Buy Or Hold: 2021 TVS Apache RR 310 vs 2022 KTM RC 390

Should you get yourself TVS’s flagship supersport with all the bells and whistles or wait for KTM to surprise you? Here’s our analysis

Since its debut in 2014, the KTM RC 390 has been the go-to option for those looking for an engaging supersport, which in the right hands, could smoke even bigger bikes on the racetrack. Four years ago, a new player entered the game-- the TVS Apache RR 310. While KTM only toyed around with new colours all this while, TVS toiled to introduce an updated model each year. Now, in its latest iteration, the flagship RR 310 packs equipment unheard of in this segment. But now, with the 2022 KTM RC 390 unveiled, should you wait for the Austrian supersport or build your own Apache RR 310?

Why Should You Buy The 2021 Apache RR 310?
With the 2020 model, TVS has already introduced segment-first features like the riding modes, along with the new smartphone-compatible TFT display, Glide Through Traffic Plus (low-speed assist) and even the sticky Michelin Road 5 tyres.

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Now, in the 2021 iteration, the TVS Apache RR 310 has become even more promising with the Built To Order plaform. From fully-adjustable suspension to sportier ergonomics and even a new livery, TVS has made the RR 310 as tempting as ever. Interestingly, with the Dynamic Kit (Rs 12,000), the Race Kit (Rs 5,000) and even the TVS Racing livery, the price tag of Rs 2.89 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) makes it just Rs 12,000 more expensive than the current-gen KTM RC 390. At this price, the RR 310 is also the most affordable motorcycle with fully-adjustable suspension.

And when it comes to styling, the 2022 KTM RC 390’s face hasn’t really gone down well with enthusiasts. KTM claims that the bike is more aerodynamic and the new design is inspired from their RC 16 MotoGP bike. But with the sharp twin LED headlights and the shark-inspired design, the TVS RR 310 looks cooler.

Why Should You Wait For The 2022 KTM RC 390?
The RC 390 has undergone its first overhaul and KTM hasn’t cut corners with this update. We all know KTM’s obsession with developing lighter and nimbler motorcycles. Well, that’s the key highlight of the new model.

At 174 kg (kerb), the RR 310 isn’t exactly heavy, but when you factor in the RC 390’s 155kg weight, the tables turn, and how! From 3.4kg lighter wheels to 1.5kg lighter chassis and even almost a kilo off the braking system, the RC 390 is likely to be more agile than the RR 310.

While TVS hasn’t really made any changes to the engine this year, KTM has made a bunch of internal changes to the 373.2cc mill including carbon-coated cam levers and piston cooling jets. Though it produces the same 43PS as before, the torque has gone up by 1Nm, which may not be much, but with all weight savings, the bike should be more exciting.

Instead of offering riding modes like TVS, KTM has opted to arm their track scorcher with cornering ABS and lean-sensitive traction control, along with the optional Quickshifter+ we have seen on the 390 Duke and the 390 Adventure.

The international model of the KTM RC 390 comes with compression and rebound-adjustable 43mm WP USD fork and monoshock. Given that the India-spec 390 Adventure doesn’t get the adjustable suspension to keep the price down, the India-spec RC 390 may skip it too. However, given that the TVS Apache RR 310 is offering fully adjustable units, KTM might finally budge. So, if you are looking for more performance, waiting for the 2022 RC 390 may not be a bad idea.