In the Indian two‑wheeler landscape, The TVS Apache RR 310 and Royal Enfield Bullet 350 stand for very different philosophies. One is all about sport, modern performance, aggressive styling — the other is heritage, thumping torque, and relaxed cruising. Here’s a comparison of how they stack up in various domains — performance, comfort, features — to help you decide which makes more sense for your ride.
What Each Excels At
TVS Apache RR 310
- Performance & Sportiness: The RR 310 is the clear winner if you want speed, sharp handling, and a bike that responds aggressively. The higher revving engine, sophisticated chassis and suspension, ride modes, strong braking — all give it an edge for spirited riding, twisties, or highway runs.
- Modern Features: Features like slipper clutch, multiple riding modes, better instrumentation, LED/Bi‑LED lighting, more premium fit & finish. These make it more appealing for riders wanting the “modern sport bike” experience.
- Cornering & Dynamics: The lighter vehicle weight (relatively), more advanced suspension, better tyres – means the Apache RR 310 feels more nimble, better at handling corners and curves.
Royal Enfield Bullet 350
- Heritage, Character & Comfort: If the “feel” of a motorcycle – the thump, the sound, the legacy – matters, Bullet 350 has strong appeal. The ride is more laid back, smoother at low revs; it gives you torque when you need it (especially low down), making it good for cruising, relaxed highway runs.
- Easy Usability: Simpler mechanics, less fuss at low RPM, more comfortable posture. For many daily uses, especially city riding with occasional highway stints, the Bullet may be more convenient.
- Economy & Fuel: While you don’t get sport‑bike performance, the Bullet gives decent fuel efficiency in real use thanks to its tuning. Also maintenance may be less elaborate than a high‑revving sport bike (fewer demands of cooling, revs, etc.).
- Lesser Stress & Lower Learning Curve: The Bullet’s usable torque low down, gentler throttle mapping, simpler gear ratios mean it’s easier to ride gently; less likely to surprise you with abrupt responses.
Where Each Falls Short
- Apache RR 310 Weaknesses
- Fuel tank is smaller, which means more frequent fuel stops if doing long rides.
- Aggressive posture might fatigue the rider (wrist, back) over long journeys.
- Higher maintenance cost; sport bikes often require better tyres, more frequent servicing for performance parts.
- In city traffic, the high rev nature may be less smooth, and handling slow speed manoeuvres might be tougher.
- Bullet 350 Weaknesses
- Not built for high speed or sporty handling — limited by top speed and weaker acceleration.
- Heavy weight (~195 kg) can make manoeuvring in tight traffic more cumbersome.
- Simpler, older‑style components in some areas; some riders may miss premium features.
- The charm comes with trade‑offs: vibration at higher RPMs, less finesse at high speeds, less sharp braking and handling compared to sportier bikes.
Use‑case Matching: Which Bike for Whom?
| Rider Type | Best Match |
|---|---|
| Young riders, enthusiasts who enjoy speed, cornering, weekend rides, value features | Apache RR 310 |
| Riders who prefer relaxed long rides, value heritage/classic styling, want easy throttle, less maintenance fuss | Bullet 350 |
| City‑commuter who occasionally does highway | Bullet 350 might be more comfortable and forgiving; Apache can still serve but comfort trade‑offs matter |
| Riders who want a bike for touring, longer rides with pillion | Bullet 350 may be more comfortable for long hours, though Apache with good wind protection and stops can work if one is fit |
Price & Ownership Costs
- The ex‑showroom price of the Apache RR 310 is significantly higher than the Bullet 350. You pay more for the performance, features, and brand positioning.
- Insurance, tyres, fuel usage when ridden hard, maintenance (especially consumables like brake pads, high performance tyres) will cost more on the Apache. Bullet’s simpler engine, lower revs, more forgiving design tends to incur more modest ongoing costs.
- Depreciation, parts availability — for Royal Enfield, many parts are easier to come by and simpler; for TVS’s high‑end sport bike, some parts may be premium and cost more.
Verdict: Which Should You Pick?
If I were to sum up:
- Go for the Apache RR 310 if you value speed, carving through curves, sporty aesthetics, and you don’t mind spending more for performance and features. If weekend rides, twisty highways, and spirited performance excite you, Apache is the choice.
- Opt for the Bullet 350 if what matters most is riding comfort, the classic motorcycle feel, lower daily stress, and simpler but dependable performance. If you’re okay with not hitting super high speeds, but want torque for everyday riding and something with character, the Bullet makes a strong case.
Leave a Reply