BMW G310GS vs Versys-X 300 vs Himalayan – The Desi Entry level Adventure motorcycles that you are looking for? We try to help you with numbers
Just a couple a days ago, BMW launched the much awaited G310R and the G310GS in the Indian market. The BMW G310GS will see serious competitors in the coming months with the launch of the KTM 390 Adventure. As of now we are comparing the G310GS with Royal Enfield Himalayan and the Kawasaki Versys-X 300.
Aesthetics:
The BMW G310GS is been inspired from its elder siblings the 1200GS. At the front, the G310GS is offered with a sharp beak-like design, while at the rear it gets a luggage carrier which will be helpful to mount the panniers for long tours. The instrument cluster is similar to the one G310R, also it gets the similar straight seat setup. The Himalayan is longer as compared to its rivals. At the sides near the fuel tank it gets holders to attach Jerry cans, while at the front it gets around headlight setup with a small windshield. It get an analogue instrument cluster, a split seat setup, an LED taillight unit and the Himalayan decals on its body’s. The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is wider and taller amongst all, while the tall windshield and the wide handlebars gives this off-roader a bigger look. The eye-catching element on the Versys-X 300 is the typical Kawasaki green shade.
Features and equipment:
BMW is offering the G 310 GS with ABS as standard and it also gets a full digital instrument cluster. The Versys-X 300 also gets ABS as standard but it get an analog-digital instrument cluster. Kawasaki takes the lead in terms on features by equipping the Versys-X 300 with slipper clutch and assist clutch which is not seen on any of the other bikes in this comparison. The slipper clutch helps for smooth downshifts while the assist clutch helps to reduce total clutch spring load. The Himalayan, on the other hand, misses out on ABS and it doesn’t even come as an option. The instrument cluster on it is a complete analog unit. The accessories such as Jerry cans, panniers etc are optional for the customers who choose to buy the Himalayan and the G310GS. While the Versys-X 300 comes equipped with all accessories such as panniers, crash guard, 12 volt charging socket, etc.
Engine:
Powering the BMW G310 GS is a 313cc, fuel injected, single cylinder, petrol engine which is coupled with a six-speed gearbox. This engine produces 34 horsepower and 28.4Nm of twist and it falls in between the Versys-X 300 and the Himalayan. The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 has the smallest engine amongst all, it comes powered with a 296cc twin cylinder, fuel injected petrol engine. This is the only off-roader amongst the three to be powered with a twin cylinder engine while the rest are single cylinder engines. This mill produces 38.5 horsepower which is the highest amongst all, but the torque produced is 25.7 Nm which is the lowest. The Himalayan, on the other hand, is powered with a bigger 411cc single-cylinder engine. It produces 24.4 horsepower which is the lowest among the three but it produces 32Nm of twist which is the highest torque figure in comparison with its competitors.
Verdict:
Amongst the three, the Royal Enfield Himalayan is the cheapest as it is priced at Rs 2.15 (On road Mumbai), while the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is expensive as it is priced at Rs 5.59 lakh (On road Mumbai). Between them sits the BMW G310GS which is priced at Rs 4.19 lakh (On road Mumbai). The Himalayan although is the cheapest but it still misses out on many features as well as ABS for that price tag. Also there are many issues regarding the quality and the reliability of this bike. On the other hand, the Versys-X 300 does bag all the necessary features, accessories and safety equipment but it is too costly. The BMW G 310GS sits in between but the price tag is still costly for a single cylinder engine but this off-roader comes with a three years unlimited kilometer warranty which can also be extended to five years. Hence if the price tag isn’t an issue the BMW G310GS is the one to go for.
BMW G310GS India Launch Along With G310R Launched – Know Price and Details!
