They are two homegrown motorcycles, both of them fantastic in their own right; comparable in some aspects, but completely different in some. Yet, this diversity and this race to be the best is what makes the current Indian motorcycle market so exciting. On one end we have the TVS Apache RR 310 powered by Castrol POWER1 ULTIMATE. On the other hand, we have the Ultraviolette F77 Mach 2 Recon. Who wins and is it even a match? Let us find out.
We’ll start with the brands. TVS has been making motorcycles for a while. Moreover, they have been racing for a long time as well. As a motorcycle manufacturer, they have the privilege of legacy, resources, and experience. Ultraviolette is a toddler compared to that but just in age. They have been hard at work to establish themselves as the premier electric motorcycle manufacturer and their hard work is there for all to see.
This is also something that makes this shootout quite exciting. TVS takes great pride in its racing heritage and the Apache RR 310 results from that. Ultraviolette has also ditched the idea of electric vehicles and has instead decided to go guns blazing with a sport-oriented motorcycle. While very distinct on paper and in the real world, the pursuit of performance is the common ground here.
Starting with the looks, I stand by my statement that the TVS Apache RR 310 is one of the most beautiful motorcycles ever made in India. It exudes so much personality and size that a lot of people mistook it for a 600cc motorcycle during my time riding it in Georgia and Armenia. With the latest iteration, they have added winglets and a clear-clutch cover which further accentuate its looks apart from being a segment-first.
The Ultraviolette F77 Mach 2 Recon looks very different but not in a bad way. It has a very clean and streamlined design. It looks futuristic but not overly so. Flush panels, no visible nuts and bolts, minimal decals, front like a streetfighter and sides like a supersport; it is a very well-executed design that is pleasing to the eye. The only department where the Apache RR 310 might score a bit more is the complete fairing and the dual-headlamp setup. Even then, it depends on who’s looking.
I think in terms of looks, both the motorcycles do well and going for one or the other might depend on individual taste.
Coming to the powertrain, these two cannot be more different. The Apache RR 310 has a traditional ICE and makes 33 bhp and 27 Nm. The new iteration is 38 bhp and 29 Nm just to keep you updated. The F77 Mach 2 Recon is powered by an electric motor that is good for 40 bhp and 100 Nm of torque. The class they compete in might be close enough on paper but the riding experience is completely different.
For a traditional rider, the Apache RR 310 might feel more engaging with its traditional clutch and gear setup. After all, precise shifts and rev-matching is a feeling not a lot of things can match. Plus hearing the revs building up, the vibrations, the smell of fuel and in some cases rubber adds to the experience. Wholesome motorcycling. But would someone who has ridden a 2-stroke feel the same? Probably not. Moreover, someone who does horse riding might not be a big fan of comparing riding one to riding a motorcycle.
Similarly, the Ultraviolette F77 Mach 2 Recon might be different in terms of the sensations one derives from it but it does not make it good or bad. It is just a matter of the times we live in and personal preference. 20 years down the line, anything can happen. ICEs might become a privilege for the elites and EVs more mainstream. Or EVs may die out in the wake of hybrid motorcycles like the Kawasaki 7 I rode a while ago.
Coming to the F77 Mach 2 Recon’s ride, the instant torque is a rush. It takes some getting used to but get the modes and regen right and it is quite a thrilling motorcycle to ride. Despite carrying more heft than the Apache RR 310, it is just as quick in a straight line. But then, the limitations of windblast catch up real quick and things are even-steven. The Apache RR 310 has a higher top speed thanks to that advantage.
In terms of handling, the Apache RR 310 has quite an advantage. It is a traditional ICE motorcycle made by a manufacturer that has been involved in racing for decades now. So the Apache RR 310 feels home when you throw it into corners. The reverse-inclined engine setup also makes it very quick in side-to-side transitions thanks to a shorter wheelbase. Overall, the Apache RR 310 is a fantastic handler and it continues to improve with each iteration.
This department makes me want to applaud Ultraviolette. The F77 Mach 2 Recon can handle. For its weight and coming from a relatively new brand, it does surprisingly well. It is steady in a straight line and very confident in the corners despite the additional weight it has over the Apache RR 310. Now it is not as nimble but still, it is commendable how good it is. With improvement in battery technology (solid-state batteries that are lighter and more powerful), it might give a few ICE motorcycles a headache.
In terms of features and electronics, both the motorcycles impress. The TVS Apache RR 310 has an impressive set of electronics. The latest iteration has cruise control, cornering ABS and more. Moreover, the SmartXonnect app has been polished and it is almost a perfect match for the RR 310 now in terms of how quick and intuitive it is.
The Ultraviolette F77 Mach 2 Recon is, simply put, loaded. It has a 9-axis IMU with a magnetometer for GPS. The electronics suite offers comprehensive control over all aspects of the motorcycle. Multiple levels of traction control and braking regen, riding modes, and most interestingly, ABS that also works when the regen is high even without actuating the brakes. The Violette AI app is also in a very good state of stability and performance. The F77 Mach 2 might edge Apache RR 310 out in this regard but it is more out of necessity since it is an electric motorcycle.
It takes a lot for a motorcycle manufacturer to be successful. TVS has done the donkey work before it became a frontrunner and Ultraviolette is against many such brands that already have the legacy. They are up against the giants of the world and it is not going to be easy. But they have been sending out the right signals and they have my best wishes. That said, I would also like to say that TVS must not take its current success and market position for granted and keep an ear out to hear what the customers want.
Overall, both of these motorcycles are a great product and I would love to do a shootout with a proper streetfighter version of the F77 and the Apache RTR 310…
And, as always, some more photos for you to enjoy…
