2025 TVS Apache RTR 310 review, first ride: Are the upgrades enough to set it apart?

India Today

4 days ago

The Apache RTR 310 has always worn its heart on its sleeve. For most, it's a raw, visceral street fighter with a strong identity. In 2025, TVS hasn't gone back to the drawing board; instead, they have listened closely to riders. The result? A smarter, slicker, and more intuitive version of their flagship naked. We had the opportunity to put it through its paces on the road and around the CoASTT racetrack in Coimbatore to see if this evolution makes a real difference.advertisementWhat's new on the 2025 Apache RTR 310?This isn't a full-generation leap, but it's far more than just new paint and plastics. The RTR 310 now gets a thoughtful blend of functional and visual upgrades that elevate the overall experience. For starters, a transparent clutch cover, which has been borrowed from the RR 310, certainly adds some drama, while knuckle guards and sequential indicators are now standard fitment. There are also new dual-tone colour options like Sepang Blue, Arsenal Black, Fiery Red and Fury Yellow, with BTO-exclusive variants. There's BTO Kit 1 and BTO Kit 2, all of which are packed with TVS goodies.
The transparent clutch cover is borrowed from the Apache RR 310, and is a neat visual addition.
More importantly, the bike sees a meaningful tech overhaul. The updated five-inch TFT console now supports multi-language UI, the cruise control system has been refined to stay active while shifting gears, and there's now drag torque control and launch control. Essentially, drag torque control prevents wheel slip while engine braking and downshifting, and works in tandem with the updated torque filter. Also, the engine calibration has been heavily reworked. On the whole, the 312.2cc single-cylinder engine remains the same, with the same power figures at 35.6bhp and 28.7Nm. However, TVS has removed the ventilated rider's seat from the mix.
The five-inch TFT features updated graphics and UI. Should it have been larger? Maybe.
As far as variants are concerned, that has been rejigged too. There's the base variant, which is only available in Arsenal Black and gets cruise control, linear traction control, drag torque control and rear wheel lift protection. The 'Top' variant, which is available in Fury Yellow and Fiery Red, gets an additional bi-directional quickshifter. BTO Kit 1 further adds tyre pressure monitoring, brass-coated chain and adjustable front and rear suspension. The top-of-the-line BTO Kit 2 adds keyless ride, launch control, cornering ABS, cornering traction control, slope-dependent control, cornering drag torque control and cornering cruise control. Just for the record, we rode the full-fat BTO Kit 2-equipped variant, which costs a whopping Rs 2.85 lakh (ex-showroom).What's it like to ride on the road and track?advertisementOur day began on the twisty, broken backroads in and around Coimbatore. It was just what the doctor ordered when it comes to imperfect conditions that reveal whether a bike's tuning is on point. The updated RTR 310 handled it all with confidence. The updated throttle mapping and gearing make the bike feel punchier without being abrupt, and it's far more forgiving in low-speed traffic crawls. I mostly stuck to the 'Road' mode during this part of the ride, and it felt supremely comfortable. The earlier model tended to stall quite easily, and the power delivery felt sudden in the mid-range. This latest edition has a much more even spread of power and torque.
TVS' bi-directional quickshifter works well, especially out on the track.
advertisementThe engine is smoother than before, with reduced vibrations at mid-to-high revs. Riding position remains upright and street-friendly, but with a subtle forward lean that hints at its sporty intentions. The engine felt smoother across the rev band, and the quickshifter worked well even at lower RPMs. As mentioned earlier, the power and torque figures remain the same, but it's the subtle adjustments and engineering-first approach from TVS that has made it all come together well. After the 30-minute road ride, it was time for a 20-minute track session at CoASTT. And this is where the RTR 310 lit up.
Although it doesn't quite have the track focus of the Apache RR 310, it is no slouch.
On track, the most immediate takeaway is just how much sharper and more responsive the throttle feels, especially in Sport and Track mode. Launch control gave clean, controlled starts. The traction control stepped in gently but effectively if you got greedy on exit. With the Dynamic Pro kit, the adjustable suspension could be firmed up for aggressive cornering, and the difference was tangible. There was a sharper turn-in, more support mid-corner, and a planted feel under hard braking. Michelin Road 5s maintained high levels of grip throughout the session. I even managed to scrape a peg or two in tighter corners, an indication of how willing the RTR is to play.
The homegrown brand's racing pedigree always shines through at the track.
advertisementAlthough the footpegs did come in the way of better cornering, the quick adjustments to the suspension made a world of difference here. Crucially, the bike's tech doesn't get in the way. The cornering ABS and RT-DSC aren't intrusive; they're supportive. That confidence lets you push harder, earlier, and with less guesswork. And that's what separates a rider aid from a gimmick. But it's not all perfect. The exhaust note still lacks drama, and at 174kg, it's not the lightest in class. But these are minor quibbles in an otherwise evolved and engaging package.advertisementVerdict: Is the 2025 Apache RTR 310 worth it?After a half-day spent traversing country roads and clipping apexes on a closed circuit, the answer is fairly clear. This is the RTR's most complete version yet. It retains the thrill and urgency of the original, but with real-world usability and segment-first tech that make it relevant in 2025. The starting price, at Rs 2.40 lakh (ex-showroom), is lower than before, and for that, one gets a well-equipped, good-looking street naked (relatively speaking). What stands out most is the balance. It's quick but composed, playful but forgiving, sharp but not overbearing. Sure, the pricing might feel a bit ambitious, but for those out there who appreciate engineering and believe in the TVS brand name, this is as good as it gets.Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine- EndsMust Watch