BMW Motorrad unveiled its first 300cc motorcycle, the G 310 R in November in association with TVS Motor Company in India. TVS is also gearing up for the 200cc version of one of its most successful motorcycle brands, the Apache. It was reported that the BMW Motorrad had a pivotal role in shaping the Apache 200.
According to the report in Rushlane, the German-Indian partnership will continue in retailing its new products. The report said BMW G 310 R and TVS Apache RTR 200cc will be serviced in common outlets which both the companies will set up towards the launch. The partnership will be in line with rival Bajaj's ProBiking workshops, which take care of after-sales service of premium motorcycles Kawasaki and KTM.
Existing TVS dealers will get priority for the exclusive outlets. The strategy will help BMW Mottorrad expand its reach to smaller cities while its partner, TVS, will be able to position the Apache RTR 200 as a premium product.
The first offspring of the TVS-BMW alliance, the G 310 R is powered by the all-new 313cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine with four valves and two overhead camshafts, coupled with electronic fuel injection. The striking feature of the engine is its backward-tilted cylinder in open-deck design with the cylinder head turned 180 degrees. The engine develops an output of 33.5bhp at 9,500rpm, and maximum torque of 28Nm at 7,500 rpm, mated to a six-speed gearbox.
On the other hand, the new Apache is rumored to have a 200cc single-cylinder four-valve liquid-cooled engine that is expected to churn out 25-30bhp of power. The cooling system for the engine is reportedly sourced from BMW.