2025 TVS Apache RTR 310 Review: Less Vibes, More Fun

The TVS Apache RTR 310 has been TVS’s flagship naked motorcycle, based on the RR 310 sport bike. When it was launched in 2023, the engine performance was bumped up and it came with a whole host of fancy features, some of which worked, some didn’t (*cough* cooling seats *cough). But the biggest issue was that it brought back the harsh vibes that were reminiscent of the original RR 310. So, for 2025, TVS has thrown in some critical engine updates and new features, some of which again make sense, some don’t.

No Harsh Feelings

The biggest problematic area of the RTR 310 was the engine, especially the vibrations. The vibrations on the previous bike were at the meat of the powerband, right at the comfort cruising speeds, at 100 kmph in sixth gear and it only got worse thereafter. Thankfully, all of those vibrations have gone away. TVS has done a fantastic job of isolating them and dampening them out to a great extent. Now you'll only feel the vibes to be bothersome at the top of the red line not during commuting or highway cruising. So, big positive update here. 

The next engine tweak is a visual update: the transparent clutch cover. First seen on the RR310 update, TVS has extended it to the naked as well because essentially it's the same engine, duh. 

Speaking of which, power and torque figures have not changed for the RTR 310. They still remain a little lower than the RR 310, at 35.11 bhp and 28.7 Nm. Yes, the RTR 310 feels energetic, lively and youthful but not quite as powerful as the RR310. 

Visual Confusion

The bike looks more or less similar except for the knuckle guards. Really? Why does a naked motorcycle need knuckle guards? You aren’t going off-roading with it and aren’t running the risk of dropping the bike constantly. So, why give knuckle guards? Yes, KTM gave us knuckle guards on the first-gen 390 Duke in India, but then in the second-gen as well as the third-gen, it got rid of it and that was a wise decision. Hence, I think this is more of a marketing feature than an actually useful feature. 

Another update on all variants of the RTR 310 will be sequential turn signal indicators. Now these will look slightly fancy, that’s it. 

Drag Torque Control

Every variant will receive drag torque control, an addition to the electronics suite. It is pretty simple to understand: Traction control prevents slip during hard acceleration, and drag torque control does the same when rapidly slowing down. The new aid also has cornering functionality, but that is only reserved for the BTO Kit 2 or Dynamic Pro Kit version. More on that later in the story.

Lowered Asking Price

So, the above additions are available in both the base and top trims of the RTR 310. Pricing strategies have been revised for both, making them more accessible. ₹2.40 lakh and ₹2.57 lakh for the two trims seems digestible with the only difference being the inclusion of a quickshifter on the top trim. And hence, if you are hell bent on buying the RTR 310, the top trim is our preferred choice. 

The base will continue to arrive in only the Arsenal Black shade while the top trim gets Fury Yellow and a new Fiery Red shade as well. The new red amps up the sporty look and while you have to pay ₹5000 more for the colour, it seems worth it.

BTO Drama

It is when you start kitting the RTR 310 with BTO kits that the bike starts becoming less of a sweet deal. Heck, if you want to add in the Dynamic Kit, which comprises a brass-coated chain, TPMS, and adjustable suspension, it still is digestible for an additional ₹18,000. If you are somebody who likes to fine-tune your motorcycle to your riding needs and your riding style, then having the BTO Kit 1 (Dynamic Kit) makes sense.

But BTO Kit 2 (Dynamic Pro Kit) is a little unnecessary. So, for an additional ₹28,000, TVS will throw in the following features:

Yes, the drag torque control is IMU-assisted now, just like the other riding aids. And there’s launch control as well, only in Sport mode, though. But how often are you going to use the feature remains a question. I have the same feature on my KTM 390 Duke and I have hardly ever used it. Launch control on the RTR 310 is slightly better than the one on the 390 Duke as it doesn’t cut power too hard, keeping the revs steady at 7200 rpm. But it is a feature that you will perhaps enjoy once and never use again.

And then there’s keyless ignition. You get a key fob, just like you have on a car. So, put the key in your pocket and the proximity sensor helps lock, unlock and start the bike. But for opening the fuel tank, you will have to use the key. And again, do you really need keyless ignition for a bike of this class?

The Dilemma

Hence, the 2025 Apache RTR 310 in its top trim at ₹2.57 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) makes great sense over the likes of a 250 cc bike, like the KTM 250 Duke. But once you add the two BTO kits (₹18000 and ₹28000), the asking price has already shot past the KTM 390 Duke. And the special Sepang Blue shade costs another ₹15,000 and is only available via the BTO route. At which point you unlock yourself to a whole host of other larger and more purposeful motorcycles like not only the 390 Duke but also its Adventure X sibling, the Triumph Scrambler 400 X and XC twins and the Royal Enfield 450s: the Himalayan 450 and Guerrilla 450. 

Thus, bringing the RTR 310 home in the top trim is the best solution for someone who is smitten by the bike. Spending more feels less reasonable.