TVS Apache RR310 Long Term Report 2: City Compatibility

TVS Apache RR310 Long Term Report 2

As we mentioned in the opening report of the TVS  Apache RR 310 (you can read it HERE), we have put the motorcycle through almost every test we could think of, like good in-laws would before welcoming someone new into the family. And because it did so well in almost all of those tests, we decided to invite the RR310 to move in with us. You know, just to dig deeper, keep a closer eye, and go fault-finding with renewed vigour. 

But so far, the RR310 hasn’t given us absolute satisfaction in that regard.

Sure, it has its shortcomings, especially when you consider commuting in the city. But, as you will read and find out, its positives clearly overshadow the RR310’s faults. We have been riding the bike mostly in the city all of last month and it’s really impressive how it handles the daily city chores given its supersports demeanour. 

The ride quality, for one, is outstanding for a supersports. The bike is kind on your back and arms. It doesn’t crash into potholes or road joints. And, it even manages the pronounced dips or baby sinkholes – typical of Mumbai roads – without a headshake or the front bottoming out.

Then there’s the torque spread. You’d expect a fully-faired, race-replica to be grumpy at lower revs, disinterested in the mid-range, and at its chirpiest best only near the redline. But, the RR310 is surprisingly happy at low and mid-engine speeds. You can simply roll on the throttle from 4,000rpm onwards to make quick overtakes. Or, just potter around at even below 3,000rpm without having to deal with any sort of engine-snatching.

But the thing that impressed us most is the way the RR manages its engine heat. This is a liquid-cooled single mill, so it does run hot. In bumper-to-bumper traffic the engine temperature can go up to 108 degrees, which is very much in the boiling range. But, thanks to the way the heat is channelised around the fairing, thigh roast is not even on the menu. All the rider has to deal with is warm thighs.

Now, in terms of ergonomics, the Apache RR is fine. It doesn’t have excessively sporty seating. But, it’s still not the most effortless bike to commute on. Thanks to a set of heel-plates that aren’t thoughtfully designed, and a sloping down rider’s perch, it’s a bit of work to stay hooked on to the bike. Mostly, under braking. 

I am also not a fan of the instrumentation. It’s as busy as a three year-old´s toy basket. And, because there’s only one button to surf through all those options, if you miss your screen, you have to go pushing that button endlessly all over again.

So, like we said at the start, the Apache RR310 has some inadequacies when you consider commuting in the city. But, these are soon eclipsed by the pluses it brings to the table. And we haven’t even mentioned its ability to filter through traffic yet. Supersports or not, the RR310 can really dance through traffic bringing that much needed fun element to an otherwise monotonous daily commute.

Bike stats

Odometer: 1083km

Kilometres ridden: 533.7km

Fuel efficency: 34.8kmpl