The TVS Apache RR 310 has been finally launched in India at a competitive price of Rs 2.05 lakh (ex-showroom). This has put an end to almost two years of wait since the motorcycle was first showcased as a concept model at the 2016 Auto Expo last year. One of the prime reasons why the TVS Apache RR 310 was one highly awaited motorcycles is that it now marks its entry as the most affordable full-faired 300cc sportsbike that you can buy in India at present. With the new TVS Apache RR 310, the company is eyeing at selling 10,000 units worldwide on an annual basis. Needless to say, the bike is welcomed by fierce rivals in the segment like the 2017 KTM RC 390 and the Benelli 302R. Now, with the arrival of the most powerful and fastest Apache yet, the competition in the segment has definitely spiced up. The Yamaha YZF-R3 is absent from this comparo as it has currently been discontinued and its BS-IV model is awaited. Here is which of the three emerges as the winner.
TVS Apache RR 310 vs KTM RC 390 vs Benelli 302R: Engine specifications
The TVS Apache RR 310 aka Akula draws its power from a 312cc, single cylinder, liquid-cooled engine mated to a six-speed transmission. The fuel injected mill develops 33 bhp of power and 27 Nm of torque. The 2017 KTM RC 390 in comparison, gets its power from a bigger 373cc engine that is good for developing 43 hp of power and 36 Nm of torque. Gearbox is a six-speed unit that gets a slipper clutch as well. Last but definitely not the least, the Benelli 302R is powered by a 300cc, inline twin-cylinder engine that is paired to a six-speed transmission. The motor produces a maximum power output of 38 hp and 26.5 Nm of torque.
Also Read: TVS Apache RR 310 launched in India at Rs 2.05 lakh
TVS Apache RR 310S vs KTM RC 390 vs Benelli 302R: Braking, Suspension and Tyres
The TVS Apache RR 310 comes fitted with a 300mm petal disc brake upfront along with a 240mm petal disc at the rear. The KTM gets bigger brakes in the form of 320mm disc at the front that pairs with a 230mm disc at the rear. The Benelli 302R has 260mm and 240mm disc brakes at the front and rear respectively. All three bikes come with a standard Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and have been assisted with inverted forks at the front along with a monoshock at the rear. The TVS Akula rolls on 110/70-R17 front and 150/60-R17 rear tyres and so does the KTM and Benelli.
| Apache RR 310 | 2017 KTM RC 390 | Benelli 302R | |
| Engine Displacement | 312cc | 373cc | 300cc |
| Type | Single cylinder, liquid-cooled | Single cylinder, liquid-cooled | two cylinder, liquid-cooled |
| Power | 33 hp | 43 hp | 38 hp |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 36 Nm | 27 Nm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 6-speed with slipper clutch | 6-speed |
| Projector headlamps | Yes | Yes | No |
| Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Full digital instrumentation | Yes | Yes | No |
| Price (ex-showroom, Delhi) | Rs 2.05 lakh | Rs 2.34 lakh | Rs 3.48 lakh |
TVS Apache RR 310 vs KTM RC 390 vs Benelli 302R: Features
The 2017 KTM RC 390 has the benefit of a slipper clutch that is absent in the two other motorcycles. While the Apache RR 310 and RC 390 get a full digital cockpit, the Benelli has to stay content with a digital analog layout. The two bikes also receive projector headlamps that is missing in Benelli 302R. All three motorcycles come with disc brakes at both ends and ABS is also being offered as a standard equipment.
Also Read: TVS Apache RR 310 in Images: A closer look at TVS’ new track-bred sports bike!
TVS Apache RR 310 vs KTM RC 390 vs Benelli 302R: Pricing and Our take
There is no denying the fact that the TVS Apache RR 310 is the most affordable motorcycle among its rivals mentioned here as the bike carries with it a price tag of around Rs 2.05 lakh. The 2017 KTM RC 390 can be yours at a price of Rs 2.34 lakh while the Benelli 302R will set you back by Rs 3.48 lakh and is the priciest of the lot (all prices, ex-showroom). Undoubtedly, at this price, the TVS contender will stand high on value-for-money package but at the same time, its rivals here have been manufactured with other priorities in mind. The TVS Apache RR 310 can be seen as an everyday sportsbike while the KTM is oriented for racetracks and aggressive riding. The Benelli also serves the purpose of a sports tourer and gets a more refined motor, courtesy its twin cylinder configuration. In the end, on pure performance parameters, the KTM RC 390 seems to have a clear upper hand but the TVS Apache RR 310 Akula seems to offer a good balance between power, ease of riding and a competitive price-tag.
