Quick Read: 2018 BMW G 310 GS

2018 BMW G 310 GS
2018 BMW G 310 GS. Photos by Kevin Wing.

Editor’s note: This Quick Read is part of our Mini-ADV Comparison Test Review of the Kawasaki Versys-X 300, BMW G 310 GS and Royal Enfield Himalayan.

The wild card of our trio (read the Mini ADV comparo with the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 and Royal Enfield Himalayan here) is perhaps the one you’d least expect, the Indian-built BMW G 310 GS. Its biggest brother is known for on-road prowess and an uncanny balance off-road despite its bulk, but the littlest GS has an attitude all its own.

Read our in-depth First Ride Review of the 2018 BMW G 310 GS here.

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BMW G 310 GS
Big plastic rack with multiple tie-down points is wide enough to hold a duffel sideways. Side racks are not yet an option from BMW.

While it has plenty of space for luggage, it’s clear the emphasis is on sporty, nimble and quick, more of a playbike than a true ADV tourer—witness the 2.9-gallon gas tank and short wind deflector. It’s surprisingly capable both on-road and off, its 313cc single spooling up slowly; you won’t spend your whole time shifting.

BMW G 310 GS
Cylinder is rotated 180 degrees and canted backwards, shifting weight down and forward for quicker steering.

Off-road, the wide, low handlebar, 377-pound wet weight, 26.7-degree rake and compact 55.9-inch wheelbase contribute to a mountain bike-like feeling of control, but the downside is an inability to stand up without bending forward; our solution was to rise up off the seat just enough to get our weight on the pegs.

BMW G 310 GS
Powerful 4-piston radial-mount caliper and 300mm disc up front are more than up to the task on this 377-pound machine.

We did give it the nod for best suspension (as long as you’re on the lighter side of 180 pounds or so); plush and compliant in the rough stuff, its 41mm USD Kayaba fork and single rear shock, both with 7.1 inches of travel, soak up the bumps at both high and low speeds. Yet on twisty pavement, it’s not so soft as to cause excessive fork dive.

Our more experienced photo model said her pick was the BMW simply for its on/off-road yin/yang balance and playful nature, but it would make a stellar city bike as well, unfazed by beat-up streets and ready to shred traffic.

Click here to read about the Kawasaki Versys-X 300.

Click here to read about the Royal Enfield Himalayan.

BMW G 310 GS
Excellent LCD includes fuel level, tachometer, speedometer, clock, two tripmeters, odometer range, engine temperature and range to empty.

2018 BMW G 310 GS Specs

Base Price:$5,695
Warranty: 3 yrs., 36,000 miles
Website: bmwmotorcycles.com

Engine

Type: Liquid-cooled single
Displacement: 313cc
Bore x Stroke: 80.0 x 62.1mm
Compression Ratio:10.6:1
Valve Train:DOHC, 4 valves
Valve Insp. Interval: 12,000 miles
Fuel Delivery: EFI, 42mm throttle body
Lubrication System: Wet sump, 1.7-qt. cap.
Transmission: 6-speed, cable actuated wet clutch
Final Drive: O-ring chain

Electrical

Ignition: Electronic
Charging Output: 308 watts max.
Battery: 12V 8AH

Chassis

Frame: Tubular-steel w/ bolt-on rear subframe, die-cast aluminum swingarm
Wheelbase: 55.9 in.
Rake/Trail: 26.7 degrees/3.9 in.
Seat Height: 32.9 in.
Suspension, Front: 41mm stanchions, no adj., 7.1-in. travel
Rear: Single shock, adj. for spring preload, 7.1-in. travel
Brakes, Front: 300mm disc w/ radial-mount opposed 4-piston caliper & ABS
Rear: 240mm disc w/ floating 1-piston caliper & ABS
Wheels, Front:Cast, 2.50 x 19 in.
Rear: Cast, 4.00 x 17 in.
Tires, Front: Tubeless, 110/80H19
Rear: Tubeless, 150/70HR17
Wet Weight: 377 lbs.
Load Capacity: 384 lbs.
GVWR: 761 lbs.

Performance

Fuel Capacity: 2.9 gals., last 0.3 gal. warning light on
MPG: 89 PON min. (low/avg/high) 53.5/63.3/70.2
Estimated Range: 184 miles
Indicated RPM at 60 MPH: 5,750

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