TVS Apache RR 310: In the changing scenario that is Indian motorcycling, where performance motorcycles have moved from being aspirational exotica to an achievable reality, the TVS Apache RR 310 serves as a significant illustration of localised engineering power.
A testament to TVS Motor Company’s racing heritage, the TVS Apache RR 310 is the company’s latest entrant into a diverse portfolio of two-wheelers, and has been developed based on the rich racing legacy of the TVS Racing team and takes its cue from the Draken Concept which was showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo.
The RR 310 epitomises the perfect amalgamation of both skill and sophistication which it draws naturally from our unique lineage of brands.
TVS Apache RR 310: Philosophy of design:
It’s styled in a language that’s fluent in the visual dialect of now of sportbikes, but has its own bits and pieces that differentiate it from competitors from the other side of the world and the other part of the world.
The full-faired bodywork elicits a shark like nose, with vertically stacked LED headlamps further enhancing its unique front characteristic.
Aerodynamically, the fairing has been designed to be functional with strategically designed gill vents which redirect hot air away from the rider’s legs – a critical feature especially in a hot tropical country like India.
The profile depicts a mass-forward design feature with race inspired clip-on handlebars mounted below the triple clamp and a sculpted fuel tank with knee recesses for gripping the bike and added fuel capacity for increased range.
The rear end of the motorcycle carries through this minimalist approach, with an LED taillight incorporated into the styling, and split level seating that offers that splash of sportiness, with practicality converting to passenger accommodation – after all, performance motorcycles in India do double duty as daily-use transport more often than as weekend playthings.
Wind tunnel inspired design is visible in the Bi-LED projector projection headlamps nestled into swept back front cowl which promises to provide maximum efficiency for superb high speed stability.
The fairing with its gill vents not only sheds heat but counters the substantial side panels with visual lightness.
These specifics show that TVS knew that successful design in this category would require an equal serving of visual pop and practical engineering.
Powertrain and Performance/Powertrain Engineering: Powertrains - High Tech Performance
Name: The Tach Package Engine and Performance The RR 310 is powered by a 312.2cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine- the most technologically advanced motor in TVS’s motorcycle line-up.
This reverse-inclined DOHC engine is capable to generate around 34 bhp of power at 9,700 rpm and 27.3 Nm of torque at 7,700 rpm.
They may not seem particularly impressive compared with bigger multi-cylinder counterparts, but they work quite well with the bike’s (estimated) 175-kilogram wet weight.
What’s more, the engine features several of Yamaha’s latest advanced race-bred technology – including a forward-inclined cylinder design that delivers high levels of breathing efficiency for outstanding performance, as well as a 30-degree left-offset, rearward-slanting “laydown” cylinder with reversed intake ports.
Both of the combustion chambers’ two overhead camshafts are chain-driven, stimulating airflow in each hemisphere and permitting higher continuous RPM operation than less complex two-valve designs.
Liquid cooling ensures stable operating conditions even in temperature amplitudes and under long periods of high speed.
With slick gear change action, the wide-ratio six-speed tranny they offer is geared short enough in first and second for lighting quick pull through the rev range, while sixth is a fairly tall twisty blaster on the open road for a 900cc’.
The filters add a level protection for the slipper clutch system, especially beneficial when aggressive down-shifting under a heavy load is required (like entering turn 1 of Eau Rouge at Spa or the decreasing-radius corners of mountain roads).
With ride-by-wire technology, the 2016 Yamaha YZF-R1 provides an opportunity to choose from multiple ride modes for different riding conditions and rider preferences.
Handling Summary: Balanced and Capable
Built around a trellis frame formed of welded steel tubes, the RR 310 features a layout which strikes a fine balance between stiffness, weight, and cost of manufacturing.
This construction supplies the torsional strength required to deliver precise handling, while being able to withstand limited flex for a comfortable and stable ride.
The lightweight cast aluminum swingarm adds another leverage point to the concoction while its geometry matches kit designed dirt bikes and calculative ride habits of talking Indian driving conditions into account.
Even the chassis bits are in the vein of what one can find on a lot of performance-biased naked bikes. The 41mm Kayaba fork is inverted, meaning it has the required stiffness for aggressive cornering, yet offers some compliance to deal with real-world road surfaces.
The rear mono-shock has preload adjustability, so the rider can fine-tune the set-up for payload or when riding two-up, and there are no complicated electronics, or special tools needed to make adjustments aches and groans associated with previous generation pre-load changes.
Braking is handled by 300mm front disc (four-piston radial-mount calipers) and 240mm rear disc (single-piston floating caliper).
Both are powered by dual-channel ABS with multiple modes including one that is track focussed for a controlled rear wheel slide.
The system’s tuning is also a nod towards ensuring that many riders of the RR 310 would be exposed to this kind of stopping force for the very first time on the track and the stopping force required is at the edge of the braking capacity, without being too aggressive for experienced riders.
The 17-inch rims are mounted with TVS Protorq radial tires designed specifically for the DIVE rather than off-the-shelf options.
It means the tire specification can be married to the chassis dynamics, with compounds and construction offering the right blend of grip and longevity — an understanding these are commuters for most owners and not just fair-weather toys.
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The technology package of the RR 310 is highlighted by a 5-inch TFT display with complete control, viewing and taking charge of the riding information on speed, revs, ride mode and status, gear position indicator.
This console gets Bluetooth which connects to the TVS SmartXonnect app for navigation prompts, ride telemetry recording and service reminders. The user interface is available in day and night mode and switches automatically in dependence of the light conditions.
Four ride modes—Urban, Rain, Sport, and Track—tweak throttle response, ABS intervention, and power delivered to suit different situations.
This is especially useful in a country like India where riding conditions vary from traffic clogged urban roads to soon winding hilly roads, all in the same trip.
It allows new riders to get used to a bike’s performance envelope before they reach its limits — instead of them hitting the bike’s limit first thing out.
LED technology is also used for the lights all-round, making the lights brighter while consuming less power and having a stand-out headlamp.
Those vertically-oriented projector headlamps throw great lighting patterns both in low and high beam positions and the rear set of LEDs ensures visibility to following traffic.
Its hazard warning feature flashes all indicators when you brake hard—the kind of life-saver safety feature you don’t get in the rest of the world, because no one else’s else’s traffic is as unpredictable when it comes to stopping.
How It Rides: Performance for the People
The Apache RR 310 serves as a stepping stone between aspirational sportbike flair and everyday usability. The clip-on handlebars put the rider into a mildly aggressive forward lean making a rider be involved without leaning too far over and creating pressure on the wrists when commuting in traffic.
The seat is well cushioned and shaped to be supportive when being pushed through corners or when hammering down the highway.
History of motorcycle design plays an essential part in striking this balance and this character in the engine, this single-cylinder architecture, allows for plenty of low-end torque at low RPM, but also clothes a top-end access that is endearing for those who push the tachometer.
The exhaust note is precisely tailored to deliver a rich aural riding sensation, yet is quiet enough not to disturb the peace in the neighborhood when commuting early in the morning or returning home at night— another nod to the R18’s life near urban centers where it might just be parked in townhouses.
Even the screen’s wind protection is decent at highway velocity, without producing annoying buffeting or too much wind rush.
Aero development is not just about theory, but rather real world benefits that are felt on the road in overall rider comfort, and high speed stability. Heat management–a real issue on fully-faired bikes in hot weather (yeah, I’m talkin’ to you, Buell XB-# riders)–gets the special treatment with strategically located vents and a re-direct of air flow to keep engine heat out of the rider’s lap in stp-and-go traffic.
TVS Apache RR 310: Importance of the Market and Cultural Influence
It’s this point — where TVS steps out from the realm of practical commuters and into that of performance motorcycles, without all the pretence and drama of its erstwhile products -— which the RR 310 redefines for the Indian market.
This has evolved due to changes in the market such as growing disposable incomes and discerning riders though luxury performance motorcycles which provide not only a mode of transportation but rather an emotional experience.
In the world that is cutthroat and where the RR 310 will rub shoulders against proven Japanese fare as also European options, TVS is obviously playing the patriotism card with the motorcycles’ ‘desi’ roots even as they grudgingly admit to the sharing of technology with that iconic Bayerische motorrad brand that shaped some of the bike’s make-up.
This position appeals to customers who desire international-level performance along the lines of the MX-series with domestic service network while maintaining brand loyalty and service network.
The TVS Racing name gives the motorcycle added street cred among enthusiasts, with competition-derived tech trickling down to street models.
And that’s something even many RR 310 owners have grown to appreciate – it is the race-to-road philosophy that has given rise to its community of owners who quite look at the depth of engineering behind what the RR 310 can do rather than just what is on paper or visible.
Even as motorcycling in India matures from the necessity of affordable transportation to the passion for, well, riding, bikes such as the Apache RR 310 come to play vital roles in progressing rider skills, technical knowledge, and understanding of engineering excellence.
By delivering performance in an approachable package, and with mindful attention to local circumstances and needs, TVS has created something more than just a sportbike; it has had a meaningful say in the development of motorcycle culture throughout the vast subcontinent.