Built to order
For 2021, TVS have not just updated the RR 310 but have updated their entire production process. Now you don’t just buy an RR 310 you can have one built to suit your needs specifically right out of the box
As an enthusiast, there are few things as wholesome as the evolution of a good machine. When all the development of that machine is organic and home-grown, the resultant emotional impulses are equally heightened. This is the story of the TVS Apache RR 310, ever since we first swung a leg over the TVS Apache RR 310 in 2017, we’ve come back every year and found that it had improved holistically. On their own, the changes may have been small, but the surgical precision with which TVS have applied them has ensured that the ride experience has improved exponentially each time around. For this third significant upgrade, TVS has pulled it off again, and have done so in such a way that each rider can have exactly what they
need from their motorcycle “Built-to-order” straight out of the factory.
But before we get into the bits that we like, there are a few not-so-tasty veggies. For 2021, the base model of the TVS Apache RR 310 is about Rs 30,000 more expensive than the previous bike. For the extra dime, what you get is a reworked exhaust that has a raspier note and an update to the firmware of the TFT screen. An update that will also be available for 2020 Apache RR 310 owners. On the plus side, you still get a very competitive sports tourer with global par performance, refinement, and a smorgasbord of premium connected features for a more than reasonable asking price. The question is what if that’s not all you want from your motorcycle? That’s where TVS’ and their new “Built-toorder” programme come in, and where the value proposition of the 2021 TVS RR 310 begins to sky-rocket.
What TVS realised is that most of their
THE NEW “BUILT-TO-ORDER” INITIATIVE,
ALLOWS CUSTOMERS TO PICK FROM A RANGE OF PERFORMANCE, DYNAMICS AND COSMETICS TWEAKS
customers were buying the motorcycles and then going out into the aftermarket either for performance or cosmetic updates. This brings us to their new “Built-To-Order” initiative, which allows customers to pick from a range of performance, dynamics and cosmetics tweaks that will come factory fitted on their motorcycles straight out of the box. Aside from having OEM after-market performance parts, this way you get to have the assurance of factory-built quality. Now TVS says they will extend this program to further models, but that will depend on the success of this pilot project with the 2021 RR310.
The motorcycle that you see in these images is the 2021 TVS Apache RR 310 with the entire laundry list of optional add ons from the Built-to-order programme. Everything on the list adds up to about Rs 23,000 above the ex-showroom price. Which is incredible value when you realise that this includes
fully adjustable suspension for both front and back by Kayaba (adjustable for preload, compression and damping), lowered clipons, higher-set knurled footpegs (canted forward) and this sharp new livery scheme inspired by the paint scheme on their OMC bikes. If you had to make this same endeavour in the after-market you could be looking at the very least double the budget, based on what you’re getting. Which makes it very, very competitive.
The biggest differentiator here is the adjustable springs, with compression, rebound and preload adjustment, you can tune the suspension to a sweet spot that works for you. Not only out on the track, but for touring or even a compromise of the two for quick city commutes or weekend rides. Out on the track at TVS’ home-ground the MMRT, we tried the softest road setting as well as the razorsharp track settings. The soft setting was very similar to what TVS already offered with the RR 310 with maybe slightly more compression. I get the feeling that on the road and for touring, this setting may actually be more comfortable than the previous bike.
I, personally, found the full track settings
STOCK ON THE NEW BIKE, WHAT YOU GET IS A REWORKED EXHAUST THAT HAS A RASPIER NOTE AND AN UPDATE TO THE FIRMWARE OF THE TFT SCREEN
too stiff for my liking although, I know several better riders that would be more than comfortable with this setting. This also meant that I had the opportunity to tweak it a little better for my own liking. With a little more compression added allowing some dive under hard braking, I was able to get better turn-ins and more confidence, and consequently faster times. Add to that the lower handlebars and the raised and knurled footpegs to boost the dynamics for the track, and you have a proper entry segment supersport that has been built and developed on the racetracks right here in India.
Finally, the livery package is subjective, and if you don’t like you could always save the Rs 6,000 that includes both the red alloy wheels as well as the race-inspired graphics pack. Personally, I think it looks smashing, but I’ve been told my tastes can be too boy racer for people with tempered tastes.