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  • BMW Launches Drive Chain for Motorcycles that needs NO Lubrication

    According to the Bavarian auto manufacturer, the new M Endurance chain doesn’t require any adjustment or re-tensioning
    BMW Motorrad has announced the introduction of a new maintenance-free chain called ‘M Endurance’ chain (image above). The motorcycle manufacturer claims that the chain neither needs tension adjustment nor lubrication. While BMW is known for its almost no maintenance shaft-driven bikes, they have decided to turn their attention to drive chains.

    The new M Endurance chain will come as a factory-fitted option in the litre-class motorcycles such as S1000RR and S1000XR. For the existing consumers, it will be offered as an accessory option in the rest of the models. This new drive chain will be offered in more BMW Motorrad models in the future.
    Details of the M Endurance Chain
    The new chain visually looks like any other standard X-ring chain which has a permanent lubricant filling between the rollers and pins. An additional industrial diamond coating has been used for the rollers and the bushes. The new material is being called ‘tetrahedrally amorphous carbon’, or ta-C by BMW. This is what adds to the longevity of the chains as per the company.

    The coating is said to keep the chain strong enough so that it can function properly for a longer duration without cleaning or lubricating it. The ta-C also provides other advantages such as it helps increase performance of a motorcycle by reducing the friction coefficient and thus reduces wear and tear.
    The engineers from the Bavarian auto company claim that one need not apply the traditional lubricants to it since the lubricants never wear off due to friction. BMW has employed Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coatings as a process to reduce friction and increase hardness in parts like engine internals. The company claims that ta-C on the chains provides similar benefits and that it acts as a bridge between DLC and an actual diamond on the hardness scale.
    Price
    The ta-C on chains makes it easier for riders as well as on the environment since it no longer has to apply cleaning and lubrication products to this new chain. BMW UK’s online configurator for bikes has listed the price at GBP 100 as an add-on. This translates roughly to INR Rs 9,708.
    Usually, regular chain maintenance is advisable to keep your drive chain in a healthy condition which helps you ensure the longevity of your bike. For many riders chain maintenance is not a very pleasant job. Therefore, for them, it will be one less thing to worry about. It is particularly useful when one has to do long-distance commutes over an extended period of time. More

  • BMW G 310 R BS6 Facelift Teased – Gets KTM Duke 390 Like Colour Alloys

    The G 310 twins’ launch has been in the loop for a very long time now due to the ongoing crisis of Covid-19 pandemic across the country
    A few days ago we had reported that BMW Motorrad, the motorcycle wing, of the Bavarian auto giant has started accepting bookings of their upcoming G 310 twins, though unofficially. Now, we can confirm that the company will start accepting bookings of the duo from 1st Sep. Launch will take place later in Sep.

    The G 310 R and G 310 GS are the entry-level motorcycles from BMW and the only ones that are manufactured completely in India. While the BS6 versions were expected to hit the roads much earlier this year, the German company’s plan was withheld due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. However, now it seems that BMW is ready with the launch of these bikes which is expected around the corner.
    Design
    From the teaser image, quite a few things are noticeable. For starters, the predominance of orange colour in many functional parts of the bike like the alloys and the frame. Plus the extremely horizontal rear fender clearly shows it has taken some inspiration from the KTM counterparts.

    The bikes have been spotted testing on Indian as well as European roads on multiple occasions. The visual highlights in the teaser image were not visible earlier in the spied images. However, the front suspension is found to be coloured in gold.
    The updated G 310 twins will all carry a newly designed headlamp unit and an altered digital instrument console as well. The overall shape of the headlamp unit is similar but the cluster carries a new sportier design with integrated LED DRLs. The new bikes are visibly sharper and muscular than their mellowed BS4 predecessors. It also sports a reconfigured exhaust pipe. Though there are no official details of the spec around the bike, it is expected to be high on features.
    Powertrain

    As far as powertrain is concerned, both the G 310 twins are expected to be powered by a BS6 updated 313cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder motor which returned output of 34 PS of power and 28 Nm of peak torque in its BS4 form. This is the same unit that powers TVS Motor’s flagship product- the Apache RR310. This engine will be mated to a 6-speed gearbox. For the uninitiated, the BMW G 310 Twins are manufactured locally at TVS Motor’s Hosur facility. The bike duo shares its powertrain as well as its platform with the Apache RR310.
    Expected Launch
    The updated G 310 twins are expected to be significantly cheaper than their BS4 counterparts. In their BS4 versions, G 310 R and G 310 GS were offered at an ex-showroom price of Rs 2.99 lakh and Rs 3.49 lakh. The G 310 R is a naked streetfighter whereas the G 310 GS is an adventure tourer motorcycle. Upon launch, the former will compete with the likes of KTM 390 Duke. Whereas, the G 310 GS will take on the likes of KTM Adventure 390 and Royal Enfield Himalayan. We can expect the bikes to be out in the coming few weeks. More

  • BMW G 310 R & GS BS6 launch soon – Bookings open at Rs 50,000

    Rumours suggest that the new 2021MY BMW G 310 siblings will be priced substantially lower than their BS4 counterparts
    Even though the Indian automotive industry shifted to BS6 norms in April 2020, BMW Motorrad India has not updated its bestselling products, G 310 R and G 310 GS to the higher emission specification. Towards the end of BS4 era, the German two-wheeler manufacturer had announced massive discounts for its entry-level G 310 siblings. In fact, certain dealerships had even offered price cuts over Rs 95,000 alongside a few cost-free riding gear or accessories.

    Developed in partnership with TVS Motor Company, BMW Motorrad’s first modern single-cylinder motorcycle range was launched in India back in July 2018. Ex-showroom prices for the G 310 R streetfighter and G 310 R adventure tourer stood at Rs 2.99 lakh and 3.49 lakh, respectively. Among the wider segment of buyers, the figures seemed rather unreasonable especially since KTM India offered arguably better alternatives at lower prices.
    At present, the all-new KTM 390 Adventure is easily the best choice among single-cylinder sports motorcycles. In terms of performance and equipment, lesser KTM India models also offer significant value for money. Further down the price ladder, Bajaj Auto’s Dominar 400 and Dominar 250 are excellent packages as well. Clearly, BMW Motorrad India has to rethink its pricing strategy to have an edge over the popular names in the 250-400cc motorcycle category.
    BMW G 310 R & G 310 GS BS6 – Bookings open

    Image credits – Abhinav Bhatt
    BMW Motorrad dealerships across the country have started accepting bookings for the 2021MY BS6 G 310 siblings at a token amount of Rs 50,000. Both motorcycles were spied on Indian roads on multiple occasions in partially disguised test mule avatars. Rumours claim that the BS6 G 310 duo will be launched at a substantial price drop in comparison to their phased-out BS4 counterparts.
    From recent spy shots, it is evident that the motorcycles get a full-LED headlamp and turn signals, reworked tank design (G 310 R) and possibly new colour schemes. Other details include blue-lit digital instrument console (the RR 310 gets a coloured unit), ride-by-wire, dual-channel ABS, 41mm USD forks, 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels, etc. The G 310 R, G 310 GS and Apache RR 310 are made at TVS Motor Company’s Hosur manufacturing facility.
    Engine & specs
    TVS Motor Company has already launched the 2020MY Apache RR 310 with an improved BS6 power plant. This would most likely be the same unit powering the upcoming BMW ‘starter bikes’.
    The flagship faired sportsbike employs a 312.2cc liquid-cooled DOHC ‘reverse-inclined’ single-cylinder engine good for 33.5bhp @ 9,700rpm and 27.3Nm @ 7,700rpm. It is coupled to a 6-speed transmission via a slipper clutch.
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  • 2020 BMW S 1000 XR India launch price Rs 20.90 lakh

    BMW Motorrad India’s new 2020MY S 1000 XR is sold only in ‘Pro’ format with two colour choices
    German motorcycle manufacturer BMW Motorrad has launched the 2020MY version of its popular litre-class adventure tourer, S 1000 XR. The CBU product, available in only ‘Pro’ variant, is priced at Rs 20.90 lakh ex-showroom. The new BMW S 1000 XR comes in two colours: Ice Grey and Racing Red.

    BMW Motorrad states that the S 1000 XR is an ‘all-day sportsbike which blends long-distance performance in perfect form’. As the name suggests, the S 1000 XR is based on the popular inline-four supersports model, BMW S 1000 RR. It primarily rivals the Kawasaki Versys 1000. The Ducati Multistrada 1260 is yet to receive BS6 update. Still, there are several interesting alternatives across a wide price range such as the new Triumph Tiger 900.
    BMW Motorrad has already got a full-on adventure motorcycle in the form of the R 1250 GS. Unlike the S 1000 XR, the GS employs a boxer twin engine and other accessories focused on extreme off-roading. It is noticeably bigger as well.

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    BMW S 1000 XR Features
    Being a premium adventure tourer worth over Rs 20 lakh, the S 1000 XR packs a host of advanced equipment. Notable highlights in the 2020MY version include revised aerodynamics, updated 6.5-inch TFT instrument console, BMW Motorrad Connected App, electronic immobiliser, adjustable windscreen, 12V power socket, cast aluminium wheels, full-LED lighting and more.
    In terms of safety, it boasts of Dynamic Traction Control, ABS Pro, Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment), Dynamic Brake Control, drop sensor, etc. There are four riding modes: Rain, Road, Dynamic and Dynamic Pro.

    2020 BMW S 1000 XR – Instrument console

    BMW Motorrad offers two equipment packages with the S 1000 XR Pro: Touring and Dynamic. The former adds knuckle guards, centre stand, luggage racks and GPS holder while the latter comes with Keyless Ride, Dynamic ESA Pro, gear-shift assistant Pro, heated grips and cruise control.
    BMW S 1000 XR Engine & Performance
    Powering the BMW S 1000 XR is a 999c liquid-cooled DOHC inline-four engine. It generates 163bhp @ 11,000rpm and 114Nm @ 9,250rpm. The adventure tourer can do a 0-100km/h acceleration sprint in just 3.3 seconds before hitting a top speed of over 200km/h.

    2020 BMW S 1000 XR in Racing Red
    To aid its touring potential, the fuel tank can hold 20 litres (reserve: 4 litres). The motorcycle rides on 120/70ZR17 and 190/55ZR17 tyres at the front and rear, respectively. Kerb weight stands at 226kg. Seat height is set at 840mm. Like most products coming in such a category, the BMW S 1000 XR can be fitted with a host of optional extras such as panniers, body protectors, maintenance kits, etc. More

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    TVS Apache 310 Adventure Render – KTM 390 ADV, Himalayan Rival

    Subtle hints were provided by K. N. Radhakrishnan, President, CEO & Additional Whole-Time Director, TVS Motor Company when he mentioned in a recent interview that a new motorcycle based on the existing 310 cc platform could be launched in 2021. With growing popularity of adventure motorcycles in the country, it is expected that TVS could […] More

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    BMW S 1000 RR inspired rendering of G 310 R in Red

    BMW Motorrad India has still not updated its entry-level G 310 siblings to BS6 emission norms. Sharing platform with the Apache RR310 at TVS Motor Company’s manufacturing facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, the G 310 R and G 310 GS are two of the most expensive single-cylinder motorcycles available in the country. At an initial […] More