BMW G 310 GS Review: Unleash Your Everyday Adventure
The BMW G 310 GS is a motorcycle designed to ignite your sense of adventure, whether you're navigating city streets or venturing off the beaten path. This lightweight, single-cylinder machine is a perfect entry point into the world of adventure touring, offering a thrilling ride with exceptional handling and BMW's legendary quality.
Overview
A joint development between BMW Motorrad and TVS Motor Company, the G 310 GS boasts a nimble design that's comfortable for everyday commutes and exhilarating for weekend getaways. This versatile motorcycle bridges the gap between street and adventure riding, making it ideal for new riders and experienced adventurers alike.
The G 310 GS inherits the legendary "GS" (Gelände/Straße, meaning "terrain/road" in German) spirit, known for its go-anywhere capabilities and comfortable ergonomics. The upright riding position provides excellent visibility and control, while the comfortable seat ensures fatigue-free rides.
Specifications
- Engine: 313cc, single-cylinder, four-stroke, liquid-cooled
- Max Power: 33.52 bhp (25 kW) @ 9250 rpm
- Max Torque: 28 Nm @ 7500 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Final Drive: Chain
- Frame: Steel trellis frame
- Suspension (Front): 41mm USD forks with 180mm travel
- Suspension (Rear): Monoshock with 180mm travel
- Brakes (Front): 300mm single disc with radially mounted caliper
- Brakes (Rear): 240mm single disc with single-piston caliper
- ABS: Dual-channel standard
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 11 liters
- Seat Height: 835mm
- Weight (kerb): 169.5 kg (claimed)
Mileage
The BMW G 310 GS delivers impressive fuel efficiency, making it a budget-friendly option for adventure riders. The ARAI-certified mileage is estimated at 30 kmpl (84.7 mpg), while real-world riding conditions may see figures closer to 27.5 kmpl (74.8 mpg). This excellent fuel efficiency allows you to explore further on a single tank, reducing fuel stops and extending your adventures.
Features
The G 310 GS comes packed with features that enhance your riding experience, both on and off-road. Here are some of the key highlights:
- Ride by Wire: This electronic throttle system provides smoother power delivery and improved responsiveness.
- Slipper Clutch: This feature prevents rear wheel lockup during hard downshifts, enhancing stability and control.
- Inverted Front Forks: These robust 41mm forks offer superior handling and stability, especially on uneven terrain.
- Dual-Channel ABS: This safety feature prevents wheel lockup during braking, providing maximum control in all conditions.
- Multifunction Instrument Cluster: The LCD display provides essential information like speed, RPM, fuel level, and trip data.
- Ergonomics: The upright riding position ensures a comfortable and commanding view of the road.
Variants & Colors
The BMW G 310 GS is currently available in a single variant, the Standard model. However, it comes in a variety of exciting color options to suit your style:
- Polar White
- Cosmic Black
- Granite Grey Metallic
- Kyanite Blue Metallic
Price
The price of the BMW G 310 GS varies depending on your location and taxes. However, in India, the ex-showroom price starts at approximately ₹ 3,29,996 (around $4,100 USD).
Similar Bikes
If you're considering the BMW G 310 GS, you might also want to look at these similar adventure bikes:
- KTM 390 Adventure
- Royal Enfield Himalayan
- Kawasaki Versys-X 300
- Suzuki V-Strom 250
Expert Review
The BMW G 310 GS has received positive reviews from motorcycle experts, praising its:
- Nimble Handling: The lightweight design and comfortable ergonomics make it perfect for navigating city streets and exploring off-road trails.
- Fuel Efficiency: The impressive fuel economy allows for extended adventures without frequent fuel stops.
- BMW Quality: The G 310 GS is built with the renowned BMW quality standards, ensuring reliability and durability.
- Beginner-Friendliness: This motorcycle's manageable power and user-friendly features make it a great choice for new riders.
However, Some reviewers also mentioned a few points to consider:
- Limited Power: While sufficient for beginners and exploring light trails, experienced riders might find the power output a bit limiting on highways.
- Off-Road Capability: Though it handles light off-roading well, the G 310 GS may not be ideal for tackling extremely challenging terrain due to factors like suspension travel and ground clearance.
- Seating Position: Some reviewers found the handlebars a bit low for extended off-road riding, but this can be addressed with aftermarket handlebar risers.
- Basic Instrumentation: The LCD display, while functional, might seem a bit basic compared to some competitors with more feature-rich clusters.
Conclusion
The BMW G 310 GS is a compelling choice for riders seeking an adventure-ready motorcycle that's both comfortable and capable. Its user-friendly features, excellent fuel efficiency, and BMW's renowned quality make it a great option for new riders and experienced adventurers alike. While it might not be the most powerful machine on the market, it offers a well-rounded package that's perfect for exploring the world around you, on and off the beaten path.
Here are some additional factors to consider before making your decision:
- Riding Experience: If you're a new rider, the G 310 GS's manageable power and user-friendly features make it a great choice. Experienced riders might prefer a more powerful machine for highway riding.
- Riding Style: If your adventures primarily involve city commutes and light off-roading, the G 310 GS is perfect. For tackling more challenging terrain, you might consider a bike with more off-road-focused features.
- Budget: The G 310 GS falls within a competitive price range for entry-level adventure bikes. Consider your budget and compare it to similar options before making your final decision.
By carefully considering these factors and taking the G 310 GS for a test ride, you can determine if this versatile motorcycle is the perfect companion for your next adventure.