The BMW G 310 GS created much hype among the biker because of being the first adventure bike of the German brand in the 300cc segment. With the advent of the touring concept among the Indian masses, bike manufacturers have shifted to offering off-roader bikes at lucrative prices. Be it the Hero Xpulse 200, Honda CB200X, Royal Enfield Himalayan, etc each one of these comes with varied features and technologies. Seeing the potential in this segment the premium brands like KTM, BMW, Benelli have forayed into this space to gain quick momentum in their market penetration. Well, this time I have got a chance to ride the bike from premium brand BMW, yes the BMW G 310GS. Stay tuned.
Design and Geometry-
The design language used in this bike reflects the technological prowess of the German brand. The simple yet mesmerizing look comes with perfect symmetry for touring and off-roading purposes.
The tubular frame does the duty of making your bike’s engine vibration-free and at the same time enhances the visual appeal. The semi-fairing in the front side gives the bulkiness feel so that the rider does not feel like sitting on a small capacity bike. The mono suspension is painted white in color to match the body graphics of the motorbike. The BMW logo is present on either side of the semi-fairing present at the front of this tourer machine.
The front of the bike is dominated by the chunky 41mm golden-colored upside-down forks and the massive 110/80 R19 tyres. The wheelset is made of cast aluminium and consists of 5 spokes in the alloy. There is an LED DRL in the headlamp which serves the regulatory as well as the aesthetical purpose.
The bike is having a fully Digital Instrument Console that displays features like a tachometer, odometer, fuel range indicator, clock, service indicator, gear position indicator, engine temperature indicator and ABS indicator.
At the rear side of the BMW G 310 GS, the very first thing to catch your attention is the massive rear tyre of 150/70 R17 size. The rear tail lamp is of LED type but of smaller size. The LED turning indicator is quite sleek in design. The end of the exhaust is having a chrome finish.
The fuel tank of this sports motorbike has been designed to give proper thigh support so that you can hold it while doing off-roading.
The BMW G 310GS bike employs an adjustable clutch and brake levers for easy reach to varied height people.
The quality of switch gears and levers are top-notch without a single thought. Although this is the first time BMW has entered into a lower capacity segment motorbike, the brand image has been maintained well.
Overall BMW G 310GS reflects the sophisticated craftsmanship and engineering prowess of the BMW design team.
Technical Specification of BMW G 310GS-
The BMW G 310GS comes with a water-cooled, single-cylinder 4 stroke, 4 valve, 2 overhead camshaft engine. The powerhouse produces 34Ps@ 9250rpm and 28Nm@7500rpm torque output. The engine is supported by the Tubular space frame and the suspension duties are carried out by the 41mm upside-down twin fork at the front and central spring strut at the rear. The tyre configuration consists 110/80 R19 in the front and 150/70 R17 at the rear. You get tyres from metzeler in BMW G 310GS.
The braking duties are carried by 300mm single disc with 4-piston, fixed calliper at the front and 240mm,single-piston floating calliper at the rear. This sports bike has ABS from BMW Motorrad. The seat height can be adjusted starting from 820mm to 850mm, but by default, the seat height is configured at 835mm. The BMW G 310GS has a tank capacity of 11 L usable. The bike weight is 175kgs when fully fuelled but the motorbike doesn’t feel that heavy as compared to other bikes of the same weight. In other words, the weight distribution is done very nicely in the BMW G 310GS. Also to note that the BMW G 310GS employs the Ride By Wire technology just like the KTM’s, in which the throttling is done electronically without the use of throttling cables.
Features like a slipper clutch with self-reinforcement, Day time Running lights (DRL) also finds space in the specification chart.
Performance of BMW G 310GS-
The BMW is known for their luxury and sheer comfort at the same time not compromising with the performance sheet. This BMW G 310GS is exactly replicating the GS DNA of the BMW series. The bike pulls easily up to 25kmph or more in the first gear, around 55kmph in the second gear and around 74kmph in the third gear. The power delivery is normal up to 4000rpm after which the bike, pulls quickly. The seat height is quite high being at 835mm and the ground clearance is also very high. The best part of this bike riding is the suspension setup which makes the bike quite comfortable for the person as well as the pillion rider. The rear suspension is very soft such that you can even compress it with just one finger, indeed. Please find the link for the demonstration of that- BMW G 310GS SUSPENSION TEST.
Ergonomics-
The riding position is very much relaxed so that you can go long stretches without much trouble. The seating height makes you feel as if you are riding on a swing. This bike is literally meant for off-roading tours for the best experience. You can easily jump the speed-breakers without much jerk coming into play. The seating position is upright in this bike with no leaning forward or backward to give proper support while doing off-road.
The top speed of BMW G 310GS is 143kmph but the bike can cross even more. There is no kickstart in this motorbike. The braking is quite good and crisp. It offers a good amount of bite and the motorbike comes easily under control. Being an adventure bike the turning radius is bound to be at the higher side and BMW G 310GS is not an exception to that. So handling this bike at a lower speed is quite cumbersome.
Tank Capacity and Mileage-
The fuel tank although seems to be very large in size but it has 11 L of usable fuel capacity. The mileage of BMW G 310GS bike as indicated by the Digital Console is around 37.8kmpl to 40kmpl which is again quite impressive considering a 313cc engine. In the city, this BMW adventure bike will give you around 28kmpl.
Cons of BMW G 310GS-
The BMW has done a remarkable job in the design, engineering and ergonomics of G 310GS. Based upon the riding experience here are some of the negatives which can be improved in this motorbike.
- Higher Turning radius
- Fuel Tank capacity can be increased to 15 L because this bike is basically meant for touring and off-roading
- Low-end torque could be improved as the peak torque comes at 7500rpm which is quite high considering a touring bike.
- The seat height of 835mm not suitable for all person (you can call it to be nit-picking as it is an adventure bike)
BMW G 310GS Aftermarket Accessories-
The PUIG front visor costs around Rs 10,000/-, the crash guard is Rs6000/-and the engine guard is Rs 6000/-. The adjustable lever for clutch,front brake and the luggage carrier comes as standard equipment from the company.
Verdict-
Well BMW has rightly picked the timing to enter into the adventure bike market in our country. The G 310GS has adequately met the requirements of the adventure tourer bike. With the added technology like Slipper clutch, ride by wire and the softer and long suspension travel this bike will definitely bring out the tourer inside you. The ex-showroom price of BMW G 310GS is 3 Lacs in Delhi.
Coming to the conclusion this bike can be classified as the best premium entry-level adventure bike to have fun with.