TVS Apache RR 310 Review
Bike Tested: TVS Apache RR 310; Road Test No. 886; Test Location: MMRT, Chennai
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 2,35,980/-
The Apache RR 310 is a practical full-faired bike with good performance & dynamics
The TVS Apache RR 310 has been finally launched, 20 months after it was first showcased in drooling concept form with the name Akula. A motorcycle which brings many firsts for TVS, the Apache RR 310 is developed with the help of BMW whose engineering is sure to make this bike worth watching out for. Does the new fastest Indian feel worth the price or has TVS been too optimistic? A quick ride on the MMRT in Chennai helps us answer that and more.
Motor Quest: The TVS Apache series first made its debut in 2006 with the Apache 150, it was replaced by the Apache 160. The Apache 180 joined the lineup later, becoming the most affordable motorcycle in the country to sport dual-channel ABS. The Apache 200 was launched in 2016 and now TVS has brought the second sub-series of the Apache, the RR which stands for Race Replica.
The Apache RR 310 looks like a SuperSport and has lots of edges
Styling – When it comes to the styling department, TVS’ effort to pull off something like the Apache RR 310 has to be commended. Every bit in the motorcycle looks it’s built-in harmony. The overall design isn’t busy and buzzing, it’s rather simple and understated. The gold-finished up-side down forks highlight the front end, while the dual LED projector headlights with LED DRLs and the inverted Omega LED tail-light give the motorcycle a menacing look. You get Apache and RR 310 branding on the sides of the full fairing. Everything looks neat and well put together, though the rear end is exposed.
The instrument cluster is really beautiful and easy to read
Instrument Cluster and Switchgear – The instrument cluster in the Apache RR 310 is by far the most gorgeous-looking and informative unit you will find in this price range. The vertically-stacked full digital unit provides a plethora of information. You have the basic stuff like a speedometer, odometer, tachometer, twin trip meters, fuel range, engine temperature and gear position indicator. Additionally, the console also has a lap timer, top speed timer and notifier, live and average mileage indicator, side stand alarm and also a hazard light switch. There are no second thoughts on the quality of the switchgear as it is a direct lift from the BMW G310R. The switchgear definitely feels premium and is easy to use.
The riding position isn’t committed, it’s apt for long rides
Ergonomics – The Apache RR 310 boasts of spot-on ergonomics. The clip-on handlebar with triple clamps is slightly high set so that the steering angle isn’t that committed as its rival’s. The seats themselves are well-cushioned, hence making long-distance touring a breeze. However, the high set pillion seat will not be appreciated by the pillion. The rear-set footpegs make for a sporty riding experience although they aren’t very rear-set like the ones on the KTM RC 390. The Thermal Management System on the motorcycle is fitted with special gill vents to protect the rider’s leg from engine heat and also aids in better heat dissipation.
The Apache RR 310 has good low-end punch and a superb mid-range
Performance – The Apache RR 310 uses a 312cc, single-cylinder liquid-cooled reverse-inclined motor with fuel-injection technology. This powerplant is borrowed from the BMW G310R and produces 33.5 HP of power at 9700 RPM and 27.3 Nm of torque at a rather high 7700 RPM in the Apache. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox but there is no slipper clutch or Ride-by-Wire. 0-100 km/hr comes up in a claimed 7.17 seconds with a top speed of 160 km/hr. Turn on the motorcycle and you realise the motor doesn’t sound that great like other Apaches. At idle, it sounds rough with more treble than bass and as you build the revvs, it only gets loud.
The engine is reverse-inclined which let’s TVS use a longer swingarm
The Apache RR 310 has quite a lot of vibes once you get past 6000 RPM
Out on the track, we found the engine to be very refined lower down with a good low-end punch, in fact, so good is the initial pep from the powertrain that being a little enthusiastic with the throttle could make you point to the sky. This also means we were able to ride one gear higher on the track through corners, without feeling the need to downshift, the powerplant not showing any signs of knocking or uneasiness. The power delivery is linear, there isn’t a kick in the pants feel like seen on its primary rival while the mid-range is the strong suit of this motor.
Being an Apache, you would expect vibrations and you get them but only post 6000 RPM when they start to creep in through the footpegs, handlebar, a bit from the mirror ends (only the display bike had mirrors), seat and mostly through the panels like the fairing. The vibes on our test bike were extreme but we will reserve complete judgement till we ride the motorcycle on the street with hopefully first service done. The motor redlines between 10,600 – 11,000 RPM (it jumps between these RPMs) and the prominent shift light reminds you it’s time to upshift. The gearbox offers really smooth shifts, absolutely no mis-shifts or false neutrals and TVS/BMW (whoever is responsible for it), deserves a special applause for the crips gearshifts. The clutch on the Apache RR 310 feels light but the levers aren’t adjustable.
The handling is very good but the rear suspension is softly sprung
Riding Dynamics – The full faired Apache is underpinned by an all-new, race-origin, light-weight trellis frame that offers dynamic cornering capabilities and sharp handling. Thanks to the inverted engine configuration, TVS has been able to give the bike a long swingarm while keeping the wheelbase short, this helps in improved stability around corners. The handling is nothing short of engaging, the motorcycle is easy to ride even for a newbie rider and tips into corners with ease. It maintains its line very well, remaining stable at high speeds and the windscreen does a good job of deflecting wind too, clearly highlighting TVS’ wind tunnel testing was done phenomenally well.
The bike has stellar initial bite and the brakes are just superb
The Apache RR 310 is wind tunnel tested and the aeros show at high speeds
The Apache RR 310 uses KYB up-side down front forks and a KYB monoshock at the rear, the suspension is on the soft side which did a decent job on the track while it will work splendidly on the road. Shod with Michelin Street Sport tyres, the Apache RR 310 is the first sub-500cc motorcycle to use these and while the grip levels are good, they lack in feedback. Using petal discs and dual-channel ABS, the brakes on the Apache 310 are just splendid with superb initial bite. The ABS isn’t intrusive but it can’t be turned off for all you stoppie loving folks.
From certain angles, the Apache RR 310 resembles the Ducati Panigale
Verdict – The TVS Apache RR 310 is positioned as PureRacecraft which is a bit of a misnomer because while this motorcycle is good (not exceptional) on the track, it has splendid sports touring ability. The handling is good, it’s light and easy to flick while hardware is top notch, right from the loaded instrument cluster, sharp brakes, grippy tyres and of course the big highlight of this package, the BMW engineered powertrain. To sum it up, the Apache RR 310 feels like a Honda CBR250R with more power and that’s only a good thing because this motorcycle is an all-rounder machine with excellent quality to boot.
The head-on front of this motorcycle will remind you of quite a few bikes
Whats Cool
* Looks gorgeous in person, SuperSport design pulled off very well
* The engine is peppy and pulls extremely well
* Easy and surefooted handling with comfortable ergos
* Superb brakes with excellent calibration of ABS
* Well contoured seat with good ride quality makes it a mile muncher
* Fit-finish and quality of the motorcycle is world class
* BMW engineering at Indian prices
Whats Not So Cool
* Pricing seems optimistic, just Rs. 30,000/- separate it from the RC 390
* Positioned as a track tool but it’s a sports tourer
* Lacks a slipper clutch, expected at this price point
* Vibes in this motorcycle are in abundance in the top-end
* Engine doesn’t sound exciting, there is no bass
* TVS sales and service for a bike of this calibre is yet to seen
Alternatives: KTM RC 390, Honda CBR250R, Bajaj Dominar 400, KTM Duke 250, KTM RC 200
Proud moment to see TVS launch such a bike as we have lost hope from Japanese bike makers
TVS Apache RR 310 Specifications
* Engine: 312.2cc, Liquid-Cooled, 4-Stroke, 4-Valve, DOHC, Single-Cylinder
* Power: 33.5 HP @ 9700 RPM
* Torque: 27.7 Nm @ 7700 RPM
* Transmission: 6-speed Manual
* 0-60 km/hr: 2.93 seconds
* 0-100 km/hr: 7.17 seconds (claimed); 6.46 seconds (VBOX)
* Top Speed: 160 km/hr
* Fuel Consumption: 28-34 km/l
* Fuel Type: Petrol
* Frame: Trellis, Aluminium Swingarm
* Suspension: Inverted Forks (Front), Gas Assisted Monoshock (Rear)
* Tyres: 110/70/17 (Front), 150/60/17 (Rear), Michelin Street Sport
* Brakes: 300 mm Petal Disc (Front), 240 mm Petal Disc (Rear), Dual-Channel ABS
TVS Apache RR 310 Dimensions
* Length x Width x Height: 2001 mm x 786 mm x 1135 mm
* Wheelbase: 1365 mm
* Ground Clearance: 180 mm
* Seat Height: 810 mm
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 11-litres
* Kerb Weight: 169.5 kgs
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Further Reading –
TVS Apache RR 310 Video Review