Keeway RKR 350 Inline Twin Could Benefit from Lower GST

• 321cc twin-cylinder engine keeps it under the 350cc tax cut-off
• ABS, traction control and TFT screen

Keeway RKR 350 could draw attention in India for bringing twin-cylinder performance and a full-size sportbike layout without crossing the 350cc mark. RKR 350 has a 321cc inline twin-cylinder engine placing it in a position to price it just right with tax benefits.

The parallel twin makes 38.5bhp at 10,500rpm and 28Nm at 9,500rpm. This definitely sounds rev-happy performance and a better soundtrack. Its 6-speed transmission gets a slipper clutch to make downshifts smoother and will offer better control for fast riding.

It gets 40mm upside-down front forks, an adjustable rear shock, a 320mm front disc with a 4-piston calliper and a 240mm rear disc. The setup is backed with ABS and traction control as standard fit for safety. Other convenience goodies include TPMS, a 5-inch TFT dashboard, USB and USB-C charging and full LED lighting with projector headlamp to make it easy for urban riding.

As far as GST benefits go, 40 percent rate applies only to motorcycles exceeding 350cc and 18 percent rate applies to motorcycles of 350cc or less. Since the RKR 350 sits at 321cc, it falls on the more favourable side of that demarcation, and the only twin to take that benefit. But do remember that does not automatically make the bike affordable, as final pricing still depends on import route, localisation, positioning and dealer strategy. But it does mean Keeway would at least have a better tax base to work from than it would with a motorcycle above 350cc.