BMW unveils G 310 R: The first motorcycle of BMW-TVS joint venture

BMW has unveiled the motorcycle it has been busy co-developing with TVS Motors, a venture that was declared in April 2013. The new motorcycle is called the BMW G 310 R.

The motorcycle looks modern, is aggressively styled with lots of BMW signs. BMW has not revealed the full specs yet. However, they do make clear that TVS is their Indian production partner and that BMW developed the BMW G 310 R and will ensure that the Indian-made G 310 R meets the German motorcycle makers quality standards. No launch dates are declared yet but we expect the BMW G 310 R to make a big splash at the Milan motorcycle show (EICMA) next week. Probably the launch and sales plans should become clearer at that point but we do expect the BMW G 310 R to be at the Auto Expo and the price and sales should start soon after.

An all-new engine has been developed by BMW which will power the G 310 R. We expect this engine to power other variants based off the platform as well. The BMW uses a sculpted design that is extremely modern in idea and execution. That tank is definitely a shaped plastic cover over an actual plastic fuel tank inside, just like the Yamaha FZ or the KTM Duke. BMW says that despite the compact dimensions, the aim has always been to create a large-feeling platform and that’s why the wide triangulated head lamp design, a floating instrument pod above it and the fat gold forks were brought together. BMW also says the premium feel of the motorcycle comes from detail design elements like the sculpted fork clamps and the metal work around the foot pegs.

BMW is offering three colours at launch. There’s a basic black bike with high contrast white. The striking all-blue outline and a pearl metallic white with the BMW race colours are highlights that will probably have an additional price component. The blue looks the favourite – the colour looks terrific against the gold forks as well as the titanium grey metal surfaces and the silver on the engine.

The pricing part in India will be a big challenge. It seems the price band would be between Rs. 1.4 lakh (KTM 200 Duke, ex-Delhi) and Rs. 2.4 lakh (Rs 50,000 more than the KTM 390 Duke, ex-Delhi). Anything lower would be impossible for BMW to agree to, given its premium image and that TVS has to have pricing leeway for their version of this platform to co-exist. Anything higher than Rs. 2.4 lakh ex-showroom and it would be uncomfortably close to twin-cylinder options from Kawasaki and Yamaha.

BMW will probably price the G 310 R in India at about Rs. 25,000 higher than the KTM 390 Duke or Rs. 2.15 lakh ex-Delhi. It will mark BMW as the premium model in the market while allowing TVS to bring their version of this platform to play just under the KTM 390 Duke.

BASIC TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Engine
4v DOHC liquid-cooled fuel injected single cylinder engine
Compression
10.6:1
Max power
34PS@9,500rpm
Max torque
28Nm@7,500rpm

Gearbox
6-speed constant mesh
Frame
Steel trellis, cast pivot plate and bolt on trellis subframe
Front suspension
41mm upside down telescopic fork
Rear suspension
Direct mount pre-load adjustable monoshock
Brakes
300m front, 240mm rear disc, ABS standard
Wheels
5-spoke alloy 3.0″ and 4.0″x17″
Tyres
110/70R17 (F), 150/60R17 (R)

Dimensions
LWH (mm)
1988x896x785
Wheelbase
1,374mm
Seat height
785mm
Kerb weight
158.5kg
Fuel tank
11 litres

Performance
Top Speed
145kmph
Fuel economy
30.30kmpl (WMTC)