TVS Apache RTR 310

The highest-capacity Apache, the TVS Apache RTR 310 promises sporty performance and handling, and gets one of the most extensive features list in the country. But how does all of that translate into the real world? Let’s take a look:

The TVS Apache RTR 310’s styling is very different from the other Apaches in TVS’ lineup. It has quite a muscular look with sharp lines and bold graphics. The striking headlight design along with the fuel tank extensions complement the design very well. The muscular styling along with the wide handlebar and the 150-section rear tyre with 17-inch wheels give it a big bike-like presence on the road. On top of that, the fit and finish levels are quite high. The tactile switchgear, impressive build quality and the paint quality make the bike feel very premium. 

The 312cc, reverse-inclined, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine provides lively acceleration and reaches speeds of 90-100kmph quite quickly. The quickshifter complements the sporty character of the bike very well. Also, the bike has plenty of low-end grunt, which makes it quite fun to ride in the city. 

However, the engine lacks refinement and feels stressed even while riding at 100kmph in sixth gear, with the revs at 7000rpm. This hampers the bike’s touring ability a lot as it doesn’t provide a relaxed riding experience. And the jerky throttle response, especially in Track and Sport riding modes, doesn’t help the case.

The RTR 310 has great sporty riding dynamics and the bike feels quite nimble. It makes it easy to navigate city traffic scenarios and the tall and wide handlebar helps in making quick direction changes. When tackling corners, the bike tips in quite easily and the low 169kg kerb weight adds to the sportiness. However, even though the brakes offer good stopping power, the initial bite from the lever could have been better. 

The Apache RTR 310 gets an upright riding posture and the 800mm seat height makes the bike accessible for riders of all heights. And the wide and tall handlebar makes the overall riding posture quite a comfortable one. However, the excessive engine vibrations diminish the comfort level of the bike as, at higher rpm levels, they can be felt at the footpegs and the handlebar. 

The seat is quite spacious and will suit riders of all sizes. The suspension setup is a bit on the softer side, which helps in absorbing bumps and potholes on the road. 

The features the bike comes equipped with are the major highlights. It gets climate-controlled seats, which is not just a segment-first feature but probably something seen on a bike for the first time ever! It gets a 5-inch TFT instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation and 5 ride modes: Urban, Rain, Sport, Track, and SuperMoto. Other standout features include a dynamic headlight, cruise control, lean sensor, wheelie control, stoppie control, cornering ABS and a 6-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit). All of these features work flawlessly. Other features like a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and the ability to store documents add to the practicality of the bike. All in all, the TVS Apache RTR 310 is one of the most feature-rich bikes in India. 

The TVS Apache RTR 310 is a difficult motorcycle to outrightly recommend to everyone. On one hand, it offers great acceleration and tractability, sporty riding dynamics and a never-ending features list. On the other hand, it has refinement issues, vibrations and a hefty price tag that can go above the Rs 3 lakh mark. The base variant is available at Rs 2,42,990 and if you want all the standout features like the quickshifter, fully adjustable front suspension, climate-controlled seats and the others, then you’d have to fork out an additional Rs 18,000 and Rs 22,000 for the Dynamic Kit and Dynamic Pro Kit respectively. This makes the bike quite expensive for what it is offering as by spending a little bit more on top of that, you can buy the KTM 390 Duke which offers superior performance, excellent handling dynamics and a healthy list of features as well. 

So, the TVS Apache RTR 310 could be an option for you to consider if you are on the market for a 310cc streetfigher that is going to be primarily be ridden in the city and is able to turn heads wherever it goes.