The tech overdose motorcycle!
TVS was betting big on the Apache RTR 310, at launch. The motorcycle was packed with features, looked good and had ample oomph. Recently, however, the competition in the 300-400cc segment has been booming. It is in this context that we chose to do this TVS Apache RTR 310 review. We rode the motorcycle for a week, over various roads and in different traffic conditions.
History
The RTR 310 is the fifth product of TVS-BMW JV. The program had previously spawned the BMW G310 R, BMW G310 GS, BMW G310 RR, and the TVS RR 310. There are also BTO models for enthusiasts. And now we have the RTR 310.
Table of Contents
Apache RTR 310 Design
The RTR 310 is a good-looking street naked. It instantly grabs attention with its design. It’s got a proper stance and flair. It gets a stylish LED headlamp, Golden front USD forks, a tall, wide handlebar, and attractive tank extensions. The tail section looks clean and ‘well-contained’. The silhouette might remind you of the Ducati Streetfighter V4.
The LED headlight on the motorcycle is powerful, with good throw and beam intensity. We liked its performance at night and in low-light scenarios.
ALSO READ: BMW G 310 RR Vs TVS Apache RR 310: Hand-Picking The Changes!
TVS Apache RTR 310 Features
TVS has overloaded the RTR 310 with features, technology and gizmos. There are a lot of them. Let’s delve in:
- Automatic headlamp: The LED headlight turns on and off automatically, based on the light around.
- Heated and cooled seat: Available as an accessory, the climate-controlled seat is extremely useful in the summer. It uses the Peltier Effect to deliver 3 levels of heating and cooling. You can control seat cooling through the TFT screen. The seat is quite spacious and fairly comfortable. However, with the climate control equipment inside, there is a slight compromise in cushion-comfort.
- 5-inch TFT screen: This new screen is used to cruise through and operate various functions and features. It has Bluetooth and can connect to smartphones, Helmet communicators and even GoPros.
- Bi-directional quick shifters: The motorcycle gets bi-directional quick shifters. These can be turned on and off via the TFT display and can be used for both upshifting and downshifting. These are extremely smooth and precise in operation, at most rpms. You could call this one of the smoothest in business.
- Selectable Ride Modes: The RTR 310 gets 5 selectable ride modes- Rain, Urban, Sport, Track, and Supermoto. ABS sensitivity, traction and throttle maps vary between the modes. In ‘Urban’, the engine produces 27 hp, whereas in Sport, Supermoto and Track, you get access to the whole 35 hp. If you were to own this motorcycle, you’d find yourself mostly switching between the Urban and Sport modes.
- Cruise Control: TVS has given the RTR 310 ‘Cruise Control’. The controls for this sit on the left side of the handlebar. Courtesy of the vehicle’s 6-axis IMU, you also get cornering cruise control and slope detection.
There are more on the list. TVS has packed this motorcycle so well that mentioning each one would be cumbersome. We was impressed by most of the equipment.
ALSO READ: TVS Apache RR 310 BTO Review: “That Looker You’d Fall For!”
Specifications
This motorcycle has the familiar 312cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, single-cylinder but with notable improvements in its output. It has been recalibrated to produce 35 hp and 28.7Nm. There is now a larger airbox. The engine has a higher compression ratio and uses forged pistons. There are changes in the exhaust too. It is through these improvements that TVS has managed to extract the extra juice from the motor.
The rear sprocket is now larger by 4 teeth, compared to the one found on RR 310. The gearing is thus shorter and acceleration dramatic. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox equipped with bi-directional quick shifters.
Now let’s talk about the chassis. The main frame comes straight from the RR 310. There is, however, a new Aluminium rear subframe. The suspension (KYB USD front forks and KYB rear monoshock) too has been tweaked and is adjustable at both ends. The motorcycle wears Michelin Road 5 tyres that are super grippy.
The RTR 310 has an exhaust sound that feels sporty and slightly suppressed. There is a likeable sense of speed in the way it sounds. Listen to the growl here.
Ride Impressions
We felt the seat to be wide and supportive enough. The pillion seat has something like a bum stopper that would press against your tailbone if you are tall and tend to tuck in. With the climate-controlled hardware in place, there is a slight compromise in cushioning. Your sit-bones often get to feel the metal rods. Does this pull me back from buying the ventilated seat? Honestly, No!
The climate-controlled seat is such a blessing in the hot, humid Indian climate. You get 3 levels of heating and 3 levels of cooling on this seat. We do not intend to say that this would freeze your bum! It is mild, but notable. You would love this when you’re creeping in slow-moving traffic, on a hot day! Another possible use case would be when you’ve kept the bike out for some time and the seat has turned hot.
The overall ergonomics feel quite nice. It gives you ample control over the motorcycle. RTR 310 is quick and manoeuvrable. It is fast off the line and the short gearing has a lot to do with the quick acceleration. Getting to speeds feels likeable. The torque now comes in earlier by around 1050rpm.
ALSO READ: TVS Ronin Review: ‘Unscripted But Interesting!’
The motorcycle feels stable even at 100 kph and is very flickable. It is quite fun to ride this in the city and through narrow streets. You might want to slam this into corners and come out fast, but be warned that you could scrape the footpegs earlier than you’d want to! The braking is strong and precise, with no drama.
Refinement has always been a sore point of the 310 engine. It seems to have had no change after all the mechanical reworks. This motor continues to be vibey and noisy to some extent. You would feel prominent vibrations at higher rpms. This is a concern as this engine loves to be revved and it would be 6000 odd rpms that you’d do your speed runs on. That is also where vibrations are the strongest!
Glide Through Technology (GTT) is very useful in cities. It lets you crawl in slow-moving traffic without throttle inputs. The IMU-based functions are quite nice. We also tested the cruise control for some kilometres. It was smooth and flawless. The quick shifters could be the best in business and work without judder at most rpms.
Price and Variants
| Variant/ Colour | Ex-showroom Price |
| Arsenal Black (without quick shifters) | Rs 2,49,990 |
| Arsenal Black | Rs 2,67,000 |
| Fury Yellow | Rs 2,72,000 |
TVS RTR 310 Pros And Cons
What do we like about this?
- Extensive range of features, tech and creature comforts.
- Well-balanced ride and handling.
- Rider triangle and ergonomics.
- Performance and acceleration.
What could have been better?
- Engine refinement could improve.
- The climate-controlled seat could improve slightly on the cushioning offered.
TVS Apache RTR 310 Images
