Even though the Indian automotive industry shifted to BS6 norms in April 2020, BMW Motorrad India has not updated its bestselling products, G 310 R and G 310 GS to the higher emission specification. Towards the end of BS4 era, the German two-wheeler manufacturer had announced massive discounts for its entry-level G 310 siblings. In fact, certain dealerships had even offered price cuts over Rs 95,000 alongside a few cost-free riding gear or accessories.
Developed in partnership with TVS Motor Company, BMW Motorrad’s first modern single-cylinder motorcycle range was launched in India back in July 2018. Ex-showroom prices for the G 310 R streetfighter and G 310 R adventure tourer stood at Rs 2.99 lakh and 3.49 lakh, respectively. Among the wider segment of buyers, the figures seemed rather unreasonable especially since KTM India offered arguably better alternatives at lower prices.
At present, the all-new KTM 390 Adventure is easily the best choice among single-cylinder sports motorcycles. In terms of performance and equipment, lesser KTM India models also offer significant value for money. Further down the price ladder, Bajaj Auto’s Dominar 400 and Dominar 250 are excellent packages as well. Clearly, BMW Motorrad India has to rethink its pricing strategy to have an edge over the popular names in the 250-400cc motorcycle category.
BMW Motorrad dealerships across the country have started accepting bookings for the 2021MY BS6 G 310 siblings at a token amount of Rs 50,000. Both motorcycles were spied on Indian roads on multiple occasions in partially disguised test mule avatars. Rumours claim that the BS6 G 310 duo will be launched at a substantial price drop in comparison to their phased-out BS4 counterparts.
From recent spy shots, it is evident that the motorcycles get a full-LED headlamp and turn signals, reworked tank design (G 310 R) and possibly new colour schemes. Other details include blue-lit digital instrument console (the RR 310 gets a coloured unit), ride-by-wire, dual-channel ABS, 41mm USD forks, 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels, etc. The G 310 R, G 310 GS and Apache RR 310 are made at TVS Motor Company’s Hosur manufacturing facility.
TVS Motor Company has already launched the 2020MY Apache RR 310 with an improved BS6 power plant. This would most likely be the same unit powering the upcoming BMW ‘starter bikes’.
The flagship faired sportsbike employs a 312.2cc liquid-cooled DOHC ‘reverse-inclined’ single-cylinder engine good for 33.5bhp @ 9,700rpm and 27.3Nm @ 7,700rpm. It is coupled to a 6-speed transmission via a slipper clutch.