The TVS Akula 310 is BMW's first small-bore superbike for Europe and Asia. And, boy, does it look good!
Remember the BMW G310R, which was unveiled in November last year" Developed in collaboration with the India-based TVS Motor, the G310R is BMW's first small-capacity single-cylinder machine in recent times. With this, BMW aim to take on companies like KTM, Benelli, Ducati and the Japanese Big Four, all of whom are aggressively pushing into fast-evolving Asian markets with their 250-400cc sportsbikes. With its 313cc, 34bhp single-cylinder engine, steel-tube chassis and modern braking and suspension components, the BMW G310R will be sold in Europe as well as various Asian markets, and is likely to find an enthusiastic audience among new riders everywhere.
Of course, the G310R isn't where the TVS-BMW partnership stops -- the two fully intend to continue developing new motorcycles together. Last week, at the Auto Expo in Delhi, India, TVS unveiled the Akula 310 concept, which has also been designed and developed in collaboration with BMW Motorrad. This bike is likely to go on sale in India, other parts of Asia and, we're sure, Europe, by the end of this year. Europe will get the BMW-branded version, though styling, engine, chassis and other bits will remain unchanged. As you can see, the TVS Akula 310 takes various styling cues from the BMW S1000RR superbike, while the name 'Akula' is a reference to the Akula-class nuclear-powered submarines made...