The BMW-TVS 300cc Concept Bike
The quarter -liter motorcycle segment is witnessing a revival of sorts with manufacturers rushing to bring in their version of a 250 or 300cc machine. This seems to be a global trend, and Southeast Asia is at the heart of this awakening.In 2013, German BMW Motorrad and Indian TVS announced that they were developing a sub-500cc motorcycle. Two years on, they now have something to show for it – the BMW Concept Stunt G310.
The BMW Stunt G310 concept has minimal bodywork, and a rather shouty paint job. The not-so-concept-yet bit here is the production-spec single-cylinder engine that nestles in the production-ready frame. Its name assures us of the fact that this new engine displaces 310cc.
What makes this new BMW engine unique is its reclined cylinder setup. With this arrangement. BMW has taken the opportunity to place the exhaust can right behind the engine. This, says BMW, makes the motorcycle compact and agile, which is perfect for stunt riders. On the production motorcycle, though, you will find a conventionally placed exhaust.
BMW Motorrad has not shared any numbers at this time, but we expect to have all detail at the EICMA show in November.
On to more important things: TVS, the Indian BMW partner, will produce its own version of the same motorcycle. This model should be christened the TVS Apache 300. Expect TVS to take a commuter-friendly approach by adding high clip-on handlebars, telescopic front suspension and cushier seating. It will be prices aggressively, so a price tag of around US$ 3,000 (about 99,000 THB) should be the price.
TVS will manufacture the motorcycles at its Hosur factory in India and that country will likely be the market in which it makes its global debut. The BMW G310 will be positioned at the premium end of the segment, so expect a price tag of around US$ 4,900 (or 160,000 THB). Both motorcycles should be launched in early 2016.
With BMW-TVS joining the fray, it can be said that the quarter-liter segment in Southeast Asia has come of age. The best part is, BMW-TVS plan to launch a range of motorcycles based on this platform, so a track-oriented/enduro and Supermoto style and even a small capacity adventure bike / tourer should follow in the years to come.Tag: BMW TVS Stunt G310 Apache 300 Single-Cylinder Small-Capacity-Bike 2016
