How Yamaha MT-03 fares against TVS Apache RTR 310
What's the story
Yamaha has launched the highly awaited 2024 MT-03 in India with a price tag of Rs. 4.6 lakh (ex-showroom). The motorcycle is available in two color schemes: Midnight Cyan and Midnight Black.
It competes in the middleweight streetfighter segment with the TVS Apache RTR 310 on our shores.
But which one offers more bang for the buck: the Japanese fighter or the homegrown brawler?
Context
Why does this story matter?
Across the globe, Yamaha is considered a force to reckon with in the streetfighter segment.
Now, to dominate the sub-500cc category in the Indian market, the bikemaker has introduced the MT-03.
However, to win the champion's crown here, it has to compete against the likes of the KTM 390 Duke, BMW G 310 R, and TVS Apache RTR 310.
Design
TVS Apache RTR 310 looks more appealing
Yamaha MT-03 features a muscular fuel tank, a bi-functional LED headlamp, split-type LED DRLs, a raised handlebar, split seats, an upswept side-mounted exhaust, and a sleek LED taillamp.
TVS Apache RTR 310 features a sculpted fuel tank, dual adaptive LED headlamps with DRLs, split seats with heating/cooling function, dual dynamic LED taillamps, and a TFT console.
Both bikes ride on 17-inch designer wheels.
Safety
RTR 310 comes with multiple electronic riding aids
For safety, both the Yamaha MT-03 and TVS Apache RTR 310 come equipped with disc brakes on both wheels, along with dual-channel ABS.
The latter also has a cornering function for its ABS, ride-by-wire throttle, cruise control, five riding modes, and traction control.
The suspension duties are taken care of by inverted front forks and a rear mono-shock unit on both streetfighter motorcycles.
Performance
Yamaha MT-03 packs more powerful engine
Powering the Yamaha MT-03 is a 321cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin engine that generates 41.4hp of maximum power and 29.5Nm of peak torque.
TVS Apache RTR 310 is fueled by a 312.2cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, reverse-inclined engine that produces a maximum power of 35hp and a peak torque of 27.3Nm.
Both bikes get a six-speed manual gearbox with an assist and slipper clutch.
Verdict
Which one should you choose?
In India, the Yamaha MT-03 can be yours at Rs. 4.6 lakh. On the other hand, the TVS Apache RTR 310 ranges between Rs. 2.43 lakh and Rs. 2.64 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom).
In our opinion, the RTR 310 makes more sense with its better safety hardware with several segment-first features like cruise control and riding modes, attractive design, and lower price tag.