2018 TVS Apache RR 310 Revealed
The BMW G310R's Indian sportbike cousin
TVS Motors revealed its new Apache RR 310, the most advanced model ever released by the Indian manufacturer. While the 2018 TVS Apache RR 310 will likely never be brought over to the U.S. market, it is important for one reason: it’s essentially the precursor for a BMW G310RR.
BMW and TVS worked together to develop a platform using a 313cc DOHC Single-cylinder engine and trellis frame. The platform has already resulted in two BMW models, the G310R and the G310GS. The first sportbike version, however, is from TVS, giving the company a 300-class sportbike to compete against the likes of the RC390, from KTM and TVS’ direct Indian rival, Bajaj. While 300-ish sportbikes are considered entry-level models in the West, they are considered premium models in India, offering a significant step up from the 150cc to 200cc models that make up most of the local market.
“Today is a proud moment for us at TVS Motor Company. Driven by our promise of delivering more to customers than their expectations, TVS Apache RR 310 is the beginning of our breakthrough into the super-premium category,” says KN Radhakrishnan, TVS president and chief executive officer. “We started building our premium brand – Apache RTR with 150cc and succeeded in raising the customer aspirations with 180cc and 200cc bikes. TVS Apache RR 310 is another step in our effort to deliver beyond customers’ expectations and offering them a chance to upgrade from premium to super-premium category. TVS Apache RR 310 is a testimony to our Racing DNA and R&D capabilities, positioned to fulfill the ever-growing aspirations of the new age customers globally.”
The reverse-mounted Single cylinder is inclined slightly rearward with the air intake at the front, providing a more direct path for both the ram air intake and exhaust. On the Apache, TVS claims the engine produces a peak output of 33.5 hp at 9700 rpm and 20.1 lb-ft at 7700 rpm, numbers not too far off from the G310R’s claimed 34 hp at 9500 rpm and 20.6 lb-ft at 7500 rpm.
The suspension is also similar to the G310R’s, with a 41mm upside-down fork and a directly-mounted KYB monoshock. TVS did not provide rake or trail information, but we do know the Apache’s 53.7-inch wheelbase is about a third of an inch shorter than the G310R’s. Curb weight is a claimed 374 pounds, or about 24 pounds heavier than the naked G310R.
The brakes are also identical between the TVS and BMW, with a single four-piston caliper with a 300mm disc up front and a two-piston caliper with 240mm disc at the rear. ABS is offered as standard equipment. The Apache also uses the same 17-inch five-spoke die-cast alloy wheels as found on the G310R.
The Apache adopts a mass-forward design with a high, rising tail with aggressive edges inspired by the silhouette of sharks. TVS says it conducted extensive wind tunnel testing to reduce drag and maximize downforce.
TVS says it plans to offer the Apache RR 310 in international markets, but we’re unlikely to see it in North America. More likely, we’ll see BMW introduce its own version, likely to be called the G310RR.
2018 TVS Apache RR 310 Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 4-stroke, 4-valve, liquid cooled, reverse inclined single cylinder |
| Displacement | 313cc |
| Maximum power | 33.5 hp at 9700 engine rpm (claimed) |
| Maximum torque | 20.1 lb-ft at 7700 engine rpm (claimed) |
| Bore x Stroke | 80mm x 62.1mm |
| Fuel injection | Bosch – Closed loop EFI |
| Compression ratio | 10.9 : 1 |
| Starter | Electric |
| Ignition | Dynamically controlled integrated high energy ignition system |
| Clutch | Wet multi plate – 8 plate design |
| Transmission | 6 speed |
| Battery | 12V, 8Ah |
| Headlamp | Bi-LED projector, 30W @ 13 V |
| Tail lamp | LED 4 W |
| Frame | Trellis frame, split chassis |
| Front suspension | Inverted cartridge telescopic fork |
| Rear suspension | Two arm aluminum die-cast swingarm mono tube floating piston gas assisted shock absorber |
| Front Brake | Four-piston fixed caliper with 300mm petal type disc with ABS |
| Rear Brake | Two-piston floating caliper 240mm Petal type disc with ABS |
| Front Wheel | MT 3.0×17 |
| Rear Wheel | MT 4.0×17 |
| Front Tire | 110/70-R17 M/C 54H Tubeless |
| Rear Tire | 150/60-R17 M/C 66H Tubeless |
| Tank Capacity | 2.9 gallons |
| Height | 44.7 inches |
| Length | 78.8 inches |
| Width | 30.9 inches |
| Wheelbase | 53.7 inches |
| Ground clearance | 7.1 inches |
| Saddle height | 31.9 inches |
| Kerb weight | 373.7 pounds |
Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.
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There's nothing racist about calling the bike "Apache," but I wonder if that's what it will be called in the Indian market. The name has meaning in western cultures, but what does it invoke to a buyer in Bengaluru?
Very interesting. I know India is building the German 650 thumper engine for the Loncin DS8 also.
Good to see globalization in action.