Can TVS Venture Into The 300cc Streetfighter And ADV Segment?

Now that the BMW G 310 RR has been launched, there is a bigger possibility for an TVS Apache RTR 310 and 310 ADV

In April 2013, TVS Motor Company and BMW Motorrad signed a partnership to manufacture sub-500cc motorcycles for the global market. This collaboration has resulted in three products built on the 310cc platform.

With BMW making a streetfighter (G 310 R) and an ADV (G 310 GS), TVS targeted the supersport segment and made the Apache RR 310. From what we know, these choices of bikes were based on an understanding between BMW and TVS that the BMW Motorrad reserved the rights to make a roadster and ADV based on the 310 platform, while TVS would have a claim to a supersport based on the same platform.

But now with the advent of the recently-launched BMW G 310 RR, we believe that it has opened up the possibility of TVS venturing into the streetfighter and ADV segments as well. After extensively testing the BS6 versions of both the G 310 R and the G 310 GS, we found the bikes lacking in some departments. So if TVS ever decides to make an Apache RTR 310, or a 310 ADV, here are some things that could make the package a lot more wholesome:

Better Tyres

While we really liked the G 310 R’s lightness, its handling capabilities are held back by the just-about-adequate grip of its Michelin Pilot Street tyres. If TVS could swap them out for a pair of Michelin Road 5’s instead, tyres that have proven themselves on the BS6 Apache RR 310, it should help them exploit the RTR 310’s true handling prowess far more than BMW could do with the G 310 R.

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Improved Instrument Cluster

Something that we didn’t like about both the BMW G 310 R and G 310 GS were their rather dated LCD instrument clusters. Hence, if the full-colour TFT screen from the TVS Apache RR 310 could make its way to the two hypothetical bikes, it’d be a welcome addition. What could sweeten the deal would be TVS equipping the instrument cluster with SmartXonnect, hence facilitating features like navigation, post-ride analytics, gear shift assist indicator among others. 

Cost

The BMW G 310 R and G 310 GS retail for Rs 2,70,000 and Rs 3,10,000 (ex-showroom Delhi) respectively. While the prices have become more  reasonable since their last updates, BMW’s service and spare part costs are notoriously expensive. Hence if TVS could price the RTR 310 and 310 ADV competitively, and keep maintenance costs in check, like it usually has, the bikes could come out as a better value-for-money proposition. 

What else would you like to see in the RTR 310 and 310 ADV, if TVS ever decides to make them? Let us know in the comments.