We just bid goodbye to our long term TVS Apache RR 310 after having it for a long term test for 3 months, doing almost 4000 kms. The flagship TVS motorcycle has impressed us in spades with multiple out of city runabouts of this vehicle. However, for the most part, we have ridden this bike in the city with the RR 310 being on daily duty from home to office and back.
When we got the motorcycle, it felt a bit rough and certain things were far from perfect. Thus, a quick service was the need of the hour and once that was done, things have improved drastically, the bike feels smoother, rides better and the chain slack has reduced drastically too.
However, the Apache RR 310 has its fair share of issues like the pillion seat isn't comfortable enough and our test bike didn't have grab rails (TVS does sell the Apache RR 310 with grab rails though). The riding position is sporty yet comfortable, you sit leaned in but it doesn't take a toll on your upper back or shoulders, usually which is the case with full-faired motorcycles.
At the service, the lights were adjusted well and the bi-xenon LEDs started to perform much better at night, giving a clear view of what's ahead, even with a dark visor on the helmet. The instrument cluster is of an attractive design but to toggle through various modes needs one to come to a halt as the button is hard and the menu expansive.
Lately, we have been riding the Apache RR 310's siblings a lot which happen to be the BMW G 310 R and G 310 GS, all these three motorcycles share the identical engine, as well as hanging parts yet, are differentiated enough. But it's surprising how good the Apache feels in spite of costing much lesser than the Beamers with the difference being very less in terms of refinement and ride experience. The Apache actually gets more for less, like the hazard light function which is a boon when riding on the highway.
The engine of the Apache RR 310 is torquey and the motorcycle pulls cleanly, there are some vibes but the motor offers a good mid-range punch. However, the reverse-inclined engine is more suited for cruising out on the highway than going full throttle to extract each and every of the available 34 horses. The 6-speed gearbox is smooth shifting but the lack of a slipper clutch at this price is a grave omission.
The Michelin tyres on our test bike didn't wear out much, they do last long unlike the Metzeler rubber which although more grippy, is more prone to wear. The brakes are just fab and offer great stopping power at all times, the ABS being well calibrated too.
One of the major reasons why the Apache RR 310 is more suited to the highway is the width of the bike which makes it tough to filter through city traffic. It also has an aerodynamic body which bodes well on open roads, keeping windblast in check.
It's evident that TVS has a winner with the Apache RR 310, it's a motorcycle which has adequate performance on offer, good ergonomics in spite of the full fairing and clip-on bars and most importantly, it feels very value for money in front of its German siblings. The Apache RR 310 is one of the best bikes in the segment, offering a lot to buyers.
