TVS has confirmed that it is working on multiple 450cc motorcycles, including Norton, BMW, and its own 450cc RTR. And what’s more interesting is that all these bikes will be built around the new 450cc BMW twin-cylinder engine that made its debut with the baby GS, the F 450. With Bajaj owning a majority of the sub-500cc motorcycles in India, TVS is now looking to bite into the same pie.
New 450cc motorcycles from Norton, BMW, and TVS
From the BMW stable, the first 450cc motorcycle will be the F 450 GS, which was showcased at EICMA as a concept. The motorcycle is currently in its final production stage and test mules have been spotted numerous times, hinting at its launch later this year.
From Norton, the first motorcycle could be a retro roadster, something to take on the Triumph Speed 400, which has become popular in India, especially owing to its price and finish. The Norton brand is not very popular in India, however, in the global markets, the name rings a bell for some popular older models. It will be interesting to see how TVS would market the Norton brand here.
Speaking of TVS’ own model, reports suggest that it will be a street naked in the form of an Apache RTR 450, which will take on the KTM 390 Duke amongst others. Apart from a 450cc motorcycle, TVS is also getting ready to launch its first adventure motorcycle, the RTX 300, which will use the company’s new 300cc motor.
This will also spawn a supermoto-styled motorcycle which was showcased earlier this year at the Bharat Mobility Expo. All of the motorcycles, including the Nortons and the BMWs will be built at TVS’ factory based in Hosur.
