Words: Bill Hunter.
If you mention the Indian motorcycle brand TVS most people will instantly think of commercial bikes, justifiably so. Indeed TVS currently sells over one million, yes over one million, bikes throughout Africa alone, and many, many more into the rest of the planet. These stratospheric figures make TVS the third largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world, and possibly rising into second place in the very near future. Don’t forget that TVS has recently been assertively established into South Africa as well, with the aim to achieve similar and envious figures, and who are we to disagree on the outcome.
However, did you know that TVS produce one of the coolest small capacity sport bikes on the market? Well you do now – say hello to their extremely eye-catching Apache RR 310. TVS are exceedingly proud of their ‘flagship’ race derived bike and, after riding it for a week, I can see why. I say ‘race derived’ because there’s a full-on race series in India for the RR 310. TVS also like to brag about their 35 years of racing experience, not too sure where, but seeing as TVS began as a joint venture with Suzuki Japan in1978 it must have certainly helped with their race development program. We even have a youth from SA competing over there in India, called the Apache RR 310 Cup and, from what I’ve seen; it’s easily as insane as the wild antics found in Moto3.
What makes this little gem so special then, you might ask? Ok, where to begin. Let’s start off with the feisty 312cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four-valve motor. Claimed figures are an impressive 36hp@9,800rpm and 29Nm@7,900rpm of the torquey stuff. This TVS made engine is tilted towards the rear and faces ‘backwards’ while nestling inside the striking red tubular steel-trellis frame, meaning the fuel injection throttle body is placed at the front of the engine instead of the customary rear. Some of you might have seen this style of engine before and you wouldn’t be wrong because it’s basically the same engine used in all of BMW’s 310 range. In fact TVS manufacture the whole bike for BMW, which now includes BMW’s new F 450 GS, a spot of insider information you might like to pass around at the local pub? It did ‘tickle’ us a little when we found a BMW label hanging from the RR 310’s wiring loom.
For such a relatively small sportbike the Apache RR 310 contains a decent amount of electronics, including Ride-By-Wire operating the Bosch fuel injection. There’re four ride modes, Urban, Rain, Sport and Track, which clip the power output to suit road conditions. ABS is predictably there (from Continental) with two settings and lean sensitive Traction Control too, plus Launch Control and, a handy gear position indicator. There’s also Cruise Control in case your right wrist gets weary and, all of these parameters are displayed on the very funky vertical LCD display, which also allows smartphone connectivity. There is a quickshifter option, but it wasn’t installed or activated, to be honest not once did I think the sweet six-speed ‘box needed one anyway.
Chassis wise the RR 310 has some the best suspension components I’ve ever come across on a sportbike around this capacity. KYB provides the suspension for the front 41mm forks, and the distinctive rear shock with its beefy white spring that has Pre-load adjustment if you find it a bit too soft, or harsh. Combine these bits with the sturdy steel trellis frame and top-draw Michelin, yes Michelin, Pilot Street tyres and you have one of the best handling sportbike(s) I’ve ridden in my many years of being a journalist. Some statement, especially coming from my moaning old self, but I’ll defend that declaration while standing naked in front of the local supermarket, maybe? It’s remarkably stable too and lets you attack any corner in a confident manner, and that grows the more time you spend in the saddle, and…it changes direction quicker than a confused hamster, tremendous fun I say! This desirable agility is partly due to the RR 310’s 170kg (wet) weight, that includes all fluids and the 11-litre fuel tank being full, once again impressive figures. The racy Apache is exceptionally frugal on petrol too, as you’d imagine, now a very important attribute in today’s world.
What is most certainly impressive is the TVS build quality; it’s wonderfully put together. In fact everyone that saw myself riding the bike thought it was some sort of Aprilia, especially regarding this splendid grey colour, there’s a red one as well if you’d prefer that choice. Either way the RR 310 is one very good-looking motorcycle on all counts, don’t you agree. Not only is the bike aesthetically pleasing it’s surprisingly comfortable. The 810mm high seat is well padded, even for my withered behind, and the ‘bars are set relatively high, a pleasant place to be for sure. Commuting, shopping, highway riding, or even a visit to the racetrack, the Apache RR 310 will perform admirably in any of these.
Due to nature of the RR 310 one does tend to rev it hard on every journey (well I did), and boy does it love to be revved. Now I’ve ridden a few of BMW 310s and found them to be a bit bland, motor wise, so I thought this TVS variant would be the same, wrong! When you first pull away it feels the same as the German bike but once above 6,000rpm it has a distinct top-end power surge advantage. TVS says they use a different ECU for their engine and I most certainly agree because it’s beneficial, delivering much better performance than the BM’ that’s for sure. The best top speed I saw was an indicated 164kmh and it would go even quicker if you raised the gearing by one-tooth on the front sprocket seeing as it was well into the redline at this speed. And to bring the bike to a halt the 300mm single front disc, with a ByBree (subsidiary of Brembo) four-piston caliper, never complained either, and neither did the very effective slipper-clutch designed to prevent locking the rear whilst performing abrupt down shifts. It’s just such an engaging ride that always leaves you with a smile after every trip and it does make one wonder how TVS can produce such a bike at this price – go and compare it to BMW 310s?
It’s extremely hard to find fault with TVS’s premium sportbike, especially when I tell you the price, a mere R89,990, and that includes a three-year warranty and full support Nationwide. From the ‘shark face’ inspired design, to the transparent clutch cover exposing spinning internal parts, to the MotoGP ‘wings’, the Apache RR 310 is littered with interesting features offering a new rider something a little special. More importantly it rides as good as it looks, many bikes don’t in this lightweight sportbike class, shall we say. Born to Race yes, multitalented and immense fun, most certainly.
Images: Rowan V.
Go to www.tvs-sa.co.za to locate you nearest TVS dealer and book a test ride.
Also try www.linex.co.za if you live in Gauteng, they do currently have a bike for you to try.
