2020 TVS Apache RR 310 BS6 Ride Review

Same to Same

Let’s first look at what hasn’t changed on the bike. All the body panels are still the same. But, the front visor is now of the floating, removable variety which cuts down on the vibes. It also makes cleaning the front of the bike easier.

The seating ergos haven’t changed either. So, the seating triangle is still comfortable. And everything related to the chassis, the suspension, and the brakes is more or less the same. I say more or less because both the damping and the braking felt better on this bike than the older RR310.

Feature-packed

The big changes on the motorcycle are three-fold. First, you get this tempting gloss-black-matte-grey colour scheme. And I particularly like the gloss finish around the instrumentation. Then, the RR310 gets a completely new instrumentation. It’s a full colour TFT unit which looks like your smartphone, and works like one too, without the touch functionality, of course.

It also allows you to choose between different riding modes - Urban, Rain, Sport and Track. These modes change the throttle response, how the ABS works, and how relaxed or aggressive the engine braking is. The instrumentation can be worked via buttons on the switchgear to access plenty of info. There are trip computers, info regarding riding analysis, service info, and one can also customise the widgets on the main screen to show info regarding engine temperature or top speed or range.

Then there’s TVS SmartConnect. It allows the rider to connect a smartphone to the Apache RR310 via Bluetooth for turn-by-turn navigation and call alerts on the display.

Proof of the Pudding

Now, proof of the pudding, as they say, is in riding. Full disclosure - we rode the RR only on the race track. So, we won’t be able to comment on its ride comfort, engine heating - or their lack of - or its fuel economy. But, given the hardware on the new bike is essentially the same as the previous bike, we expect the new RR to retain a comfy ride, cool running characteristics, and acceptable fuel economy.

TVS has made a number of changes to the engine, nonetheless. Not so much in design but in parts. Now, they aren’t willing to share what these are. However, what we do know, is that the engine still displaces 313cc. It is still fuel-injected and liquid-cooled. And the new riding modes do make a difference.

In Sport and Track mode, the RR makes a max power of 34bhp. The peak torque is rated at 27.3NM. These figures drop to 25.8bhp and 25Nm in the less potent Urban and Rain modes. The claimed top speed of 160kmph too comes down in these modes to 125kmph. Since we are talking claimed figures, TVS claims the new RR310 will hit 100kmph in around 7.1 seconds, which is plenty quick.

What’s more, the addition of ride-by-wire has helped improve the bike’s throttle response. We love the way the bike responds in Track mode. The RR310 feels more alive now. It dials up the revs quicker, and the drive at corner exits is stronger, helping in getting higher exit speeds. But, the engine hasn’t lost any of its flexibility. Enter a corner in a higher gear, and it will offer enough drive to keep things interesting.

And lest we forget, the engine itself is less vibey now. It is quieter too. Though we still wouldn’t call it refined, it is getting there.

Ace of Dynamics

It’s the RR310’s dynamics that really shine through. The previous RR was a sweet handling motorcycle as well. But this one - courtesy improved damping of the front forks, and of course, the new, grippier Michelin Road 5 tyres, it is now at a higher level.

There’s more feel from the tyres, be it when leaned over or under braking. The turn-in is sharper. And how the chassis responds to both throttle and steering inputs instills huge amounts of confidence in you. And before you know it, you are already pushing the envelope, lap after lap. In fact, the RR was so much fun we just didn’t want to stop!

Our Take

TVS has done a very smart thing here. They have added tremendous value to the RR310 as part of this upgrade. Now, the price of the motorcycle was always going to go up thanks to BS6.

But, having added feel-good things like the TFT screen, better tyres, and not to mention all the welcome mechanical tweaks, they have managed to take the sting off the Rs 12,000 price increase. And in the bargain, they have delivered a better, more engaging, and likeable motorcycle.

Photography by Kaustubh Gandhi