KTM recently launched the 2022 RC 390 in the Indian market. The RC range from KTM has always been the benchmark for its track performance. However, in recent years, the Austrian manufacturer saw multiple manufacturers try to dethrone the RC. One of these manufacturers was TVS with its Apache RR 310. The Apache RR 310 received a major upgrade in 2020. The update brought many features the KTM didn’t have.
However, it is 2022, and the KTM RC is back. The 2022 update for the RC brings an all-new design and more tech than ever. The RC also receives subtle updates that are not noticeable at first. Hence, we pin the two in this specification comparison to see if the RC can still be the top track bike or the Apache betters it.
The KTM RC 390 commands a premium of almost half a lakh over the TVS. The price for KTM’s supersport RC 390 is INR 3,13,922 ex-showroom. The KTM RC 390 is available in two colour options. These new colour options are all new and draw inspiration from the RC 16 race bike. The colour options are – KTM Factory Racing Blue and KTM Orange.
On the other hand, the Apache RR 310’s pricing undercuts the KTM by a big margin. The TVS Apache RR 310 comes with a sticker price of INR 2,65,000 ex-showroom. Also, like the KTM, the Apache RR 310 is available in two colour options to choose from – Titanium Black and Racing Red.
The 2022 KTM RC 390 uses a 373cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine. As for the valvetrain, the bike gets a DOHC setup and 4-valves. For the 2022 RC 390, KTM increased the air box by 40 per cent. The larger airbox results in better torque delivery and also better overall rideability. The motor produces a peak power of 43.5 HP and 37 Nm of peak torque. The 2022 RC 390 continues to use a 6-speed gearbox. Additionally, it also gets a slip and assist clutch. The new RC 390, like the Duke and Adventure, now also features a bi-directional quickshifter as standard.
Meanwhile, the TVS Apache RR 310 uses a 312.2cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine. Similar to the KTM, it also gets a 4-valve DOHC valvetrain. Interestingly, the Apache RR 310 uses a unique reverse-inclined engine layout. The layout also allows the usage of a ram-air intake system. The engine layout provides a compact engine which results in better mass-centralization. For lesser maintenance and more durable engine quality, the Apache RR 310 also uses a hydraulic cam chain tensioner. All this also contributes to the Apache RR 310’s peak power output of 34 PS and 27.3 Nm of torque. The gearbox on the Apache RR 310 is a 6-speed unit. Like the RC 390, it also features a slip and assist clutch.
The KTM RC 390 features a new WP APEX suspension setup. The front uses open cartridge upside-down forks, while the rear uses a pre-load adjustable shock. For braking duties, the RC 390 uses a 320mm single disc at the front with a four-piston radial fixed caliper. At the back, the RC uses a 230mm disc with a single-piston floating caliper.
On the other hand, the Apache RR 310 uses a KYB-tuned suspension setup. The front of the bike uses cartridge-type upside-down forks. The rear of the bike uses a monotube floating piston gas-assisted shock absorber. As for the brakes, the RR 310 uses a 300mm petal-type disc at the front with a radially-mounted caliper. At the rear, it uses a 240mm petal-type disc with a floating single-piston caliper.
The 2022 KTM RC 390 measures 2,145mm in length, 760mm in width and 830mm in height. The wheelbase of the bike stands at 1,340mm. The 2022 model receives a larger 13.7-litre fuel tank. The seat height of the motorcycle is 824mm.
At the same time, the TVS Apache RR 310 measures 2,001mm in length, 786mm in width, and 1,135mm in height. The wheelbase, at 1,365mm, is also longer than the RC 390. The fuel tank capacity of the Apache RR 310 is 11-litres which is lower than the KTM. However, the Apache RR 310 offers a more accessible seat height of 810mm.
Also Read: 2022 KTM RC 390 launched in India at INR 3.14 lakh