TVS Apache RR310 Review
Faired motorcycles have always held a special place in my heart. They have a great sense of style, are attention seekers and at the same time, protect you from the muck in the rain. So, when TVS offered the motorcycle this late for a review, I couldn’t let the opportunity pass. So, how is the low capacity motorcycle that is built in conjunction with BMW, work in the real world? Let’s find out.
TVS Apache RR310 Engine
The 313cc engine isn’t an epitome of refinement. Unlike the units from Yamaha or even Bajaj, this one seems to have a gruff note. This gruffness vanishes once the motor has warmed up nicely but you still sometimes feel it. The TVS Apache RR310 produces 34PS/27Nm and in the interest of mass centralisation is reverse tilted. There is a decent spread of torque at the lower end, especially with a pillion on board, the motorcycle doesn’t get bogged down. However, that being said, the bike hates low revs. More often than not, you will end up stalling the motorcycle if you assume it will easily do 20kmph in second gear.
Mid range though is strong and TVS Apache RR310 engine pulls cleanly. However, past 6,500rpm, there are vibrations through the tank and seat. The top speed I registered was 141kmph. This though was before I ran out of road. Technically, the top speed will be 10-15kmph more. Efficiency wise, the TVS Apache RR310 returned around 23kmpl in city and 26kmpl on the highway. Not the most efficient 300cc motorcycle out there but decent enough.
TVS Apache RR310 Ride and handling
This is a sports bike and it is supposed to handle really well. The thing is that it also has to deal with pothole riddled roads. Thankfully, TVS engineers have designed it to have the best of both worlds. Not only will it increase your confidence as an aspiring racer but the TVS Apache RR310 will also caress your butt and tell you that all’s well in the less than perfect Indian roads. Kudos to the designers. The Apache RR310 will also not make you feel like you’re seated on top of a frying pan. The hot air from the engine is deflected onto the rider’s toes and not knees.
In cut throat traffic, the Apache has no qualms making quick u-turns or slicing through a sea of cars. The mirrors don’t impede vision though they jut out more than I would have liked. TVS has provided disc brakes at both the ends with non-switchable ABS. These work perfectly fine and will keep the rider confident in all situations.
TVS Apache RR310 Looks and Features
This one looks like a million bucks. There are no two dimensions to it. In flesh, TVS Apache RR310 looks much better than in the pictures. The red paint scheme is very fetching though there is a black paint scheme available as well. The twin LED projector headlights have a great throw in the night. The fairing also has what they call shark fins to help deflect the air flow from the engine. The fuel tank looks nicely sculpted as well. While seat feels a bit flat, it will not cause you any sort of discomfort even for longer rides. The pillion seat is a tad smaller than that of the Yamaha R15 but at the same time, it is nearly as comfortable. Though there is nothing for the pillion to hold on to, except the rider. The tail lights are very likable LED units and amplify the Ducati inspired design language.
We didn’t particularly like the switches. They tend to stick and aren’t back-lit too. This takes away from the premium feeling. TVS though has provided for a hazard light switch near the meter console.
Verdict
At Rs 2.13 lakh, ex-Mumbai, the TVS Apache RR310 is one of the most affordable fully faired 300cc motorcycles out there. It boasts great build quality, has a decent engine as well as performance. TVS could have added a bit more grunt to the motor though. The constant gear shifting too could be done away with by providing more low end torque. All in all, the Apache RR310 is the stepping stone to many a budding racer. Just like the Yamaha YZF-R15!
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