KTM Duke 390 & RC390 twins OUTSELL the TVS Apache RR310, again!

The TVS Apache RR310 now seems to have firmly settled in the sub-500 units/month territory. The high-end sportsbike from TVS Motors once again got outsold by the KTM range of Duke 390 and RC390 sportsbikes. Both motorcycles represent direct competition to the Apache RR 310 in terms of price and positioning.

While KTM sold 617 units of the Duke 390 and RC390 put together in August 2018, TVS Motors pushed out 343 units of the Apache RR310. In an interesting twist in the tale, the Honda CBR 250R – a motorcycle that was reintroduced a few months ago after making it BS4 compliant – has also outsold the Apache RR 310, with sales of 461 units in August 2018. However, the CBR 250R is much cheaper than the flagship Apache, and sales figures for more months are needed to spot a clear trend.

From the numbers, it’s now clear that the market for fully faired motorcycles priced above Rs. 2 lakhs is quite small in India. Fully faired motorcycles are quite bulky compared to nakeds, and this makes maneuvering and parking in tiny city spaces challenging.

Also, fully faired motorcycles typically have a more aggressive riding position that is suited for high speed touring and track use, some other reasons why they are not very popular. Some other buyers also hesitate due to the full fairing, which can be expensive to repair when damaged.

The TVS Apache RR 310 was introduced late last year, and sold very well initially. In fact, TVS Motors had a hard time meeting the big initial demand for the sportsbike. Now though, the motorcycle seems to have settled down at the sub-500 unit monthly numbers. The Apache RR 310 is priced at Rs. 2.23 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi, and is powered by a 311cc, reverse inclined four stroke engine. This liquid cooled, fuel injected engine makes 34 Bhp-28 Nm, and is paired to a 6 speed manual gearbox.

On the other hand, the direct competition for the Apache RR 310 – the KTM RC390 – is powered by a 373cc, four stroke single cylinder engine. Liquid cooled and fuel injected, this motor makes 44 Bhp of peak power and 35 Nm of peak torque.

A 6 speed manual gearbox with slipper clutch is standard. The RC390’s naked sibling – the Duke 390 – also features similar mechanicals but a less extreme riding position. While the RC390 starts from Rs. 2.38 lakhs, the Duke 390 is priced at Rs. 2.42 lakhs, ex-showroom, Delhi.