TVS Apache RR 310 vs rivals: Specifications comparison
7th Dec 2017 7:00 am
The Apache RR 310 is a looker, is feature rich and priced at Rs 2.05 lakh (ex-showroom), we see how it stacks up against its similarly-priced rivals.
Firoze Irani
The latest small-capacity sports motorcycle to enter India is the TVS Apache RR310. The fully-faired 313cc bike from the Indian manufacturer has been long-awaited, after a whole year of spy shots and rumours. The RR 310 is undoubtedly one of the most stylish motorcycles in its class – but how does it compare against its similarly-priced competition, with similar specs? Let us find out. We line it up against the Bajaj Dominar, KTM Duke 250, KTM RC 390 and the Mahindra Mojo, since all of them fall in the Rs 1.5-2.5 lakh (ex-showroom) price bracket.
Where do they belong?
With its high tail and sharp fairing, the RR 310 features an aggressive supersport-like design. However, the motorcycle is not an all-out supersport, especially in terms of riding position. It has a raised handlebar and reasonably rear-set footpegs, which should make it comfortable on the street as well. The RR 310 has ample room on offer and this is of as much help with being comfortable on a high-speed cruise, as it is while you experiment with increasing degrees of lean angles. The low seat height also helps and should keep most riders comfortable. The RR 310 belongs on long, open highways but will also handle most twisting roads.
The Dominar on the other hand, is a naked-cruiser. The riding position ranks amongst the best we’ve experienced on any Bajaj, so far – a light lean into the flat bars imparting a nice sporty feel, further complimented by positioned well-positioned footrests. This places the Dominar 400 in a nice spot and makes it more comfortable than its KTM street-going stablemates which have a more aggressive riding position. The Dominar is a power-cruiser that belongs on open roads, but will also handle city traffic with ease.
The KTM Duke 250 is an all-out naked sports bike. Its chassis gives it impressive dynamic ability, making cornering almost intuitive. The wheelbase has been shortened when compared to that of the 200, which makes the 250 very flickable. Changing direction is easy, whether it is on back-to-back corners or while making your way through labyrinthine traffic.
The KTM RC 390 may look like a direct rival to the RR 310 but it is a completely different beast, altogether. The RC 390’s forward-mounted, clip-on handle bars and rear-set foot pegs most certainly make for an aggressive ride posture. This isn’t as forgiving a bike for beginners, but will prove rewarding for experienced riders looking for the sharp handling edge of a sports bike, along with the added power and extra grip from the Metzlers. This motorcycle is much happier in the twisties or a racetrack, than it is in city traffic.
Mahindra’s Mojo is a naked-cruiser in a similar vein to the Bajaj Dominar – with a bigger bias on comfort. Its raised handlebar, slightly forward-set footpegs and comfortable ride makes it a mile-muncher. The seat is on the higher side though, and short riders might end up on their toes, when stationary. The long wheelbase of the motorcycle lends it good stability on the highway but makes it feel large and a bit cumbersome in city traffic.
Dimensions
TVS Apache RR 310 Bajaj Dominar 400 (ABS) KTM 250 Duke KTM RC 390 Mahindra Mojo
Wheelbase 1365mm 1453mm 1357mm 1340mm 1465mm
Seat height 810mm 813mm 830mm 820mm 814.5mm
Kerb weight 169kg 182kg 147kg 154kg 165kg
Most features for your buck
TVS has equipped the RR 310 with plenty of features. The racy-looking motorcycle comes with dual-channel ABS, all-around LED lighting and petal disc brakes. The instrument cluster is extremely informative and displays a speedometer, tachometer, gear position indicator, a fuel-efficiency read-out, range and a clock. It also features a readout each, for the average speed, 0-60kph timings and in lap timer mode.
The Dominar 400 sports an all-LED headlamp and tail-lamp. It also gets a reverse LCD that provides better clarity in all conditions (including day) than a standard LCD screen. This instrument cluster shows the speedometer, odometer, fuel gauge and the rpm metre. The Dominar can also be optioned with a dual-channel ABS.
KTM’s Duke 250 gets the new headlamp shroud and LED running lamp from the Duke 390, but a bulb-and-reflector setup like the smaller Duke 200. It also gets the older instrument cluster which displays a range of information, like fuel efficiency, distance to empty, speedometer, odometer, fuel gauge and rpm metre. The Duke 250 misses out on ABS – it is not available, as an option.
The KTM RC 390 features projector headlamps with two fang-like LED daytime running lamps. For 2017, it also got adjustable levers and a ride-by-wire throttle. It also gets the older instrument cluster which displays a range of information – fuel efficiency, distance to empty, speedometer, odometer, fuel gauge and rpm metre. The RC 390 does, however, miss out on the larger colour display seen on the new 390 Duke. It is also equipped with dual-channel ABS.
Mahindra’s Mojo is the least-kitted in this department. It has an analogue rpm gauge in addition to a digital speedometer and fuel gauge. The Mojo has regular twin-pod headlamps, with an LED DRL, running above it. Mahindra has still not equipped this motorcycle with ABS.
Performance on paper
Powering the RR 310 is a 312.2cc, single-cylinder, DOHC motor that makes 34hp at 9,700rpm and 27.3Nm at 7,700rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox. Suspension duties are carried out by a 41mm KYB USD fork and a preload-adjustable monoshock.
The Dominar is powered by a 373cc single-cylinder fuel-injected engine that is borrowed from the KTM 390 Duke, although not as aggressive. This retuned liquid-cooled engine produces 34.5hp at 8,000rpm and 35Nm of torque at 6,500rpm and is mated to a six-speed gearbox. It uses a 43mm conventional telescopic fork for the front and an adjustable monoshock at the rear.
The 250 Duke uses a 249cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces 30hp at 9,000rpm and 24Nm at 7,500rpm. The front-end gets 43mm open cartridge inverted forks while the aluminium swingarm is linked to a preload-adjustable monoshock.
Powertrain
TVS Apache RR 310 Bajaj Dominar 400 (ABS) KTM 250 Duke KTM RC 390 Mahindra Mojo
Engine Single-cylinder, DOHC Single-cylinder, SOHC Single-cylinder, DOHC Single-cylinder, DOHC Single-cylinder, DOHC
Fuelling Fuel-injection Fuel-injection Fuel-injection Fuel-injection Fuel-injection
Displacement 312.2cc 373.3cc 248.8cc 373.2cc 295cc
Max power 34hp at 9700rpm 34.5hp at 8000rpm 30hp at 9000rpm 44hp at 9000rpm 27hp at 8000rpm
Max torque 27.3Nm at 7700rpm 35Nm at 6500rpm 24Nm at 7500rpm 36Nm at 7,000rpm 30Nm at 5500rpm
Gearbox 6-speed 6-speed 6-speed 6-speed 6-speed
KTM’s RC 390 uses the same engine from the Duke 390, a 373.3cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder that is liquid-cooled and fuel-injected. This motor makes 44hp at 9,000rpm and peak torque of 36Nm is produced at 7,000rpm. This makes it the most powerful bike in this comparison. The suspension on the RC 390 comprises of a 43mm upside-down fork and a preload-adjustable rear monoshock.
Lastly, the Mojo is powered by a 292cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that makes 27hp at 8,000rpm and maximum torque of 30Nm at 5,500rpm. In terms of suspension, the motorcycle uses an upside-down fork up front and a gas-charged rear monoshock.
Prices (ex-showroom)
Model Price
TVS Apache RR 310 Rs 2.05 lakh
Bajaj Dominar 400 (ABS) Rs 1.56 lakh
KTM 250 Duke Rs 1.77 lakh
KTM RC 390 Rs 2.35 lakh
Mahindra Mojo Rs 1.73 lakh
Should you be interested in the TVS Apache RR 310?
As fully-faired bikes go, the Apache RR 310 makes a strong case for itself both in terms of the performance it has to offer and its price. But what makes the TVS stand out amongst all its single-cylinder rivals is its promise of doing a better job of balancing road and track performance than the more focused KTMs on one hand, and the more road-biased Dominar and Mojo on the other.
TVS Apache RR 310 deliveries start in late December and it will be available for sale from 50 dealers across the country
TVS Apache RR 310 vs KTM RC 390 vs Kawasaki Ninja 300 vs Benelli 302R: Specifications Comparison
How does the newly launched TVS Apache RR 310 supersport stack up against the likes of the KTM RC 390, Kawasaki Ninja 300, Benelli 302R? Read on to find out.
By
Sameer Contractor on Dec 06, 2017 10:27 PM
The Apache RR 310 competes in a segment with some established offerings
The
TVS Apache RR 310 has finally broken cover and we have to say the bike looks spectacular. It feels fresh, powerful, loaded on features, handles well and is competitively priced too. But is it the perfect entry-level performance motorcycle? While a full blown comparison will answer that; for now, we will be comparing the spec sheets of the TVS Apache RR 310 to its closest rivals, some of which are nothing less than icons. So, how does the newest supersport stack up against the likes of the
KTM RC 390,
Kawasaki Ninja 300 and
Benelli 302R? Read on to find out.
Also Read:
TVS Apache RR 310 Track Review
(The TVS Apache RR 310 looks stunning in both red and matte black colours)
Design
The TVS Apache RR 310 has been derived from the Akula 310 concept and we are glad that a lot of it has made it to the prodcution version. The model looks stunning with the wind tunnel developed sharp lines and a mean looking nose. The twin headlamp setup is certain to gain attention and the devil's horn shaped taillight design makes it a distinctive offering. The RR 310 looks compact, aggressive and looks fast too. The KTM RC 390 is the most uniquely designed bike here and stands out with its quirky headlamp cluster and razor sharp styling. It's also the flashiest here with the orange and black paint job.
The twin-cylinder offerings boast of a larger frame, without looking too aggressive. The Kawasaki Ninja 300 has aged well over the years, having borrowed its styling from the Ninja ZX-10R. The model looks beautiful and still holds a charm of its own. The Benelli 302R, on the other hand, has received mixed responses for its design, especially with the bulky front fairing. The stylign may work for some and not with the rest, but when you ride it, it does provide a big-bike feel without the drawbacks.
(The 2017 KTM RC 390 is the most feature rich offering in this comparison)
Features
The KTM RC 390 is loaded to the brim in this space. The bike apart from the usual goodies also comes with segment firsts including ride-by-wire, adjustable levers, slipper clutch and more. The all-digital instrument cluster is loaded too. The Apache RR 310 comes close to the KTM in terms of hardware with a feature loaded vertically stacked digital console. The unit offers a host of information including a lap timer, gearshift indicator, real time mileage display and much more. It does miss out on the fancy bits though that are seen on the KTM. Meanwhile, Kawasaki Ninja 300 and Benelli 302R are more old school in nature and get the basics including an analog-digital instrument console.
KTM and TVS provide projectors on their respective offerings with LED DRLS, while the 302R gets LED DRLs too. The Ninja does get daytime running lamp, but not LED bulbs.
(The Benelli 302R is on par with the rivals in terms of equipment, ABS is standard too)
Suspension setup on the RC 390 comes with WP with USD forks up front and a monoshock at the rear, while braking performance come from a 320 mm disc at the front and a 230 mm disc at the rear. In contrast, the Apache RR 310 uses KYB sourced 41 mm USD front forks and a pre-load adjustable monoshock at the rear. Braking power comes from a 300 mm front disc and a 240 mm disc at the rear.
The Benelli 302R also uses USD forks up front, and braking duties are carried by twin 260mm petal discs for the front and a 240mm single petal disc at the rear. The Ninja gets the least sophisticated suspension with telescopic forks up front and a monoshock at the rear, while the 290mm front disc and a 220mm rear disc handle braking performance.
Coming to the tyre options, both the RC 390 and 302R use H rated Metzeler tyres, while the Apache RR 310 has opted for the more affordable Michelin Pilot Sport Tyres. The Ninja gets the least performance friendly tyres, sourced from IRC.
(The Apache RR 310 gets an aggressive riding stance, but is more relaxed over the KTM)
Riding Position
The KTM RC 390 is a track scorcher and rightly so, gets an extremely dedicated riding position. The foot pegs are rear set, the clip-on handlebar sits lower and the rider needs to sit in a dedicated stance to achieve the best results. Almost all other bikes are far more relaxed in that sense. The Apache though is still a tad bit aggressive with the rear biased foot pegs and clip-on handlebar, but the model has been designed for easier everyday riding. The Ninja 300 and Benelli 302R also turn out to be equally relaxed and can switch easily between a sports tourer or track tool.
(The Kawasaki Ninja 300 is one of the oldest offerings in this segment)
Performance
The TVS Apache RR 310 uses a BMW developed engine. This is the same motor that also powers the India-bound G 310 R, and is a 312 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled unit tuned to produce 33.5 bhp and 27 Nm of peak torque. The motor comes paired to a 6-speed gearbox. Those are appreciable numbers for the displacement of the engine, especially when you consider a kerb weight of 170 kg, promising a higher power-to-weight ratio.
(The KTM RC 390 still remains the benchmark for its performance)
In contrast, the KTM RC 390 is the ultimate powerhouse you can find and uses the 373 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor to produce 43 bhp and 36 Nm of torque. The motor comes paired to a 6-speed gearbox and also gets a slipper clutch. With a kerb weight of 147 kg, it is the lightest model in this comparison, and as we've known before, it is blisteringly fast.
(The Benelli 302R is the heaviest bike here with a kerb weight of 198 kg)
Unlike the offerings from KTM and TVS, the Kawasaki Ninja 300 and Benelli 302R use an additional cylinder. The Ninja uses a 296 cc parallel twin motor tuned for 38 bhp and peak torque of 27 Nm, while paired to a 6-speed gearbox. The Ninja tips the scales at a hefty 172 kg, compared to rivals. Lastly, the Benelli 302R uses a 300 cc parallel twin engine churning out 38 bhp and 26.5 Nm of peak torque. A 6-speed gearbox sends power to the rear wheel. However, with a kerb weight of 198 kg, the 302R is the heaviest bike in this comparison and that shows in the bike's performance as well.
(The TVS Apache RR 310 undercuts its rivals with an aggressive pricing)
Price
TVS has kept pricing competitve on the new Apache RR 310 and the bike is priced at Rs. 2.05 lakh (ex-showroom). That price tag pretty much undercuts all the competition on this list. In comparison, the KTM RC 390 is priced at Rs. 2.25 lakh, while the Benelli 302R is over a lakh more expensive at Rs. 3.48 lakh. The most expensive bike on this list is the Kawasaki Ninja 300 at Rs. 3.60 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom Delhi), which unlike the other offerings does not get ABS at all. Ranking the bikes in value-for-performance ratio, the RC 390 is the most value for money offering, followed by the new Apache RR 310.
By Pearl Daniels
