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.
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.
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.
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.
Just like the adventure sibling, the BMW G 310 R is easy to lift
Performance – The BMW G 310 R has the same engine running on a similar state of tune as of the G 310 GS. Hence it has a decent low-end, great mid-range and a good top-end as well. The G 310 R reaches the ton slightly quicker than the Apache RR 310 as it is lighter as it lacks a full fairing. The gearbox feels crisp and the clutch is light too. Just like the BMW G 310 GS, the G 310 R has some vibrations coming in but only in the top-end or while idling. However, post 100 km/hr, the G 310 R takes time to gain speed as windblast is evident.
I was craving to do this since I saw the stunts pulled at the launch
The exhaust note gets throaty and loud as the revs go higher, it sounds really good towards the redline
The clutch is light and the gearbox has crisp shifts. However, first gear is just as tall and the motorcycle redlines at 58 km/hr while the rest of the gears are short and you need to shift to third gear to reach the ton like on the G 310 GS. The bike feels lively throughout and has a buzz coming-in from the handlebars and at the footpegs when pushed hard.
Roadster ergonomics is definitely a brownie point for the G 310 R
Riding Dynamics – The BMW G 310 R gets the same tyre and suspension setup as of the Apache RR 310 but it feels more agile than its Indian cousin. Thanks to the reverse-inclined engine, the wheelbase is short while the aluminium swingarm is long. The upside-down front forks and the rear monoshock with the trellis frame and grippy Michelin road tyres make a great combination. The riding dynamics are just unbeatable. The BMW G 310 R feels more flickable than the KTM Duke 390! The size of tyres is the same and they provide superior road grip.
The BMW G 310 R corner really well, stays planted always
The dynamics are spot on, the BMW G 310 R changes direction with a snap
The suspension setup is slightly stiff but it is not too stiff making it perfect for Indian riding conditions. The brake setup is the same but the G 310 R get BMW Motorrad ABS which makes the braking feedback even more precise. The G 310 R doesn’t nose-dive as its sibling the G 310 GS does under hard braking. The motorcycle stays planted through each and every type of corner, it holds the line so well that you would forget it’s a street bike.
The tail-light unit looks out of place due to the compact design
Verdict – The BMW G 310 R is just grossly overpriced. However, it makes up for a perfect street-fighter in India. It gets the same setup as the Apache RR 310, although, it feels premium and very well put together. It actually has brilliant riding dynamics and enough power for Indian roads. Considering everything, what you actually end up paying for is the BMW badge and not to forget it’s the cheapest way to get yourself a BMW Motorrad motorcycle.
Performance from this motor is adequate for Indian roads
What’s Cool
* The BMW G 310 R serves as an entry to the BMW Motorrad line-up
* Brilliant riding dynamics, the G 310 R handles like a train on tracks
* Power delivery is linear, has a strong mid-range and opens up in the top-end
What’s Not So Cool
* 11-litre fuel tank is just enough for a roadster
* The BMW G 310 R isn’t as appealing as the BMW G 310 GS for the price
* Priced at a premium makes it accessible only to those looking for the badge
The BMW G 310 R is pricey but fun
BMW G 310 R Specifications
* Engine: 313cc, Liquid-Cooled, Reverse-Inclined, DOHC
* Power: 34 PS @ 9500 RPM
* Torque: 28 Nm @ 7500 RPM
* Transmission: 6-speed
* 0-100 km/hr: 6.89 seconds
* Top Speed: 143 km/hr
* Fuel Type: Petrol
* Frame: Trellis Frame, Aluminium Swingarm
* Suspension: Inverted Forks (Front); Monoshock (Rear)
* Tyres: 110/70/17 (Front); 150/60/17 (Rear), Michellin Pilot Street
* Brakes: 300 mm Petal Disc (Front); 240 mm Petal Disc (Rear), Switchable ABS
BMW G 310 R Dimensions
* Length x Width x Height: 2005 mm x 849 mm x 1080 mm
* Wheelbase: 1380 mm
* Seat Height: 785 mm
* Ground Clearance: 180 mm
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 11-litres
* Kerb weight: 158.5 kgs
Testers’ Note:
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