It started with the launch of the KTM 200 Duke in 2012. The 200cc street sports bike segment wasn't popular till then. However, with a responsive engine and affordable price, the KTM 200 Duke took very little time to become the favourite bike of youngsters. Bajaj Auto launched the Pulsar 200NS later, and tasted success. TVS' flagship model the Apache in 160cc and 180cc variants also became a hot seller in its segment. The Chennai-based manufacturer has now come up with a 200cc Apache and the completion now gets tougher.

Check out the key specifications of all three motorcycles and see which one is a better buy:

Engine specifications

TVS Apache RTR 200 4V is powered by a 197.75cc oil-cooled engine available in both carburetted and fuel-injected variants. The carburetted version generates make 20.3bhp of power, while the fuel-injected versions makes 21bhp at 8,500 rpm. In both variants torque output is 18.1 Nm at 7,000 rpm. The engines are mated to five-speed manual transmission.

The KTM 200 Duke is powered by a 199.5cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that develops 24.7bhp at 10,000rpm and 19.2Nm at 8,000rpm mated to six-speed transmission. The Bajaj Pulsar 200NS is powered by a 199.5 single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that develops 23.2bhp at 9,500rpm and 18.3Nm of torque at 8,000rpm, mated to six-speed transmission.

On paper, the KTM 200 Duke and the Bajaj Pulsar 200NS have an advantage over the new Apache in terms of power figures. KTM still leads the table with 24.7bhp.

Dimensions and weight

The Apache 200 measures 2,050mm in length, 790mm in width and 1,015mm height. It comes with a 1,353mm wheelbase and 180mm ground clearance, and has 148.5kg kerb weight. The fuel tank capacity is 12 litres.

The KTM 200 Duke measures 2,002mm in length, 873mm in width and 1,274mm in height. with a 1,361mm of wheelbase. The Duke also features 165mm ground clearance, 136kg kerb weight and 11 litres of fuel-tank capacity.

The Bajaj Pulsar 200NS scales 2,017mm inn length, 804mm in width and 1,075mm height, along with a 1,363mm wheelbase. The Pulsar 200NS has a ground clearance of 169mm, 151kg kerb weight and 12-litre fuel-tank capacity.

Apache is the longest motorcycle among the three. However, in terms width and height, Apache is the most compact. The motorcycle also features 180mm ground clearance, which is spot-on for our road conditions.

Price

Apache RTR 200 4V is priced at Rs 88,990 and is the most affordable of the three. The Apache FI version with Pirelli tyres is priced at Rs 1.07 lakh, while the ABS version, to be launched later in 2016, is priced at Rs 1.15 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi. The KTM 200 Duke comes with a price tag of Rs 1.45 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) while Bajaj Pulsar 200NS is priced Rs 91,553 in Delhi.

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