Among all the exhibits at the Auto Expo, TVS has earned the repute for displaying some smashing concepts year after year. But sadly, none of them could hit showrooms for reasons unknown. Even the brilliant little Apache managed to breach the 200cc mark only recently, and although the manufacturer has huge presence in the local track racing scene, the absence of a TVS product in the fast growing, sub-500cc segment is surprising. However, all that could soon change and change sooner than we expected.
It is no secret that TVS manufactures the BMW G 310 R in India, and when the partnership between the two manufacturers was initially announced, they had also mentioned about a TVS product which will be developed under the common platform. Showcased at the Auto Expo 2016, the sharp looking TVS Akula concept’s road going version has been spotted testing numerous times on public roads. And now, President and CEO of TVS Motors, Mr. KN Radhakrishnan has revealed that TVS has started production under the common platform it has created with German automaker BMW, and with that, is hopeful of cracking the under-500CC motorbike segment. He also revealed that the company will launch a new scooter and a motorcycle in the next fiscal, and if this is a hint, the road going Akula could be that bike.
The upcoming bike is rumored to share the G 310 R’s single cylinder, liquid cooled 310cc engine which will be bolted on to a trellis frame. In the BMW, the same engine is rated at 34 bhp and 21 Nm. Along with the motor, the TVS machine could also share suspension, brakes and wheels, albeit with minor tweaks, with the Indo-German street fighter which is also due to be launched this year.
The upcoming TVS bike will most likely feature a dual headlamp setup and LED pilot lamps. While ram air-induction vents which were first seen on the Akula concept will be retained, but the purpose could stand to remain purely cosmetic. A few other additions over the concept would include a tail section with a registration plate holder, turn indicators, saree guard rear view mirrors, LED tail light, and a production friendly exhaust system.