We are test-riding the third product from the BMW-TVS collaboration in India after the BMW G 310 R and G 310 GS. Is this one as unique as its counterparts, or is it simply an identical machine to its sibling? Read on to find out.

After spending a brief time on the saddle of the BMW G 310 R and G 310 GS, I was quite excited to spend the weekend with the fully-faired baby Beemer. I knew it was not as unique as the other two motorcycles and merely a rebadged version of its counterpart. Nevertheless, the detective journalist in me was curious to spot the differences between the G 310 RR and TVS Apache RR 310 and find out why the former demands a premium of almost 30,000-35,000 rupees over the latter. Is it just the BMW badging, the paint schemes, or something else? Here is what I found!

Design
At the BMW dealership, I was handed the keys to the G 310 RR in the Style Sport scheme. Oh boy! It’s just the same as the one seen on its elder sibling, the S 1000 RR. I was excited to test ride it, and while looking at this baby Beemer in the flesh, I realized that with identical body panels, alloys, and lights, it’s hard for anyone to spot aesthetic differences between the two. Hence, I pulled out my magnifying glasses to find at least one distinction for the enthusiasts but failed miserably. Even the switchgear was retained in a similar style to the Apache RR 310, except the BMW had a much more premium finish with top-notch quality materials used. This, undoubtedly, lives up to the BMW badge.

While the aesthetics ensured I couldn’t spot a difference without the magnifying glass, the features list had a similar strategy at my disposal. The G 310 RR had the identical TFT screen to the Apache RR 310, with the same graphics, LED lighting, functions, and driving modes. However, BMW missed out on Bluetooth connectivity, which might have appealed to many riders entering the brand. But it won’t be a concern for those who are here for the sheer importance of the brand value.

Performance
Nothing has changed here at all. With a mechanically identical unit, the G 310 RR is powered by a 312.2cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine mated to a six-speed transmission. The claimed output figures also see no change, making the G 310 RR deliver a total of 34hp and 27.3Nm. However, the motorcycle gets four riding modes — Track, Sport, Rain, and Urban. The last two modes alter the output figures, throttle response, and ABS, limiting the peak outputs to 25.8hp and 25Nm in Rain and Urban modes. While the power delivery is linear up to the redline, some vibrations are noticeable in the higher rev range. However, changes are always welcome, and we can expect them to be resolved in upcoming iterations, if any.

Ride and Handling
Putting my magnifying glasses back in my pocket, here are some distinguishable changes on this front. The first noticeable change is in the tires and brakes. The Apache RR 310 comes equipped with Michelin Road 5 tires and petal-style disc brakes, while the G 310 RR gets Michelin Pilot Street Tires and conventional discs. It might require a seasoned rider to spot the riding difference, but after riding both bikes back to back, what I found was not a concern. The braking duties weren’t affected by the change in rotors, but the tires were. On hard or wet surface braking, the Pilot Street tires didn’t grip as well as the Road 5’s, which isn’t a significant worry, but the Road 5’s would have made it a preferable choice. As for the suspension setup, it remains identical to the stock Apache RR 310, lacking the option of adjustable suspension available with TVS’s Built-To-Order program.

However, if you are looking for this fully-faired baby Beemer for everyday use, it strikes a perfect balance in terms of ride and handling. The steering geometry makes it feel quick and nimble around corners. It handles ruts, broken patches, bumps, or potholes with ease. Even at higher speeds, the Beemer feels composed and offers sheer riding pleasure.

Verdict
The BMW G 310 RR is currently available at a sticker price of Rs 3.05 lakh for the standard variant, which is Rs 33,000 more than the Apache RR 310. While deliberating the ideal pick, there might be conjecture around the term ‘brand value,’ and that’s evident with a brand that has a legacy of over 106 years. This motorcycle provides an affordable way to enter the BMW brand. Yes, the equipment list lacks options compared to the TVS Apache RR 310, but BMW never targeted this motorcycle to appeal to the masses; it caters to a niche segment for whom brand value holds utmost importance. This motorcycle is a perfect package for those who intend to use it daily and want to be a part of every traffic signal gathering, proudly exclaiming it is a BMW and not a TVS, and are willing to pay a bit extra to elevate their lifestyle game.