TVS Apache RR 310: The Indian performance motorcycle space saw a tectonic shift yesterday, when TVS Motor Company introduced a thoroughly updated Apache RR 310, that raises the bar on what one expects from a sports bike under 400cc.
Announcing the new model at a high-octane launch event in Bengaluru, company officials described it as the ideal confluence of performance, technology and convenience…the clear focus being college-goers desirous of the best of both worlds, weekend excitement and weekday practicality.
TVS Apache RR 310 Strategic Youth Focus
By repositioning the Apache RR 310, TVS is making a well thought-out strategy to tap into the emerging segment of youth who are graduating from mass segment commuter bikes to their first sports bike.
The first generations introduced a performance dimension to the model which had not existed till then, but this latest one focuses even more concretely on the utilitarian aspects of this multi-talented carrier of people and/or goods, which, certainly when you lack the budget of the more elderly buyer, as one often is as one gets younger, proves to be the more decisive specification.
We worked very closely with the students in tier-1 and tier-2 who have huge aspiration to understand their need and bring in a product that can cater to their requirement, said Meghashyam Dighole, Head of Marketing, TVS Motor Company at the launch presentation.
The results showed that there was a real appetite for a motorcycle that offers a true sports bike experience, without compromise in efficiency and running costs, which are still very much at the forefront of this audience’s mind.
It’s a practical compromise, one that meets the financial realities of young riders, who are often balancing their love of motorcycling with the pain of fuel bills, servicing costs and whether or not the thing is much good for everyday riding – which is one of the reasons that sports bikes have occasionally become weekend toys, or ‘big’ bikes, rather than sensible day-to-day transport.
Design Evolution: Sharper and Smarter without Compromise
Aesthetically, the updated Apache RR 310 retains its mean full-faired look but has been refreshed to add some enhancements in terms of the exterior looks as well as added practicality.
The front fairing also has larger air intakes and vents, with aerodynamic channels that feed into the engine to increase cooling and stability at high speed. The LED headlamp cluster has been made more aggressive and ensures there is no mistaking them on the road.
The side panels on either side of the engine are now slotted with much larger venting areas that exit engine heat at a more efficient rate while also presenting visual lightness, and the tail has been truncated slightly with an edgy LED taillight assembly that suits the angular design language well.
With the striking Racing Red and Phantom Black, the Apache RR 310 also comes in the new Electric Neon, a brilliant blue with neon highlights, which reflects the energy of its youth customers and also provide high visibility, reflecting our intent to be recognized for a safe yet stylish riding experience, something which also differentiates this machine.
Engineering Marvel: The Efficiency Breakthrough
Perhaps the best part of the updated Apache RR 310 is its class-leading fuel economy figure – 75 kilometers for a liter of fuel under test conditions. This is literally an eye-popping 40% improvement on the previous generation, all thanks to a combination of clever engineering solutions.
At the heart of this efficiency revolution stands the thoroughly reworked 312.2cc reverse-inclined single-cylinder engine which is now employed of variable valve timing, plasma-coated liners for the cylinders as well as a more advanced engine tuning with multiple ride modes.
Even though peak output is still rated at the same 34 hp, the torque curve has been designed to deliver improved midrange response – the range you use the most in everyday riding – to make the handling of the bike even more enjoyable at all engine speeds.
The engineering team had an almost impossible task in hand — to retain the performance that is expected from an Apache and at the same time offer commutable-like efficiency,” said K N Radhakrishnan, Director and CEO of TVS Motor Company.
Through relentless innovation and more than 10,000 hours of development testing, we have accomplished what we, as engineers, believe is technically unfeasible in this category.”
The transmission doesn’t get left out in the updates and benefits from a new six-speed design with improved ratios as well as a slipper clutch that reduces lever-effort by 30 percent — a welcomed touch for the stop-and-go traffic of urban centers that the young riders targeted by Honda often fight through to get to classes or internships on time.
What’s maybe most surprising is how these efficiency gains don’t come at the expense of the bike’s sportiness. The class-leading 0-60km/h still takes just 2.93 seconds, but better combustion benefits more than just efficiency – the improved response to throttle inputs and engine refinement throughout the rev range is very noticeable.
Technology Integration – Smart Features For Digital Natives
Understanding the tech-centric vision of the bike’s target audience, TVS has put together the best in terms of tech-innovation to offer the owners, both convenience and an unrivaled ownership experience.
The 5-inch TFT screen will also come with improved connectivity via the new SmartXonnect platform that allows pairing with a dedicated smartphone app.
This system allows for turn by turn navigation, incoming call alerts and music control directly through the well placed handlebar controls, something that college kids who more than ever use navigation apps when exploring new surroundings want.
Even better, however, is the new GoPro control system that lets riders control a compatible action camera through the bike’s interface – ideal for making weekend adventures look good on social media.
The four riding modes (Urban, Rain, Sport & Track) are now more defined now than before, with each mode modifying power delivery, throttle response and ABS intervention to better adhere to various riding scenarios.
Urban mode, which has been designed for a high fuel efficiency, uses a dedicated engine map to achieve 75 km/l so be sure that the performance will still be enough to get you out of city traffic in a snip.
Safety tech also takes a front seat with improved cornering ABS, traction control and wheelie control, vital safety nets for new riders honing their skills.
Riding mode button mounted on the handlebar block makes it easy to modify set-up while riding, even while moving, and select different characteristics in terms of power and control so as to induce dedicated performances without stopping and making it easy to adjust the motorcycle’s character.
Practical Enhancements for Everyday Use
Apart from performance and technology, TVS has made several functional changes which cater to the needs of college-riding students. However, the riding position has been mildly tweaked with the handlebars raised by 10mm, which lightens the wrist pressure on longer rides without the loss of the sporty riding stance associated with the Apache name.
Stowage – a sore spot for most sport bikes – gets a nod with a new under-seat compartment that will hold some paperwork and smaller things.
An auxiliary USB-C charging port near the instrument cluster facilitates charging devices while on the go – a practically useful feature during longer rides when using for navigation.
The fuel tank size has also received a minor increase to 12 liters, and with this additional efficiency the bike can travel further than either 800 kilometers on a single fill – also known as a month between pumps for a university student on a university semester calendar.
TVS Apache RR 310 Price Positioning & Appeal of Ownership
Not so much a drawback Perhaps the factor that stands out the most about the updated Apache RR 310 is its ambitious pricing. Priced at ₹2.65 lakh (ex-showroom), the Base variant offers brilliant value for money with the amount of technology on board and performance.
The fully-loaded model with adjustable suspension and quickshifter too is offered at Rs 2.87 lakh which are figures adequate for the young enthusiast, especially if he/she will have saved up to pocket further cost savings given the exceptional fuel efficiency.
TVS has added to the value proposition of owning Apache RR310, by announcing it with a special ‘TVS Student Edge’ programme offering attractive finance options with minimal documentation, specially designed insurance solutions and an exclusive 5-year warranty – catering to the specific needs of young riders who are making their first big purchase.
“A surge in style and technology, the Apache RR 310 is the marquee product of the joint collaboration between TVS Motor Company and BMW Motorrad One look at the RR 310, an average Joe would be hard-pressed to take his eyes off this stunning machine And once they get on it and head out, it gives them the thrill to carry on“School/College campuses have always been a harbinger of one’s social and style trend; as one “rides” on the runway of one’s campus, zooming around in the Apache RR 310 with the same epitome of panache” adds Arun.
First-in-class features will include bi-LED twin projector head lamps, Michelin Street Sport tyres and Throttle-by-Wire technology.