The Indian automotive industry is relatively inactive amidst the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and automakers are trying to minimise losses through new business strategies. As India enters its third phase of COVID-19 lockdown, most automakers have resumed operations at their manufacturing facilities and dealer networks, following proper safety guidelines.
COVID-19 hit the industry at a time when OEMs were working on a range of products for this year as well as the new decade. The Indian market has also shifted to BS6 emission norms in the meantime. Owing to various reasons, several dealerships (across different vehicle categories) are left with unsold BS4 stock worth thousands of crore rupees. To help struggling dealers, some brands have also introduced a BS4 buyback policy. At present, major brands are gradually opening their development division to work on full efficiency in the weeks to come.
It is not news that TVS Motor Company has been working on a new motorcycle for the 2021 model year. Speculations are rife that it will be based on the ‘310’ platform shared by BMW Motorrad’s G 310 range and TVS’s Apache RR 310. It could most likely be a naked version of the RR 310 to directly rival the Bajaj Dominar 400. Or, it could be the much awaited cruiser – the production variant of TVS Zeppelin concept which was showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo.
TVS Motor Company has apparently trademarked a new product name, ‘Ronin’. The trademark was filed earlier this year. While one could expect the above-mentioned product to bear the ‘Ronin’ badge, we believe it won’t be the case as it should ideally have a ‘310’ tag following it. Furthermore, it could be an addition to the Apache line-up. Meanwhile, the BS6 BMW G 310 range is yet to be launched.
The 2020MY TVS Apache RR 310 comes with a range of upgrades including four riding modes. In the latest BS6 format, its 312.2cc liquid-cooled DOHC single-cylinder motor churns out 33.5bhp @ 9,500rpm and 27.3Nm @ 7,700rpm. The previous BS4 version (or the current BMW G 310 R and G 310 GS) made 33.6bhp @ 9,500rpm and 28Nm @ 7,500rpm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed transmission via a slipper clutch (not available in the BS4 G 310 range).
The word ‘Ronin’ originates from Japanese. It stands for a samurai from the feudal period of 1185-1868, with no lord or master. While this does not add anything relevant to the context, it throws light on manufacturers’ tendency to give a regular, uninteresting product or technology some out-of-the-world name. For instance, TVS Motor Company calls its normal slipper-clutch system Anti-Reverse Torque (A-RT) Slipper Clutch. If we look into the probability, the upcoming TVS Ronin could even be a scooter.
TVS Apache 310 ADV render
Source: Bike - rushlane.com
