BMW Motorrad for the first time entered in the sub 500 cc segment with its G 310 twins which are developed keeping emerging market in mind. The manufacturing of both these motorcycles is handled by the brand’s partner in JV, the TVS Motor Company. Still, India is among the markets which get its availability so late.
The Indian biking enthusiasts were already unhappy with this move of German bike maker. And now is the price tag which disappointed them again as it is too high as compared to export spec models on sale in the USA.
In the USA, the BMW G310 R and the BMW G 310 GS were launched last year. There, the company ask for $4,750 (about INR 3.27 lakh) for the G310R whereas the G 310 GS is on retail at $5,695 (about INR 3.93 lakhs). The mentioned Indian equivalent pricing for the bikes is as per the current exchange rate. The thing which will create commotion in your mind that the G310R and BMW G310GS are being offered as a CBU unit in the USA which includes US rates of import taxes. Still, they are less expensive as compared to India spec models which are produced in India at INR 3.78 lakh and Rs 4.35 lakh on road (excluding roadside assistance, side stand).
On the contrary, the KTM Duke 390 attracts $4,999 (Rs 3.44 lakh) in the USA that is dearer than the BMW G310R. While the pricing of India-spec KTM Duke 390 is INR 2.65 lakh on road. Mind you, as, like the BMW G310R, the KTM Duke 390 is also developed in India.
If goes by the KTM Duke 390’s pricing strategy, the BMW G310R should be an affordable offering as compared to the KTM Duke 390 in India. There are no official words on such a discrepancy in pricing. Maybe the German manufacturer wants to maintain its cult status and want to serve only customers seeks for premium status even in the entry-level segment.
This pricing strategy can affect the sales of the G310R and the G310 GS to a greater extent. As like the KTM, the BMW Motorrad India does not have widespread dealership network to provide sales and support to its buyers. However, the buyers who have the love for the BMW and trust on its product would not hesitate in spending asking amount.