KTM RC 390 vs TVS Apache RR 310 Real-world Performance Comparison Review: Acceleration, Mileage, Braking, Engine Refinement And More

How do these two sub-400cc supersports fare now with the arrival of the new-gen RC 390?

After proving its worthiness on the track and being easy to live with as a daily rider, the only real big challenge for the new KTM RC 390 remained its touring capabilities. And we thought, why shouldn’t we bring an old challenger along to test it out thoroughly? After all, the TVS Apache RR 310 has been the go to sub-400cc supersport, which used to score the best as a do-it-all bike. Have things changed?

Performance

There’s no disputing the KTM’s horsepower advantage. It rockets off the line and leaves the RR 310 in  a trail of smoke. It doesn’t have that manic top end as it used to earlier. Instead, it has dollops of mid-range grunt similar to the RR 310, but even here, the RC’s larger mill is able to churn out nearly 10Nm more.

This extra torque and better torque spread allows the RC 390 to remain unfazed when overtaking slow moving traffic. On the highway, one simply needs to roll on the gas to get past trucks and other slow road obstacles. With the RR 310, you have to work the gearbox a bit to get the move done.

There are a couple of more areas where the RC 390 feels more in tune for highway usage. Firstly, the aerodynamic shape deflects wind around the rider much more efficiently. Wind blasts feel more controlled and you aren’t contorting your body as much. The RR 310 that we had on test comes with the BTO package where the bars from the Race kit are more suited for track riding. The stock position would’ve been better and less taxing on your wrists. But still, as a whole, the posture isn’t as aero efficient as the KTM.

And next up are the engine vibes. They feel a lot more controlled and subdued on the RC 390. The buzziness is present at the footpegs and a bit around the seating area at higher speeds. On the Apache, you will have vibrations that aren’t as harsh as its previous iterations; but compared to the KTM, they feel more pronounced and are felt at the handlebar, as a result tricking your brain to roll off the throttle and ride a bit more sensibly.

Ride Quality & Handling

Credit where it is due, the KTM RC 390 is more suitable now to take on Indian roads. Going through bad stretches during inclement weather conditions was a nightmare on the older RC, but it doesn’t seem to be the case for this one at all. It feels pliant and confident, with a slight hint of a bobbing sensation at the rear. This can be tuned out as the monoshock has rebound adjustability. 

And while it is more competent for bad stretches of roads, it feels just as sure-footed in the twisties. The lighter components and the communicative trellis chassis are great ingredients that elevate the riding experience of the RC.

But all’s not rosy. In wet weather conditions, the RC 390 feels a little jittery. Blame the H-rated Metzeler Sportec M5 tyres that are far from being in the same league as the super grippy Michelin Road 5s that you find on the Apache. 

Chasing the RC 390 down when the heavens opened up was not too challenging for the RR 310. The handling package is just as competent, and the tyres weren’t losing traction at all. Plus, with adjustable suspension on board, the RR 310 was able to ride over bad stretches of tarmac in a better manner. The difference isn’t substantial between the two but is definitely noticeable.

When it comes to stopping performance, the RC 390 is a couple of notches better. The bite is incredible from the Bybre radial caliper, the feel at the levers is prominent; and in panic braking moments, it slows down the bike rapidly and in a controlled manner. Plus, with Cornering ABS at your disposal, you don’t have to worry much. On the Apache, you will feel the brake feedback to be plenty, allowing better brake modulation. However, it lacks outright stopping power.

Fuel Efficiency

More performance was obviously going to hurt the KTM in this regard. Even when we were going gung ho during our shoot, the RC 390 was around 4-5kmpl less frugal than the RR 310. The 2.7 litres that you are able to carry should mean that your average stints on both bikes are roughly going to be the same.

Verdict

Judging by the way the two bikes have stacked up so far, it would seem that the KTM RC 390 does emerge to be the better bike of the two. And it actually is. As a do-it-all bike, it is far, far better than its previous iteration and is certainly one of the best handlers in the segment.

The TVS Apache RR 310 now feels like a bike belonging to another segment, the sub-300cc class. It costs significantly less than the RC and the performance sort of justifies why. Plus, considering what all it has to offer, with the BTO kits as well, it is the top dog in the sub-300cc class.

So, if you want the best 300cc supersport, get the RR 310. If you want the best 400cc supersport, get the RC 390. That’s simple, right?