TVS-Norton Partnership To Have 450 cc Bikes In The Offing

TVS is all set to launch/showcase four new products this year. We are likely to see the Apache RR 450, a new premium electric scooter and an electric bike along with a new CNG three-wheeler as well. And we also know that TVS will launch the Norton brand in India before 2025 comes to a close. Of course, there will be super premium motorcycles that will go on sale but the excitement and maximum growth will be the 400-650 cc segment. Now, TVS and Norton have already confirmed that they are looking at engine options in the mid-size segment and exploring single-cylinder and parallel-twin engine platforms. But what is now confirmed is that TVS will make use of the 450 cc parallel-twin engine platform which BMW developed and also showcased at EICMA 2024, in the BMW F 450 GS.

Also Read: TVS-Norton Working On Mid-Capacity Motorcycles 

Now, we already know that along with the BMW F 450 GS, the 450 cc parallel-twin engine platform will make its way on a BMW-branded naked-sport and a TVS-branded supersport, which will most likely be an upgrade to the current Apache RR 310. So yes, a TVS Apache RR 450 is in the works and so is a BMW F 450 R, in the not-too-distant future one of this is wishful thinking. So, TVS 450 cc supersport will go up against the likes of the Aprilia RS 450 and the Yamaha R3, while the future 'BMW F 450 R' will take on the Aprilia Tuono 457 and the Yamaha MT-03.

Also Read: Norton Brand To Be Launched In India Before Year-End 

But the interesting angle here is the use of the 450 cc parallel-twin engine platform on all-new Norton motorcycle(s), with the launch likely in late 2026. The idea is to offer Norton motorcycles with a relatively affordable price tag and also generate volumes in the lucrative mid-size segment. With this, TVS, by way of Norton, will also take on Royal Enfield, which is the world-leader in mid-size motorcycles with a strong focus on retro and modern classics. With its 450 cc bikes, Norton will be able to go up against not only the motorcycles from the Sherpa 450 platform but also the 650 cc parallel-twin motorcycles from RE, and position its motorcycles in a similar price band.

Also Read: TVS Working On A 450 cc Motorcycle; Launch Next Year 

The biggest Indian two-wheeler OEMs already have a tie-up with premium international brands. Examples like Bajaj-Triumph-KTM, TVS-BMW, Hero-Harley, have met with significant amounts of success. Navigating a three-way OEM partnership which includes manufacturing, R&D, marketing, distribution and after-sales is tricky, but Bajaj is doing so very well with KTM and Triumph in India and globally. From the looks of it, TVS seems to be playing its cards right and not too long from now, the rising Indian middle-class will have many more options in the mid-size motorcycle segment to choose from.