2019 TVS Apache RR 310 Slipper Clutch Review

The TVS Apache RR 310 is TVS Motor Company's flagship motorcycle, and is the model under the common platform 313 cc engine jointly developed with BMW Motorrad. The RR 310 is the first, full-faired premium motorcycle from TVS and the RR 310 had a lot going for it, when it was first launched in December 2017. Sharp, edgy design, with a choice of either an attractive glossy red or matte black colour option, with excellent fit and finish and overall build quality, the Apache RR 310 set new benchmarks in design and build quality.

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But a few months into the Apache RR 310's life and real world experience revealed the chink in the new Apache's armour - vibrations. And these were not so welcome from a performance bike that looked so good, and had some German inputs in its development as well. So, in less than two years, enter the new TVS Apache RR 310 with a race-tuned slipper clutch. And that's the one we spent some time with to see what exactly has changed and does it get significant improvements over the first generation model?

Also Read: 2017 TVS Apache RR 310 Track Review

The overall design of the 2019 TVS Apache RR 310 remains the same, but it gets a new gloss black colour shade, and minor cosmetic updates

What's new?

The 2019 TVS Apache RR 310 isn't all-new but there are some subtle changes and one significant upgrade. Cosmetically, it gets a new gloss black shade, called Phantom Black, along with the existing gloss red shade, and the racing stripe along the length of the body gets new colour options, along with bigger and heavier bar-end weights on the handlebar. TVS has also introduced a thicker rubber beading between the windshield and the front fairing bodywork. These have been introduced to minimise the vibrations and rattling on the bodywork that the Apache RR 310 is known to have.

Also Read: 2019 TVS Apache RR 310 Track Review

The addition of the race-tuned slipper clutch with assist function offers a light clutch lever feel

More importantly, TVS has now introduced what it calls a race-tuned slipper clutch on the RR 310, with an assist function which offers a lighter clutch lever feel. The RR 310 already had had a re-tuned ECU, after the first generation model, as well as a new chain roller, which is said to offer more life to the chain and less chain hop while riding. The changes are welcome and goes on to underline the pro-active updates the TVS team has been working on to improve the RR 310, and these do make a difference.

The engine, chassis and overall design of the TVS Apache RR 310 hasn't changed

What hasn't changed?

The overall design of the Apache RR 310 remains the same, and that's not a bad thing. The steel trellis frame, brakes and the 313 cc single-cylinder, reverse-inclined engine also remains the same, as does its state of tune. It still puts out 34 bhp of maximum power at 9,700 rpm and 27.3 Nm of peak torque at 7,700 rpm, with the same six-speed gearbox. It's still agile, has a nice ride quality over our road conditions (neither too hard, nor too soft), and is a comfortable everyday roundabout kind of motorcycle.

The 2019 TVS Apache RR 310 is quite a likeable package for the daily commute and urban, intra-day work, but is capable of long distance touring as well

The slip-and-assist function of the new clutch does make light work, and acceleration is brisk, if not outright fast. Stop light to stop light, the RR 310 has enough juice to keep things entertaining within the city, without bordering on the dangerous or outright adrenalin-pumping excitement. With a well-balanced weight and taut chassis, the TVS Apache RR 310 is quite a likeable motorcycle, especially as an urban run-around. The suspension makes light work of most road conditions, and in fact, the RR 310 glides over most road imperfections and broken tarmac without reason for complaint. With the changes, the vibrations seem to have decreased, particularly on the handlebar, and you still feel the vibes on the seat and on the fuel tank when you're winging it out.

The TVS Apache RR 310 is a great all-round package, but still leaves you wanting for that little extra to make it a special bike

Verdict

The TVS Apache RR 310 now costs Rs. 2,28,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi) and existing RR 310 owners have the option of retro-fitting the new slipper clutch at a cost of Rs. 3,950. The Apache RR 310 has many things going for it. It looks stunning, it's easy to handle, and it's well engineered, with very well-sorted dynamics. With the addition of the slipper clutch, and with new improvements, it does make the Apache RR 310 a better bike, even if the changes aren't ground breaking. In the end, the 2019 TVS Apache RR 310 is a well-rounded product, but it leaves you wanting for just that little bit more, to give it that special character that differentiates a great bike from being just a good bike.

(Photography: Azam Siddiqui)