TVS Akula 310 Spotted Undisguised

One of the most anticipated models from TVS, the Akula 310, has been spied recently. The matte black Akula 310 was spotted testing on a dyno without any camouflage or stickers. TVS is likely to rename the bike as Apache RTR 300 to be more in sync with the brand’s performance heritage.

From the pictures, it is quite evident that the bike is in its final stages of development and ready to hit the production line soon. Considering the circular housing for the headlamps, it is likely that the Akula 310 (Apache RTR 300) will get twin-LED projector headlamps. If you recall, the concept bike showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo did not feature headlamps at all. The turn indicators and pincer-like tail lamp are also all-LED units. Other than these details, it is also quite clear that the Akula 310 will feature split seats.

The first fully-faired motorcycle from Hosur-based TVS Motorcycles shares its underpinnings with the upcoming BMW G 310 R. The new TVS bike will be powered by the same liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 313cc single-cylinder as seen on the G 310 R. In the BMW offering, the engine delivers 34PS of peak power and 28Nm of maximum torque. However, one can expect the power and torque figures to be altered slightly to meet the Akula 310’s fully-faired character. Its nearest rival, the KTM RC 390 produces 43.5PS and 36Nm but expect the Apache RTR 300 to be more mellow and refined than the Austrian hooligan. The relatively relaxed riding posture and the tall windscreen in the Apache 300 will also make the bike a good option for fatigue-free touring.

The Akula 310 gets a steel trellis frame with 41mm inverted telescopic forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear which seems similar to the German motorcycle. The bike also gets a vertically stacked full-digital instrument cluster and will presumably be equipped with TVS’ race-friendly features like lap timer, top-speed recorder and acceleration timing recorder.

The switchgear, alloy wheels and exhaust design have also been borrowed from its German cousin. But unlike the G 310 R that gets standard discs at both ends, the Apache 300 gets TVS’ signature petal discs. It is still not known if the bike will be equipped with ABS as standard or not.  Going by the tread pattern, the tyres are likely to be from Michelin, as found in the BMW G 310 R. 

Since the bike shares a lot of components with BMW’s entry-level offering, expect the bike to command a premium pricing of about Rs 2.2-2.5 lakh, ex-showroom. The bike is likely to be launched by the festive season and will rival the likes of KTM RC 390, Benelli’s upcoming Tornado 302, Kawasaki Ninja 300 and Yamaha R3.

Image courtesy: xBhp