2018 BikeWale Track Day- TVS Apache RR 310

Gallery Introduction What makes it special What i think it can do The track test Last words

Introduction

Two years ago in 2016, Cyclone Nada decided to pay a visit to my colleagues at the Madras Motor Race Track in Chennai. However, this year I was lucky; clear skies and sunshine. Or maybe not. The scorching heat of the city was evident with temperatures reaching around 30 degrees even at 5 am. But these were, for the most part, disregarded as excitement and anxiousness took over once we reached the track. I knew that I was in for some fun.

This was my first time on a racing track and while I was excited, I was also quaking at the very fact that I had to ride one. The MMRT, I was told, is a very technical track with more turns than straights. And to sail smoothly through those tight turns, you need a lethal machine. In my case it was the TVS Apache RR 310.

What makes it special

The Apache RR 310 is to the BMW G310 R what the S1000RR is to the streetfighter S1000R. Formerly called the Akula or shark in Russian, the bike borrows its design cues from the predator. The sharp lines and aggressive stare from the twin LED headlamps lend the bike a purposeful stance. Ogling at the bike while waiting at the paddocks, I wondered if I would be able to handle a motorcycle of this magnitude on the track; after all, this is a 312cc bike, producing 33bhp and 27.3Nm of torque.

What i think it can do

So I rode onto the track, led by Vikrant on the Ducati Supersport S as he guided me with the racing lines. For one, the ergonomics of the TVS Apache RR 310 are not as demanding as the KTM RC 390 but are equally as engaging. The seat has just the right amount of cushion and the tank is wide enough for a firm grip. Also contrary to what I thought earlier, the vertically stacked instrument cluster is very easy to read on-the-go and the inclusion of features like the lap timer, top speed and acceleration recorder are an indication of the true nature of the bike.

The track test

After a few laps, it was time to get on the track alone. Although I was intimidated at first, the Apache RR 310 made me feel like I have raced many times before. That is how confident I felt, instantly. By the time I got to the third lap, I was entering corners in the 4th gear and the Apache RR 310 flowed in with unrelenting ease. For a track noob like me, the bike's lower cornering clearance was more of a safety feature as I tried to lean the bike a lot lesser. Even leaned in, one does not feel the weight of the bike or the pressure of the situation and the motorcycle continued to offer a spectacular sense of ease. Speaking of which, I grinded the footpeg on C10; a left hander I was earlier dreading to go fast on. Exits although, were not so exhilarating as I felt the bike needed more grunt and a better exhaust note to feel the speeds it is capable of carrying.

Although the suspension setup is slightly on the softer side it did not let the bike stray off its course. Not to forget the grippy Michelin Pilot Street tyres that instilled confidence as I tried to get faster around the track. By the second day, I was whacking open the throttle knowing the Apache RR 310 would have my back.

Last words

The Apache RR 310 may not be the ultimate track weapon considering its ergonomics and higher powered rivals; but it sure is built for the track. It gets the appropriate styling, engine and characteristics to make a track day enticing. And as TVS says, the bike is for everyone; the tourer, the racer and the commuter. All things said, the Apache RR 310 won me over with its brilliant chassis and confidence inspiring character hidden under its aggressive appearance.