India is widely recognized as the largest motorcycle market in the world. With over 15 million new motorcycles sold in 2022 alone, it’s evident that motorcycles are a fundamental part of Indian mobility.
While the Indian motorcycle market differs significantly from that of the West in terms of model selection, well-known companies dominate the market. Japanese manufacturers like Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki have a strong presence in the mass market segment. Interestingly, BMW has been making significant progress in India, thanks to its G 310 model range.
For those who may not be aware, the BMW G 310 is not technically a BMW, but rather a rebranded TVS. TVS is a prominent Indian manufacturer and one of several Asian manufacturers with close ties to European companies. In the case of the G 310, BMW collaborated with TVS to develop and produce the bikes. These motorcycles feature BMW branding and design, and they are sold worldwide.
The BMW G 310 range, which includes the R, RR, and GS models, has become the most accessible motorcycles carrying the BMW badge. Not only in India but also in the rest of the world, these models serve as aspirational products in BMW’s catalog. In the Indian market, the BMW G 310 range accounted for an impressive 90 percent of BMW Motorrad India’s sales.
In the first half of 2023, BMW Motorrad India sold a total of 4,667 units, with 90 percent of them being G 310 models. This represents a staggering 50-percent sales growth compared to the same period in 2022.
It’s worth noting that the BMW G 310 offers basic technology, which contributes to its affordability. In terms of performance, it is quite respectable for its engine displacement class. Its 313cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine generates 34 horsepower and around 20 pound-feet of torque. The G 310 R is the naked streetfighter model, while the G 310 GS is the smaller sibling of BMW’s larger adventure motorcycles. The G 310 RR is the latest and sportiest model, drawing inspiration from the mighty S 1000 RR sportbike.