TVS as a brand has one of the richest legacies for motorsports in the country, since it started racing in 1982. Racing became a more integral part of TVS’s culture ever since the first Apache was launched in the mid-2000s. Now, the Hosur-based manufacturer has an extensive range of Apache motorcycles, and on top of it sits the Apache RR 310.
There are many things which make the RR 310 special and distinct from the rest of the Apache bikes. For starters, it is the only fully-faired sports bike in the Apache lineup and hence it is the only one to carry the ‘RR’ moniker. For the longest time, the RR 310 was the lone motorcycle in TVS’ lineup to be powered by a liquid-cooled engine, until the Apache RTR 310 arrived last year.
It is also the only bike in the TVS lineup, along with the RTR 310, to get a six-speed gearbox. TVS recently launched an updated iteration of the RR 310 a few days ago receiving some critical upgrades over its predecessor. These include a new pair of winglets, more power on tap, and a comprehensive suite of electronics.
TVS Apache RR 310 review: Design
TVS has done a good thing by not making any changes to the design of the RR 310 which has already been appreciated by all corners. It does get revised ‘Apache’ graphics on the car and new Bomber Grey colour scheme to give the bike a fresh appeal. Another neat addition is the transparent polycarbonate clutch cover. The winglets do add a special touch to its styling but overall the bike’s design remains unaltered.
Hence, you get to see the same twin LED headlights up front with a non-adjustable flyscreen, fully-faired body panels, split-style seats with a raised pillion saddle, an upswept exhaust, split LED taillamps, a rear tyre hugger, and colour-coded alloy wheels. Overall, the Apache RR 310 retains the proportional looks of its predecessor which is a good thing going for itself. The only sore point on its styling are those ugly-looking pillion grab handles.
TVS Apache RR 310 review: What’s new?
The Hosur-based bikemaker has made plenty of functional changes to the new RR 310. For starters, the winglets reduce downforce by 3 kg thus improving aerodynamics. The 5-inch vertical instrument panel continues to pack in a plethora of information but the graphics and layout have been revised slightly. The new RR 310 also benefits from adjustable brake and clutch levers, a bi-directional quickshifter, which should allow quick and smooth gear shifts
On top of this, TVS is offering a host of electronic gizmos as part of the two BTO options— Dynamic kit and Dynamic Pro kit— priced at Rs 18,000 and Rs 16,000, respectively. The former comes with features such as adjustable front and rear suspension, tyre pressure monitoring system, and a brass-coated chain. The latter, on the other hand, gets a Race Tune Dynamic Stability Control enabled by a 6D IMU comprising features such as cornering ABS, cornering cruise control, cornering traction control, and more.
Coming to the heart of the matter, the Apache RR 310 gets the same 312.2cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine but with a few key modifications. For instance, the power mill now gets 10% lighter forged pistons, a 13% larger airbox, along with several other small updates focussed to reduce vibrations. As a result, the reverse incline engine now makes 38 bhp and 29 Nm of peak torque, a bump of 4 horses and 2 Nm.
On paper, this has translated into quicker off-the-line acceleration, breaching 100 kmph from a standstill in just 6.74 seconds. Top speed is claimed at 164 kmph. There are four ride modes on offer: Track, Sport, Urban, and Rain. But the question arises, how do all these changes affect the bike’s performance on a race track.
TVS Apache RR 310 review: Track ride experience
I recently got an opportunity to test the updated Apache RR 310 at the CoASTT High Performance Centre in Coimbatore, India’s latest automotive testing facility. Every rider got 40 minutes each of multiple laps around the circuit which not only gave brief insights about the machine’s capabilities but also about the new race track and its layout.
As expected, the entire stint was carried out in the Track mode, unleashing the motorcycle’s fullest potential. Our test bike was loaded with all the optional bells and whistles, all spruced up for a race track and expectedly the new Apache RR 310 was just a hoot around the circuit. For me, a relatively novice rider around a race track, it was more of getting to know the bike and the little nuances of riding around a high-speed circuit.
So from my point of view, the Apache RR 310 turned out to be a very friendly motorcycle on track. I haven’t ridden the older RR 310 so I didn’t have any point of reference during my ride. Instead I focussed more on increasing my speeds on the straights, exiting the corners quicker, and leaning on to the corners after every lap, which I succeeded to a good extent.
For a sports bike, the rider’s triangle is definitely sporty yet not fully committed making it a perfect street bike. What also played a crucial role was the spacious and comfortable seat which provided me the room to change as and when required. Despite a hefty 174 kg (kerb), the Apache RR 310 was very eager to lean over at the corners even on sharp turns at generous speeds. The extra oomph from the motor also helped counter the weight.
The agility of the RR 310 is another impressive aspect which not only aids its performance on a race track but in the real world conditions as well. The fair-sized flyscreen up front and the additional winglets made cutting through the winds a breeze. That said, with the circuit all open there were a lot of crosswinds that I encountered especially on the straights. Vibrations creep in at the handlebar and footpegs as the revs climb up but nothing that is unnerving at any point of time.
Another USP of the Apache RR 310 was the stability it offered even in triple digit speeds. A big thumbs up to the Michelin Road 5 tyres used on the RR 310 that offered superb grip even while leaning on to the corners. Another positive is its 300mm front and 240mm rear disc brake setup. For a road sport bike to perform well on a track, it is imperative that the brakes are up to the mark and the Apache RR 310 doesn’t disappoint.
TVS Apache RR 310 review: Verdict
Let’s be honest, almost 99 percent of the TVS Apache RR 310 buyers will never take it to the track. Therefore, whatever I experienced while riding the bike on the circuit shouldn’t matter on the verdict. That said, if you plan to buy a bike which you could occasionally take to a race track or an abandoned air strip, the Apache RR 310 is a very good choice to consider.
To formulate a more wholesome and comprehensive opinion about the Apache RR 310, we need to test it in real world conditions— on our roads and highways. That is reserved for some time later in the future. Till then, what we can definitely share is that at a starting price of Rs 2.75 lakh (ex-showroom) and with all the additional kit to spruce it up, the RR 310 is one of the best entry-level sports bikes in the market today.
| Variant | Price (Ex-Showroom) |
| Red (without quickshifter) | Rs. 2,75,000 |
| Red (with quickshifter) | Rs. 2,92,000 |
| Bomber Grey | Rs. 2,97,000 |
| BTO (Built To Order)Dynamic Kit Dynamic Pro Kit Race Replica Colour | Rs 18,000 Rs 16,000 Rs 7,000 |
Its build quality, performance, the amount of features it packs, and TVS’ expansive network of sales and service, make the Apache RR 310 a hot buy. While some might argue that over the years since its launch, the RR 310 has lost its value-for-money proposition with a higher price tag, in the process it has gained more equipment and power and thus offering a better experience from the saddle.
