2024 TVS Apache RR 310 vs KTM RC 390: Spec Comparison

TVS’ halo Apache, the RR 310, received several significant updates recently, some of which now make it look like a proper bike built for the race track. However, the most important question is, will it help the new 2024 TVS Apache RR 310 outshine one of its core nemesis, the KTM RC 390? Let’s find that out in this spec comparison. 

2024 TVS Apache RR 310 vs KTM RC 390: Engine

The KTM RC 390 was and has always been a segment leader in terms of performance, and that stature remains unperturbed, as you can see from the table above. However, with the new 2024 Apache RR 310, TVS claims that performance has increased by 11 per cent, and it now produces 3.94 bhp and 1.7 Nm more than before. The Hosur-based manufacturer managed to achieve this by reworking the internals of the engine. Plus, it also continues to be available with four ride modes, with distinct engine tunes and coupled with the newly introduced bi-directional quickshifter – the TVS Apache RR 310 has come close to the KTM RC 390. However, the latter will continue to win the drag race, any day, any time.  

2024 TVS Apache RR 310 vs KTM RC 390: Suspension And Brake

Both the TVS Apache RR 310 and KTM RC 390 are built around a split trellis frame, with USD fork at the front, and a monoshock absorber at the rear. Both bikes are equipped with disc brakes at both ends, however, the KTM RC 390 gets a bigger 320 mm front disc and a 230 mm disc at the back, compared to the TVS Apache RR 310 which equips a 300 mm front disc, and a bigger 240 mm disc at the rear. 

But the disc brakes on the KTM are lighter, which aids in better unsprung mass and helps the bike become more agile than the petalled disc units available with the TVS.  On the contrary, the TVS Apache RR 310 gets the Built To Order (BTO) customisation option which further gets you adjustable KYB front and rear suspension as part of the Dynamic Kit which costs an additional ₹18,000. 

2024 TVS Apache RR 310 vs KTM RC 390: Dimension

The KTM RC 390 rides on a shorter wheelbase, weighs lighter and also gets the benefit of a bigger fuel tank compared to the 2024 TVS Apache RR 310. The latter is slightly more accessible for riders to mount with a seat height that is 25 mm lower than the KTMs. On the contrary, the KTM RC 390 was updated to make it a bit more comfortable than the 1st gen model. And yet, its ergos are more committed than the TVS Apache RR 310. Therefore, the latter will feel slightly more comfortable than the former.

2024 TVS Apache RR 310 vs KTM RC 390: Features

The TVS Apache RR 310 has always been a feature-rich bike and the same has continued with the 2024 iteration as well. For starters, the bike now gets a bidirectional quickshifter and cruise control, as standard with all except for the base variant. Additionally, TVS has taken it up a notch further by introducing tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) with the Dynamic Kit (₹18,000); and RT-DSC (Race Tuned Linear Stability Control) features which get you cornering ABS, cornering traction control, cornering cruise control, wheelie control, slope dependent Control and rear lift-off control, available as part of the Dynamic Pro kit that will set you back by an additional ₹16,000.The controls all of these can be accessed via the 5-inch TFT console that supports Bluetooth connectivity (via TVS’ SmartXonnect), and thereby, turn-by-turn navigation, call/SMS, and notification alert. 

The KTM RC 390, on the other hand, keeps matters race-focused, again, It doesn’t get the benefit of four distinct ride modes, or cruise control. However, it does get a 6-axis IMU, along with traction control, cornering ABS, and a Supermoto mode (switches off the ABS in the rear wheel to lock and slip around corners). There is a fully digital TFT instrument console, and it does get Bluetooth connectivity, but there’s no turn-by-turn navigation available, except for notification and call/SMS alerts. 

2024 TVS Apache RR 310 vs KTM RC 390: Price & Verdict

The TVS Apache RR 310 has undergone significant upgrades, and when you factor in those integrated winglets, and the transparent clutch cover – it feels quite the premium affair. And so it is, starting from ₹2.75 lakh onwards, the TVS Apache RR 310 has gone slightly expensive. It is available in two distinct variants, along with three Built To Order( BTO) customisation options. The latter further pushes the asking price of the fully-faired sport bike significantly to almost close to ₹3.20 lakh. And yet, it cannot breach the KTM RC 390’ asking price, which is at ₹3.21 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). 

So, if you want something with a lot of bells and whistles, the new 2024 TVS Apache RR 310 will be worth your consideration. However, nothing can come close to the KTM RC 390 if you want something that purely focuses on performance. Even though it feels a bit dated now, the KTM RC 390 will always leave a wide grin on your face every time you twist the throttle, and it will also uplift your riding skills by leaps and bounds.