TVS Apache RR310 vs KTM RC 390 – How These Sports Bikes Compare

We compare the only two sports-centric bikes that sell for under Rs 3 lakh in the country.

TVS finally unveiled its Apache RR310 in India, which has been made in partnership with BMW Motorrad. The bike which was first showcased as Akula concept at 2016 Auto Expo, is now ready to be sold in the country. This is their first 300cc bike, and for a price tag of Rs 2.05 lakh (ex-showroom) you’re looking at a power-packed two-wheeler.

For us and many other buyers, they’re keen to know how the Apache RR310 fares against the KTM RC 390, the current performance bike worth betting on.

Before we take both these bikes for a spin and compare them, we’ll take you through what you get and don’t get with these two, for their respective prices.

PS: This isn’t a direct comparison.

Design

This is a segment where I feel both KTM RC 390 and Apache RR310 are almost equals. I was really pleased to see how TVS managed to keep the design aesthetics of Akula concept intact with this one, giving it the sporty touch that appeals to all.

Packing the same hardware as the BMW G 310R, TVS gives a full-fairing treatment to the Apache RR310, keeping it front-heavy for better aerodynamics, and still managing to keep the bike track- and road-ready. The seating stance is also fairly comfortable on this one, with anybody as tall as 5”6 able to sit and keep their feet on the ground.

The KTM RC 390 is no slouch either, and it's got a performance-packed design tuning, that works out to good effect on a race track. Not the most comfortable to be seated on for long hours, but the RC 390 was never made for such conditions in the first place.

It is marginally lower than the Apache RR310, but the rider seat does feel elevated for stature. Also worth noting that compared to 169.5 kerb weight of the Apache RR310, the KTM RC 390 is 20 kgs lighter at 147 Kg, giving you the agility that a performance bike craves.

You get Projector headlamps on the RC 390 that look sharp, while TVS has opted for Bi-LED Projector headlamps with the Apache RR310, that only looks imposing but is useful as well.

Power

This is where the KTM outshines the Apache RR310. Not only does the former pack a punchier 373cc engine (the same one running on the Bajaj Dominar), but you also managed to throw an impressive 43PS of power and 36Nm of torque.

Compare this to the Apache RR310, you get a 312-cc single-cylinder unit that offers 34PS of power and 27Nm of torque. You’re sure to feel that these numbers pale in front of the KTM RC 390, and we second that. Both the bikes come with 6-speed transmission.

No, Apache RR310 is not underpowered by any stretch, but the way the bike’s engine has been tuned ensures that you can feel at ease while taking it out on a normal city road, where the KTM RC 390 does fail to match up.

But this power comes at the cost of heating, and the KTM RC 390 lives up to its hot billing, which becomes evident while taking it for a ride. The heat management of the RC 390 leaves us wanting, and this is where we’d prefer the subtlety of the Apache RR310.

Features Packed

Now, let’s talk about the goodies, the safety measures in place on both the bikes. With the Apache RR310, you get 17-inch tubeless Michelin Street Sports tyres, paired with 300mm (front) 240mm (rear) petal disc brakes, working along with dual-channel (anti-brake locking system) ABS.

The KTM RC 390, on the other hand, gets 320mm (front) and 230mm (rear) disc brakes, also with dual-channel ABS. To aid its performance-stated focus, RC 390 comes equipped with 17-inch tubeless Metzeler Sportec M5 tyres.

The digital instrument cluster on both these bikes are well detailed and informative, covering everything from speedometer to gear indicator. Their shapes are peculiarly different but refreshingly, we like the units on both of them.

You get pillion seats on both of them, but that’s not really where you want to be seated on bikes such as these. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that neither of them come with a grab rail, so, you’re better off holding on to the rider to get the best and safest out of riding on the Apache RR310 or the RC 390.

And finally, you get 11-litre fuel tank on the Apache RR310, while KTM goes one lower with a 10-litre fuel tank. If you’re looking for frugality, then performance bikes aren’t the right place to look.

Riding – Power all the Way

After riding the Apache RR310 at the MMRT race track recently, we can vouch for the dual-purpose usability of the bike. It’s got ideal weight to help you lean on the curves, and give you acceleration that gets the pulse racing.

You do feel a tinge of vibration kicking in after 6,500 rpm that can kicks up to the footpegs, but nothing that’ll be bothersome. The wind protector does a decent job of deflecting the air towards the engine, which acts as a catalyst to boost up the agility of the bike.

Would have loved some extra bite to match the linear power delivery of the RR310, but it seems TVS and BMW Motorrad managed to get the best out of what they had in the garage.

The KTM RC 390 is a pure race breed. Put it on a race track, and there’s no matching the RC 390, especially with its raw power under the hood. The heating can surely be discomforting, which is why you don’t spot many RC 390’s going through the regular daily grind. And for what it’s worth, you’d be a fool to take that into an alley.

Best for Price?

What TVS and KTM offer with these two are impressive set of features, catering to sports enthusiasts who aren’t flush with money and want to fulfill their performance desires on a budget. Apart from that, you’re looking at two bikes that are very different from each other, and the only reason we’re pitting these two in this piece is because these are the only two that cater to a very specific segment.

For under Rs 3 lakh you get street-ready tyres, dual-channel ABS for safety, and a design that’s neither lousy nor too loud for our liking. So, if you’re someone who’s looked at the Yamaha R15, and always thought they needed more power in tow, then the Apache RR310 could fetch you that by shelling out a little bit more.

But if you only want a race/performance-focused two-wheeler, then KTM RC 390 is a tried and tested formula that gets the job and race done in impressive fashion.

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