TVS Motor Company has, for the first time, entered the premium motorcycle category with its Apache RR 310 motorcycle, but pricing details are not yet revealed.
“The motorcycle marks TVS Motor Company’s entry into the super-premium segment, both in domestic and international markets,” the company said.
The premium motorcycle category is currently dominated by Royal Enfield and KTM Bajaj, with Yamaha, Honda and others also present. TVS started out as a moped maker, but today has impressive sales in motorcycles as well as gearless scooters. It is also a big brand in places like Africa, thanks to strong exports.
Part of the success of the new bike will depend on the pricing, and the model will have to be priced in the Rs 1.5-1.8 lakh range to make an immediate impact. Its closest competitor, the KTM Duke 390, is priced at Rs 2.4 lakh, but there is also the 250cc KTM Duke priced at Rs 1.8 lakh. All prices exclude taxes.
“The launch of TVS Apache RR 310 marks a major milestone, as it ushers in a new era at TVS Motor Company,” said Sudarshan Venu, Joint Managing Director, TVS Motor Company.
“The TVS Apache RR 310 is the most advanced and exclusive offering in our product portfolio, as it is a manifestation of 35 years of earnings from the race track, coupled with cutting-edge technology. We are confident that customers will find it to be a perfect combination of racecraft technology and riding dynamics.”
TVS was initially confined to the 100-125 cc commuter segment. It then launched the Apache RTR with 150cc 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,” the company said.
The TVS Apache RR 310 gets a 312cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke, 4-valve, liquid-cooled engine that churns out 34 PS@9700 rpm and 27.3 NM@7700 rpm.
The engine is mated to a 6-speed gear box that the company claimed “offers a precise and sharp race-shift experience”.
The motorcycle boasts of a top speed of 160 kmph, and acceleration from 0-to-60 kmph in 2.9 seconds. It said Apache RR 310 has an advanced aerodynamics package that promises the lowest coefficient of drag in this segment.
It also sports all-new, race origin, light-weight trellis-frame chassis for enhanced stiffness in straights, and flex for dynamic cornering capability, that result in best-in-class riding dynamics.
The motorcycle uses a unique reverse inclined DOHC (double overhead cam) engine with LCOC (liquid-cooled oil coolant) technology.
“This facilitates a compact layout for an ideal power-to-weight ratio and better mass centralization.” it said.
The TVS Apache RR 310 is equipped with a vertical speedo-cum-tachometer with 18 racing tell-tale diagnostics, and a comprehensive post-ride analysis.
It also has a bi-LED twin projector head lamps and Michelin Street Sport tyres — the first sub-500cc motorcycle to do so.
The company said the model comes with a special gill profile to shield the rider’s leg from engine heat, and aids better heat dissipation.
“To accentuate the handling and ride experience, the TVS Apache RR 310 gets the Race Spec KYB Suspension that is tested and tuned by MotoGP experts. Both, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system, will be available as standard on the TVS Apache RR 310,” it said.
The motorcycle comes in two colours – Racing Red and Sinister Black.