TVS Apache RTR 310 Long Term Review - 1500km touring report

What I like

Handling

My first encounter with the TVS Apache RTR 310 was a while back and I remember being awestruck by its handling. Its point-and-shoot response when tipping and out of corners is impressive and makes the riding experience so much fun. Lucky for me, we took the old Mumbai-Goa expressway which has been recently repaved and has much smoother roads than before. And throughout our ride, I kept gunning the RTR through the twisties with a smile plastered.

The Apache’s handling is a clear testament to the years of racing experience that TVS has and how it is translated to its road-going motorcycles. The light weight paired with the sharp geometry and even sharper transitions enhances the riding experience which means long rides can become fun, provided you get occasional ghat sections. Further, the Michelin Road 5 tyres add to the fun factor as they provide great grip and are stickier than you would expect. This means, that even if you want to ride the bike in a thoroughly spirited manner, then the RTR will oblige.

Features

We all know TVS loads its motorcycles to the T in terms of features. From LED illumination, to ride modes, traction control, and so much more. The Apache RTR 310 is no different and it too gets the aforementioned ride aids as well as ABS modes, and cruise control. The latter comes in handy for a good deal throughout our ride. While I won’t recommend relying solely on the cruise control, it does offer a momentary relief in case you want to let your right wrist rest for a minute or two. There were quite a few instances where I would set the cruise control around 65-70kmph and the bike would smoothly cruise on the highway.

Even the headlight on the Apache RTR 310 is quite powerful with good throw, spread, and intensity. It lights up the road well enough for you to not even think about getting a pair of auxiliary lamps.

Braking

While good handling uplifts the fun part of a ride, it is just as important to have a reliable pair of brakes. The RTR 310’s braking setup offers a sharp bite and stops the bike in a fairly short time and distance. There were a few instances where we encountered animals jumping out of nowhere on the highway and running towards a random direction including a close call. But, a good squeeze to the front brake saved our day a few times. And since the levers are adjustable, it's even more convenient to set the play as per your reach. What could be improved ideally would be the ABS calibration. Now, TVS gave our Apache RTR 310 a software update but even then, the ABS felt a little too sensitive at times. It intrudes earlier thereby robbing off the hard braking which comes in handy more than the system intrusion.

Ergonomics

Although the Apache RTR 310 looks sporty and youthful and also rides in the said manner, it has been surprisingly comfortable not only while commuting in the city but also on our ride to Goa and back. But this stands true primarily due to two attributes - the rider triangle and seating comfort. The Apache RTR 310’s handlebar swoops towards the rider thereby reducing the effort to lean forward and is wide enough for you to counter-steer the bike or maneuver it without much physical input. Then, the rider seat, although firm has a dense cushion so you do not sink in the seat. Even the seat cover is grippy enough for you to not slip and slide around when braking hard or taking corners.

What needs to improve

Engine feel

While TVS has made the Apache RTR 310 a quite engaging motorcycle, one of its most evident and deal-breaking flaws is the motor. It accelerates quickly and has a decent punch but it's extremely viby. The vibrations are intense to the extent that they spoil the riding experience and can even be noticed by the pillion. Moreover, these not only creep in at higher revs but also in the mid-range and can be felt in the handlebar, mirrors, fuel tank, as well as seat.

Suspension setup

While the taut suspension contributes to the intuitive handling and quick change of directions, the kickback from the monoshock makes the bike uncomfortable to ride on bad roads. Even the slightest of jolts or undulations on the roads can be felt if you are riding moderately fast. We even adjusted the preload at the rear but that didn’t do much either. If you are someone who will use the Apache RTR 310 as your only motorcycle, then the only solution to riding it with ease will be choosing smooth roads or getting an aftermarket monoshock, and both may not be ideal.

Electronic issues

As mentioned earlier, even with the software update and debugging, our Apache RTR 310 had notable electronic issues. There were multiple times when the cruise control wouldn’t switch on, as well as other instances when the TFT screen would flash notifications for ABS and traction control failure. While none of the said features fail to function, these false alarms do hamper your peace of mind while riding.

Luggage Mounting

The Apache’s sleek design helps it turn heads, be aerodynamically efficient, and also feel compact once you are on the saddle. But it also comes with a limited luggage mounting space. The pillion seat is quite small for you to keep your tail bag and since the Apache uses a tyre hugger mounted tail light assembly, it doesn’t have a groove to hold the straps properly. However, the grab rail has two slots from where you can pass the straps and hold the luggage intact. That being said, you will be better off using saddle bags but only if it sits notably higher than the exhaust.

Conclusion

Overall, we had a mixed experience riding the TVS Apache RTR 310 for a long distance. While it offers a promising package in terms of the overall dynamics, handling, and features, we feel TVS could rectify the bike’s basics. From its engine to the suspension, some of the key elements need a little work and the overall riding experience of the Apache would be quite uplifted.

Photography by Kaustubh Gandhi