Rumour: BMW plans to assemble motorcycles in India

German two-wheeler major BMW Motorrad is rumoured to be considering the option of locally assembling some of its motorcycles in India. CKD kits will be imported and assembled at the company's Chennai plant. The locally assembled bikes are likely to be rolled out of the plant from late 2015 or early 2016. Since locally assembled models attract lower a rate of duty than CBUs, the step should enable to the company to price its models more competitively.

Among the models being considered for local assembly are the F 700 and F 800 motorcycles. These bikes fall under the Adventure category. The F 700 GS is powered by a 798 cc, water-cooled, 4-stroke, twin cylinder engine that produces 74 bhp @ 9300 rpm and 77 Nm of torque @ 5300 rpm. It can attain a claimed top speed of 192 kph. The F 800 GS also uses a 798 cc engine, but produces 84 bhp @ 7500 rpm and 83 Nm @ 5750 rpm and can achieve a claimed top speed of more than 200 kph. Both bikes use a 6-speed gearbox and are equipped with front and rear disc brakes and ABS.

Source: Autocar India