TVS Apache RR 310 First Ride Review

How does it ride?

Before we delve in to the ride details, let us dig in a little deeper into the skeleton of the Apache RR 310. So this fully-faired TVS is built around the same trellis frame as the G310R. But the sub frame that is bolted on to the main frame is different. This is because the Apache is a sports bike, which demands a sub-frame which can take care of the bike’s dynamic needs. The single-cylinder liquid-cooled 310cc motor that sits inside this frame is also from the G310R. It produces 34bhp at 9700rpm and peak torque of 27.3Nm at 7700rpm. The state of tune has been left untouched, just like the gear ratios. But the final drive is taller so that the Apache RR 310 can hit a better top speed. The bike does benefit from a different ECU. The power delivery is linear, and predictable. Twist the throttle and there’s a distinctive sound from the exhaust. The engine feels refined at idle, but surprisingly, it has vibes which come in as early as 5000rpm. The buzz disappears between 6000rpm and 7000rpm but comes back as it gets close to 8000rpm. But as you near redline, the motor feels refined and smooth again, since by then the vibes have reduced drastically. The well thought out fairing design also makes sure that the heat dissipation works at its best. The six-speed gearbox offers slick shifts, but the clutch could have been more city friendly by being lighter. 

While the Apache does show off the RR badge, it comes nothing close to a proper sports bike, and that’s a good thing. The seating geometry is friendly and quite easy to get used to. The narrow waist line, easy-to-reach aluminium triple-clamp clip-on handlebar and not-so rear footpegs, make it a perfect device for city as well as for some race time. The seat height of 810mm will keep most of the riders comfortable. Plus, there’s ample room for the rider to move around, even for someone on the heavier side. Unfortunately, the passenger seat should be avoided as the cushioning is too firm, plus, there’s nothing to hold on to. 

The Apache rides on the 41mm KYB cartridge type USD forks and monoshock with pre-load at the rear. While one might expect a sportsbike to offer a harsh ride, the Apache proves to be complete opposite. The ride quality is simply excellent. It eats up all the bumps and uneven roads without batting an eyelid making it a practical bike. This aspect coupled with friendly ergonomics and excellent heat dissipation makes the Apache RR 310 an every-day motorcycle. But the rear-view mirrors pop out quite a bit, and that could make life difficult in the heavy traffic. The Apache RR 310 shares the same happy story when it comes to the twisties. Quick directional changes is a piece of cake. It tips in effortlessly, and comes out alike. The bike feels composed and natural every time it hits a corner. 

The 300mm petal disc with radially mounted caliper at the front was a bit of a disappointment. While it does the job of stopping the bike, it does need extra lever input. Plus, there’s almost no feedback on the lever. The rear brake, however, has the power, feel and feedback that one would want from a bike that can attain 150kmph. 

Anything else should I know?

A lot of focus has gone into making the Apache RR 310 a superior product and it’s a job well done. The cycle parts, paint finish and even the metal finish feels as if it belongs to a bike from a segment above. Then there are the few design flairs like the golden finish on the fork tubes, a 3D logo on the fuel tank and race graphics that run through the middle of the bike. 

TVS has left no stone unturned to equip the bike with as many as features possible. There’s the dual LED projector lamps that has good spread and intensity, dual-channel ABS and foldable footpegs. But the talk of the town is the vertical stacked cluster that throws a lot of information like odometer, two tripmeters, distance to empty, overall and instantaneous fuel consumption. It also shows a clock, gearshift indicator, 0-60kmph time and top speed. All these could be selected and adjusted through one of the buttons on the cluster. The other one is for hazard lamps.  The bike has a tank capacity of 11 litres and tips the scale at 169kg. 

Should I buy one?

The TVS Apache RR 310 can go fast when you want it to. It can corner really well when braved and it can become your everyday commute companion, thanks to some smart engineering. While TVS markets this as a motorcycle something to do with a racetrack, the Apache RR 310 clearly can become the ‘only bike to own’ kind of bike. Unfortunately, the vibrations and the poor front brake take away some of the aspirational value. But nevertheless, at this price point, the TVS Apache RR 310 is surely a great product, if not value for money. 

Where does it fit in?

The TVS Apache RR 310 is the most affordable 300cc bike at Rs 2.05 lakhs. Its nearest rival, the KTM RC390 costs an additional Rs 30,000 with a price tag of Rs 2.35 lakhs. There are a few other 300cc bikes in the market as well. But they come with an additional cylinder, which makes it out of reach for most of the buyers. The Benelli 302R retails at Rs 3.48 lakhs whereas the Kawasaki Ninja 300 is priced the highest at Rs 3.60 lakhs. All prices are ex-showroom Mumbai. 

Photography by Kapil Angane