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G 310

The practice of western motorcycle manufacturers teaming up with Indian brands to expand their reach is nothing new. We’re seeing it quite a lot these days, especially with the recent launch of bikes like the Harley-Davidson X440 in partnership with Hero MotoCorp, and the Triumph Speed and Scrambler 400 in partnership with Bajaj.

  • BMW and TVS to continue their strategic partnership for years to come. 
  • The success of the G 310 GS, G 310 R and G 310 RR is a result of a successful cooperation between BMW and TVS. 

BMW is a brand that’s been doing this for quite some time – 10 years to be exact. Those of you familiar with this partnership would know that the G 310 series is the fruit of this joint venture, and it’s been quite a success for both brands thus far. 

In fact, the G 310 R, G 310 GS, and G 310 RR  made up 90 percent of BMW Motorrad India’s motorcycle sales in the first half of 2023. In total, the German brand sold more than 4,000 G 310 motorcycles in the first half of 2023 alone.

In a press release, Dr. Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad, stated, “This 10th anniversary is an impressive proof of the success and strength of the collaboration between BMW Motorrad and TVS Motor. What began 10 years ago has developed into an extraordinary success story. 

“Our strong synergies have led to the development of impressive offerings in the sub-500cc segment. Since the launch, BMW G 310 R and BMW G 310 GS single-cylinder models continue to enjoy unrivalled popularity and have become a key pillar of BMW Motorrad’s worldwide success.”

Apart from the massive success that is the G 310 model range, TVS and BMW continue to work together to develop new platforms and technology to shape the future of mobility. 

In particular, the recently unveiled BMW CE 02 electric motorcycle was indeed a model co-developed and designed by TVS.

In the same press release, Mr. KN Radhakrishnan, Director & CEO of TVS Motor Company said, “With the extension and expansion of this partnership towards future technologies and sustainable mobility solutions, we are also in discussions to expand our manufacturing network beyond India to cater to our future growth under this partnership, including the recently unveiled BMW CE 02. 

“We look forward to working closely on developing platforms targeted towards the global urban centric markets and the uber-cool next generation of consumers,” he said. 

India witnessed over 15 million brand new motorcycles hit the roads in 2022.

  • Motorcycles have become an indispensable part of Indian mobility, with the nation’s landscape showcasing the significant role they play. 
  • the G 310 range accounted more than 90 percent of BMW Motorrad India’s sales. 

While the Indian market offers a different selection of models compared to the West, some well-known manufacturers have managed to establish a strong presence. Among them, BMW stands out for making remarkable strides in India, largely due to its G 310 model range.

The BMW G 310 series, consisting of the G 310 R, G 310 GS, and G 310 RR, has captured the Indian motorcycling enthusiasts’ hearts. Although not entirely a product of BMW, the G 310 range is a result of a collaboration with TVS, a prominent Indian motorcycle manufacturer with close ties to European brands.

BMW entrusted TVS to develop and produce these motorcycles, which were then adorned with BMW’s signature bodywork and branding before being introduced to the global market.

The G 310 lineup, known for being the most accessible motorcycles to bear the prestigious BMW badge, has become a symbol of aspiration, not only in India but also worldwide.

During the first half of 2023, BMW Motorrad India recorded a remarkable sales figure of 4,667 units, with an astonishing 90 percent of them being G 310 models. This remarkable achievement translated into a remarkable 50-percent sales growth for the Indian arm of the German motorcycle manufacturer when compared to the same period in the previous year.

The BMW G 310 series is popular for its accessibility, providing riders with an entry point into the BMW brand. Equipped with relatively basic tech, the motorcycles still deliver respectable performance for their displacement class. 

BMW has been a pioneer in the electric two-wheeler industry for more than a decade, but it has yet to release a fully electric motorcycle. 

  • powering the bike is the same batter and electric motor from the CE 04.
  • the new electric motorcycle is likely to have the same size as the G 310 roadster. 

However, that may soon change as the company has been working on a small electric bike as reported by Cycle World. Patent applications reveal that BMW’s latest electric scooter, the CE-04, has provided the powertrain elements for the new bike, which is around the same size as the G 310 roadster.

*credit: Cycle World (BMW)

The innovative design features a motor that is positioned at a 45-degree angle and the motor’s shaft running longitudinally, allowing it to be relatively large while remaining narrow enough to fit between the rider’s legs. 

The battery is also at an angle, running parallel to the motor and just ahead of it. By moving the parts around and tilting them at an angle, the wheelbase can be shorter, and the center of gravity raised, providing sharper handling.

The battery and motor are from the CE-04, with a peak power of 42 hp and 63Nm of torque. The top speed is electronically limited to 120km/h, and the range is around 128km between charges. 

The motor drives through a new reduction gearbox with a bevel gear to take drive to the front sprocket, and a belt final drive transfers the power to the rear wheel, reducing maintenance and noise compared to a chain drive.

The fuel tank area is left clear, providing space for storage, including a helmet, while several different models based on the same components could be made, including a GS-style adventure model and a full-faired bike.

That said, the plug-in roadster is still in an early stage and it could take a couple of years before we’re able to see the finish product. Nevertheless, we are excited to see how it could turn out. 

  • The fully-faired BMW G 310 made its appearance at the BMW Motorrad Days in Japan.

  • The concept looks like a smaller S 1000 RR, clad in carbon-fibre.

  • BMW should show off the production model at Intermot and EICMA.

It looks like the BMW G 310 range will gain a sportbike, called the G 310 RR.

The BMW G 310 R (roadster) and G 310 GS (adventure) versions were launched to a great reception, not only in Asia where they were first intended but also in Europe and the Americas. Heck, we even saw many G 310 GS entered in the recent GIVI Rimba Raid Mat Daling and they performed well. What is missing from the line-up though is the sport version.

While it has been rumored for some time that the German manufacturer is working on a G 310 RR, they have been very secretive about it, hence there were little news and pictures to reveal the bike.

Well, BMW has dropped a bomb on us. The fully-faired version made its first appearance at BMW Motorrad Days in Japan.

As evident from the photo, the G 310 RR concept’s styling is heavily influenced by its popular sportbike sibling, the S 1000 RR, including the headlamps and the sinewy fairing on the right side complete with the trademark shark gills. Yes, we are sure some may even all it the “Baby S.”

Courtesy of autocarindia.com

The exhaust has been moved from the side to underneath the seat, and all the bodywork is in carbon fibre.

Speaking about carbon fibre, we do not think the material will be used in the final production bike. Still, having one more entry to the 300cc single-cylinder in the market will definitely light up the lightweight sportbike wars.

The production model should make its debut at the Intermot show at the earliest, or EICMA in November. Let us hope the production model looks as great as this concept!

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