TVS Apache RR 310 Long Term Review
Long Term Test No. 149
Bike Tested: TVS Apache RR 310
Kms Done: 4232 kms
Test Started at: 3918 kms
Test Concluded at: 8150 kms
Mileage: 29 km/l, 32 km/l (best), 26 km/l (worst)
Fuel Consumed: 146-litres
Fuel Cost: Rs. 10,944/-
Rs. per km: Rs. 2.58/-
The flagship TVS Apache is a very practical motorcycle, fast, frugal and fancy too
It took about two days for the service of the TVS Apache RR 310 and as expected the motorcycle did show improvements. The panels were looked out for and the vibrations had reduced by a good amount. The projectors were adjusted and the light throw had become better while the chain and sprocket setup was also fixed. The bike was ready for more mile munching and I had my plans ready for the new year as well. But then we had a set of parallel-twins coming in for the day. By the end of the shoot, there was a surprise and we brought it up in the video too. We compared the Kawasaki Ninja 300 against the Yamaha R3 but for the price and the capabilities, the Apache RR 310 felt more of a winner.
BI-LED projector setup makes it look like a big bike
Although there were a few issues, everyone on the team loved riding the Apache. There would be some or the other reason that the bike guys from our team would come up with and ask for the flagship TVS. Everyone just wanted to enjoy the commanding power and the attention it got. But then I enjoyed riding the Apache so much that I would rarely give it to anyone in the team. Out of the 4000 kms, I road almost 3000 of them and loved every bit.
The mid-range punch just makes it one wheel happy
The reverse-inclined engine setup helps in better heat dissipation while also aiding in better riding dynamics
As it had become my primary mode of transport, I would take the Apache to work and more often to the weekend getaways too. People thought that I actually bought the Apache RR 310 as it would show up on my social media very often. The Apache got the attention it deserved but my family members did not like it much. As my mom has a habit of hopping on as a pillion and the pillion seat of the Apache is too high. Getting on and off was a difficult task for her and as the media bike did not have a grab-rail to hold onto, it wasn’t comfortable.
With its matte black colour scheme, the 310 is hard to spot in the dark
In the first report, I had mentioned that the mirrors bothered me a lot but then with time I got used to it. The easiness and sharp handling helped me a lot while filtering but then the mirrors slowed me down, thought twice before making a move. But then the BI-LED projector headlights were adjusted properly and dropping a pass light was more fun than ever. The cars or bikes ahead would think a big motorcycle is coming and would give me the space to filter thoroughly. While the illumination was so good that I would ride with the dark visor on the helmet even at night!
Straight-line stability is terrific, the fairing helps a lot
Intriguing as it may seem, the TVS Apache RR 310 portrays itself as a big bike
The instrument cluster was the most pleasing yet annoying part of the motorcycle. Pleasing because the details were very accurate. The range, the mileage, distance to empty, everything so so exact and the cluster would just look brilliant. It got annoying at times as switching through the details had to be done on standstill as a safety measure. But once you passed a particular detail, you would have to complete the whole cycle and come back again. The hazard light switch also came in handy a lot of times and the Apache is the only bike to get it among the 310 siblings.
The tubular steel frame is just another name for light-weight trellis frame
The brakes and tyres have been very impressive from the start and as I had said, the Michelin rubber has a very good life. With my kind of riding, if the Apache had Metzelers, it would have been time for a replacement but the Michelins did not lose much tread. However, the braking performance reduced as the brakes started making some squeaking noise. By the end of the term, it was time for a brake pad replacement at the front. However, this can be on the rider as 90% of the time I used to brake using only the front. But then as the weather got colder, tyres and brakes had to be warmed up more often.
Finding a comfort spot is necessary while riding the Apache RR 310
Straight-line stability and holding the line in corners, the TVS Apache RR 310 is capable to do it all
Pushing the bike to the redline from the get-go gives an adrenaline rush but the engine is more suited to cruising duties. The reverse-inclined engine has a sweet spot close to 6000 RPM. It is exactly where the Apache cruises at 105 km/hr and then it also has enough grunt to pull ahead. But the small fuel tank doesn’t help much, although I know a lot of guys have picked up the Apache solely for cruising. Some say, it takes about 21 days to get along and 90 days to make it a habit. Well in the last 3 months, I had started liking the Apache so much that I knew at exactly what RPM the exhaust note would be the best.
Suspension setup is hard but suitable for spirited riding
As we were close to the end of the term, BMW gave us the G 310 R and also the G 310 GS for a road test. But as we do at MotorBeam, we compare motorcycle so we spent two days with the BMW G 310 R and KTM Duke 390. Déjà vu happened, we did not include the Apache in the comparison but it turned out to be the best of both worlds. Hardware from the BMW while the looks from the Akula design and priced cheaper than the Duke 390. Then came the time we took the GS and went off-road. Although the GS is known for its dual-purpose capabilities, we did a comparison with the Himalayan. The GS felt home on the tarmac while the Himalayan is made for off-road. When I returned the GS, I had to get back home on the Apache. I just could not believe, except for the vibrations, how nimble and powerful the Apache felt on the tarmac. I realised at that moment, I am actually going to miss the Apache more than I could have thought of.
The Apache has much more appeal than both the street-fighters here
What’s Cool
* Illumination from the BI-LED projectors is brilliant
* The reverse-inclined engine has loads of torque in the mid-range
* Ergonomics and the dynamics are well suited for Indian roads
What’s Not So Cool
* Clinging noise and vibrations are present
* Not the best for city duties and filtering through traffic
* Pillion comfort isn’t much while it’s a similar case for the rider
Testers’ Note:
Further Reading –
TVS Apache RR 310 Video Review
TVS Apache RR 310 Review
TVS Apache RR 310 Spare Parts Price
TVS Apache RR 310 Long Term – First Report