The Indian automotive industry is going through a challenge like never before due to COVID-19 lockdown. Brands are collectively losing thousand plus crores daily as a result of plant closures. Certain brands are working with limited resources while many dealerships are struggling to remain in business. All around the world, COVID-19 has spread its impact beyond the health of mankind and brought many businesses to a standstill.
COVID-19 lockdown protocol was implemented at the same time when dealerships were desperately clearing their leftover BS4 stock ahead of 1 April 2020. This deadline has been extended on a conditional basis. Prior to this, BS4 two-wheelers were being offered at substantial discounts, depending on the dealership. In fact, BMW Motorrad’s dealership in Kerala was offering discounts up to Rs 96,500 (plus a free helmet or jacket) for the G 310 R and G 310 GS.
Reports state that BMW Motorrad India could introduce a massive price cut of Rs 75,000 for its entry-level products, in their upcoming BS6 format. In other words, the 2020MY BMW G 310 R and G 310 GS could come at an ex-showroom price of Rs 2.40 lakh and Rs 2.90 lakh, respectively. This is quite a compelling price tag since their direct rivals from KTM India are priced at Rs 2.52 lakh and 2.99 lakh, respectively.
Either motorcycle is manufactured at TVS Motor Company’s manufacturing facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. The flagship TVS Apache RR 310 (now in BS6 avatar) shares its platform with the single-cylinder BMW Motorrad offerings. In other words, the new RR310’s engine could be the very same unit that powers the upcoming BS6 G 310 R and G 310 GS.
In the 2020MY TVS Apache RR 310, the 312.2cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder motor produces 33.5bhp @ 9,700rpm and 27.3Nm @ 7,700rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed transmission via a slipper clutch. In their current BS4 format, the BMW G 310 siblings pack slightly better output at 33.6bhp @ 9,500rpm and 28Nm @ 7,500rpm. The transmission is the same unit as in the Apache RR 310 but lacks a slipper clutch.
The BMW G 310 R may not be an outright performer like the KTM 390 Duke but is definitely a good package if the new prices come into effect. On the other hand, KTM’s 390 Adventure dual-sport motorcycle has casually killed the competition with its impressive performance and the long list of equipment. If the G 310 GS continues to be offered at its original price tag of Rs 3.49 lakh, we do not see any logic in buying it over the 390 Adventure.