain its earlier growth rate.
All these factors are adversely impacting consumer sentiments. As sale volumes dip, it becomes imperative to increase margins on every unit sold. This is the only way to maintain the earlier level of profitability.
RTR 160 4V BS6 is powered by a 159.7 cc, oil cooled FI engine that makes 16 PS of max power at 8250 rpm and 14.12 Nm of max torque at 7250 rpm. Engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. The performance oriented bike has a top speed of 114 kmph. Some key features include double-barrel exhaust, glide through technology (GTT), single channel super-Moto ABS, and racing tyres. Colour options include Racing Red, Metallic Blue and Knight Black.
RTR 200 4V BS6 comes with a 197.75 cc oil cooled, FI engine that churns out 20.5 PS at 8500 rpm and 16.8 Nm at 7500 rpm. Engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. The bike has a top speed of 127 kmph and can accelerate from 0-60 kmph in 3.9 seconds. Key features include LED headlamp, sporty graphics, fully digital speedometer with SmartXonnect connectivity tech, dual-channel ABS, race-tuned slipper clutch, and racing tyres. Colour options include Gloss Black and Pearl White.
Source: Bike - rushlane.com
