Small-Capacity Bikes Leading the Way

As motorcycles grow bigger and more expensive, small-capacity bikes are stepping in to save the day. While Western brands like Triumph and Harley-Davidson are only starting to explore this segment, Eastern manufacturers, particularly Indian companies like TVS Motor, have long mastered the art of compact and affordable bikes.

TVS Motor, India’s third-largest motorcycle manufacturer, thrives on this segment, producing bikes no larger than 312 cc yet selling over three million units annually. Among its most notable creations is the TVS Apache RTR 310, a sibling to the fully-faired RR 310 sportbike. With its 312 cc single-cylinder engine delivering 35 hp, a plethora of rider aids, and eye-catching styling, the RTR 310 has become a symbol of urban street culture.

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The Birth of the ‘Trickster’

To push the RTR 310’s visual and performance boundaries even further, TVS collaborated with Bali-based Smoked Garage, renowned for their edgy, cyberpunk-inspired customizations. Their creation, nicknamed ‘Trickster,’ is a stunt-bike-inspired masterpiece that takes the Apache RTR 310 into a bold, new realm.

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Design and Engineering Excellence

The Trickster features a complete redesign, starting with a stripped-down aesthetic that exposes its trellis main frame and aluminum subframe. Smoked Garage meticulously crafted new bodywork using modeling clay and hand-shaped aluminum parts.

Key design features include:

• Custom Fuel Tank: A 6-liter tank with a recessed gas cap and relocated TFT display.
• Open Rear Section: Adds visual lightness with a sculpted tailpiece and three-piece saddle.
• Radiator Shrouds and Panels: Transformers-inspired aesthetics that guide the eye seamlessly across the build.
• Handmade Tailpiece: Integrated with LED tail lights and a custom under-seat muffler.
• Crash Bars and Foot Pegs: Designed for stunts like standing wheelies.
• At the front, a single-piece fork guard and LED headlight behind a mesh nacelle complete the bike’s sharp and aggressive look.

Enhanced Performance and Functionality

The Trickster isn’t just about looks—it’s built to perform.

Stunt-Ready Features: An additional brake lever on the handlebars controls a second rear brake caliper, enabling wheelie control without foot pegs.
Braking Power: Upgraded front wheel with dual disc brakes and Tokico calipers for enhanced stopping power.
Stock Engine: Retains the RTR 310’s 312 cc DOHC liquid-cooled engine, paired with a 6-speed gearbox and slipper clutch.

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Aesthetic Brilliance

The yellow and silver livery draws inspiration from one of the RTR 310’s stock colorways, with accents on the trellis frame and brake calipers. It’s a bold, youthful design that aligns with the bike’s target audience of street-savvy riders.

Conclusion

The Apache RTR 310 Trickster by Smoked Garage is more than a custom motorcycle; it’s a statement of innovation, creativity, and performance. By collaborating with trailblazing custom shops like Smoked Garage, TVS continues to elevate its status as a leader in the small-capacity motorcycle segment.

This build is a striking example of how small-capacity motorcycles can combine artistry and function, offering a glimpse into the future of urban motorcycling.