TVS Apache RR310 BS6: Road Test In Images

Is this FINALLY the update that fixes the bike’s long-standing flaws?

The earlier Apache RR 310, while striking a fantastic balance between sportiness and practicality, was riddled with its fair share of issues, with engine vibrations being the key problem. Two updates later, TVS has managed to rid the bike of nearly all that kept it short of greatness. In our first ride review from the MMRT, we really praised the bike. But does that brilliance translate into the real world as well?

The shark-inspired design sees no changes in 2020 but the RR does get a new paint scheme: the gloss black and matte grey combination that you see on your screen. Little flourishes of red liven up the overall look, and the paint finish, especially the metallic flake-ish bits of the matte grey panels, is top drawer.

The 810mm saddle height should not be an issue for short riders as the mid section of the bike is quite slim. The slightly raised clip-on bars and slightly rear-set footpegs put you in a sporty stance. Don’t misread it as aggressive though, as it manages to be commuting and highway friendly.

If this is going to be your serious track buddy, you will need to source some rear sets and large heel plates. The current pegs end up scraping the tarmac more than you would like and the mini heel plates do not allow you to lock your legs securely. For every other scenario, these pegs work just fine.

One of the biggest changes on the BS6 Apache RR 310 is the small but useful suite of electronic aids. TVS has introduced ride-by-wire, giving birth to four rider modes: Rain, Urban, Sport and Track. Each one of these modes has its own dedicated throttle response, torque map and ABS calibration.

Another key update is the new 5-inch vertically stacked TFT colour dash. It is equipped with TVS’ SmartXonnect Bluetooth module, narrating call and SMS alerts, and turn-by-turn navigation on the screen. If there’s one hiccup it could be that shorter riders might not get a clear view of the turn-by-turn navigation section on the dash.

Performance outputs from the BMW-engineered 312cc motor remain the same. And with the inclusion of ride-by-wire and rider modes, the fuelling has become more precise. the BS6 Apache RR 310 does come out second-best to its predecessor but it is hardly enough to feel the difference. Even the in-gear acceleration timings say that the new bike is 0.6 seconds and 0.7 seconds slower in the 3rd and 4th gear test, but it is not apparent. 

In the city, you can take advantage of the Urban riding mode which allows for better low-end performance. Because the Urban riding mode offers improved torque response lower down the rpm range, it makes low-speed/high-gear scenarios a little better compared to either Sport or Track mode.

The TVS Apache RR 310 is one of the sweetest handling machines in the affordable performance segment. It is sharp and predictable, with enough poise not to scare you witless, like maybe the RC 390. In the real world, the RR 310 soaks in mid-corner bumps, allowing you to carry your lines through corners with little to no adjustment. And if you have to make any adjustments, its quick steering allows you to dodge around potholes that just crept up on your favourite set of twisties.

The raised clip-ons don’t force you to put your entire body weight onto your wrists, allowing enough leverage and room to move your upper body to slip past slow moving traffic. Speed humps and road imperfections are dealt with ease.

The new Michelin Road 5 tyres are a marked improvement over the old Pilot Sports, which failed to inspire much confidence and were easily fazed when going through standing water. Michelin claims the new tyres dispel water much efficiently. They provide great cornering feedback and grip.

The braking test reveals a dramatic improvement in braking distances. The new RR 310 stops almost 6 metres earlier from 80kmph, which could be pivotal in panic braking situations. On the whole, the Apache RR 310 feels a lot more sure-footed when coming to a halt, and that’s mostly down to the new tyres.

The new RR 310 offers something for everybody, right from someone who is jumping onto a sub-400cc bike for the first time to a seasoned rider who has honed his or her skills for years. It is also more likeable and more fun with the new updates. At Rs 2.40 lakh, the new asking price of the RR 310 is just Rs 12,000 more than the BS4 bike and the updates more than justify the premium.