Riding Dynamics – With similar ergonomics as before the dynamics haven’t changed much but the RR 310 feels slightly better to ride. The USD forks at the front and the monoshock at the rear are tuned by KYB for the track as well as road riding. The spilt-trellis frame adds a lot of confidence while riding the RR 310 on a race track. Adding more to the dynamics are the new set of tyres from Michelin. The tyre size is the same as before but the tread pattern is completely new. These are Michelin Road 5 tyres engineered for better grip on dry as well as wet conditions. These tyres grip better than the previous set aiding for more confidence and feedback. Footpegs aren’t too high to scrape while cornering and the 180 mm ground clearance is suitable for the track as well as road riding.
The RR 310 is an agile motorcycle with sharp, stable and likeable dynamics
There is enough room to lock your knees while cornering as the fuel tank is the same as before at 11-litres. The clip-on handlebar gives good feedback while the bar-end weights seem to be bigger and heavier. Straight-line stability is just as good as the bike holds the line in corners. The new visor is slightly higher making it useful for managing windblasts too. The brakes are the same as before but the riding mode alters with the ABS too. The ABS is most intrusive in Rain mode while a little less in Urban mode. In the Sport mode, the system knows that the rider is riding in a more spirited manner and it doesn’t intervene as much. While in the Track mode, the system works so nicely that I was able to trail brake into corners and the feedback was very rich.
Verdict – The Apache RR 310 is the flagship TVS motorcycle and in the recent BS6 update it is loaded with a lot of premium hardware. Priced almost close to Rs. 3 lakhs, TVS seems to be asking quite a premium for its only faired motorcycle. The closest competition is the KTM Duke and RC 390 and while the RC is too aggressive, the Duke has all the hardware and it isn’t too far apart in terms of price either. The TVS Apache RR 310, however, makes sense for the buyer who’s looking for a sporty faired motorcycle that can be taken to a track while it can be his daily ride too.
What’s Cool
* Multiple riding modes perform well for different situations
* Instrument console is loaded with information and looks good too
* Ergonomics and riding dynamics are quite likeable as they give the best of both worlds
What’s Not So Cool
* Pillion duties aren’t comfortable
* Does not get a quick-shifter even now
* Fuel tank is too small for touring duties
2020 TVS Apache RR 310 Specifications
* Engine: 312.2cc, Liquid-Cooled, 4-Valve, FI, BS6
* Power: 34 PS @ 9700 RPM (Sport, Track); 25.8 PS @ 7700 RPM (Urban, Rain)
* Torque: 27.3 Nm @ 7000 RPM (Sport, Track); 25 Nm @ 6700 RPM (Urban, Rain)
* Fuel Type: Petrol
* Fuel Consumption: 26-30 km/l
* Frame: Split Trellis Frame
* Tyres: 110/70/17 (Front), 150/60/17 (Rear); Michelin Road 5
* Suspension: USD Forks (Front), Adjustable Monoshock (Rear); KYB
* Brakes: 320 mm Disc (Front), 240 mm Disc (Rear)
2020 TVS Apache RR 310 Dimensions
* Length x Width x Height: 2001 mm x 786 mm x 1135 mm
* Wheelbase: 1365 mm
* Seat Height: 810 mm
* Ground Clearance: 180 mm
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 11-litres
* Kerb weight: 174 Kgs
[wp-review id=”253990″]