BMW Motorrad, the motorcycle arm of BMW Group entered into a JV with India’s TVS Motor Company back in 2013 to develop a range of sub 500 cc motorcycles. The first product under that JV was shown as a concept (Concept G 310) back in October 2015 at Brazil’s Salao Duas Rodas, which is Latin America’s largest motorcyle show. Today, BMW Motorrad reveals the production version of that motorcycle, called BMW G 310 R.
BMW G 310 R has been developed in Munich by BMW Motorrad, but will be produced in India at TVS Motor Company plant. Speaking about the new 313 cc motorcycle, BMW says that BMW G 310 R embodies the pure essence of a BMW roadster. The naked bike has been developed from scratch, and has neither too little nor too much of anything.
ENGINE
BMW G 310 R (K03)
Powered by an innovative liquid-cooled single-cylinder 313 cc engine with two overhead camshafts, backward-tilted cylinder and intake tract positioned at the front; The engine is capable of generating peak power of 34 hp at 9,500 rpm and a peak torque at 28 Nm at 7,500 rpm. Transmission is taken care by a 6 speed gearbox. The engine has bore of 80 millimetres and a stroke of 62.1 millimetres. BMW G 310 R top speed claimed is 144 kmph.
The 313 cc engine is tuned to provide dynamic performance and comfort, both in town and out in the country. BMW G 310 R has exceptionally low level of fuel consumption, delivering a mileage of 36.05 kmpl (84.8 mpg). The high fuel efficiency is not only because of the engine, but also light weight of the motorcycle. BMW G 310 R fuel tank has a capacity of 11 litres, while the unladen weight stands at 158.5 kilograms. Thus, power to weight ratio stands at 212.7 bhp per tonne.
DESIGN and RIDING
BMW G 310 R
Though a completely new bike, the design cues are enough for anyone to recognize the G 310 R as a BMW family product. Designed to be agile with dynamic character, BMW G 310 R has unmistakeable visual kinship with BMW’s flagship roadster – BMW S 1000 R.
Sleak headlight, aggressive side, and dynamic rear, give the BMW G 310 R a very athletic look. The instrument cluster has a large liquid crystal display that offers excellent clarity and a wide range of information. Colour options on offer are Strato Blue Metallic, Cosmic Black and Pearl White Metallic.
On top of this, a relaxed and comfortable seating position (low seat height of just 785 millimetres, which can be even further increased or decreased as per need to 815 mm or 760 mm respectively) makes sure that the bike is happy winding its way nimbly and flexibly through the narrow streets of a city as it is travelling supremely and powerfully along country roads.
BRAKING, SUSPENSION, & TYRES
BMW G 310 R (K03)
Featuring ABS as standard, BMW G 310 R gets dual channel ABS. Braking is taken care by a single-disc brake in the front and rear. Front gets 300 mm disc with 4-piston fixed caliper while rear gets 240 mm disc with 2-piston floating caliper.
Front tyre rating stands at 110/70 R 17, while rear gets 150/60 R 17. BMW did not reveal which company will provide tyres. The images feature Michelin rubber.
Featuring a rigid tubular steel frame, front suspension is taken care by 41 mm upside-down fork (with 140 mm) travel while rear has an aluminium swinging arm (with 131 mm travel) in conjunction with a spring strut that is mounted on it directly. This combination gives the BMW G 310 R high degree of ride stability, precise steering response and sound handling.
Apart from this, BMW also confirmed that the new G 310 R will come with a range of accessories. This includes heated grips, luggage boxes, 12 V charging point, LED indicators, centre stand and much more.
Speaking about India launch, TVS has already confirmed that this motorcycle will be launched in India in 2016. As it will be produced in India, the BMW G 310 R will be heavily localized, thus allowing it to be priced aggressively. We expect the G 310 R to be launched at under INR 3 lakh price tag. (Not bad at all for a bike with BMW badge).
Based on the G 310 R engine and platform, BMW will launch more motorcycles in the future. Expect the G 310 R to make India debut at the upcoming Delhi Auto Expo in Feb 2016.
