The Apache RR 310 is TVS’s first fully-faired 310cc bike. It directly competes with the Kawasaki Ninja 300, KTM RC 390 and the Benelli 302R in India. How does the Apache RR 310 fare against its rivals? Read ahead to find out-
Design and features
The Apache RR 310 carries over the styling cues of the radical Akula 310 concept. While the bike sports a sharp design language, the riding position is not as aggressive. The slightly higher set clip-on handlebars provide for a more upright stance making it suitable for touring as well. The fascia of the bike houses a visually tall windscreen, and the distinctive dual-LED headlamps. The rear section has the unique shark fin-like tail lamps. The Apache RR 310 also gets a fully digital instrument console, split seats, and Michelin Pilot Sport tyres
The Kawasaki Ninja 300’s design has been inspired by its bigger supersport sibling, the Ninja ZX-10R. The bike sports an analogue tachometer along with a small digital console that displays the speedometer, fuel gauge, odometer and clock.
The Benelli 302R is the Italian manufacturer’s first fully-faired motorcycle in India. It sports a large fascia which integrates the aggressive looking split headlamp unit with LED DRLs. The bike gets a part-analogue part-digital instrumentation offers information like speedometer, odometer, two trip meters, fuel gauge and gear indicator. The Benelli 302R also rides on sticky Metzeler tyres for both the front and rear end.
The KTM RC 390 looks aggressive and provides for a track-focused riding position. It gets a dual LED projector headlamp setup with LED daytime-running lights. The bike gets adjustable levers and a ride-by-wire throttle system. The KTM RC 390 rides on H-rated Metzeler tyres on both ends.
Cycle parts
The TVS Apache RR 310 rides on KYB inverted front forks and a preload adjustable monoshock at the rear. Stopping power on the bike comes from a 300mm front disc and a 240mm disc at the rear with dual-channel ABS as standard.
Suspension duties on the KTM RC 390 are handled by WP with 43mm inverted front forks and a monoshock at the rear. Braking is handled by a 320mm disc at the front which is the largest among its competitors and a 230mm rear disc with ABS as standard.
Braking on the Ninja 300 is done by a 290mm front disc and a 220mm rear disc, without ABS, even as an option. The Ninja 300 rides on conventional telescopic forks unlike the Apache RR 310.
The 302R rides on 41mm inverted forks and a reload adjustable rear monoshock. It uses Metzeler tyres while braking is done by twin 260mm petal discs for the front and a 240mm petal disc at the rear with ABS as standard.
Engine
The TVS Apache RR 310 uses a single cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 310cc engine. This engine produces 34bhp and 27Nm of torque and is mated to a six-speed gearbox.
The Ninja 300 is powered by a 296cc, liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that produces 39bhp and 28Nm of torque. The unit is mated to a six-speed gearbox with slipper clutch.
The KTM RC 390 is the most powerful bike of the lot with its 373cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder that delivers 43bhp and 36Nm of torque. It is mated to a six-speed transmission with slipper clutch.
The Benelli 302R is powered by a 300cc parallel twin motor which churns out 38.26bhp and peak torque of 26.5Nm via a six-speed gearbox.
Pricing
The TVS Apache RR 310 is the most affordable motorcycle in this list retailing at Rs 2.05 lakhs. The Kawasaki Ninja is the priciest motorcycle of the lot with a price tag of Rs 3.60 lakhs. However, the bike will soon be replaced by the Ninja 400 in India which is expected to be a better performer as compared to the current model and more expensive.The Benelli 302R sports a Rs 3.48 lakhs price tag while the KTM RC 390 ranks highest in the price-performance graph at Rs 2.34 lakhs.
All prices ex-showroom Delhi.
