LOOKS AND DESIGN: Having a similar chassis and almost similar suspension and tyre profiles, the G 310 GS looks much taller in height and has a totally different stance when compared with the BMW G 310 R. The design profile is based on their GS motorcycle platform, taking lots of cues from the BMW R 1200 GS. Though it's not as big as its elder sibling, it does justice to its size and market.
The ergonomics of the G 310 GS would make the rider to conquer various terrains with ease, and we could foresee a bunch of motorcycles heading to Khardung La already. The riding stance is very relaxed and set high as anyone would expect on an adventure motorcycle. The side and rear profile looks beautiful, while the front headlight design looks a tad tiny for a motorcycle of this kind. The light throw would also be affected and would need powerful auxiliary lights, which BMW would provide as official GS accessories along with panniers and a host of others.
ENGINE AND PERFORMANCE:
The G 310 GS has the same engine as its street going sibling, the G 310 R. As a surprise BMW has kept it at the exact state of tune as its sibling, since it's a small single engine and making changes won't see any drastic improvements. The 313cc liquid cooled single cylinder DOHC engine churns out 34 BHP at 9,000 RPM and 28 Nm of peak torque at 7,500 RPM. The engine is mated to a standard 6 speed transmission and has a claimed top speed of 143 kmph. The motorcycle should return a fuel efficiency of around 30-35 kmpl. The clutch is a wet multiplate disc unit in oil bath, and misses out on slip assist. The rear wheel is driven by an endless Z-ring chain along with a shock damping inside the rear wheel hub. BRAKES, CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION:
The BMW G 310 GS sits on a steel tube chassis with bolted rear frame just like the 'R' sibling. The suspension is also shared between the both, while the G 310 GS has longer travel at the front at 180mm compared to 140mm. The front is a 41mm USD fork unit while the rear is suspended by a directly hinged monoshock with adjustable preload. The wheelbase is longer than its 'R' sibling at 1,420mm and the motorcycle weighs at 169.5 kg wet. Braking duties are carried out by a 300mm single disc with 4 piston fixed caliper up front and a 240mm single disc at the rear with single piston caliper. The motorcycle gets BMW Motorrad ABS as standard and runs on 110/80 R19 and 150/70 R17 profile tyres on cast aluminum wheels.
FINAL IMPRESSION & PRICE:
The all new BMW G 310 GS is an one of its kind motorcycle in India, at least until the KTM 390 Adventure arrives later next year. The single cylinder adventure bike has no competition right now and is targeted towards the premium segment of audience. The fit and finish would be top notch as it's sold right in the same place as a BMW R 1200 GS. Though it can't match that level, it's still up there donning the BMW logo and the same motorcycle gets exported to various countries. The motorcycle is launched at a price tag of Rs. 3.49 lakhs (ex showroom, India), which is considerably okay. A good 20 to 30k reduction would have been a great value for this Indian made German.
