Spotted: BMW G 310 GS seen on a truck in India!
TVS and BMW work together on the platforms that are the basis for the TVS Apache RR 310, the BMW G 310 R and the BMW G 310 GS. The final form of the arrangement has BMW leading the development function while TVS handles the manufacturing. And TVS also became the first to get to market with a product derived from the product with the excellent Apache RR 310 too. And while KTM updated its 390 Duke, Benelli saw a downturn - hopefully temporary, Honda refreshed the CBR250R and so on and so forth, the BMW G 310 R and G 310 GS have remained elusive outside of the few we have seen at the TVS factory and the show bikes that came to both of the last two Auto Expos in Delhi.
Image credit: xBhp
But these photographs from XBhp show what looks like two G 310 GS motorcycles being transported in the back of a truck. Which makes us wonder why we couldn't just help BMW Motorrad India by riding them down to wherever they were needed. Okay seriously, the G 310 GS is made in India, of course, we know that BMW has been pursuing both homologation, paperwork and processes to 'acquire' the build motorcycles from TVS Motor as well as dealership expansion.
That last bit is a crucial part of the process because the lack of outlets automatically caps the possible sales numbers. BMW wouldn't want a model that will have as much buzz and traction as the R and the GS to enter a market only to generate long queues, dealers tempted to charge premiums to shortcut the waiting periods and the general frustration that comes from a huge gap between demand and access to supply. There is also the matter of BMW Motorrad and BMW Motorrad India repeatedly saying that they would like Indian customers to have the same quality experience as a customer anywhere in the world when s/he walks into a BMW Motorrad facility. That puts the pressure on the dealerships as well as service centres to deliver on quality, cost as well as time parameters. That's one of the reasons why the launch of the Indian R and GS are still due.
As you know, the BMW G 310 R and the G 310 GS share the same engine and chassis, more or less. The engine is a 34PS single cylinder that makes 28Nm of peak torque. The liquid-cooled, fuel injected engine is unique in being mounted 'backwards' so that the fuel enters from the front and the exhaust port is at the back. Upside-down forks and a preload adjustable rear monoshock are standard, as is ABS. BMW Motorrad also reiterated to OVERDRIVE earlier that BMW doesn't intend to produce two quality levels. India will get the exact same motorcycles as anyone else outside of regulatory changes - like number plates and saree guards being added.
The launch of the BMWs G 310 R and the G 310 GS is expected to happen in a month or so with deliveries likely to start around end-August, our estimates. The company officially told OVERDRIVE only that both the motorcycles are likely to go on sale together and that the launch date being aimed for was confidential but in the second half of 2018.
We are expecting the price to be in in the Rs 3.1-3.5 lakh on-road range for the G 310 R and 310 GS. Let us know what you think the pricing will be in the comments.
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