TVS Akula 310, BMW G 310 R
TVS Akula 310, BMW G 310 RPR handout

TVS Motor Company announced that it has commenced the production of the BMW motorcycle at its Hosur facility on Tuesday (Aug. 2). The company has also confirmed that BMW Motorrad and TVS motorcycle from the alliance will be launched this fiscal.

"First product will be launched after October by BMW, and TVS will launch its product by end of fiscal," Business Standard quoted K N Radhakrishnan, president & CEO, TVS Motor as saying. Both motorcycles from TVS and BMW will use a common platform and service outlets.

BMW Motorrad showcased its first sub 500cc motorcycle, the G 310 R, in October developed in association with TVS Motor. It is also the first BMW motorcycle made in India and also the first manufactured outside Europe.

At the heart of the G 310 R is an all-new 313cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine with four valves and two overhead camshafts, together with electronic fuel injection. It can churn out a power of 33.5bhp at 9,500rpm and maximum torque of 28Nm at 7,500rpm, mated to a six-speed gearbox.

TVS had showcased the Akula 310 concept at the Auto Expo 2016, which is based on the knowhow of the BMW Motorrad. TVS at the show confirmed the Akula 310 is developed on the back bone of BMW G 310 R. The production-spec Akula 310 is expected to be called Apache RTR 300 and will be powered by a 310cc engine mated to six-speed gearbox.

Reports indicate existing TVS dealers will get priority for the exclusive outlets. The G 310 R will be the most affordable product of BMW Motorrad, while the Akula 310 will be the flagship product of TVS.