TVS Apache RR310
Riding the TVS Apache RR310 took a major back seat this month. Although two very important motorcycles were ridden instead as well as just enough kilometres clocked to test the abilities of the brand new set of rubbers on the motorcycle. The Apollo Alpha H1s (reviewed in this very issue) perform surprisingly well. While the stock Michelin Pilot Street are a compromise between outright grip and longevity, the Apollo Alpha seems like a better bet with more grip thanks to the W rating and only more kilometres will reveal their longevity. The RR310 carries higher stock tyre pressures rated at 32psi for the front and rear. I have been experimenting with the same and have found a 28psi front and 30psi rear combination to work well on the streets. I’d even go to the extent of reducing them further for spirited riding in the twisties. The RR definitely feels more flickable with the new tyres and cornering confidence has gone up a fair amount for me. More grip also means that the rear hooks up better thus the little front-end lift on a hard launch.
On the flip side of things, riding the BMW equivalent of the RR310 revealed that even the best plastic quality can be bettered. That of course is provided, money isn’t a limiting factor. TVS is well known to offer great paint quality and plastics complete with good fit and finish. Unfortunately, the vibrations spoil the riding experience and the clip-ons have no space for rubber mounting. If there’s one thing that TVS could upgrade, it’s rubber mountings that could save the rider from the annoying vibrations.