TVS Apache RTR 310 Review - Similar, But Better To Ride | First Ride | Autocar India

TVS has really been putting in the work on their 310 cc platform. Since the RR 310 came out in 2017, it feels like there's been an update every year. Now, with the RTR 310, we're looking at a 2025 update. This bike first hit the streets in 2023, and TVS listened to some feedback, rolled out fixes in 2024, and this year, they've added even more. It's not a massive overhaul, mind you. The core riding experience, what the RTR 310 is all about, remains pretty much the same. But they've refined things, added some neat little touches, mostly electronic, and one mechanical tweak.

We got to ride the bike in the city, through some busy, chaotic roads, which was a good way to test out some of the changes. Then we hit the track, a fast circuit that really rewards speed and power. This bike was already good, but TVS has made it even better.

What's New and What's the Same

Let's start with what hasn't changed. The main chassis, the swingarm, the subframe, the suspension, and those great Michelin Road 5 tyres are all still there. It's good that TVS continues to offer these tyres. The brakes are also largely the same. The engine's peak power hasn't changed much either; it's not quite at the RR310's 38 horsepower. The RR is the more powerful one, with the RTR slightly below it. However, TVS has worked on the engine itself.

Key Takeaways

• Refined Throttle Response: The bike now measures how quickly you open the throttle, adjusting torque delivery for a smoother, more manageable ride in the city, while still offering aggressive performance when needed.
• Mechanical Tweaks: The sprocket sizes are now the same as the RR310, making the bike slightly less aggressive but more refined, especially in lower gears.
• Reduced Vibrations: TVS has worked to lessen vibrations, particularly in the seat, fuel tank, and footpegs, making the ride more comfortable, though some vibrations are still present at higher RPMs.
• Drag Torque Control: This new electronic aid helps prevent the rear wheel from locking up during aggressive downshifts, improving stability.
• Keyless Start and Ride: Available on the top BTO kit, this feature adds convenience and a modern touch.
• Advanced Rider Aids: The BTO kits include features like cornering traction control and cornering cruise control, pushing the boundaries of electronic technology in this segment.
• Visual Updates: New colours, updated graphics, new handguards, and sequential LEDs give the bike a fresh look.
• Adjustable Suspension: The BTO kit offers fully adjustable front suspension and preload/rebound adjustable rear suspension, allowing for customisation for different riding conditions.
• Improved Handling: Despite minor ground clearance issues on the track, the bike is agile, stable, and fun to ride, making it a great machine for improving riding skills.
• Pricing Structure: While the introductory price is lower, the tiered pricing for optional packages can become confusing and potentially less value-driven at the higher end.

Engine and Performance Tweaks

TVS recognised that the RTR 310 could be a bit too eager, almost aggressive, especially for city commuting. They've worked on the throttle response, so now it considers not just how much you open the throttle, but how quickly. This means the initial throttle opening is less aggressive, making it easier to ride calmly in the city. But give it a bit more throttle, and it comes alive, offering that exciting, bratty performance. This change makes the bike much more pleasant to live with day-to-day.

Accompanying this is a mechanical change: the sprocket sizes are now the same as the RR310. The RTR 310 used to be geared very short, but this adjustment, combined with the new mapping, makes a noticeable difference. TVS even claims better low-end torque up to about 4,000 RPM compared to the RR 310. The engine still likes to rev, and while it's never been the smoothest, TVS has put effort into reducing vibrations. You'll still feel some above 5-6,000 RPM, but they're not so harsh that they put you off riding. It's more of a character trait now.

On the track, even with its smaller capacity, the bike holds its own thanks to the shorter gearing. And that quickshifter? It's still one of the best on a single-cylinder bike, offering smooth shifts up and down, which was a joy on the racetrack.

New Electronic Aids and Features

Beyond the improved throttle response, there's the new Drag Torque Control. This system works with the slip-assist clutch to stop the rear wheel from locking up during hard downshifts. While the slip-assist clutch is good, aggressive downshifts can still cause a bit of instability. The Drag Torque Control adds a little fuel to the engine, slightly increasing torque to reduce the speed difference between the gearbox and the wheel, preventing that tyre lock-up. You can feel the difference in smoothness when downshifting aggressively with this feature enabled.

Feature-wise, the big news is keyless start and ride, available on the top BTO kit. This kit also bundles TVS's advanced rider aid systems, like cornering traction control and cornering cruise control. TVS is really pushing the envelope with these intelligent electronic technologies and safety assists; no one else is doing quite as much. It's impressive, though there's a downside we'll get to.

Visually, there are four new colours with updated graphics. The handguards are new, and the sequential LEDs look quite sharp. Otherwise, the bike looks the same and feels very similar to ride.

Handling and Track Performance

Our test bike had the BTO kit 1, giving us fully adjustable front suspension and preload/rebound adjustable rear suspension. On the street, the suspension was set to be soft and comfortable. On the track, it was predictably too soft, but adding some damping to the front and rear improved things. However, a persistent issue, also seen on the RR310, is the footpeg feelers scraping the tarmac very easily. This can be startling on the track. Removing them helped, but even then, the bike still scraped.

While it's not a track weapon and might not be as fast as a KTM 390 Duke around a circuit, the RTR 310 is a really fun bike to ride. It feels light, agile, and quick-turning, yet it's also reassuringly stable. It’s a great bike to improve your skills on because it balances capability with rider-friendliness. I just wanted to keep riding lap after lap.

Riding Position and Ergonomics

On the street, the 800 mm seat height is good for most riders, and the riding position is sporty yet comfortable with a nice wide handlebar. However, on the track, there isn't much room to move around, and when you tuck down, the display is right in your helmet. It's not designed as a track bike, and TVS isn't claiming it is, but these are things to consider if you plan on taking it to the track.

Final Touches and Pricing

Before we wrap up, a couple more features: the transparent clutch cover, which looks cool, and launch control. You put it in track mode, hold the clutch, open the throttle, and it holds at around 7,200 RPM. Release the clutch, and the bike manages the launch. It's another fun feature that adds to the bike's special feel.

Now, about the pricing. TVS has actually lowered the introductory price by 10,000 rupees. There are three main versions: a base model, a model with the quickshifter, and then the BTO packages. BTO Pack 1 adds 18,000 rupees, and BTO Pack 2 adds another 28,000.

This is where it gets a bit confusing. The base bike, which still has a 5-inch TFT display, good LED headlamp, traction control, and basic cruise control, is priced at 2.4 lakh rupees (ex-showroom). The quickshifter is worth the extra cost, bringing the price to 2.57 lakh rupees. But beyond that, it gets complicated. BTO Pack 1 brings the price to 2.75 lakh (introductory) or 2.85 lakh without the intro offer. BTO Pack 2 pushes it over three lakh rupees. On top of that, two of the four colours cost extra.

When you look at the fully kitted-out bike, it's hard to justify against a KTM 390 Duke, which offers more power and pedigree for a similar price. If you're all about the technology, the top-end model might appeal. But for most people, the base and mid-spec versions offer better value, especially when compared to bikes like the KTM 250 Duke. You get an exciting, high-performing, and well-equipped package for the money.