BMW G310R is going to be featured in Panini Verlags limited-edition graphic novel entitled “Riders on the Storm” in October 2016 along with the worldwide launch of the G 310 R. The announcement was made on Saturday at the Comic Con fair in Stuttgart, Germany.
This is not the first time motorcycle being debuted via comic book. Harley Davidson has had a long association with Marvel Comics has debuted several new models with the superheroes movies.
Produced in collaboration with publisher Panini Verlags, the graphic novel is written by Darko Macan, and illustrated by Riccardo Burchielli, who has worked with DC Comics, Marvel and Dark Horse. The novel revolves around a Policewomen Makani and her associates racing rider Eve and a wolf with super-powers. They’ll be riding BMW Motorrad’s bikes as they battle against the Black Riders.
Riccardo Burchielli is an avid motorcyclist himself and draws his inspiration from riding – “It’s a feeling of freedom that comes from your ability to move freely in the world like a cowboy. It’s also about your connection with your motorcycle, which is rather like a loyal friend. And not least it’s about total relaxation. When you’re riding your bike, that’s all you’re focused on. There’s no room for anything else in your head – you’re totally free at that moment.”
Commenting on this new marketing initiative, Dr Ralf Rodepeter, head of marketing and product management, BMW Motorrad, said, “Many of us have been familiar with comics since childhood, and we have seen superheroes and fantasy worlds adapted for the big screen, too. The people behind these stories are equally fascinating. Riccardo Burchielli is a motorcycling enthusiast himself and through him we are able to provide insights into how a comic story comes into being. And of course, we ensure his heroes are equipped with suitable bikes.”
The BMW G 310 R is the first product to be born of the partnership by BMW and TVS. The bike is to be produced in India for the domestic as well as for exports.
Power comes from a 313cc, single-cylinder, 4-valve liquid-cooled DOHC engine with fuel injection tuned for 34 BHP and 28 Nm of torque, paired to a 6-speed gearbox. The cylinder head has been inclined backwards to 180-degrees, which will help to achieve an optimum weight balance allowing a long swing-arm despite a short wheelbase.
As a result, the BMW G 310 R has a lower centre of gravity which gives it higher agility. The roadster uses a steel trellis frame underneath while suspension duties are performed by 41 mm USD front forks and a monoshock unit at the rear. Braking performance on the other hand, comes from a 300 mm single disc at the front and a 240 mm disc with at the rear with ABS offered as standard.
