The TVS Apache RTR 310 has carved a niche for itself in the Indian motorcycle market. This aggressive streetfighter boasts a powerful engine, impressive features, and a comfortable riding position. But with the arrival of strong contenders like the new KTM 250 Duke, can the RTR 310 hold its own? Let’s delve deeper and find out.
Sharp Looks, Premium Feel
The RTR 310 stays true to its Apache lineage with a bold, streetfighter stance. The muscular fuel tank with sharp extensions, a robotic low-slung front end, and a pointed tail section make a striking presence, especially in the Fury Yellow color scheme. The exposed frame adds a touch of raw masculinity. However, some might find the styling a tad disproportionate. The front fascia appears bulky, contrasting with the sleek and minimalistic bodywork elsewhere. Nevertheless, the overall look is undeniably radical and eye-catching.
Thankfully, the quality matches the aggressive aesthetics. Everything feels solidly built, and the plastic panels and paint exude a premium vibe.
Comfort for Most, with a Minor Hiccup
The RTR 310 offers a fairly comfortable riding position. The 800mm seat height makes it accessible for riders of varying heights. The riding posture is slightly upright with a comfortable forward crouch for reaching the handlebar. The footpegs are positioned a tad rear-set, while the seat provides adequate cushioning. The fuel tank has well-designed recesses to comfortably lock your knees in place. However, a minor ergonomic issue arises with the pillion seat. The small hump at the front digs into the rider’s tailbone when they try to shift backwards, restricting pillion comfort and seat space. So, larger riders might find themselves slightly cramped on longer journeys.
Plush Ride, Optional Tweaks
The ride quality on the RTR 310 is commendable. Minor road imperfections like potholes, ruts, and joints are effectively ironed out. Only deeper potholes send a slight jolt to your back. At higher speeds on slightly uneven roads, the bike exhibits a gentle bounce, but it never reaches discomforting levels.
For riders seeking ultimate control over their ride experience, TVS offers an optional fully-adjustable suspension setup as part of their Dynamic Kit (Rs. 18,000).
Punchy Engine, Great for City Riding
The RTR 310 borrows the same 312cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine from its sibling, the Apache RR 310. However, TVS has tweaked the fuel map, intake, exhaust, and gear ratios specifically for the RTR. The result? A powerplant with a strong mid-range punch, making it an absolute pleasure to ride in city traffic. You get a vigorous pull from around 4,000rpm that continues almost till the redline. The sweet spot lies between 5,000rpm and 7,000rpm, where the bike feels exhilaratingly quick. Overtaking most city vehicles becomes effortless. Additionally, the engine offers enough tractability to comfortably potter around at 45-50kmph in sixth gear. Thankfully, heat management is efficient, and even in bumper-to-bumper traffic, there’s minimal heat radiating onto the rider’s legs.
The experience is further enhanced by a light clutch and a slick-shifting gearbox. The quickshifter, while not as seamless as on bigger bikes, functions decently once you get accustomed to the slight jerk during upshifts. Cruising on the highway is equally enjoyable. Even at 100-110kmph, with the engine hovering around 6,000rpm, there’s ample power for overtaking maneuvers without downshifting.
A Few Niggles in the Engine
Despite its strengths, the engine has a couple of shortcomings. The throttle response, while accurate during acceleration, results in an abrupt jerk during deceleration. One can learn to adjust to this, but vibrations are a bigger concern. A prominent buzz starts around 5,000rpm and intensifies as the revs climb. These vibrations are noticeable even at 90kmph and become more pronounced at 100kmph. While not entirely unbearable, they would certainly be a deterrent for long-distance touring.
Verdict: A Capable Streetfighter with Room for Improvement
The TVS Apache RTR 310 remains a compelling choice in the streetfighter segment. It offers a comfortable riding position (except for the pillion seat), a powerful engine with a strong mid-range, impressive features, and a premium build quality. The optional fully-adjustable suspension allows riders to personalize their comfort further. However, the noticeable vibrations and the slightly abrupt deceleration response hold it back .
