Economy, agility, innovation and all-round usefulness are some of the key points of BMW’s new Indian-made G310R roadster.
BMW is aiming high with this motorbike, saying: “Designed as a light, dynamic roadster, it combines athletic talents with solid comfort to make a perfect partner for all situations – due to its low weight, easy controllability and not least an engine that produces lively and vigorous engine power from a single cylinder.”
BMW’s first sub-500cc road bike in 30 years, when the unloved R45 was dropped, will be aimed at a worldwide market and give the company’s Australian arm a strong contender in the learner-approved segment.
As we revealed previously, the engine has a rear-facing cylinder that leans backwards in the chassis, saving space and centralising the mass.
The engine is a 313cc single producing 25kW (34hp) at 9500rpm and 28Nm at 7500rpm from its bore and stroke of 80 x 62.1mm.
The fuel-injected, four-valve, twin-camshaft motor will rev to 10,500rpm and has a balance shaft to keep vibration down.
The G310R has a dry weight of 159kg, so promises to be easy to throw around, and its seat height of 785mm combined with a slim chassis should made it very user friendly, especially for learners.
Those specs are clearly good for a commuter, a learner’s bike, and a lightweight sports bike, but BMW’s faith in the G310R’s open-road potential are indicated by the fact that its accessories stretch to a comfort seat and a choice of two top boxes.
Probably relecting the low price point BMW must be pitching for the G310R, it will offer heated handlebars as an accessory, not standard like on other BMWs.
It will, however, have a two-channel ABS braking system.
BMW is going to great lengths to overcome any doubts India’s ability to meet the German company’s demands for quality.
A detailed description of the Bangalore factory explains that the G310R is built in sections of the TVS Motor Company’s plant dedicated exclusively to BMW.
Engines are assembled in ultra-clean areas protected by air locks, and much of the brand-new assembly line is automated.
BMW Australia has not yet annoucned when the G310R will be available here, nor the price.
