Almost two years after it was first showcased, TVS has finally launched its much-awaited TVS Apache RR 310 (Akula 310) in India at a starting price of Rs 2.05 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). While it is the first production motorcycle as part of TVS Motor-BMW Motorrad partnership, co-developed alongside none other than BMW G310R, it is also the first ever fully-faired and fastest bike from TVS.
Considering that the company has 35 years of racing in its DNA and TVS Apache RR 310 is its flagship bike in India, it indeed comes with a host of segment-firsts along with a beast of an engine, making it the ultimate entry-level sports bike for the Indian market.
It’s true that BMW already has the G310R co-developed around the 312.2cc engine but TVS has picked up on the project and have added its own 35 years of learning and expertise, to the mix.
Let’s see what the TVS Apache RR 310 has to offer on the specs-sheet.
- Displacement: 312.2 cc DOHC motor with liquid cooling
- No. of Cylinders: Single Cylinder
- 6-speed Gearbox
- 34 HP @ 9700 rpm of Maximum Power and 27.2 NM @ 7700 rpm of Peak Torque
- Seat Height: 810 mm
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 11 liters
- Michelin Pilot Street Tires (110/70 R17 at Front and 150/60 R17 at the Rear)
- Top Speed of 160 kmph, 0-60 kmph on 2.93 sec and 0-100 kmph in 7.17 sec.
- Kerb/Wet Weight: 169.5 kg
- Ground Clearance: 180 mm
- Dual ABS (not dis-engageable) and Anti Back Lift
- 5 spoke alloy wheels, same as G310R
- KYB USD front forks and adjustable monoshock at the rear.
TVS Apache RR 310 Design
The flagship bike from the Indian maker does look a lot like the Akula concept which was showcased 2 years ago, however, the biggest differences include lack of carbon fiber panels and a different exhaust end-can.
At the front, TVS Apache RR 310 gets a dual LED headlamps and thanks to the full fairing, upside down front shocks with a golden finish, LED headlamps, adjustable clip-on handlebars, and split seats, the Apache flagship indeed looks sporty.
While the full fairing at the front is flanked by a huge windshield and the headlamp setup, both the lamps light up even on low beam mode. TVS Apache RR 310 also comes with a cast alloy swingarm which results in improved handling other than giving a touch of sophistication to the overall design.
The rear flaunts a ‘devil’s horn’ taillamp with LED fixtures and turn indicators lending a premium touch to the bike. As mentioned above, the exhaust end-can are sourced from BMW G310R and the adjustable clip-ons as well as raised rear seat, gives TVS Apache RR 310 a racy touch to the overall visual appeal.
What we like the most of TVS’ new flagship is the fact that despite having a fully-faired frame and design language inspired from the likes of Daytona 675 as well as middle-weight Ducatis, the TVS Apache RR 310 is still a road-friendly motorcycle, making it an engaging, ergonomic and involving package for Indian roads.
Moreover, the riding position is nowhere as committed as that of a supersport or superbike which reflects how great TVS knows the Indian market and its preferences for an entry-level sports bike.
TVS Apache RR 310 Engine
The 312.2cc, single-cylinder, reverse inclined DOHC motor is essentially a liquid-cooled engine which gets assistance from an oil coolant as well as an oil/water heat exchanger, providing optimal performance without those typical heat levels in such a bike.
TVS Apache RR 310 also features a horizontal split crankcase, Nikasil coating for the cylinder head and a single-piece crankshaft as the company’s primary focus was to developed an engine package which wasn’t just strong on outright performance but was also advanced in terms of increasing performance efficiency and reducing friction.
TVS Apache RR 310 Handling
With dimensions of 1135×2001×786mm and wheelbase of 1365 mm, TVS has kept in mind the importance of handling for Indian roads along with cornering capabilities, making it a delight for any type of commute.
With the trellis frame for structural strength, a reverse-tilted engine which frees up a lot of space near the engine and rear wheel, a long swingarm which contributes immensely towards high-speed stability and agility and sticky 17-inch tires, the TVS Apache RR 310 is an easy-to-enjoy handling package. Braking performance is sharp and powerful, as well, with 300 mm single disc at the front and 240mm single disc at the rear.
TVS Apache RR 310 Features
Multi-information Digital Speedo Console, Lap Timer, Top Speed Recorder, 72-point Fuel Gauge, Average Mileage Display, Real Time Mileage Display, Gear-shift Indicator, Hazard Lights, Temperature Display, Dual LED Projector Headlamps, BMW G310R-like Exhaust End-can and Michelin Soft-compound radial Tires.
Ride by wire and slipper clutch is not offered in the base variant but we are expecting the features to be included in higher-end models.
The TVS Apache RR 310 is definitely a ‘race on Sunday, office on Monday’ bike and with its new flagship, TVS has established itself as the company that knows the Indian market to its core. Priced at Rs 2.05 lakh (ex-showroom), TVS Apache RR 310 sits exactly between the KTM RC 390 (Rs 2.35 lakh ex-showroom) and other entry-level sports bike like the Bajaj Dominar ABS (Rs 1.56 lakh ex-showroom), the Mahindra Mojo (Rs 1.73 lakh ex-showroom) and KTM 250 Duke (Rs 1.77 lakh ex-showroom).