New TVS-BMW 300cc motorcycle: What to expect

BMW has just unveiled the wild and brash Concept Stunt G 310 in Brazil. And to say that we are very excited is an understatement because what we are looking at here is a preview of BMW’s upcoming 300cc motorcycle developed in collaboration with Indian two-wheeler giant TVS.

Unveiled recently at the Sao Paulo Motorcycle Show, the Concept Stunt G 310 is a result of a whole new approach by BMW to cater to the booming entry-level performance motorcycle segment. This new concept will eventually make way for a range of 300cc single cylinder motorcycles developed to boost BMW’s presence in several emerging markets.

Coming back to the concept, BMW is adamant that the G 310 is still in concept stages however, we believe the production-spec model by TVS will share the same striking yet minimalistic bodywork, albeit without the loud multicolour livery. Among the several design highlights are the side wing contours of the fuel tank which give the motorcycle a muscular appearance. What’s also pretty apparent is that all the horizontal lines around the fuel tank, side panels and the tail section seem to create a sense of motion towards the front wheel, thereby highlighting the front-biased stance of a typical naked performance-oriented motorcycle.

As for the engine, the Concept Stunt G 310 is powered by a newly developed single-cylinder engine. This 310cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke unit is bolted on quite differently on to the motorcycle, with its cylinder inclined towards the rear and the cylinder head which is rotated by 180 degrees. Thanks to this unique placement, BMW has managed to keep a relatively short wheelbase in spite of a long swing arm.

While the combination of a short wheelbase and a long swing arm is best suited for stunt riders seeking agility above all, even regular motorcyclists will be able to appreciate this unique packaging in the production-spec motorcycle. The TVS-derived product, then, is expected to be as sharp and rewarding at changing directions as a KTM Duke 390, if not better.

Given its entry-level positioning in the performance motorcycle space, the G 310 concept (like the Duke 390) is built around a steel trellis frame instead of cast aluminium which raises production costs significantly. As for the rest of the hardware, the concept is seen with a meaty set of upside-down front forks, a single disc brake set up at the front and an exhaust that sits upright underneath the seat and in between the engine and the spring strut.

Now that it has been unveiled in concept form, this new 300cc model is headed for the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan next month. While most of the technical specifications are still undercover, it is clear that BMW is targeting the crowded entry-level performance motorcycle segment. And the brand, along with TVS, will do so by eventually bringing out a range of small capacity fully-faired as well as GS-like adventure motorcycles based on this platform. The sub-500cc motorcycle segment has gained a lot of traction in the past couple of years. TVS currently doesn’t have any motorcycle above the 180cc segment, while BMW doesn’t cater to the sub-500cc segment at present. The upcoming range, then, should help both these brands explore the sub-500cc category in emerging markets like India.