2020 TVS Apache RR 310 Review
Bike Tested: 2020 TVS Apache RR 310; Road Test No. 1187; Test Location: MMRT, Chennai
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 2,77,555/-
The TVS Apache RR 310 will always have the signature bright red colour option
The competition in the 300-500cc category of motorcycles is increasing at a very good pace. KTM has been leading with the 390 siblings but TVS wanted to have a piece of this pie too. They launched the Apache RR 310 back in 2017 while it got a minor slipper clutch update in 2019. However, as BS6 emission norms have kicked-in, TVS has updated almost all the bikes in the line-up and it has been a major change for the RR 310 as its update is not limited to BS6. We find out more by riding the track machine on the MMRT race track.
Motor Quest: The first TVS-BMW collaboration motorcycle Apache RR 310 was launched in December 2017. A slipper-clutch update with an introduction of a gloss black colour happened in mid-2019. The latest update for RR 310 is not just BS6, there are a lot more changes done to the motorcycle.
The new graphite black colour does look good on the Apache RR 310
Styling – Visually the TVS Apache RR 310 is just like its first iteration. If you see the red colour option, differentiating the BS6 bike with an older model isn’t easy. However, with a keen eye, you will be able to notice some extra rubber inserts near the visor. The visor itself is slightly bigger and has external screws, as it is not tucked under the front fairing. Tyres have a different tread pattern, while the switchgear and console look different. However, in the 2020 avatar, the RR 310 gets a new graphite black colour option. This is a dual-tone colour with a combination of matte-grey and gloss-black. Rest of the design elements have no changes at all except for a new set of graphics with a slightly larger Apache logo.
It is one of the most loaded digital clusters in its segment
Instrument Cluster and Switchgear – The Apache RR 310 had a fully digital console but this time around the cluster has been updated to an all-new vertical and colourful TFT LCD. It now displays a lot more information while it has a day and night mode too. Information like the speedometer, tachometer, gear position indicator, riding mode, clock, fuel and temperature gauge stays standard. A lot more data is displayed as the riding mode changes. One can even set what secondary information should be displayed in every mode like the odometer, trip meter and the rest. This console also gets Bluetooth SmartXonnect with which it connects to an app on the phone and delivers information like trip data, navigation and even race telemetry to the rider.
Right side – you throttle; left side – you play with the switches!
There are a total of 4 riding modes available – Urban, Rain, Sport and Track
One can even set the console for a dark mode view but it is set to automatic by default. The Track mode is the only mode where you can see the least amount of information while you can utilise the lap timer too. The right-side switchgear has an integrated kill-switch button to the starter while the left-side switchgear is like a gaming console. In the 2019 update, the hazard-switch was removed but it has come back in this update. The hi-low switch is also integrated into the pass-light switch while it works as a timing switch for the lap timer in the track mode. The switchgear looks very similar to the one seen on the KTM bikes but the plastic quality is far better. Most of the switches are finished in grey and they have haptic feedback too.
No changes in ergonomics at all, it is comfortable yet engaging
Ergonomics – Just like the styling, the ergonomics haven’t changed either. The seat height is the same at 810 mm. The seating posture is exactly like before, aggressive but not too much leaned-in. The footpegs are slightly rear-set too making the riding posture quite engaging. The split-seat setup has a raised pillion seat which is still not comfortable as there are no external grab rails either. The seat cushioning for the pillion as well as the rider is not too soft but enough to provide comfort. The mirrors have a slightly edgier design but the functionality remains the same as before which isn’t very pleasing. The ergonomics are comfortable yet engaging at the same time, quite like a comfortable sporty motorcycle.
The reverse-inclined motor packs a lot of punch
Performance – The TVS Apache RR 310 is powered by a 312.2cc reverse-inclined liquid-cooled engine which is now BS6 compliant. The power figures remain the same as before but the motorcycle now gets multiple riding modes. In the Sport and Track mode, the motor produces 34 PS of power and 27.3 Nm of torque while it redlines at 10,500 RPM. But in the Urban and Rain mode, the redline is dropped to 8500 RPM while the motor runs on a lower state of tune. It produces 25.8 PS of power and 25 Nm of torque which comes early in the rev band too. There is a decent drop in power but the torque is almost similar. This helps in better engine response in an urban riding situation while a mellower response in a rainy riding condition. The modes can be switched on the fly with the gaming console switchgear.
The chin below the headlight works as a RAM air intake for the bike
TVS Apache RR 310 has a similar rattling exhaust note as before but not that loud
When you buy the motorcycle, as a run-in limitation until the first service comes, the motorcycle is open to only Urban and Rain mode. The other two modes open up after the first service is done which is at around 1000 kms. For the first time, there is a ride-by-wire throttle too in the Apache RR 310. Hence, the throttle input is modulated according to the riding modes. The race-tuned slipper clutch worked really well in the last update but it had better feedback this time around on the track test. The test bikes had all the four modes unlocked and the difference in throttle response in each and every mode could be felt very well. The track mode was the liveliest while the rain mode was the most relaxed.
All the riding modes have a different type of feedback
The 6-speed gearbox does duty pretty well but since the RR 310 got so much tech, an addition of a quick-shifter would have been the cherry on the cake. The performance, however, has become better and the modes come in handy for various different situations. The motorcycle can still hit the ton under 7.3 seconds while the top speed in Sport and Track modes is close to 160 km/hr. In Urban and Rain modes that is dropped and limited to 125 km/hr for safety reasons. Heating was never an issue while the air ducts and the radiator work really well to keep the bike cool. With the BS6 update, the vibrations have reduced but one can still feel the rawness close to the redline.
Tipping into corners, the RR 310 holds the line well
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 character changes according to the modes adding a lot more confidence
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.
Getting used to the eager nature won’t take much time
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.
I am still a fan of the shark tail design
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
Bold bright text to tell you its still an Apache!
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
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