TVS-BMW developing a new 350cc motorcycle

Last year, TVS Motor Company and BMW Motorrad signed a major technology agreement, under which it was announced that both the companies will be jointly developing a new range of sub-500cc motorcycles. Designed to be sold in India as well as global markets, the initial products stemming from the joint venture are expected to go on sale in the second half of next year.

One of the models forming this new range of highly advanced motorcycles could be a 350cc enduro-style model which is currently under development, says Visor Down. The motorcycle will be the first result of the JV between Germany’s BMW Motorrad and Indian two wheeler giant TVS.

The upcoming 350cc model and even the rest of the motorcycles for that matter will be designed by BMW and manufactured in India. For European markets, the motorcycles will be sold as BMWs, while in India they will be sold as a TVS product.

The report further states that the second of the initial models could be a naked roadster designed on the lines of the R1200R. But unlike the latter with its multi-cylinder engine, the upcoming roadster could be seen using a 500cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine.

The sub-500cc motorcycle has gained a lot of momentum, especially 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 the brands explore the flourishing sub-500cc category in emerging markets like India.

Source: VisorDown