Auto Expo 2018: What To Expect From BMW Motorrad

We have a host of surprises coming our way this Expo. Some of them will be from BMW Motorrad.

With Auto Expo 2018 just around the corner, we have got some interesting news to share on what’s coming up at the BMW Motorrad stall. But, in a nutshell, it consists of two very special adventure bikes and a street naked we have been craving to see on Indian roads.

BMW F 850 GS

BMW Motorrad first showcased the F 850 GS at the EICMA motorcycle show last year, hinting at a possible launch in India. Now, after our countless prayers, it seems that the almighty might just have made our wish come true. The bikemaker is most likely planning to launch the F 850 GS at the 2018 Auto Expo.

The BMW F 850 GS is powered by an all-new 853cc, parallel-twin motor which is bigger and more powerful than the one seen on the outgoing F 800 GS. BMW claims that the new F 850 GS is also better than the F 800 GS both on road and off the road, especially thanks to the new electronic wizardry and new engine.

The new motor on the F 850 GS produces 95PS at 8250rpm and 92 Nm of torque at 6250rpm. Claimed top speed is over 200kmph. The motor on the F 850 GS has been developed to offer more torque down in the rev range and to achieve that, the crankshaft is offset at 90-degrees, with a 270-degree firing interval. It also gets two counterbalance shafts for better refinement. The motor is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch for smoother shifts.

The BMW F 850 GS also gets 'Road’ and ‘Rain’ riding modes with ABS and ASC to better manage tough terrains. Pro riding modes like ‘Dynamic’, ‘Enduro’ and ‘Enduro Pro’ are available as optional extras, along with dynamic traction control and ABS Pro modes.

Moving on to the bike, it is built on a new monocoque steel bridge frame with new suspension geometry and fuel tank position. The motor now acts as a stressed member, which further helps in weight reduction. Also, the fuel tank has been repositioned to improve the centre of gravity.

Suspension here is taken care of by 43mm upside-down forks at the front with 204mm of travel and a monoshock at the rear with 219mm of travel. The 850 has a seat height of 860mm. The front gets 305mm dual disc brakes up front while the rear comes with a 265mm single disc brake.

In terms of features, the F 850 GS gets a full LED headlight with optional DRLs, optional connectivity equipment with 6.5-inch full-colour TFT display and other optional equipment like keyless ignition, gear shift assistant Pro, dynamic ESA, eCall, and Connectivity. If launched in India, which we hope it will, the BMW F 850 GS is expected to be priced between Rs 12 - 13 lakh. It will compete against the recently updated Triumph Tiger 800 range and the Honda Africa Twin.

BMW G 310 R

The BMW G 310 R is making a comeback after its Indian debut at the last Auto Expo. While the company is finally planning to get this bad boy to the Indian market, we are really struggling to get our interest levels on the high.

Nevertheless, not much has changed on the G 310 R. As far as styling is concerned it looks a smaller, scaled-down avatar of the BMW S 1000 R.

On the engine front, it continues to feature the 313cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that makes 35PS of power and 28Nm of torque.

The BMW G 310 R gets a tubular space frame. Suspension duties at the front are managed by USD forks while a monoshock does the job at the rear. To bring the bike to a stop, the BMW G 310 R gets a four-piston calliper with a 300mm front disc brake and a 240mm disc brake with a single-piston floating calliper at the rear.

The BMW employs 110/70 R17 tyres at the front and 150/60 R17 at the rear. It tips the scale at 158.5kg kerb. The BMW G 310 R also has a low seat height of 785mm, which should prove helpful for shorter riders. Fuel tank capacity is 11 litres.

Once launched, the G 310 R is expected to be priced around Rs 2.2 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh (ex-showroom). It will compete against the KTM 390 Duke and the Benelli TNT 300.

BMW G 310 GS

The G 310 GS, on the other hand, is a welcome addition and will be making its Indian debut at the 2018 expo. It is basically the adventure touring version of the street naked G 310 R.

The motorcycle design is inspired by BMW’s flagship GS series. As a result, it features a large mudguard, redesigned headlight, sculpted fuel tank and a luggage carrier at the back.

While the powerplant remains the same, the G 310 GS features long-travel USD forks at the front and a monoshock unit at the rear. Otherwise, the brakes and tyre dimensions also remain unchanged. Once launched, it will carry a slightly higher price tag than the G 310 R. We expect it to be around Rs 30,000 costlier.

Source: zigwheels.com