BMW Motorrad setting foot in the entry-level sportbike segment was inevitable post its tie-up with Indian bikemaker TVS MotoCorp. However, the Bavarian giant took its own sweet time, and voila, nearly a decade after its tie-up, BMW has now taken wraps off its smallest RR-badged motorcycle, the G 310 RR, to go against the Yamaha R3 and the KTM RC 390.

BMW G 310 RR - Design & Features

The G 310 RR takes inspiration from the TVS Apache RR 310 that’s on sale in India. So it gets the same twin-pod LED headlight, shark fin-inspired fairings, and an edgy tail-end. Having seen the TVS in person, we can assure you it feels striking in the flesh, almost as if it is a bigger motorcycle, and this is what you can expect from the Beemer too.

Even though the design’s similar, BMW has given the G 310 RR fresh clothes. The motorcycle dons an exhilarating livery with signature BMW colors and “RR” graphics from the flagship S 1000 RR.

Complementing the design is an equally impressive feature list, again inspired by TVS. Here’s what all it gets:

- TFT instrument cluster

- Ride modes (with different engine maps)

- Slipper clutch

- Dual-channel ABS

BMW G 310 RR - Engine & Underpinnings

As expected, the BMW G 310 RR employs the same 313cc, single-cylinder engine as its naked sibling, the G 310 R, which pumps out 34 horsepower and 28Nm. However, the engine will work harder here as the G 310 RR tips the scale at 174kg, 10kg more than naked. In turn, the improved aerodynamics should result in a higher top speed, somewhere around 100mph (160kmph).

Under the skin, BMW has built the bike around a split-trellis chassis and paired it with 41mm USD forks and a monoshock. Meanwhile, the whole package rides on 17-inch alloy wheels clamped by single disc brakes at both ends, same as the G 310 R.

Top Speed Says

Introducing a TVS-derived entry-level sportbike by BMW Motorrad is a sensible decision. TVS’ resources (R&D and its factory) will help BMW keep manufacturing costs down while ensuring the quality is up to German standards. And speaking of costs, the G 310 RR should set foot in the States in a couple of months, priced at around $5,000. If so, the baby BMW will undercut all its rivals - the Yamaha R3, KTM RC 390, and the Kawasaki Ninja 400 - making it a worthy prospect.

What's your take on the smallest BMW sportbike ever? Yay or Nay?

BMW G 310 RR Specifications