2020 TVS Apache RR310 Review: From Race-Track To The Roads!

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TVS Motor Company introduced the latest version of its flagship model, the Apache RR310, earlier this year. We even rode the motorcycle on its home turf - the race track and came out mighty impressed with its performance and all other updates made to its BS6 iteration.

TVS seems to have followed the 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' approach and this is a good thing. The 2020 iteration of the Apache RR310 carries forward the same stunning design without any major changes while updating and adding bits to improve performance and reduce vibrations — something which plagued the BS4 models.

2020 TVS Apache RR310 Review (Road Test): Performance, Specs, Features, Updates & All Other Details

While the 2020 TVS Apache RR310 (BS6) definitely left us impressed at MMRT (Madras Motorsport Race Track) in Chennai, one question still remained, how have the updates affected the motorcycle's performance out in the real-world?

Well, to answer this very question, we got our hands on the 2020 TVS Apache RR310 recently and rode it not only around the infamous traffic snarls of Bangalore but also out on the highway under different situations. So does the 2020 TVS Apache RR310 stand its ground out in the real-world? Let's find out!

2020 TVS Apache RR310 Review (Road Test): Performance, Specs, Features, Updates & All Other Details

Design & Style

The 2020 TVS Apache RR310 as mentioned before, carries forward the same design and styling as its previous generations, albeit a new paint scheme. The sharp-looking RR310 has always been one of the most stylish motorcycles in its segment. The motorcycle features sharp lines all around and carries forward an aggressive and sporty design.

2020 TVS Apache RR310 Review (Road Test): Performance, Specs, Features, Updates & All Other Details

TVS has replaced the Gloss-Black paint scheme which was introduced in 2018, with a new dual-tone colour scheme, called ‘Titanium Black'. This new paint scheme comes with red accents and highlights all around, which definitely adds to the motorcycles aggressive design characteristics.

2020 TVS Apache RR310 Review (Road Test): Performance, Specs, Features, Updates & All Other Details

Apart from the new paint scheme, TVS continues to offer the 2020 Apache RR310 with its signature ‘Racing Red' colour, which has been available since its initial launch three-years back. The motorcycle also continues to feature a red trellis frame, which is exposed below the rider's seat. The Red Trellis frame also features a ‘Race Spec' stickering, which adds to its sporty-theme.

2020 TVS Apache RR310 Review (Road Test): Performance, Specs, Features, Updates & All Other Details

Apart from these elements, the front of the TVS Apache RR310 features the same set of Bi-LED headlamps with faux ram air-intakes below it. The side profile is mostly faired and features a few sharp creases and lines. The fairing also comes with vents, which helps deflect the hot air from the engine away from the rider's leg. The rear profile is minimalistic with a high rake angle and comes with a distinctly designed set of LED tail lamps.

2020 TVS Apache RR310 Review (Road Test): Performance, Specs, Features, Updates & All Other Details

While the new paint scheme helps easily identify and differentiate the motorcycle as a BS6 version. The Apache RR310 in Racing Red though can be easily mistaken for an older model. However, the BS6-iteration of the Apache RR310 in Racing Red does come with subtle changes to its stickering and body graphics, which remain the only differentiating factor.

2020 TVS Apache RR310 Review (Road Test): Performance, Specs, Features, Updates & All Other Details

Important Features

While the design of the 2020 Apache RR310 has remained mostly unchanged, what has received a major update is the motorcycle's feature list. The BS6-iteration of the RR310 now packs a number of new features and technology, which make the motorcycle feel more premium and complete.

2020 TVS Apache RR310 Review (Road Test): Performance, Specs, Features, Updates & All Other Details

One of the most significant changes added on to the 2020 Apache RR310 is the new 5.2-inch full-coloured TFT screen. The new coloured instrument cluster now also comes with the brand's latest-generation ‘Smart XConnect' technology, which allows the motorcycle to connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth.

This new connected technology also offers the rider a host of bike-related information via a dedicated application. These smart features include vehicle status, ride statistics, navigation, average fuel economy, calls & message alerts, service information and many others.

2020 TVS Apache RR310 Review (Road Test): Performance, Specs, Features, Updates & All Other Details

The 2020 TVS Apache RR310 now also comes with ride-by-wire technology which offers four different riding modes: Urban, Rain, Sports & Track. Each mode also comes with its own instrument cluster UI design and layout. The instrument cluster also comes with dedicated ‘Day' & ‘Night' modes as well.

2020 TVS Apache RR310 Review (Road Test): Performance, Specs, Features, Updates & All Other Details

The new RR310 now also comes with a completely new set of buttons and toggle switches on the handlebars. The left handlebar now features the toggle switches to control all the information being displayed on the instrument cluster. Rider's can also toggle between the different riding modes, using the same switches as well.

2020 TVS Apache RR310 Review (Road Test): Performance, Specs, Features, Updates & All Other Details

The ‘hazard light switch is also now positioned more conveniently on the left handlebar, rather than next to the instrument display as on the previous versions. It also comes with the pass-light switch next to it as well. The right-side handlebar is clean with just the ignition controls and the integrated kill-switch.

2020 TVS Apache RR310 Review (Road Test): Performance, Specs, Features, Updates & All Other Details

Engine, Performance & Handling

While our time with the 2020 Apache RR310 at MMRT earlier this year, proved that the motorcycle felt completely at home on the race track. The motorcycle now showcased that riders can experience similar-levels of sportiness on the roads as well.

The smoothness and refinement of the updated BS6-compliant engine on the new Apache RR310 is now immediately noticeable. 2020 is also rid of any and all vibrations, which plagued the older versions, especially the first-generation. The throttle response is also smooth, with absolutely no jerks and transitions smoothly. The engine does continue to sound a bit rough, however, it is much better than compared to its older versions.

2020 TVS Apache RR310 Review (Road Test): Performance, Specs, Features, Updates & All Other Details

The BS6-compliant Apache RR310 continues to be powered by the same 312cc reverse-inclined single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine. However, with the addition of the riding modes, TVS now offers different levels of performance among them.

2020 TVS Apache RR310 Review (Road Test): Performance, Specs, Features, Updates & All Other Details

The ‘Urban' and ‘Rain' modes on the motorcycle offer lower performance figures of 25.4bhp at 7600rpm and 25Nm of peak torque at 6700rpm. These two modes also come with a higher-level of intrusion from the dual-channel ABS system. The lower power and torque figures offer better fuel efficiency and control, making it perfectly suited for daily riding in the city and under wet conditions.

2020 TVS Apache RR310 Review (Road Test): Performance, Specs, Features, Updates & All Other Details

Shift to the ‘Sport' and ‘Track' mode and here the Apache RR310 gives you the full beans. The engine in these modes offers the full 34bhp at 9400rpm and 28Nm of peak torque 7700rpm. These two modes also receive lesser ABS intrusion and are best suited for the highways.

2020 TVS Apache RR310 Review (Road Test): Performance, Specs, Features, Updates & All Other Details

The motorcycle also comes with the brand's Glide Through Technology+ (GTT). This system is especially helpful in stop-and-go traffic conditions during peak hours. The technology is similar to that of a ‘Crawl' function in an automatic car, where the RR310 moves at low speeds of around 12km/h, even without any throttle application.

The different ride modes also help save fuel and improve mileage figures. The Urban and Raid modes with the limited power and torque figures offered us fuel efficiency figures of around 32km/l. The Sport and Track modes being a bit more fun to ride, provide slightly lesser mileage, in the range of 28km/l; even when pushed hard.

2020 TVS Apache RR310 Review (Road Test): Performance, Specs, Features, Updates & All Other Details

The 2020 TVS Apache RR310 is extremely comfortable to ride, both in the city and out on the highway. Although having a SuperSport design, the seating configuration on the motorcycle is well balanced and isn't too committed. This offers a comfortable riding position, even if one has to tour long distances.

2020 TVS Apache RR310 Review (Road Test): Performance, Specs, Features, Updates & All Other Details

Power delivery on the BS6-iteration has improved slightly as well, although it remains pretty familiar to the older-generations. There is a good amount of power throughout the rev range, with the top speed of a 160km/h coming up pretty easily.

2020 TVS Apache RR310 Review (Road Test): Performance, Specs, Features, Updates & All Other Details

The suspension which comes in the form of telescopic forks at the front and a mono-shock at the rear, holds up against broken tarmac and uneven roads well. Braking on the 2020 TVS Apache RR310 is via the same 300mm and 240mm discs at the front and rear, respectively.

2020 TVS Apache RR310 Review (Road Test): Performance, Specs, Features, Updates & All Other Details

What is new is the tyres. The new RR310 now comes with Michelin's brand new ‘Road 5' range of tyres at both ends. These come with the same 110/70 R17 and 150/60 R17 profiles and have the same alloy design as well.

2020 TVS Apache RR310 Review (Road Test): Performance, Specs, Features, Updates & All Other Details

The tyres are extremely grippy and add to the improved riding dynamics of the 2020 TVS Apache RR310. The Michelin Road 5 tyres perform extremely well under both wet and dry conditions, allowing the rider to push the motorcycle that much harder into a corner.

The motorcycle is heavier by 5kg over the previous model though and now tips the scale at 174kg. However, TVS have managed to offer the same nimble performance as before and the motorcycle feels extremely stable, even at high speeds.

2020 TVS Apache RR310 Review (Road Test): Performance, Specs, Features, Updates & All Other Details

Verdict

The 2020 TVS Apache RR310 has definitely impressed us out on the track and now on the city streets. TVS has done an excellent job improving on a number of aspects, which plagued the previous versions of the motorcycle. The Apache RR310 is now more refined, smooth, offers improved performance and also comes packed with a host of features; all at a premium of just Rs 12,000 which is impressive.

2020 TVS Apache RR310 Review (Road Test): Performance, Specs, Features, Updates & All Other Details

Rahul Nagaraj Thinks!

The TVS Apache RR310 has always been an impressive offering from the Hosur-based brand in the Indian market. Now, with all the updates made to the 2020 version, the motorcycle definitely feels more complete, premium and worth the price tag of Rs 2.40 lakh, ex-showroom (Delhi).

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Read more on: #review #tvs motor
Article Published On: Monday, September 28, 2020, 18:58 [IST]
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