Pocket Rocket
Many would be forgiven for not recognizing the TVS name locally. The TVS Motor Group however is actually massive being the 3rd largest motorcycle producer in its home country of India and the 5th largest motorcycle manufacturer globally having a number of subsidiaries such as Norton in the UK and Swiss E-Mobility Group in Switzerland to name a few. They have even worked jointly with BMW to develop the BMW 310 and that is mainly how we find ourselves here.
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If you look at the TVS Apache 310 RR long enough you begin to see a number of similarities, the wheels, the suspension, and the design cues, all look very familiar. That is because the Apache and the BMW share many of the same parts and in all honesty, if it's good enough for the Bavarians then SA consumers should sit up and pay attention.
Styling
One look at the TVS and one would be forgiven for thinking that this was something built by an Italian company. There are many styling cues that are usually associated with machines from Ducati and MotoGuzzi, from the red trellis frame to the red and white colour scheme. The TVS manages to pull off a speedy design without looking kitschy or cheap and we love that it employs the same wheels and tyres that you will find on its sister BMW products. The Apache looks like a proper little track tool that wouldn't look out of place at your local track.
Tech and Features
One of the big upgrades that TVS has installed on the new Apache is a full suite of electronics. Although the bike doesn't employ a traction control system yet, the tech is in place to have it later down the line. That means that the TVS has ride-by-wire throttle control and 4 rider modes. Comprising Urban, Rain, Sport, and Track riders are able to select a ride mode that will suit the conditions with Urban and Rain cutting power delivery and throttle response to keep things in check. With Sport and Track the full power output is available and Track seems to be the place you are going to have the most fun.
Riders get a full readout for each mode on the new 5" longitudinally mounted TFT screen which runs TVS's Smart Connect system and can also give turn-by-turn navigation via your Smartphone when you install the TVS app and can be used as a data logger when you do some track work.
Engine and Drivetrain
Mounted in the frame you will find the 312cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder power plant that does double duty in the BMW. This particular engine makes so much sense when you sit and think about it. It is angled backward with the intake on the front and the exhaust exiting at the rear. This aids in cooling and saves on the costs of having an exhaust snaking around the engine. When in Sport or Track mode the engine pumps out 25kW and 27Nm and when toned down in Rain or Urban, the output is dropped to 19kW and 25Nm.
Aiding in handling is a fully tuned KYB suspension, duel line ABS and bringing the Apache to a stop efficiently, TVS' own version of Brembo called BYBRE.
Let's Ride
Simply put, the Apache is a joy to ride. It would feel small for someone with a large build but a 6-foot body fits perfectly. The riding position is as comfy as the seat with the bars being nicely spaced for maximum control. The slipper clutch takes some getting used to when pulling away in 1st gear and a stall or two comes with the territory. Even though this is a 4 stroke it behaves similarly to a two-stroke in that as soon as it gets up into the rev range there is a perceptible power band with the machine rapidly picking up speed. We can confirm that this machine will very easily exceed the national speed limit on the freeway if you aren't paying attention and easily keeps company with 600 and 700cc bikes while out cruising.
Weighing next to nothing and handling like a small switchblade the Apache navigates traffic like a boss but only if you're alone as it didn't enjoy having a second person perched over the rear tyre.
Pro's and Con's
- Race-inspired styling
- Lightweight
- Easy-to-use tech
- Progressive brakes
- Pinpoint handling
- Not good with or for pillions
- May not suit individuals with larger frames
Model and Price
| TVS Apache 310 RR | R 79 999 |
*TVS Apache is sold with a 2 Year / Unlimited Kilometre warranty
Verdict
The TVS Apache 310 RR is a cracking little ride that holds its own with bigger established brands like the BMW G310 R and KTM RC390. If you are looking for a proper pocket rocket that won't break the bank, that you can commute to work on or even take out to your local track day, then the Apache is it. It manages to exude a super cool look, deliver an exciting ride that will surprise you, and does all this without emptying your bank account. We highly recommend the TVS Racing machine if you're shopping in this segment.
