[Cartik5477]

Have seen the display bike(Red) at TVS Shelar Taware Pune, but didn't get enough time with it.

As I arrived, they were sending the bike for PDI and straight to the Paud Road showroom for display. I just managed to sit on the bike and fire it up. A bit of squeaky noise came from the bike as I sat on it, guessing it was just because of the new rubber(not sure). I hope that is nothing to worry about, as it was just off the truck fresh with all plastic covers.

Showroom guy tells me the RTO thing is about to happen and deliveries post that will commence along with TDs, but he assured that they are still not sure of when the deliveries will start. Shelar has 50+ plus bookings already and have stopped taking any more bookings and they seem tired of answering to customers about deliveries time but as I've been patient with them since the start, they could talk to me clearly.

Saw the black on display bike at the Century TVS Wakdewadi. They did not allow me to fire up the bike, said we are not allowed to. And just the next day my friend, went to check the bike they allowed him to fire it up(what's with the attitude ).

My apologies didn't get enough time to click good pictures.

[N33raj]

Originally Posted by PrasannaDhana

Sadly that is how TVS have stacked so far in all the previous segments (160,180,200).
And it may be slightly ahead of dominar in a drag race owning to 10 kg lighter weight and better aerodynamics. Maybe!
But will it be as fast as a Ninja 300/Benelli 302? That would be the big question.
And regarding test rides, make sure you get a long one.

Yes. If history is to be taken as any indicator, my suspicions will come true.
A short jaunt around the showroom side street types for 5 minutes is not enough. Will they agree for a long TD? Perhaps yes, perhaps no.
Off topic, you have mentioned that high upper body strength is necessary to ride the RC390, does it still take a toll on your lower back? I am a 6'2 100kg well fed chap. Had taken the RC for a spin but short rides aren't enough.

Originally Posted by nkrishnap

The alignment seems be in such that cut off seems to be very low. The one I got a chance to see had much higher. Seems this is a requirement in the PDI to have this checked. Bring the rains, these lights will be glamorous without being of much use.

Ah yes, there seems to be adjustment screws on the lenses to get the throw right. My personal setup would be a high set LHS HL and a lower set RHS HL. That way i have the light on the side of the road going farther and the RHS would light up the road markings.
All that said and done, let us see how good they really are in inclement weather when they matter the most to the rider.
I hope someone comes up with a way to retrofit HID 4300K light systems in this bike seeing that it has a good size generator which would take care of the initial draw and the constant draw a 55W dual setup would demand. Perhaps someone in here will know better?

[PrasannaDhana]

Originally Posted by N33raj

Off topic, you have mentioned that high upper body strength is necessary to ride the RC390, does it still take a toll on your lower back? I am a 6'2 100kg well fed chap. Had taken the RC for a spin but short rides aren't enough.

?

Well I am same height as you are and 25 kilos heavier. I have taken the RC on only a single long ride(280km non stop). It was not at all hard on lower back or shoulders. But neck gets a beating if your helmet isnt light weight.

But as far as 100 km rides go, I didnt even feel a thing.

[IshaanIan]

Originally Posted by N33raj

Off topic, you have mentioned that high upper body strength is necessary to ride the RC390, does it still take a toll on your lower back? I am a 6'2 100kg well fed chap. Had taken the RC for a spin but short rides aren't enough.

I find core strength to be more important, that said general fitness being good is always a nice thing to have when riding any proper sport bike with a forward biased weight distribution and committed ergos. I am 6'0 and weigh 73kg, if you get your riding style right, then you won't experience any lower back pain as such. The max I have ridden my RC390 is 400kms (200km one way, 2 hour break and 200km back) at the end of it though, my butt did feel numb and my hands were definitely feeling weird and metallic when I tap my fingers against any surface probably due to the buzzy nature of the bike. In the end, if you can nail the proper riding style, then you'll find the RC390 to be a fairly easy to live with bike

[N33raj]

Originally Posted by PrasannaDhana

Well I am same height as you are and 25 kilos heavier. I have taken the RC on only a single long ride(280km non stop). It was not at all hard on lower back or shoulders. But neck gets a beating if your helmet isnt light weight.
But as far as 100 km rides go, I didnt even feel a thing.

Originally Posted by IshaanIan

I find core strength to be more important, that said general fitness being good is always a nice thing to have when riding any proper sport bike with a forward biased weight distribution and committed ergos. I am 6'0 and weigh 73kg, if you get your riding style right, then you won't experience any lower back pain as such. The max I have ridden my RC390 is 400kms (200km one way, 2 hour break and 200km back) at the end of it though, my butt did feel numb and my hands were definitely feeling weird and metallic when I tap my fingers against any surface probably due to the buzzy nature of the bike. In the end, if you can nail the proper riding style, then you'll find the RC390 to be a fairly easy to live with bike

Thank you gentlemen for the quick replies. So i will need to pay more attention to my core strength. And get my ergos and riding posture right. Buzzing is not a problem for me seeing that i own 2 RTRs.
Regarding helmets, my current lid is 1550gm so i suppose i will need to get something lighter or more aerodynamic. Currently have got my eye on the Bell Qualifier DLX MIPS Accelerator and the HJC RPHA 11. Have to make up my mind.
Of course, it goes without saying that if the Home Minister does not approve of the RC owing to the pillion seat then i have to start all over again!

[IshaanIan]

Originally Posted by N33raj

Regarding helmets, my current lid is 1550gm so i suppose i will need to get something lighter or more aerodynamic. Currently have got my eye on the Bell Qualifier DLX MIPS Accelerator and the HJC RPHA 11. Have to make up my mind.

Off topic, but the RPHA 11 is great, can't comment on the Qualifier since I don't think I have felt one in person. Do also check out the Nolan/X-Lite X802R very light, and very comfortable it's what I use

Just noticed, the 803 is now out making the 802 old and irrelevant.

[AtheK]

Went to the showroom and had a look, the bike is a looker. It's stunning. Lot has been written about quality, but I found it acceptable. It might not be ninja good, but then it does not cost the same as Ninja. Very very few misalignment, and not something I can't live with. The welding joints though look bad when seen upclose, and the paint also kinda stands out. This I am specifically mentioning for the trellis frame.

Overall finish is good, I tried sitting on it and was able to almost plant my feet on the ground, with the bike being on paddock stand. Should be fine with both tires on the ground.

Battery was not connected as the SA said that engineers from TVS will come and do some diagnostics and then fix it. Expected to be up and ready by Thursday. Rto approval is still pending, since its a new bike. He said as soon they get approval test ride will start, as that is the only bottle neck. They obviously have no control over it, and deliveries will start immediately after.

He has received a total of three bikes, two red and one black. I am the first one who has booked the bike and he said very good chance that I might get the red one as soon the RTO gives a go ahead for registration. Another point of note red bike was manufactured/Qc passed on 12th Jan and bike was with the dealer on 13th Jan. So once RTO thing is done with, new bikes should start coming in quickly. Waiting period of 2.5 to 3 months for people who were booking today, 2 bikes booked in 30 minutes, while I was there. It's definitely a 1.5 seater and not a 2 seater, see the pics of the seat below, looks like a cycle seat. There is a grab rail on the right side and no saare guard for now.

I am quite satisfied and sticking to my booking, hopefully she will be with me before this month ends.

Some pics.

[stanjohn123]

One guy has already got delivery of the bike on 12th itself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7bDqk-6k3s

[stanjohn123]

So just spoke to the owner. First service is after 500 Km's. After that it is every 10,000 Km or 6 Months.

I'm not sure what to do for service now since the dealership is 500 Km's away. They don't provide delivery and the regular dealership near me are not trained to service and handle this bike.

[PrasannaDhana]

Originally Posted by stanjohn123

I'm not sure what to do for service now since the dealership is 500 Km's away. They don't provide delivery and the regular dealership near me are not trained to service and handle this bike.

Boss, any mechanic can do an oil change, air filter change and an oil filter change. If you got the tools, you can do it yourselves.
It is not a complex bike. The same stuff that goes on rtr 160/180/200 will happen on 310.

[Cartik5477]

Originally Posted by stanjohn123

So just spoke to the owner.

On this note, how many bikes have been delivered so far, anyone got a number? I know about the one in Lucknow only, are there others?

[swiftnfurious]

Originally Posted by stanjohn123

So just spoke to the owner. First service is after 500 Km's. After that it is every 10,000 Km or 6 Months.

I'm not sure what to do for service now since the dealership is 500 Km's away. They don't provide delivery and the regular dealership near me are not trained to service and handle this bike.

I think you may have to struggle for the first year; by then they'll start training the rural areas as well. Probably, they are waiting for the niggles to be sorted and then will start adding rural dealerships also for sales & service.

Edit : Autocar India - Bike of the year selection.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TgpPsCMCoi8

[AtheK]

Bit the bullet and Went ahead and made full payment without a test drive, getting the bike on Monday. Seems first delivery of bangalore as per SA.

[PrasannaDhana]

Originally Posted by swiftnfurious

Edit : Autocar India - Bike of the year selection.

From a small comparison of the words used to describe performane of the RR310 and the Duke 390, I guess RR310 is going to be a fairly easy, beginner-friendly bike to ride.

I just hope it isnt too linear like the CBR 250R.

[finneyp]

Originally Posted by AtheK

Bit the bullet and Went ahead and made full payment without a test drive, getting the bike on Monday. Seems first delivery of bangalore as per SA.

Congrats! Hope you don't mind giving us a test ride What was the OTR price?