TVS Apache 310 RTR Naked Sport Road Test Review – Lean on Me?
TVS Motor off late is going all out adding new products to its already vast line up, they launched the TVS X Electric Crossover Scooter just a few days back and now they are back launching the Apache 310 RTR in its Naked, Sports form. We head o Bangkok Thailand for the Global Launch and Media ride to find out if the most affordable motorcycle in its class lives up to be the best in its class in terms of performance and best in segment features. Read on to know all on the motorcycle model from TVS Motor that can put the KTM Duke 390, Triumph Speed 400 and also the Royal Enfield’s into a spot of serious bother.
Looks – Design – Practicality
First look at the TVS Apache RTR 310 and you will notice its super sharp styling with flushed street racer LED head lamp with a unique eye brow DRL. Iconic RTR logo placed on the dual color head light cowl announces its genetic Apache lineage while the LED slim turn lights make up for its Ears. The motorcycle gets 41mm adjustable USD front fork finished in gold shade. The motorcycle gets 17 inch black color 8-spoke alloys upfront with 110/70-R17 tubeless tyres. The rear 17 inch alloys is finished in sporty yellow shade with 150/60 R17 tubless tyres.
In terms of braking the Naked RTR comes loaded with 300mm petal discs in the front and 200mm at the rear. Dual Channel ABS with rear lift protection segment 1st feature is included. The single piece handle bar is wide and gets matt grey finish on it. The switchgear includes access buttons for the menu along with the horn, high-beam, flasher, engine start/kill button etc. Switchgear and leaver quality feels premium while the key highlight here is a 5-inch full digital color TFT display that is highly customizable unit which readsthe speed, RPM, engine temperature, other tell tales and also records the 0 to 60kmph best timings, your top speed and the tyre pressure monitor readings in a very crisp and clear manner. You can control all the other motorcycle features too using this display and the control buttons mounted on the handle which includes the ride modes, slipper clutch, lights , vehicle preferences etc.
The Naked RTR comes with an 11 liters fuel tank which gets sharp styling on it and is finished in dual color-tone with the galloping horse TVS logo proudly placed on it. Below the tank is the engine cooler unit again with a sleek styled housing finishing off with the bikini cladding lower belly which adds a lot of meat to the side profile of the motorcycle. The Steel Trellis frame on which the motorcycle is built is partly exposed below the tank area finished in white with HyperSpec inscribed on it adds to the visual appeal in a big way. The RTR gets split step seats where the rider seats gets a unique cooling and heating seat function which is India first feature. Seat cushion is on the harder side to go with the sporty character of the motorcycle. An aluminum cast sub frame is also exposed adding to the visual glam of the motorcycle. Rear suspension is a Aluminium Cast Swing Arm directly hinged monoshox with pre-load and adjustable finished in bright red.
The engine casing finished in black gets the TVS Racing branding on it while the foot-pegs both front and rear are made of aluminum and get a satisfying click action on them. The rear profile of the motorcycle gets a railed tail along with swept back split grab-rails finished in a dark shade of grey while the tail lamp comes with all LED glow. Exhaust is the same design as seen on the Apache 310RR with lots of metal cladding on it and a meaty dimension. Rear license plate and indicators are mounted on a small tyre hugger .
Ride –Performance – Handling
Powering the Apache 310 RTR Naked is the same Apache RR sourced single cylinder 312cc engine that makes 35.6PS of power and 28.7Nm of torque mated to a 6-speed transmission with slipper clutch. More power than the Apache RR and more torque too.
Getting on to the naked RTR is not that difficult and once you are in the saddle you won’t feel this to be a tall machine for me I am 5.6-5.7 in height and the 800mm saddle height means I can touch both my feet to the ground together at any given time not forgetting the ground clearance that stands at safe 180mm.
We rode the naked RTR on both the Thailand Track and on the Bangkok roads to understand its ride dynamics better. Firstly what TVS Motor engineers have done is got something that they call as RT-DSC which ,means Race Tuned Dynamic Stability Control which gets you Cornering ABS, Cornering Cruise Control, Cornering Traction Control, Wheelie Control, Slope Dependent Control and Rear Liftoff control. These unique features use some mind boggling sensors where the ECU process the throttle, speed, bike angle and helps the rider to stay in the line. Even if you are a new rider these features jump in rescuing the rider and helping you stay on track in a safe manner.
Coming to the engine note the naked RTR has a nice humming peppy roar to its exhaust which is not very loud nor very silent. On the move the RTR chugs ahead in a quick fashion and has loads of power available from the word go. Do not forget this is a motorcycle ready for the track and tuned for one too.
Yes we did start the climate seats on the Thailand track on the hot sunny afternoon it works really well cooling your bums which is much needed sense of satisfaction. The motorcycle loves to be pushed into the corners and you feel confident, inspired and safe coming out of it too. The mind boggling RT-DSC features work flawlessly. We loved every bit of the track experience and the RTR inspired us to ride faster, go into the corners deeper and every time performed amazingly well.
Now about the on road ride mannerism of the RTR which is where you would be riding it maximum time. We rode from the race track to the hotel which was through some busy traffic roads, highways both. The on-road ride quality offered by the RTR is excellent and the handling and super crisp. The motorcycle feels nimble, agile and builds your confidence very quickly. We did some good speeds of around 105-110kmph on the streets and it was sheer delight to ride this machine. Smooth gear shifts, super light clutch not forgetting the slipper clutch if needed adding to the comfort factor along with razor sharp braking with Traction Control and ABS all making matters very secure here.
Verdict
TVS Motor has shocked everyone with the Apache RTR 310 Naked with the amount of unseen features it comes loaded with and its most affordable price in its class that of Rs. 2.43 Lakh is something that the segment has not seen nor are there any players offering such a package. The Apache RTR 310 Naked goes up against the likes of the soon to be launched updated version of the KTM Duke 390, Triumph Speed 400, BMW G310 R (which it shares its underpinnings) and the Royal Enfield models. Priced lower than all the competition, offering more than them in terms of power performance and styling makes the TVS Apache 310 RTR Naked Sports the best of the lot for now and the perfect option too.
