New TVS Apache RR 310 Ridden

312.2ccCC 37.5BHP 29NM

Sep 2024

xBhp

Bikes,Motorcycles,TVS

Since its launch, the best thing TVS has done with the Apache RR 310 (besides the utterly beautiful design) is continuous updates. We are in 2024 and this year brings the most significant update to the Apache RR 310 so far. In Coimbatore, we put the new Apache RR 310 through its paces at COASTT, India’s first anticlockwise circuit. Here’s our first ride review of the new Apache RR 310.

As always we will start with the looks and unfortunately, the ‘significant update’ bit does not apply here when it comes to the new Apache RR 310. There are winglets, a transparent clutch cover, and a new colour. The Apache RR 310 has always been a handsome motorcycle so we can understand the ‘why fix what’s not broke’ idea but it does leave one a little wanting.

Do not get us wrong. The winglets look cool and so does the new colour, Bomber Grey. But nothing truly separates the new Apache RR 310 from the older one. The transparent clutch cover is a thing of beauty, yes, but it is not a very significant or immediately noticeable change. A new livery or a few more changes to the design could have done the trick. Again, nothing wrong with how it looks, it does not look different enough from the previous iteration.

Thankfully, performance is where the new Apache RR 310 stands out easily. There are significant updates to the engine. It now makes more power and torque than before. It is quite expected as well. TVS has a racing heritage spanning over 4 decades and the new Apache RR 310 is based on the motorcycle that hit a top speed of 215.9 km/h at the Asia Road Racing Championship.

For those hungry for numbers, it now makes ~38 bhp which is ~4 more than before. The torque is now 29 Nm which is 1.7 more than before. This bump in power and torque is beyond impressive considering how the old engine already felt highly strung. TVS explained the changes that helped them achieve this feat; the modified air intake system increases the volumetric efficiency by 13% and the 10% lighter aluminium forged piston helps the engine rev more freely producing more power.

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That is the technical and on-paper side of it. Out on the track, the difference in the engine performance was palpable. It is not a difference between night and day but the fact that it is significant enough to be felt profoundly is impressive. The revs feel even quicker, the acceleration more urgent, and overall, the new Apache RR 310 does feel like a quicker and faster motorcycle.

We had our concerns about the refinement but the increase in power has not affected the new Apache RR 310 much in that regard. It was never the smoothest of engines, which is also quite expected considering how high-capacity single-cylinder engines do in this regard. But continuous improvements made it much better and we are happy to report that the new Apache RR 310 is just as good even with the increased output. It might have even felt a little smoother but that could just be our excitement.

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The bi-directional quick-shifter is a stunning unit. It works flawlessly and you can run through the gearbox and be as aggressive with it as you want. Moreover, the anti-hopping clutch takes care of the back torque that might upset the rear in case of too-aggressive downshifts. There are also a lot of electronics on offer including the RTDSC or Race-Tuned Dynamic Stability Control. It monitors various parameters to prevent wheel slip and loss of traction.

TVS explained how it works and what it brings to the table.

“The RT-DSC features a first-in-segment 6D IMU that provides the ultimate safety package – Cornering ABS, Cornering traction control, Cornering Cruise control, Wheelie Control, Slope Dependent Control and Rear Lift-off Control. The IMU is also paired with the cruise function to offer a first-in-segment cornering cruise control that adjusts the cruising speed of the motorcycle based on the lean angle allowing the rider to cruise for longer periods.”

Yep. That.

With TVS’ racing pedigree comes the sharp and intuitive handling that the Apache RR 310 always had. So the electronics do not get to intervene frequently in optimum riding conditions on a racetrack. But in less-than-ideal conditions or on public roads, you can rest assured that the electronics suite has your back. That said, you also get Cruise Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, and so on controlled by the brilliant screen and TVS’ ever-improving SmartXonnect system.

And now, the winglets. According to TVS, they aren’t just visual additions but increase the weight at the front by up to 3 kilos at high speeds. It is not felt outright unless one rides the new Apache RR 310 with the old one back-to-back, pushing them to the absolute limit. Again, it could be a placebo that the braking stability feels a little improved but COASTT is a flowing circuit and unless you carry tons of corner speed, super-hard braking zones are rare.

Overall, the new Apache RR 310 retains everything that made it good and comes with updates on fronts that make it a better motorcycle than before. The engine performance is enhanced. It handles beautifully around a racetrack. The braking is spot-on. There are more electronics than before. The riding position is sporty but the Apache RR 310 can still be a viable tourer. The RR 310 has always been a good prospect but with segment-first features and more power, the new Apache RR 310 feels like an even better proposition.