The RR 310 is a fine example of a good motorcycle undone by a bad reputation. Not long after its launch in late 2017, word started going around that spare parts were very costly. Next, the bike gained a reputation for vibrations and some reliability issues with the chain. As a result, the bike sold just about half of TVS’ intended sales target of 10,000 units for the first year. Well, it’s now 2019, and TVS has given its flagship motorcycle a few updates along the way to address some of these issues.
The company has launched the updated 2019 model that, on the face of things, appears to have received a new, shiny black paint scheme, as well as a slip-assist clutch. I think the new paint looks smashing, with a silver-and-red racing stripe running through the centre, but fans of the old matt-black theme will be disappointed to know it has been discontinued. For now, the RR is available only in the flagship Racing Red and the new Phantom Black scheme.
Manufacturers don’t usually invite us to ride machines after such a relatively small upgrade, but we found ourselves back at the blazing hot MMRT because there’s actually a bit more to experience on this machine. A couple of months ago, TVS issued a free update to all existing customers that aimed at reducing vibrations through a new rubber lining for the windscreen and heavier bar-end weights. The bike also got a new chain roller to address issues with chain sound (and life), and finally, it received an ECU update that supposedly smoothed the engine out by a small margin.
As far as powertrain goes, the 312.2cc, single-cylinder motor remains unchanged, and still produces 34hp and 27.3Nm of torque. Everything feels remarkably similar when the engine starts up, settling into a typical gruff idle and responding quickly to small blips of the throttle. Engaging first gear to ride out of the pit lane at the MMRT gives one a taste of the new slip-assist clutch. Clutch action feels noticeably lighter (TVS says by 20%) and this will be of big help in city traffic.
Out on the track, the slipper-clutch helped with hammering in multiple downshifts, without the rear tyre locking up. I was able to drop three gears under hard-braking, and gradually let out the clutch without rev matching, as the clutch smoothed everything out. Engine braking has reduced and TVS says the new clutch will also enable a small improvement in acceleration, but I honestly can’t tell the difference without Vbox-testing the bike to verify the numbers.
As for the improvement in vibrations, they’re definitely lower in the handlebars, thanks to the fatter bar ends. The buzz is still there, but it’s less intrusive now. Similarly, there’s still some buzz in the seat at high revs, but this is greatly reduced from the initial bikes. Smoothness at highway speeds over a long period still needs to be established, but there’s been a definite improvement.
The rest is all the same. The trellis frame feels nice and rigid; the suspension set-up works on the track, and will also be comfy on the street. The brakes work well, but a little more bite at the front would be nice.
Handling continues to be a strong point, with agility that belies the bike’s almost-600cc dimensions.
The RR has always been a very affable motorcycle and it has taken a step in the right direction with this update. The slip-assist clutch is a welcome addition and it improves the smoothness and ease of riding at all speeds. The minor changes along the side add up as well, to make this a slightly more polished product. As for the rest, well, you continue to get a very good-looking, well-built and well-equipped motorcycle for a sizeable sum of money. In fact, the price has actually gone up by around ₹4,000, taking it closer to the RC 390 and further away from the superbly-priced Bajaj Dominar 400. Existing customers will be happy to know that they can upgrade their clutch to this spec at an affordable rate of ₹3,950.
TVS will certainly be hoping to see sales numbers rise with this update. The company is increasing the number of showrooms, making availability and service less of an issue. If you’ve always been fascinated by the RR, but grew wary of its reputation, now is a good time to go take a test ride. After all, everyone deserves a second chance.
