2021 TVS Apache RR 310 Built To Order Track Review

The TVS Apache RR 310 was first launched in 2017, and as TVS Motor Company's flagship product, it has been receiving updates almost every year, with subtle changes which have made huge improvements. In the last update in early 2020, TVS introduced ride-by-wire, four riding modes, a 5.5-inch, full-colour TFT screen with smartphone connectivity, as well as higher-spec Michelin Road 5 tyres. Now, in 2021, the Apache RR 310 gets even more updates, through the Built to Order (BTO) platform, offering equipment which makes it possible for customers to get a track-ready bike, straight from the factory.

Also Read: 2021 TVS Apache RR 310 Built To Order Launched

New performance kits, with adjustable suspension and race ergos, as well as TVS Racing livery, take the Apache RR 310's customisation options to a whole new level.

The 2021 TVS Apache RR 310 Built to Order (BTO) isn't just yet another annual upgrade. With the new custom performance kits which offer fully adjustable suspension as well as ergonomic upgrades, and new race graphics, the BTO platform takes personalisation to a whole new level. We spent the better part of a day hustling the new TVS Apache RR 310 around the Madras Motor Race Track (MMRT) to see how much of a difference the new kit and equipment make. And the results are quite impressive indeed!

Also Read: 2020 TVS Apache RR 310 Track Review

The Dynamic kit offers fully adjustable suspension, with the KYB forks offering both rebound and compression damping.

Performance Kits

On offer through the BTO are two performance kits, a Dynamic kit (priced at Rs. 12,000) which brings a fully adjustable suspension set-up, with KYB forks with 20-step compression and rebound damping, as well as 15 mm of preload adjustment. The rear monoshock gets a 20-step rebound damping and a 10-step preload adjuster. The Dynamic kit also offers a brass-coated chain that is rust-resistant and offers more durability. A new Wave key can double up as an adjuster which can be used to change the damping settings.

Also Read: All You Need To Know About The TVS Apache RR 310 Built To Order

The Racing kit offers footrest assembly which has been raised, as well as knurled footpegs for better grip. Also offered is a new handlebar for a more aggressive and tucked-in riding position.

The Race kit, priced at Rs. 5,000, includes a new race handlebar, which offers a more tucked in riding position for track use. The footrest assembly on the Race kit has been moved up by 30 mm offering more cornering clearance, and are knurled for better grip. According to TVS, the changes result in a 4.5-degree increase in lean angle, which comes in handy, increasing better cornering clearance.The stock bike now costs Rs. 2.60 lakh (Ex-showroom), and the good thing is, even older Apache RR 310 owners can retro-fit the performance kits with adjustable suspension and racier ergonomics, as well as new electronics, all at a price.

The overall design looks the same, but the custom TVS Racing livery adds a sense of sportier appeal. New optional red alloys also add that extra dash of colour and sportiness.

Design & Features

The overall design remains the same, but the custom TVS Racing livery adds slightly more panache to the overall look. And this costs an extra Rs. 5,000. Of course, you can still opt for the standard colours, and there are custom red alloy wheels which are priced at Rs. 1,500, over the standard black alloys. What is retained is the sticky Michelin Road 5 tyres which offer superb levels of grip, both in the dry and wet.

The 5.5-inch TFT console now gets added features, including dynamic rev limiter, documents storer, and overspeed warning, along with other standard features, including lap timer, access to riding modes and more. It's got quite a comprehensive feature list and is easy to toggle through.

The 5.5-inch TFT console remains the same, but come with some added features. The console now gets a document storer, where you can store a digital copy of your bike's registration certificate, insurance policy and driver's licence. There's also a new dynamic rev limiter indicator, along with a day trip meter and overspeeding indicator, which can be configured by the rider to set a certain speed.

Performance from the 313 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine is familiar. It's got enough shove, not too intimidating, but will keep you suitably entertained. Perfect for track newbies, and those looking for a first sports bike to get some track experience.

Engine & Performance

This is where things remain the same. The 313 cc, reverse-inclined, single-cylinder engine has not been tinkered with, and it continues to produce the same output. So, the numbers are the same; 34 bhp at 9,700 rpm and 27.3 Nm at 7,700 rpm, but a re-tuned exhaust has a bassier exhaust note, which makes the bike feel more refined and responsive. The new exhaust muffler has also been given revised geometry for better banking clearance. The slightly meatier exhaust note does make the Apache RR 310 feel more full-bodied, and more in line with its racy personality.

Also Read: 2020 TVS Apache RR 310 Road Test Review

The TVS Apache RR 310 will go beyond 150 kmph when prodded. But more than pure performance, it's the combination of performance and superb dynamics which makes it so appealing.

The RR 310's performance is familiar; not too snatchy, neither too intimidating. But it will go beyond 150 kmph on the straight, and the brakes, with ABS from Bosch, offer good stopping power to brake late into a corner and slide your knee, if you're up to such shenanigans. After all, what's a track experience without dragging your knee around corners, eh?

After getting a feel of the bike in stock suspension settings, it was time to head back to the pits to dial up the suspension for track use.

Ride & Handling

This is where things get interesting. The first session at the MMRT started off with the adjustable suspension in stock settings. After a few laps, it was time to head back into the pits, where TVS engineers dialled up the suspension for track use. The changes in the bike's dynamics are immediately apparent, just into the second or third corner of the MMRT. While the stock settings offered some comfort, suitable for daily use, the stiffened rebound and compression damping improved the RR 310's dynamics to a new level. It was all point and shoot from there onwards.

The sticky Michelin Road 5 tyres, the intuitive handling and point-and-shoot mannerisms offer superlative confidence.

Together with the sticky Road 5s, the stiffened suspension allowed us to go faster, lean more, and take liberties which were cause for a little apprehension earlier. Not that the bike had any shortcomings in the handling department, but the flexibility of the adjustable suspension will offer owners the versatility to set it up according to different requirements. So yes, with a little trial and error, and some help from a friendly TVS technician, you can very well set up the suspension for your very own kind of usage, be it commuting, touring, two-up comfort, or for pure track use.

The TVS Apache RR 310 has always been a friendly and forgiving entry-level sports bike. The versatility offered by the adjustable suspension and race ergonomics makes it that much better to explore the rider's skill and the bike's capability on a racetrack.

The final session saw us get out into the track for six laps straight, and after every lap, confidence levels in the bike's ability soared. For me, it was not about chasing fast lap times. Neither do I have the experience, or the abundant skills of some of the faster riders to set new personal lap records at the MMRT. But in the end, what I came back with was an experience which was indeed extremely satisfying. With a bike as friendly and forgiving as the Apache RR 310, it was a indeed a very memorable and enjoyable day at the racetrack.

The TVS Apache RR 310 may not give you goose bumps with its performance, but it certainly doesn't lack in entertainment, and likes to be hustled around corners on a racetrack.

Verdict

The TVS Apache RR 310 may not give you adrenaline pumping excitement as far as performance goes, but it's definitely not lacking in entertainment, especially on a relatively compact track like the MMRT. With the higher-spec equipment and kit, the Apache RR 310 has gone several notches higher to make your racing dreams real, if an occasional track day is your kind of thing.

With more advanced equipment on offer, the TVS Apache RR 310 BTO just pushes the envelope of a race-ready machine further, making it feel more premium than ever, and ready to race, straight from the factory!

The TVS Apache RR 310 has always been a well-engineered, sharply styled entry-level sports bike, high on quality and dynamics. With the advanced equipment on offer, the TVS Apache RR 310 BTO just pushes the envelope further, making it feel more premium than before, and more race-ready than ever before. Being loaded to the gills with features and performance equipment not available in any other motorcycle in its segment, or even a couple above it, the new Apache RR 310 has become even more appealing than ever before. Ready to race? You better be!

(Photography: Pawan Dagia)