Why Did TVS Launched Its First ADV So Late? » MotorOctane

India is currently obsessed with the new TVS Apache RTX at the moment, and why shouldn’t we be? It’s just a 300cc bike sharing identicals with Triumph Tiger and Honda Africa Twin, also with the “maska” of aggressive pricing. While some are in awe of the bike, many are still thinking about why TVS took too long to launch this first ADV motorcycle!
Attention Readers! Join us on the WhatsApp Community for daily auto news updates

BMW Was The Culprit?

Think if this TVS ADV was launched back in 2018-19, the time when BMW G310 GS was launched. Yes, the excitement it has got today wouldn’t have been the same, but still it would still have been a crowd puller – with its price obviously. And we are sure that TVS would have also thought of the same – So, why didn’t it launch a close to perfect ADV back then? 

The answer for this was the partnership between TVS and BMW. Under the joint venture, BMW and TVS allocated specific, non-overlapping segments to each other for the 310cc platform. BMW took the roadster (G310 R) and adventure (G310 GS) segments, while TVS took the supersport segment (Apache RR 310). 

Now many might wonder, why did BMW allow TVS to have the RTR 310, while they were having the G310R? For starters, there are several differences between the RTR and G310R — the TVS Apache RTR 310 is positioned differently from the BMW G310 R. The TVS version is positioned as a “Freestyle” streetfighter, featuring different styling, more advanced electronics, and higher power output (35bhp vs 33bhp on the G 310 R).

Also Read – Skoda To Copy Tata’s Technology For Its Success?

TVS Wanted To Follow The Market

In this joint venture, the BMW motorcycles were offered as a premium option in the market, but later in the time, after the launch of KTM 390 ADV and RE Himalayan, the likes for BMW ADV fell short. Losing its demand, BMW made it clear that it will discontinue with the 310 ADV and keep only the G310RR on sale. G310RR was later introduced by BMW as it fell short in sales for its streetfighter and ADV. 

While TVS on the other hand always tried to offer a better package at a very affordable price – with BMW taking back its 310 ADV, there was a clear chance for TVS to enter the market, and it did, with the new 300cc engine. 

Offering a good set of electronics with a new engine and a big fat bike look, the TVS ate the affordable ADV segment and left no crumbs. This was the story of why TVS didn’t launch an adventure bike back in the time. 

What do you think, would the RTX make more sense if it was launched back in 2019?

Read More – Upcoming Rs 10 Lakh SUV Spotted For The First Time!