Over the 18 months that the Apache RR 310 has been launched, the flagship has seen a lot of updates. However, they’ve been incorporated behind closed doors. Yes, a few months ago TVS did invite RR 310 owners and retrofitted a ‘kit’ that included several parts but let’s talk about that later. In the 2019 guise, apart from those updates, the RR also gets a slipper clutch as well as a new Phantom Black paint scheme and…well…that’s about it. TVS invited us to the MMRT, Chennai to have a go and find out if the updates are worthwhile. Price you ask? Rs 2.27 lakh, ex-showroom.
What does the kit include?
Firstly, the engine has not been tinkered with at all. It still makes 33.5bhp at 9700rpm and 27.3Nm at 7700rpm. However, the kit did include an ECU map that allows for better low-down grunt. The RR now sounds throatier at idle and even the earlier issue of the engine dying when not given enough throttle input has been sorted. The chain now gets a roller for noise reduction. Apart from that, TVS has lent the clip-ons new, heavier bar-ends along with a rubber sleeve to hold the instrument cluster, all to rid the vibes. Of course, you cannot discount the slipper clutch that allows you to downshift without worrying about the rear-end skipping.
How does it reflect on the track?
The RR felt at home at the MMRT when we rode it at the launch but the 2019 edition takes the game a step further. The vibes are almost non-existent till about 7000rpm, and even beyond that is not as alarming as on the previous iteration. You cannot really explore the bottom-end grunt at the track but the bike felt tractable in the slower corners. It’s fairly predictable to ride and has a lot of potential, both as a track machine and a road bike. We have lived with it for over a year and were impressed with its touring abilities which were only limited by the vibes. However, with the updates, the RR feels better than ever and is definitely worth the money. Of course, the slipper clutch does its job well and there were no complaints during the ride regarding the transmission as well.
Buy it?
The TVS Apache RR 310 always had great potential but was limited due to its vibey nature and other minor issues. TVS has taken the feedback to heart and has worked hard, allowing for changes that not only make the RR more value-for-money but desirable as well. We always loved the way it looked but now with the add-ons, it delivers on the performance front too. The chassis is brilliant and can take some more beating in terms of power. Maybe that’ll be incorporated in the proper update that would make it to the road, sooner or later. Well, the recently launched Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 might be a great tourer, but if you want more power and a machine that can also double up as a track weapon, the RR 310 should definitely be on your list.