BMW G 310 R &G 310 GS
The wait for BMW’s entry-level motorcycles is finally over
Most awaited, eagerly anticipated and what with the palpable excitement around the launch of two new motorcycles by BMW. Motorcycles, that promise to offer the iconic BMW brand to many who aspire for it. Aspiration, that’s the keyword here. The G 310 R and GS range of motorcycles are here to compete in the hotly contested and evolving 300-400cc segment. This class of motorcycle carries a certain degree of premiumness minus the big price tag and scary performance. Instead, what you get is a well-rounded package that can do a little bit of everything because for most riders, this will be the one motorcycle that they own. With BMW, a bit of that changes as the price tags are big(ish) and bring along the covetted blue and white badge.
The idea of the G 310 R and G 310 GS is to create scaled down versions of the marque’s flagship models. The two motorcycles thus, are a spitting images of their bigger siblings. The G 310 R follows the design lines of the S 1000 R streetfighter with a compact headlamp, digital display and a sleek rear-end design that’s as contemporary as it is proportionate. In the BMW colours, the G 310 R looks muscular with a huge tank dominating the visuals, complemented by radiator shrouds acting as a lower fairing and a slim tail section with the tubular frame exposed in the middle. Modern, contemporary, it’s a design that’s flawless, safe and attractive yet, not as outlandish as the KTM 390 Duke.
The G 310 GS follows the design cues of the GS range (the likes of the R 1200GS, F 750GS, F 850GS) that include a high-set beak, chunky tank sections and minimal body work at the rear. The 310 GS however, adds a small fairing, a rear luggage rack and sump guard over the 310 R for added functionality. The 310 GS also uses a 19-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel shod with dual purpose tyres along with suspension that offers 180mm of travel at the front and rear, nearly 40mm more than the streetbike. Mechanically, both motorcycles carry the same engine and power outputs along with the 11litre tank capacity but the GS being wider and longer, is also nearly 10kilos heavier than the R.
What BMW has ensured is offering the same topnotch quality standards that are not only at par with the motorcycles sold in international markets but also with its high capacity motorcycles. So when one sits on either of the two motorcycles, the high quality level is more than evident. The switch gear and paint quality are the best we’ve seen in this class while riding them revealed the superior fit and finish of the panels and components. A clear comparison is with the TVS Apache RR 310—same manufacturer for the BMW Motorcycles, same engine and chassis but of course a much lighter price tag. The plastic panels squeak when you seat yourself on the RR while the vibrations on running the motorcycle are another annoying factor. Once you sit on the G 310s though, there are no squeaks, rattles or any other noise other than the thrumming of the engine. Thumb the starter and the engine note is much familiar to the RR 310 but the amount of vibrations are vastly reduced and controlled with the help of rubber mounts, most apparent in the handlebar mounting on the triple tree.
It’s astonishing how the feel of a motorcycle can alter your perception of performance. The G 310 R is a streetbike and as BMWs go, it feels manic and exciting right from the get go. I even found myself being egged to pop little wheelies with the immediacy of the available performance. This excitement and eagerness of the engine is what BMW has managed to transfer to the rider because they’ve got the rider’s triangle spot on and the ergonomics are perfect. The power delivery is urgent and involving and the engine offers a rush of speed beyond 6,000rpm. The G 310 R is rock steady in a straight line and even while taking corners. The handling is almost intuitive, leaving the rider with the confidence to push more. The frantic nature of the G 310 R is never intimidating rather, it prods the rider to explore its power and handling capabilities. At 158.5kg, the G 310 R feels light, nimble and proves to be a stellar handler with its overall stiff suspension setup. Despite the stiffness though, the
MECHANICALLY, BOTH CARRY THE SAME ENGINE AND POWER OUTPUTS BUT THE GS BEING WIDER AND LONGER, IS ALSO NEARLY 10 KILOS HEAVIER THAN THE R
THE INTUITIVENESS OF THE G 310 R’S HANDLING IS ALSO PRESENT HERE, MAKING FOR NATURAL ADV RIDING ERGOS
G 310 R is comfortable at low speeds and over rougher surfaces. The G 310 GS on the other hand, excels when the going gets rough.
The GS version of the 310 brings along suspension that offer more travel both front and back. This is the primary factor for making the same engine and chassis perform better off-road. Transitioning between tarmac and off it when the occasion calls for it, doesn’t require much thinking on the rider’s part.
The intuitiveness of the G 310 R’s handling is also present here, making for natural ADV riding ergos. Although, some amount of refinements like, bar-risers and a tall wind screen would greatly improve highway jaunts and riding while standing on the footpegs. The longer and softly sprung suspension gobbles up light off-road trails and bigger potholes on the road with ease, at times not even letting the rider know.
Some amount of feedback has been sacrificed due to the altered front-end geometry, wheelbase and the larger front wheel but nevertheless, it still offers enough response to gauge grip at the front. The 835mm seat height may be a bit much for shorter riders but offers a view over the traffic and the capability of standing and riding in off-road conditions for better control. The GS feels like it’s in its natural habitat when ridden offroad while road manners aren’t as sharp as the G 310 R but comfortable and easy nonetheless. Power delivery seemed more progressive than the R version and the GS isn’t as frantic off the line but it offers the same excitement anyhow. The brakes also deserve a special mention as they bite strong while lever feel is exceptional but on the GS, the softness of the suspension make the front end dive pronounced.
The fact however remains that both these motorcycles are top quality products that will last well beyond their competitions. BMW Motorrad may not currently have an extensive service network but they’re well stocked with parts so their availability will not be a cause of concern.