The motorcycle made its debut in the 2016 Auto Expo, and was then seen testing on the Indian roads by loads and loads of people for really long, it was initially named TVS Akula, meaning shark in Russian language. The motorcycle after lots of testing was launched in the Indian market and was finally named the Apache RR 310, which is a little disappointing when compared to the fancy name Akula. The Apache RR310 has a killer price tag and is set to face against its competition like the KTM RC390, Yahama R3, Benelli Tornado 302R and Kawasaki Ninja 300, even though the Ninja, R3 and the 302R are twin cylinders, this motorcycle does have the potential to compete against them. We wanted to know how the motorcycle performs on the road for the day to day commuting purpose, so we took it for a road test.
Design and looks:
The headlamps are narrowed down with a huge visor that gets the Indian flag stuck to its side this is the first thing anyone will notice on this motorcycle. The Apache RR310 gets a bi-LED projector headlamps along with DRLs, the headlamps do a good job when it comes to the visibility department. The TVS horse takes its seat between the headlamps.
The motorcycle also gets full LED indicators on the fairings. The indicators look neat and sleek. The rider side footpegs get a rubber grip, where as the pillion footrests do not get them. When you come to the side section, I'm sure you'll find the motorcycle resembling the Ducati Panigale. The trellis frame is visible and gets Race Spec stickers on either sides. The exhaust gets a neat finish, with some metal bits covering it up. The right side gets a small grab loop for the pillion to hold on to. It also gets 35 years of racing sticker on both the sides near the pillion seats.
The rear gets an inverted omega shaped tail lamp, which is also power by LED lights. The motorcycle also gets a single side supported mud guard, which looks very appealing. The tank looks very muscular and well chiseled, with huge TVS decals. The key lock set is a bit offset towards the right side. It also gets an RR310 badging on the tank. The rear seat gets a TVS racing sticker on the lower part of the seat. Over all the motorcycle looks pretty appealing, but over done at some instances. The motorcycle comes in matte black and gloss red colors.Instrument cluster and switchgear:
The quality of materials used it too notch, be it even the smallest bits of plastic materials used. The instrument cluster is all digital and looks unique and is bagged with hell a lot of features. The meter console gets Speedo and odometers, trip meters, gear shift indicator, service interval indicator, temperature gauge, side stand indicator, tell tale indicators, ABS light indicator, a clock and much more in the list. The switchgear gets nice and soft touch buttons. The switchgear features a kill switch, start button, indicators, high beam low beam buttons, a horn switch and a pass light. The horn should be improved though. Ergonomics:
The seating position is a little forward biased, say it's a bit more forward than the R15 and a little lesser than the RC 390. The motorcycle weighs 169.5kgs and does feel a bit heavy under traffic or stand still conditions, but is totally light and easy to ride under moving conditions. It is very easy to maneuver the bike too, just a little body movement gives it an apt movement in its position. The riding position is very comfortable, even if it is for very long ones. The seat height is 810mm, the ground clearance is 180mm and a total wheelbase of 1365mm. The fuel tank has a capacity of 11 liters. Engine and performance:
The Apache RR310 is powered by a 312.2cc inclined engine that produces 34bhp at 9,700 rpm and also manages to produce a maximum torque figure of 27.3Nm at 7,700 rpm. The engine is mated to a six speed gearbox. Once you crank the engine it sounds very normal, in fact not even as bassy as the RTR 200, but once you burst open the throttle the scenario is totally different, it has a nice thirsty grunt to it, where it wants the rider to rev harder and harder.
It feels like a very normal bike to ride in slow conditions, say when you are riding in 60-70s. But once you twist open the throttle, it feel really quick, and brings a nice grin to your face. But trust me, it is very very easy to ride this motorcycle for regular days. The heating levels too aren't really high, even though the engine gets a bit warm, but also gets cooled in a jiffy. The machine produces vibrations on the footpegs, and the handlebars in the mid range. The gear shifts are firm and very apt, it locks in very easily. The motorcycle doesn't tempt you to ride rash within the city limits, it feels very calm and composed. The throttle response is a bit sluggish at times, but I'm just nit picking. Brakes and suspension:
The RR310 gets a 300mm disc at the front and 240mm disc at the rear. The motorcycle gets a dual channel ABS. The front brakes lack the bite and feel, but the rear brake preforms pretty well. The ABS does a pretty good job under hard braking, preventing lock ups. The front end of the bike gets an USD and the rear gets a pre load adjustable mono shock suspension. The suspension does a very good job in dampening pot holes and bumps on the roads. The suspension is towards the softer side. The motorcycle gets 110/70 and 150/60 R17 set of tyres, the one which we tested had Michelin tyres and they did offer a fair amount of road grip and traction.
Merits:
* Feels premium.
* Worth the cost.
* Easy to ride.
* Bi-LED lights.
* Top end exhaust note.
Demerits:
* Brakes lack bite.
* Vibrations in the mid range.
* Feels premium.
* Worth the cost.
* Easy to ride.
* Bi-LED lights.
* Top end exhaust note.
Demerits:
* Brakes lack bite.
* Vibrations in the mid range.
For the price tag of Rs 2.05 lakh (Ex-showroom Delhi), it is a complete all rounder package. It is upto the rider if he wants to focus on becoming a batsman/bowler or an all rounder. The bike does have small shortcomings, but I'm just picking on a few since nothing is perfect.Review By: Rishath Suresh
Photographs By: Yogesh
