BMW G 310 R Review
Bike Tested: BMW G 310 R; Road Test No. 967; Test Location: Gurugram, NCR
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 3,72,900/-
The BMW G 310 R is a true roadster from its heart, feels very nimble and agile
A lot of people from different media houses had been taking efforts to ride the BMW G 310 R somewhere in the world. As the sales of the G 310 R had started quite some time back outside India, some people from the Indian media flew to other countries just to take a ride. While everyone had so many positive comments about the G 310 R, TVS dropped a bomb with the Apache RR 310 and the statements were true as the underpinnings of the TVS Apache RR 310 were the same as the BMW G 310 R. I was itching to ride this Beamer and we had our first stint with the G 310 R and the G 310 GS in Gurugram last week.
Motor Quest: The BMW G 310 R, G 310 GS and the Apache RR 310 are the outcomes of a joint venture between BMW and TVS in India. The G 310 R is powered by the same 313cc engine but is very agile and similar to bigger BMW Motorrad roadsters. The BMW G 310 R not only serves an entry to the BMW Motorrad roadster line-up but also to the complete BMW Motorrad line-up as it’s the most affordable BMW motorcycle in India.
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The top half is different while the bottom half is just like the Apache 310
Styling – The BMW G 310 R looks very neat, there’s no extra bodywork around it. If we just consider the hanging parts, it’s the Apache RR 310 right there but the bodywork, halogen headlamp and a straight handlebar make it clear that this 310 is a street bike. The bike grabs more attention as it gets the funky tail-light and the BMW badge with the HP colour scheme on the limited amount of body it has. The golden upside-down forks look just as brilliant as they are clearly visible and don’t hide under a full fairing. The single piece seat looks functional and goes well with the design but a split-seat setup would have added more sport to this roadster.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/30053181438/[/flickr]
Same console, the snowflake design LED is actually the shift light
Instrument Cluster and Switchgear – Just like the BMW G 310 GS, the same console does the job on the G 310 R. A complete digital unit provides all the information to the rider. From twin trip meters, average fuel consumption, engine temperature, range and even the date. At first, the console would look a little small but from the saddle, it is easily readable and yet pretty simple. The switchgear is shared with the Indian cousin, the Apache RR 310 and the fit and finish is really good.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/43204400354/[/flickr]
The BMW G 310 R has the lowest seat height of the 310 trio
Ergonomics – The BMW G 310 R has the same ergonomics as of the Apache RR 310 but as we have handlebars here, the seating posture is now upright while the footpegs are still slightly rear-set just like the Apache RR 310. The seat height is just 785 mm, making it the lowest of all the 310s. While the single piece seat is very well cushioned, the rider, as well as pillion comfort, is taken into consideration and the pillion sits very comfortably unlike on the Apache RR 310. The pillion also has decent grab rails to hold onto. Overall, the ergonomics are very comfortable for riders with height from 5 feet 4 inches to 6 feet 2 inches.
