We have been closely tracking the first TVS and BMW bike, starting with our April 2014 scoop giving out a near 300cc single-cylinder engine followed by a January 2015 report which captured the exciting TVS BMW streetbike’s form
Now, BMW has just taken the wraps off the motorcycle in São Paulo, at South America’s largest motor show, showcasing a Stunt G 310 concept bike, that’s closely related to the streetbike. The final street-going production motorcycle from BMW and TVS will look similar to the Stunt G 310 as pictured, and is looking set for debut at the EICMA Motor Show in Milan, mid November. Here you can expect BMW to introduce a European-spec streetbike, while the bike that reaches India later, under the TVS umbrella could offer market-specific differences, as well as altered badging.
What’s in no doubt is that BMW’s naked streetbike shall be produced and sold by TVS in India, in closely related form, with BMW technology at its heart, deploying a four-stroke, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder powerplant that will displace close to 310cc. Expect the road-going TVS-BMW streetbikes to make peak power in the region of 35bhp, with fuel injection provided.
BMW has revealed the TVS-BMW G 310 reclines its engine-cylinder backwards, with its cylinder-head having rotated 180 degrees. Although uncommon in India, this has been done to centralise mass close to the motorcycle's centre of gravity, which improves handling. It also allows a short wheelbase with a long swingarm, that shall make the TVS-BMW bikes more nimble.
BMW has shifted induction to the cylinder in front of the powerplant, tucking the exhaust away at rear, in an upright position beneath the rider seat on the Stunt G 310. The streetbike could show off an altered exhaust routing and position.
The new Stunt G 310 shows off a pretty sizeable, chunky tank. Its frame is a tubular steel trellis, with alloy swingarm deployed at rear. Sturdy upside-down telescopic front suspension is seen, with a monoshock at the rear. Expect these new TVS-BMW bikes to become real rivals to KTM’s brilliant Duke streetbikes, with us keeping our fingers crossed that TVS and BMW will deliver on the key count of a more comfortable riding position, relative to the ultra-aggressive, high-performance and really sporty Duke bikes. Also, the new TVS-BMW bikes shall come with disc brake systems front and rear, the front caliper being radial-mounted. ABS should be offered, virtually a given on any bike with the BMW badge.
The upcoming Indian Auto Expo in early 2016 shall showcase the precise new TVS streetbikes to be sold in India, which remains of primary importance to enthusiasts here.
Rishad Cooper