BMW G310 R and G310 GS are segment starters despite the fact that they’re priced not so competitively they will offer something to the market that was required
After much anticipation and hype, BMW Motorrad India has finally launched the much-awaited motorcycles in India. Yes! We’re talking about none other than the G 310 R and the G 310 GS twins. These two German machines have been the talk of the town ever since their inception. We first saw them in flesh at the Auto Expo 2017. BMW had already launched them in the international markets, but they were looking to expand their dealership network in India, prior to their launch. As we all know, the BMW G310 R and G310 GS were designed in Germany but are manufactured in India at TVS’s Hosur facility.
Coming to the BMW G310 R and G310 GS, the twins look fresh and modern in design. You don’t get that quirky asymmetrical design theme here, but overall both the BMW G310 R and G310 GS look great and will attract a fair share of attention on the road. The G 310 R looks like a trickled down S1000 R while the GS bears resemblance to its bigger and bulkier ADV cousins. We particularly like how the show matches the go. BMW G310 R and G310 GS feels like extra.
The R perfectly captures the essence of a modern streetfighter. It’s low-slung, edgy-looking and compact and its simple yet crafty appearance will surely lure buyers. The GS, on the other hand, looks big. No it’s not Multistrada big, but it definitely feels big for a 300. No worries, however, because the GS doesn’t weigh too much and the slim seat means you won’t find a need to tiptoe unless your very smidgen. Both the BMW G310 R and G310 GS share the same headlamp assembly, but the GS with its headlamp surrounds and attached beak looks very different even in person. At the rear both get sleek looking LED taillights.
The GS gets a beak upfront and also a clear windscreen to justify its adventure character. Along with that, the GS also gets 40mm added travel for the front and rear suspension, raised handlebar and Metzeler Tourance on/off road tires. Where the R gets a belly cover, the GS gets a proper bash plate to protect the underbelly while off-roading. The GS also has a 19-inch front wheel as opposed to the R’s 17-inch front. The handlebar on the GS is also of different design and it is wider which will help is leverage while taking tight turns.
We love how BMW hasn’t skimped on the quality front. The plastics, the textures and the materials used here feel premium. The switchgear quality is also something that will set it apart from its rivals. The engine kill-switch, the indicator rocker switch, the horn button and even the hand-grips feel of very good quality. They definitely feel like they’re made to last. Both, BMW G310 R and G310 GS, come with decent equipment on offer. They get LCD digital display consoles which look cool and give out an array of information to the rider. Both of them also come with ABS which is a god-sent for our road conditions. On the GS, however, the ABS is switchable which will be an icing on the cake for off-road enthusiasts.
The engine on both, BMW G310 R and G310 GS, is the same. The single cylinder 313cc motor similar to the one on the Apache 310 RR, but here it is in a different state of tune. The torque kicks in earlier and the because of the low weight the BMW G310 R and G310 GS will also feel noticeably sprightly in 0-60 runs. The frame too is similar to the one on the Apache. This steel tubular chassis features engine as a stressed member. We love how it makes the BMW G310 R and G310 GS look compact. The welds on the chassis felt supremely premium.
The last piece of the puzzle which most of us have been waiting for is the price. BMW Motorrad India has priced the G 310 R at INR 2.99 lacs and the G 310 GS at INR 3.49 lacs ex-showroom Delhi. The price is a bit on the higher side, but then you also get a standard 3 year, unlimited kilometer warranty, which can be extended up to 5 years with extra cash. Make sure you stay tuned to ThrustZone as we bring you the complete low down on these German twins in our road test review.
