Used 2021 TVS Apache RR 310 Ownership Experience: Good Deal At INR 1.7 Lakhs?

A brand-new motorcycle is all about a pristine paint job, shiny metal parts, an untouched engine and the promise of being truly yours from day one. Ah, the feeling.

However, it also brings greater responsibilities of keeping it free from scratches and adhering to the restrictions of the break-in period. Imagine getting a brand-new sports bike and having to wait to complete the break-in period before you can fully experience the its real potential.

That's where the idea of a pre-owned motorcycle fares better. Used motorcycles are ready to be unleashed from day one! No waiting of any sort. Neither you don’t need to respect the break-in period restrictions, nor do you worry about mud and splashes. That's what 28-year-old Krishna Nand Tiwari, an Advocate in Lucknow High Court, also believed in.

The Apache RR 310 has been in the market since 2017 and can take the credit for putting TVS on the map, as far as racing and sports riding are concerned. Over the years, the RR 310 has received a few updates, the latest one coming in late-2024. The newest version, other than getting a fresh coat of paint, also saw dollops of refinement added to the engine. It might not be as brutal as a KTM RC 390 but the Apache RR 310 is a serious piece of kit for wannabe racers. 

Krishna Nand had his eyes on the Apache RR 310 for a while and when the opportunity allowed, he decided to look into the pre-owned market instead of walking into a TVS dealership. For someone who had a budget of around INR 1.5 to 1.75 lakhs, a 2021 spec Apache RR 310 seemed like a good deal. Hence, without waiting any further, he did the paperwork and brought home his new beloved. 

But what's it like to live with a used Apache RR 310? We decided to find out.

Used Apache RR 310: Does It Make Sense in 2024?

The Apache RR 310 is one of the most popular offerings in the 300cc fully-faired motorcycle segment, borrowing many of its components from the BMW G310 RR. TVS updated the Apache to the 2024 version with a more refined and powerful engine. The new model also includes features like a quick shifter and aero winglets.

The older generation came with a 312.2cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, which remains unchanged in the current generation. However, TVS has increased the power by 3.94 bhp and torque by 1.7 Nm in the new models. The latest version generates 37.48 bhp of peak power and 27 Nm of peak torque, compared to the older generation’s 33.52 bhp of peak power and 27.3 Nm of peak torque. The 6-speed gearbox has remained unchanged.

However, the primary difference between a pre-owned Apache RR 310 and the newest one is the price. Krishna paid INR 1.7 lakh for his Apache RR 310, which was solely down to its excellent condition. At this price point, no motorcycle can match the performance of the Apache RR 310.

It offers a fully faired design with a digital colour instrument cluster that adds to the charm of the motorcycle's performance centric approach. The bike feels extremely stable even at high speeds, although its aggressive riding position might cause discomfort for some riders.

In comparison to the 2024 model, the used Apache RR 310 holds up well, especially considering the price difference. For everyday use, it’s hard to notice significant differences unless you take both iterations to a racetrack and gun it. 

Used TVS Apache RR 310: Ownership experience

Krishna is an enthusiast and other than using it as his daily commuter, he also intends to go on weekend rides and eventually take to the racetrack someday.

Krisha says that he has ridden the motorcycle for approximately 6,000 km over the past four months and hasn’t faced any major issues yet, apart from replacing the battery at a service centre for a nominal cost. The Apache RR 310 is an ideal motorcycle for solo riders since the pillion seat is almost unusable and uncomfy after 25 km. He also shared that he compared the Apache RR 310 with the Yamaha R15M, Hero Karizma XMR and the KTM RC 390 before purchasing. While the Apache is not as brutal as the RC 390, it is more aggressive than other machines in this segment.

The top speed that Krishna has achieved was around 164 km/h and the Apache RR 310 delivers an average fuel efficiency of 27 km/l. He also mentioned that riders seeking better fuel economy can switch from Track mode to Urban mode, as lower power mode provides better fuel efficiency.

Why Did You Buy It?

Krishna shared that he was looking for a performance motorcycle but wanted to get comfortable with the committed sitting posture and razor sharp handling on an accessible package, since he had never owned a track-oriented machine before. The Yamaha R15M felt too soft for his liking, while the Kawasaki Ninja 300 came with high service costs.

This left him with two options: the BMW 310RR or the TVS Apache RR 310. Although both motorcycles are nearly identical under the skin, the TVS stood out with the convenience of Bluetooth connectivity. 

How has the service experience been with TVS so far?  

Krishna preferred TVS' extensive network of service centres, which will make it easy to get his motorcycle serviced and find spare parts in most cities. Although the TVS Apache RR 310 can only be serviced at select service centres, parts availability has been improved lately to ensure a smooth ownership experience.

ALSO READ: BMW G 310 RR VS TVS Apache RR 310: Battle Of 310cc Bikes

What problems are you facing?

He also said the rider seat was not very comfortable due to the slope. Therefore, you may need to purchase a cushion to maintain a comfortable sitting position, especially on longer rides. Krishna also notifies about the vibrations setting in at high revs. For those considering a used Apache RR 310, he strongly recommends replacing the battery immediately to avoid potential issues.

Would you upgrade to the new Apache RR 310?

No, comes the answer. That's solely down to the new Apache RR 310 not being very different from the older one. Krishna believes that the new bike's additional power and torque figures might seem irrelevant out in the real world. Or, an aftermarket engine retuning could amp up the performance. The new one though, doesn't make sense for him as a future upgrade.

The successor to Krishna's Apache RR 310

He told us that he might get a Kawasaki ZX4R, if he needs more power and the advanced technology to explore higher levels of performance on the track. If the racing-style committed sitting posture doesn't work out for him, a pre-owned Kawazaki Z 650 could be on the cards too.

Who should buy a pre-owned TVS Apache RR 310?

When we asked Krishna about his thoughts, he replied without hesitation that "if you're looking for a bike to target tracks, the TVS Apache RR 310 is the most practical entry-level option. While the Yamaha R15M, Hero Karizma and Suzuki SF 250 are good machines, they lack the confidence-inspiring handling required for track performance."

Krishna praised the Apache RR 310 for its modern design, adequate power, fuel efficiency and low maintenance costs. "If you can find a 2021 or newer model for around INR 1.7 lakh with less than 10,000 km on the odometer, it’s an absolute steal," says Krishna.

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