BMW Motorrad to start India operations in early 2017; G 310 R likely to be launched in April

German motorcycle manufacturer BMW Motorrad is reportedly planning to kick-start its India operations in early 2017. The bike manufacturer is currently in the final stages of setting dealerships across the country.

"We are working on setting up new teams and dealerships for BMW Motorrad. Bikes to be launched by 2017," BMW India president Frank Schloeder was quoted as saying by Overdrive.

It was reported that BMW Motorrad will launch almost all the high-end motorcycles during the brand introduction, while the affordable motorcycle range will be added later.

Most of the BMW high-end motorcycles will be imported from the company's Berlin plant in Germany, while some of the bikes will also come from its plant in Thailand.

The range of bikes for India will include S1000R, S1000RR, S1000XR, F700GS, F800GS, F800R, R1200G, R1200GS Adventure, BMW R Nine T and BMW K1600GTL.

The most-awaited model from the German marque, G 310 R, is expected to join the range in April. G 310 R has been developed in association with TVS Motor Company and will be the most affordable BMW motorcycle once it gets launched.

The company had showcased G 310 R at the Auto Expo 2016 and the motorcycle has been undergoing testing in the country since then.

First premiered at EICMA 2015 in Milan, Italy, G 310 R is powered by a 313cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine, which can churn out power of 33.5bhp at 9,500rpm and maximum torque of 28Nm at 7,500rpm, mated to a six-speed gearbox.

When launched, G 310 R is expected to be priced from Rs 1.8 lakh. The bike is exclusively manufactured at the TVS plant in Hosur for the entire world market.