TVS And Norton 450 cc Parallel-twin Engine-powered Bikes Arriving Soon

Even as we are gearing up for TVS to launch its first ADV with the new 300 cc RTXD4 engine, its Managing Director, Sudarshan Venu, has stated that the brand is readying TVS as well as Norton motorcycles derived on the BMW 450 cc parallel-twin engine. The BMW-TVS partnership has reached its third phase with the Bavarian giants already showcasing its first hand with the F 450 GS in concept at EICMA 2024. And we might see more products from this platform at EICMA 2025 at BMW’s as well as Norton’s pavilions.

TVS and BMW have developed two platforms thus far, the 310 singles and the EV one that spawns the TVS X electric scooter and BMW CE 02. With the new 450 twins, it is likely that we might get a lot more products than before. Thus far, BMW’s first product would be the new F 450 GS and it is likely to be followed up with a naked R model. TVS on the other hand would opt for a more sporty offering to take over the mantle from the RR 310 and create something that will take the fight to the Aprilia RS 457.

What remains interesting to see is what route TVS takes with the Norton brand. While it is a British icon, Norton has been one of the few who has taken extreme pride in being a dominant force in motorsports, something that resonates with TVS core philosophies. However, just rebadging the TVS bike for Norton will not work (*cough*G 310 RR*cough*). Both will need their own identities and styling preferences, with the Norton being the more premium offering. This is a similar strategy to what Hero and Harley-Davidson are executing with their 440s or Bajaj and KTM have done with the 200s and 400s.

And if not sporty, then could the Nortons become the neo retro brand to take on Royal Enfield. It is a highly competitive segment but Royal Enfield still stands heads and shoulders above the rest. And certainly, with the 450s, Norton would not be trying to hurt the Classic 350 or the other J-series bikes but impact the Sherpa 450 platform as well as the currently evolving 650/750 cc twins platform.

Whatever be the case, the aspiring Indian motorcyclist has a lot of promising motorcycles to look forward to. And this announcement is just adding a much needed extra Anglo-South Indian tadka to the mix.

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