2019 TVS Apache RR 310: Same Price, Other Options

Here are some proper enthusiast-friendly bikes that you can buy for the price of the newly launched TVS Apache RR 310 

TVS recently updated the Apache RR 310 with slipper clutch for 2019. With the update, the RR 310 also got a new mean-looking Phantom Black colour. The new Apache RR 310 is priced at Rs 2.27 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), and there are quite a few interesting alternatives around the same ballpark figure.

KTM RC 390: Rs 2.44 lakh

If you’re in the market for a focussed, faired motorcycle, the KTM RC 390 is the best bet as far as value-for-money performance is concerned. While the TVS Apache RR 310 gets a balanced riding position for both everyday use and track outings, the RC 390 is a lot more committed. Its sporty character is further accentuated by its engine which belts out almost 10PS more than the RR 310, at 43.5PS! At 36Nm, this motorcycle also makes 8.7Nm more than the RR 310. 

While both the brands’ motorsports DNA is evident on their respective bikes, the RC 390 takes the cake as far as a thoroughbred performance bike is concerned. And the best part is that it costs only about Rs 17,000 more than the Apache RR 310.

KTM 390 Duke: Rs 2.48 lakh

The KTM 390 Duke essentially carries the same manic genes of the RC 390, but with friendlier ergonomics. Additionally, it also gets tech-savvy bits like all-LED lighting, TFT instrument console with smartphone compatibility. Consequently, these bits make it a little more expensive than the RC. 

It shares the same engine as the RC 390, so you get the same power: 43.5PS, but the peak torque is 1Nm more than the RC, at 37Nm. Both the RC and the 390 Duke get ride-by-wire which the Apache RR 310 misses out on. This helps in delivering a crisper throttle response compared to a cable-operated throttle.

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: Rs 2.5 lakh

For a premium of just around Rs 23,000 over the RR 310, the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 offers a much larger engine. With a parallel twin engine configuration, the Interceptor’s refinement is a lot better than the Apache. The 648cc air-cooled parallel-twin engine with oil cooling produces 47.6PS and 52Nm, mated to a 6-speed transmission with slip-assist clutch. Royal Enfield claims 80 per cent of its torque output is available just from 2500rpm. This, coupled with the butter-smooth engine, makes it one of the most relaxed bikes to ride in its segment. That said, its design language might be a bit too old-school for some. It gets a minimalistic console and traditional bulb-type lights all around instead of LEDs. But as far as retro-modern motorcycles go, the Interceptor 650 ticks most of the boxes.

Honda CB300R: Rs 2.41 lakh

The Honda CB300R will appeal to mature audiences who want a properly modern motorcycle hiding under a delightful retro design. This motorcycle is about Rs 14,000 more expensive than the Apache RR 310 and is brought into our country via the CKD route. In terms of engine output, it makes 30.4PS and 27.4Nm, which isn’t all that bad as the engine is a smaller 286cc single-cylinder unit. Compared to the Apache RR 310, it falls short by 3.6PS.

This motorcycle also features an all-LED lighting system and a full digital instrument console. The Honda CB300R is also the only motorcycle in its class to be equipped with an IMU-based ABS unit. It is also one of the lightest in its class, at just 147kg, kerb, making it lighter than the Apache by a whole 22.5kg.

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X: Rs 2.14 lakh

The Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X is the most affordable alternative in this list, undercutting the Apache RR 310 by around Rs 13,000. Being an urban cruiser, the ergonomics and the riding dynamics of this motorcycle is completely different from the Apache. It gets a 499cc single-cylinder air-cooled, fuel-injected engine. The simple engine architecture means that it doesn’t make as much power as the Apache but makes up with a generous torque output of 41.3Nm. 

That said, the torque helps the bike haul from standstill rather quickly, but the engine feels best when restricted to a cruising speed of around 85kmph. Post that, harsh vibrations tend to dampen the riding experience. However, with a generous 20-litre fuel tank capacity, the Thunderbird 500X will offer a better riding range than the Apache RR 310 which has an 11-litre fuel tank.

All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.