This is a generation that doesn’t want to settle… a generation that is willing to push hard, a generation that is flexible, and of course, is always hungry for more. My stint in Bangkok with the new TVS Apache RTR 310 reminded me of exactly that, how the new flagship RTR, too, is just like this generation.
More Attention To Detail
The RTR 310 sure demands a second glance. It looks aggressive and shows that it means some serious business. But this RTR may not be to everyone’s liking. The belly pan and the radiator surrounds look straight off the Ducati Streetfighter while the headlight has some similarities with the KTM 390 Duke. That said, the fit-and-finish levels of the Apache are impeccable, like we have come to expect from TVS.
More Performance
This is the generation of hustlers. A generation that’ll put their blood, sweat and tears to achieve what it wants, just like the Apache RTR 310. Despite using the same 312.12cc powerhouse from the Apache RR 310, the RTR 310 belts out 3 bhp and 0.2 kgm more. That’s been achieved by using a shorter air snorkel, larger airbox, a forged piston… bumping up the compression ratio to 12.17:1 from 10.9:1. Lastly, the final drive has been changed with a bigger 46-tooth sprocket instead of the RR 310’s 42-tooth unit.
With the aforementioned changes, this engine feels livelier than ever. It wants to surge ahead of those sheeps who have settled. It wanted me to stay busy and engaged. But, there’s a downside too. With that much performance packed in the same engine, it feels a bit crude and is a lot more vibey now. And the bigger rear sprocket has made it a proper short-geared motorcycle that runs out of its breath pretty fast on the highway.
More Flexibility
We are a generation that wouldn’t mind having more than one job, something that the Apache RTR 310 too seems eager to do. I had the specced-out version, kitted with the Dynamic and Dynamic Pro packages that includes fully-adjustable suspension, TVS’ new RT DSC (Race Tuned Dynamic Stability Control) and Climate Control seats.
A street naked is meant to hoon around the town, which is something I enjoyed with the RTR 310. But, it was equally fun on the race track. The fully adjustable suspension meant I had the freedom of fine-tuning it as per my requirement. Furthermore, the Michelin Road 5 tyres are more than capable of keeping me and the bike right-side-up on the streets and the track.
The tight Thailand Circuit was the perfect playground for the RTR 310. Its RR 310-derived chassis was capable of holding its line and the heavy electronic suite ensured that the bike and I were prepared for everything that’s coming our way.
More Tech-savvy
There’s no denying that ours is also the generation that’s heavily dependent on tech to help us with the most mundane tasks, and the Apache RTR 310 felt no different… for most part. The RTR 310 comes with Rain, Urban, Sport, Track and Supermoto mode, and are there to make life easier for us. For instance, there’s the Rain mode which keeps the engine leashed, and the Sport and Track mode lets you shed yours and the bike’s inhibitions. The Urban mode’s throttle trails off slowly after you let go of the accelerator. Yes, initially it is a bit unnerving, but it is meant to keep you crawling through the urban jungle with less effort.
And after all that hustling, everyone deserves a break, right? And the RTR 310’s dynamic cruise control, quickshifter and climate control seat allow just that. The cruise control and quickshifter worked as expected, surprising for a motorcycle of this segment. And the climate control seat was also a surprise considering how quickly the temperature drop could be felt.
More Money Too
The Apache RTR 310 is priced at Rs 2.43 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), with the Dynamic and Dynamic Pro kits further demanding Rs 18,000 and Rs 22,000 more respectively. So, the variant that I rode is around Rs 3.04 lakh, which makes it quite an expensive motorcycle.
We haven’t ridden the standard version to comment whether the standard model is worth your money. But this kitted-out version doesn’t have a strong case, yet. The way the engine is tuned, makes it a city bike and nothing more. And for anyone who’s a track junkie, getting the RR 310 with the Race and Dynamic kits make more sense.
And if you want a urban dweller, the Triumph Speed 400 makes for a more sensible option, considering the refinement, performance and of course, its pricing. With the 2024 KTM 390 Duke’s launch a few days away, the TVS Apache RTR 310 certainly has some serious competition ahead.
