First ride review of all-new 2019 TVS Apache 310 RR

A few days back TVS invited us at the launch event of the 2019 TVS Apache RR 310 in Chennai at MMRT (Madras Motor Race Track). Luckily, we also have got a chance to ride the 2019 model on the race track by which we were able to test the capabilities of this updated KTM competitor. Here's the review about the all-new TVS Apache RR 310.

In the 2019 model, TVS has made two major upgrades in their flagship motorcycle. The first and foremost upgrade is the inclusion of new colour shade, which is named as Phantom Black. The new colour option replaces the Matte finished Racing Black colour. The new colour gives a magnetic stance to the motorcycle and, the dual-tone stripes running across the centre of the bike makes it more attractive.

 The first and foremost upgrade is the inclusion of new colour shade, which is named as Phantom Black.

Moreover, TVS has also ditched the "35 years of Racing" badge from the back and replaced it with "RR310" sticker. The second significant change has taken place mechanically the bike now features an assist and a race-tuned slipper clutch. TVS has also remapped the ECU of the 2019 model. TVS has made these minor tweaks in the Apache RR 310 after getting feedback from the existing customers. These minor tweaks include a new mount for visor along with fatter- bar-end weighs, which are mainly employed to reduce the uneven vibrations and to cater a much refined and fun riding experience. Existing owners don't get panic you’ll get the remapped ECU, new bar-end weighs, visor mounts and chain roller as a complementary performance upgrade.

How the 2019 Apache RR 310 feels to ride?

As we have told you before that all-new Apache RR 310 now gets an ECU remapped, but the performance figures still remain the same. The all-new 2019 TVS Apache RR 310 is powered by the same 312.2cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, reverse-inclined engine which churns out power and torque outputs of 34 Ps at 9,7000 rpm and 27.3 Nm at 7,700 rpm. Moreover, TVS now claims that the employment of the new assist clutch has decreased the clutch lever movement energy by 20%. The engine comes paired with a 6-speed gearbox and, the motor is efficient enough to offer a mileage of 30 kmpl. It can sprint from 0-60 in just 2.86 seconds and 0-100 in just 7 seconds.

The second significant change has taken place mechanically the bike now features an assist and a race-tuned slipper clutch.

The clutch on the previous RR 310 model was light too and, one would get to know the difference if he/she back-to-back rides the motorcycle. An added advantage of the assist clutch is detachable at speedup as the assist can profit forces clutch centre and pressure plate opposite each other for improving torque transfer capacity. The benefit of a slipper clutch can be recognized quite effortlessly. The MMRT is the perfect place to test the all-new slipper clutch on the RR 310. Moreover, the new hardware checks over the stability of the bike and also avoids wheel hopping under fast and energetic downshifts before leaning on the corners.

The engine now feels more refined and peppy, TVS has seriously worked and tried to reduce the vibrations which kick in the mid-range. As these vibrations are not reduced completely, a rider can feel a little buzz as the engine touches redline. You can feel the vibrations travelling through your spine, coming from handlebars and footpegs once the motorcycle crosses the 7,500 rpm mark.

The engine now feels more refined and peppy, TVS has seriously worked and tried to reduce the vibrations which kick in the mid-range.

Except for these minor tweaks, the TVS Apache RR 310 remains the same as the older model in terms of looks and specs. Illumination duties are done by the same bi-LED projector headlamps along with LED side blinkers and taillight. The fuel-tank continues to offer a storage capacity of 11-litres. The chassis along with split-seat setup remains unchanged too. The suspension system comprises of upside-down telescopic forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear which is quite effective in countering the uneven road conditions.

The Michelin-sourced tyres are not that good for riding on the track but, they are a good performer on the regular road conditions. And if you are planning to take your Apache RR 310 on a professional racetrack, then we prefer you to use Sportec M5 from Metzeler for better grip and astonishing performance. Braking duties are done by a 300mm petal disc brake up front and 200mm petal disc brake at the rear. It also features standard a dual-channel ABS for added safety. The motorcycle offers the same fully-digital instrument cluster which provides all the crucial information regarding the bike.

Except for these minor tweaks, the TVS Apache RR 310 remains the same as the older model in terms of looks and specs.

The all-new updated TVS Apache RR 310 now demands a bit premium over the older model. The bike now carries a price tag of Rs 2.27 lakh, which means that the 2019 model is almost Rs 3000 expensive as compared to the older-gen RR 310 bike. The owners of the older RR 310 can visit the nearest TVS service centre and get their bike fitted with assist and slipper clutch. The feature list of the 2019 TVS Apache RR 310 comes closer to the segment leader KTM RC390. The incline in price by Rs 3,000 is still competitive. The fully-faired TVS bike is one of the most anticipated 300cc bikes in India in its price bracket. But, the bike is still not able to clock down good sales number. We expect the inclusion of new improved and upgraded hardware will likely to grab the attention of more motorcyclists. The Apache RR 310 competes against the likes of KTM RC 390 and Kawasaki Ninja 300.

Given below is the total sum of units sold since the Apache RR 310 launched in India: