TVS is the first manufacturer in India to launch an ethanol-powered motorcycle, and that too on its popular Apache RTR 200 4V FI.
TVS has launched the Apache RTR 200 4V FI with Ethanol, as the first two-wheeler in India. Priced at Rs 1.2 Lakhs (ex-showroom), it will be initially available only in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka.
Ethanol is an organic fuel, which is green energy and also takes the load off petrol. It is basically made from the waste of sugarcane and then converted into fuel. That’s why you get in the states that produce sugarcane.
It was first showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo as a concept. The running costs are the same as compared to petrol, but the performance, top speed and acceleration is a bit better in the Ethanol model. This model uses 20% fuel and 80% ethanol, making the latter as the primary fuel.
Also Read: 2020 TVS Apache RTR 200 4V Spied – What’s New?
TVS Apache RTR 200 Ethanol uses a 200cc engine, that produces 20.7 BHP at 8500 RPM and 18.1 NM of torque at 7000 RPM. The motor comes mated to a 5-speed gearbox and the bike is able to achieve a top speed of 129 km/hr.
The ethanol engine has a higher octane number because of the mixture of gasoline and alcohol (sugarcane waste). This results in the lower emission of carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide.
For this, the engine has to be modded because a petrol engine cannot run on ethanol. Other than the new engine, the RTR 200 Ethanol gets green decals on the fuel tank, well, to define that it is a green energy vehicle.
Features onboard include the same fully digital instrument console, LED pilot lamps, race-tuned slipper clutch, split seats, dual barrel exhaust muffler and clip-on handlebars.
Also Read: TVS Apache RTR 200 4V Carburettor Road Test Review – Is It The Best In Its Segment?
The suspension is handled by KYB telescopic forks at the front and a monoshock at the back. For braking, it comes with front and rear disc brakes with dual-channel ABS as standard fitment.
The bookings for the same have commenced across these states. The fuel efficiency of the bike stands unknown, but we expect it to be lesser than petrol powered RTR 200. Usually, the ethanol engine gives 6-10% less mileage.
