TVS Apache RR 310
Year on Year updates are usually boring, but TVS’ deep understanding of the RR310; it’s strengths and it’s weaknesses has resulted in a much improved product with just a few holistic tweaks
Twenty Six months. 3 significant updates targeted at making it a better machine. At this point, TVS’ flagship motorcycle the Apache RR310 feels less like a street motorcycle, and more like a championship race bike. Which it is, in addition. In a way it’s this championship that’s catalysing this transformation, but then the
RR310 is not JUST a track tool, the 310 must be a good street bike and must also qualify for long highway rides. This 2020 TVS Apache RR310 BS6, the most significant update to the RR yet brings in a new 5-inch TFT Screen, Shift-on-the-fly rider modes, new tyres, a ride-by-wire throttle and a motor that is now BS6 compliant. Cosmetically -- though-- the
RR 310 has stayed the same with the exception of slightly updated livery on a new paint scheme. The question is have these updates polarized the RR310 or has it made it more multifaceted and better equipped to perform the myriad of tasks that its expected to. After a day in the saddle at TVS home-ground at the MMRT in Chennai, here’s what we
IN MY OPINION, WHAT’S NOT BROKE DON’T NEED FIXING, FROM ALMOST ANY ANGLE THE RR IS AN EYE-GRABBER!
think has changed.The 2020 Apache RR310 is visually, identical, from the first time we saw it. In my opinion, what’s not broke don’t need fixing, from almost any angle the RR is an eye-grabber, and while the bike I rode still has the same red and white livery as on the 2017 bike, this update will also debut a new livery with slightly updated graphics in matte gun-metal grey and red, incase standing out in the crowd is pivotal for your ownership experience. Since we are on the subject of design and feel, another thing that has just gotten better with every generation of the RR310 is the final build quality is the finish. Weld seams, plastic quality and button damping on the RR is honestly one of the best I’ve seen with respect to the rest of the Indian built motorcycles that we’ve seen. Then there’s that new TFT Screen, a premium touch and a subtle telling of TVS’ commitment to upping the value in the segment. It’s got bluetooth connectivity for your phone via a new generation of TVS’ Xonnect pairing platform. Media pairing, Geofencing, navigation and some limited telemetrics are available as a result.
Pleasantries done with, lets get on to the ride. BS6 has bought with it a new levels of refinement to the RR’ 310cc single-cylinder motor, something that’s evident from the first time you thumb the starter and wring that right wrist to see really how much has changed. The ride by wire throttle and updated ECU electronics mean that roll-ons too are much smoother, making corner exits quicker and highway overtakes significantly smoother. TVS seem to have put some work into the front end of the RR, which has, as a result become more communicative. The RR feels a lot better damped with improved compression, making it easy to steer and more forgiving of corrective inputs. In addition this is also likely to make the RR better for long rides, paired with its already midset sports tourer riding position. Finally but
perhaps more crucially to the ride experience, is the addition of Michelin Road 5 tyres replacing the older Pilot Sports, with a softer compound on the outer walls, the Road 5’ have excellent in-corner grip. Be warned, though, extensive city-only riding on these dual compound tyres could lead to uneven wear. As for performance, you’ll be happy to know that even in it’s BS6 avatar TVS RR310 has lost absolutely zero. Peak power at 33bhp and 27Nm of to peak twist. No changes to the zero to 60 time, but I do wager a quicker 0-100 as a result of better fueling and improved ECU bits. You get 4 riding modes,
Track, Sport,Rain and Urban, that pick and chose from 3 ABS modes and two ECU tunes to provide the best ride experience. In Rain and Urban the output drops to about 25hp and 25Nm. crucially though the peak torque kicks in about 1000rpm lower drastically improving the ride experience in the low-grip or slow moving traffic situations. In the end, that’s what I like about the 2020 TVS RR 310 each change serves a particular purpose in improving the ride, comfort or ownership experience. Testament to TVS’ in-depth understanding of their product and their target demo.