For a long time, BMW was known for its premium and luxury bikes. For many motorcycle lovers, BMWs are an aspirational purchase. But with the BMW G 310 R, BMW has introduced a stylish and sophisticated bike at a remarkably economical price point. With its entry into the 200-400 cc market, what sets the BMW G 310 R apart from its competitors? Read on to find out.
In April 2013, BMW partnered with TVS Motor Company to manufacture sub-500cc bikes at competitive price points. Although the BMW G 310 R was developed and built in India, it entered the Indian market relatively late. It has quickly become popular due to its bold design, affordable price, efficiency, and improved agility.
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The BMW G 310 R: A Sporty And Bold Design
The BMW G 310 R does a lot of things differently. It is the smallest BMW bike, and it is also the most affordable. As the only BMW Roadster bike available in India, the BMW G 310 R seems somewhat inspired by the BMW F 800 R. It also embodies the racing spirit of the BMW S 1000 RR.
It may be small, but is in no way underwhelming. The BMW G 310 R sports an aggressive and modern design with bold graphics—not what one expects from BMW, but it complements the bike perfectly.
It is fitted with a new LED headlamp, DRL strip, and turn indicators, which are brighter in a bid to increase visibility and safety. The body feels highly finished, premium, and well-built despite the low price point.
The BMW G 310 R is available in 3 colors and in a single standard variant. The Sport design is perhaps the most eye-catching, with red, white and metallic blue details. Passion sports hot red accents complimented with a grey metallic finish. Triple Black is subtle with a powerful all-black feel, save for sparse gold accents.
The BMW G 310 R: Comfortable Riding Experience
Due to its compact size and 785mm high seat, even riders of shorter stature find the BMW G 310 R quite comfortable. The footpegs and handlebars are perfectly positioned. Shorter riders will also appreciate the fuel tank design, as their knees will firmly grip the sides of the tank. Those taller than 6 feet may find the seating position to be a bit cramped.
No windscreen may be an issue for some who plan to use this bike on highways at high speeds. Its dampened suspension system performs well enough to handle bad roads but is never stiff or uncomfortable. The engine does not overheat and is responsive.
The BMW G 310 R: Impressive And Agile Performance
The BMW G 310 R isn’t a high-powered superbike, but that doesn’t mean it can’t deliver on what matters.
The engine has been optimized with ‘Ride-By-Wire’ or an electronic throttle grip that may otherwise feel a bit abrupt, but it suits the BMW G 310 R perfectly. Its brake and clutch levers are now adjustable. The brakes are punchy and responsive, equipped with non-switchable dual-channel ABS.
The single-cylinder engine is spun backwards, which shifts the center of gravity to the front tire. This makes the bike feel lighter and easier to navigate.
As a city bike, the BMW G 310 R delivers. Its fuel-efficient and potent engine delivers enough mileage for both daily commutes and long trips. It is lightweight and agile, with sharp brakes and a well-balanced chassis. It has good acceleration, decent transmission and a light clutch pull.
This bike handles twists and turns and tricky roads with ease. The engine can get a bit too noisy for some. Vibrations at high speed are a source of debate: while expected from a single-cylinder engine, they are consistent at higher revs and render the mirrors useless.
The BMW G 310 R: Adequate and Reliable Tech
The G 310 R sports a classic LCD screen instead of the full-color TFT ones that most BMW bikes are equipped with. The display is fairly simple and has no frills, with no Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity.
All in all, the BMW G 310 R is a well-rounded, agile bike that is stylish, practical, and affordable. It is versatile enough to perform well in heavy traffic or poor roads. Most importantly, it comes at an affordable price point and is an excellent first bike due to its easy-to-use features.
Transmission and Clutch:
The 6-speed gearbox of the BMW G 310 R is smooth and precise, paired with a slipper clutch. This feature is particularly useful when downshifting aggressively, as it prevents rear-wheel locking and provides more control, especially during fast deceleration.
Frame and Suspension:
The frame of the BMW G 310 R is a tubular steel frame, which ensures durability while keeping the weight low. The bike’s suspension setup includes an inverted front fork and a rear mono-shock, providing excellent comfort and stability on various terrains.
- Front Suspension: Upside-down 41mm forks
- Rear Suspension: Adjustable mono-shock
- Frame Type: Tubular steel
Tires and Brakes
The BMW G 310 R comes with Michelin Pilot Street tires that offer a good grip on both dry and wet surfaces. The braking system is equipped with a 300mm disc at the front and a 240mm disc at the rear, supported by a dual-channel ABS.
- Front Tire: 110/70 R17
- Rear Tire: 150/60 R17
- Brakes: Front 300mm disc, rear 240mm disc
- ABS: Dual-channel
BMW G 310 R price in India:
The BMW G 310 R price in India for the standard version starts at ₹2,90,000.
Competitors:
The BMW G 310 R competes with several bikes in the sub-500cc segment. Its key rivals include:
- KTM 390 Duke: A more powerful competitor with 43.5 bhp, priced slightly higher than the G 310 R.
- TVS Apache RR 310: Built on the same platform, the Apache RR 310 offers similar performance but comes with a sportier design.
- Honda CB300R: Another strong contender with similar pricing and performance figures, but the G 310 R takes the lead in premium appeal.
Conclusion:
The BMW G 310 R stands out as a great option for riders who are looking for a premium brand experience without breaking the bank. It combines BMW’s engineering prowess with a comfortable ride, making it a great bike for daily commuting as well as long rides. With its stylish design, reliable performance, and reasonable fuel efficiency, the G 310 R is a strong contender in the entry-level premium bike market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the price of the BMW G 310 R?
The ex-showroom price starts around ₹2,90,000.
What is the mileage of the BMW G 310 R?
It delivers a mileage of approximately 30-34 km/l, depending on riding conditions.
Is the BMW G 310 R suitable for long rides?
Yes, its comfortable ergonomics and stable performance make it suitable for long-distance rides.
What is the top speed of the BMW G 310 R?
The bike can reach a top speed of around 143 km/h.
Does the BMW G 310 R have ABS?
Yes, it comes equipped with dual-channel ABS as standard.
Is the BMW G 310 R made in India?
Yes, it is manufactured in India by TVS Motor Company under BMW Motorrad’s supervision.
What is the seat height of the BMW G 310 R?
The seat height ranges from 785 mm to 815 mm, offering a comfortable fit for most riders.
How does the BMW G 310 R compare to the KTM Duke 390?
The KTM Duke 390 offers more power, but the BMW G 310 R has a more premium feel and better comfort for daily use.
Is the BMW G 310 R good for beginners?
Yes, the bike’s manageable power and user-friendly handling make it ideal for new riders.
Does the BMW G 310 R have a slipper clutch?
Yes, it is equipped with a slipper clutch for smoother downshifting.
