TVS-BMW reverse-inclined engine

The basic architecture of the frame and motor is the result of the BMW-TVS technology sharing agreement. Thus both are similar to the BMW G310R, the essential underpinnings of the RR310. That just provided a starting setup for TVS who then went on to improve the sub-frame and the engine. Nanofriks, a friction reducing coating on the pistons, Nikasil coasted cylinder liner, single piece crankshaft, split connecting-rod and hollow camshafts are just some of the features of this engine. What’s special is the reverse inclined layout, a setup that dates back to 1922 when it was first used on a 204cc Opel Motoclub. Of the modern manufacturers, Yamaha has been using this arrangement of a single-cylinder on its YZ450F (and later, the YZ250F) since 2010 and till now, was the only manufacturer doing so.

TVS (and BMW Motorrad) identified some crucial benefits of this tech and the RR310 becomes the first motorcycle in India with such a layout. A reverse arrangement of the cylinder head means that the air-intake can face forward while the exhaust can be placed rearward. This helps the air feed to be direct while the exhaust routing can be simplified and shortened. The rearward incline helps centralise mass making for a compact engine construction. TVS then utilised this layout to incorporate ram air induction through vents under the headlamp and a down draft intake port to increase volumetric efficiency by 8 percent. The result is a 312.2cc engine developing 33.5bhp at 9,700rpm and 27.3Nm at 7,700rpm with fuelling managed by Bosch.