BMW have delayed the India launch of these bikes by a long time. This is why we already know a lot about the bikes even before getting our hands on them. The bikes came to life thanks to a partnership BMW signed with TVS in 2013. BMW has also explained the reason for the delay to be the time the company needed to set-up a dealer network.
Now, we finally have prices for the bikes and as everyone expected they are quite high. The well-loved BMW badge adds a lot to the price of the bikes. This is why, before putting down your money, you would want to know how they perform on Indian soil.
On the outside
Yes, both BMWs have a strong presence with muscular and clean design language. The tank is well shaped with a thick shoulder line. While the fuel tank gives it substance, the panels on either side are the ones that grab attention. These were made taking inspiration from the S1000R. The bike also has a neatly designed belly-pan.
If you are noticing some similar looking components, it is because the RR 310 is equipped with a similar fork, wheels, and exhaust system. However, the bikes do have differently designed footpeg holders. The seat on the 310 R is well-designed and supportive. The bike also has a well-designed rear section, with a brake light that sits on the end of the tail section.
Coming to the G 310 GS, the first that comes to your eye is how large it is in comparison to the naked bike. The GS is bigger in every way. While it does use the same headlight as the R, it does feature different panels around it. Giving it the distinguishing look it has is the ADV style beak and small windscreen.
When you look at it from the side, you will notice that the bike is different here too. The GS has a seat that sits at 835mm compared to the 785mm unit of the G 310 R. This is a big factor if you were choosing between the two. The GS is equipped with the same taillight, but it looks very different thanks to the large aluminium luggage rack. And while the GS has the same front fork as the R, it has more travel on offer.
How does it perform?
The R and GS, both use the same 313cc single-cylinder motor that makes 34hp and 28Nm of torque. These are the same figures you would find on the RR 310. Both bikes also come with six-speed gearboxes that are smooth. But, none get a slipper clutch which is available on the KTM 390s.
This motor pulls hard but we weren’t too sure about refinement having ridden the RR 310. While the vibrations are well-controlled, they aren’t completely absent. Overall, it is pretty refined but not as smooth as the one on the KTM 390.
While the bikes have similar trellis frames, they are different when it comes to the dimensions. The tyres on both bikes are different as well, the R comes with Michelin Pilot Streets and the GS rides on Metzeler Tourance tyres. Both bikes have dual-channel ABS, with the GS having the toggle capability. The kerb weight for the 310 R is 158.5kg, the GS, however is 11kg heavier. The engines of both bikes are similar, but the long travel suspension does result to a completely different feeling motorcycle.
Should I buy one?
Both BMWs are pretty decent. The R is fun to tackle some smooth tarmac on and the GS impresses with its touring capabilities. However, there are a few places where they don’t do too well. To begin with, the dealer network is limited in India (only seven outlets). But, the company is expanding. However, the price is the biggest issue. The bikes also have a three-year, unlimited kilometre warranty. At Rs 2.99 lakh and Rs 3.49 lakh (ex-showroom, India) these bikes are lot more expensive than other single-cylinder competitors.
The KTM 390 Duke costs almost Rs 60,000 lesser than the 310 R but, it does have a lot more features like a LED headlight, slipper clutch and TFT display. That said, the 310 GS is a lot more promising than its sibling because a quick and premium ADV bike is what we have been looking for from a long time. It also doesn’t face direct competition from any other motorcycle, the only two other similar bikes are the Versys X-300 (Rs 4.6 lakh) and Royal Enfield Himalayan (Rs 1.7 lakh). All prices ex-showroom, Delhi.
