- To be developed jointly with BMW
- TVS to use the motor on Apache RR 450
- Could also be used on Norton bikes
TVS Motor Company is stepping up its game in the mid-weight motorcycle category with the official confirmation of a brand-new 450cc parallel-twin engine. This new powerplant is expected to form the backbone of several upcoming models—not just from TVS but also from BMW Motorrad and Norton Motorcycles, both of which are strategically tied to the Indian manufacturer.
The 450cc engine is being co-developed by TVS and BMW Motorrad, echoing the earlier collaboration that brought the world the BMW G310R, G310GS, and TVS Apache RR 310. Production of the new motor will be carried out at TVS’ Hosur plant in India. Unlike the earlier 310 series, this new platform promises a more refined performance and technical leap, tailored for a wider variety of models across multiple markets.
For BMW, this engine will underpin the upcoming R 450 GS, an adventure-ready motorcycle aimed at the growing lightweight ADV segment. Meanwhile, TVS is expected to debut the engine in a fully-faired sportbike, likely to be named the Apache RR 450, according to reports from Indian automotive media. Though official performance figures are yet to be released, expectations are set around the 47 bhp mark—positioning the bike right at the A2 licence ceiling in Europe. Notably, the parallel-twin configuration promises a significant step up in character and smoothness compared to the earlier single-cylinder 310cc engine.
What truly sets this engine apart may be its unconventional crankshaft design. Some sources suggest that the TVS twin will feature a 125-degree crank, deviating sharply from the more common 270-degree setups found in today’s parallel twins. This unique firing interval could deliver a distinct feel and sound, though it remains to be seen how it will translate to real-world performance.
There’s more riding on this engine than just two or three motorcycles. Norton Motorcycles, the storied British brand now owned by TVS, is also expected to leverage the same platform for its forthcoming middleweight range. Rumours point to a major reveal at EICMA 2025 in Milan, with Norton tipped to unveil either production models or close-to-final prototypes.
This marks the most significant product development from Norton since TVS acquired the brand, signaling a fresh chapter after previous management missteps led to the collapse of the Atlas project. With one engine architecture potentially supporting a diverse lineup across TVS, BMW, and Norton, it’s clear the Hosur-based company is building more than motorcycles—it’s constructing a global multi-brand strategy, stretching from India to Europe.
