Whether it is a 150cc or A 1000cc bike, what matters the most is the kind of fun you can have with the bike. As is the case with the new BMW G 310 R. If you look at perspective of Riders from Western and European nations this is a very basic 313-cubic-roadster is a small motorcycle. 34 hp, not even 160 kilos, 30 inches seat height and ₹2.99 lakhs- this is something for the beginners to tour around the city and make do with their daily errands. But if you take a step back and look at the worldwide market of motorcycles, things are very different. In mass markets such as Ours (Including that of south east Asia, South America etc), where cylinder capacities up to 150cc are the rule, such a 300 is considered a big machine.
Photo Credits: Vikrant Bhalerao
Machine is fuel-injected, DOHC, four-valve Single, with bore and stroke measurements of 80mm x 62mm, respectively. Compression ratio is a modest 10.6:1. What makes the 310R unique is its reversed cylinder-head arrangement. Its intake faces forward, with the exhaust pointed towards the rear. The entire engine is tilted backwards slightly, allowing it to be placed as far forward in the steel-tube frame as possible. With such decent engine specs, the machine maintained a good milage of 28-30 kmpl.
Photo Credits: Vikrant Bhalerao
BMW – Beginners Motorcycle Wish
While small displacement motorcycles are typically aimed at new or otherwise inexperienced riders, BMW also wanted to attract the attention of those with plenty of miles under their belts looking for another bike to add to their collection to commute with or even for a short sunday morning spin. In short, the G310R achieves all of these goals.
Photo Credits: Vikrant Bhalerao
Photo Credits: Vikrant Bhalerao
The 30 inches Ride height doesn’t intimidate, and the slim tank/seat junction make it extremely easy (Even for short riders) Weighing in at a claimed 158kgs, the little G feels almost toy-like between the legs. Seating position skews more upright, with only a slight bend forward and pegs aren’t too high up, either. What’s really impressive is how narrow the bike feels between the knees. So if you choose to make this your first bike(or even a direct jump from 100cc to 300cc) BMW has taken utmost care to make it perfectly suitable for all. Once underway, that easygoing theme continues. Power delivery from the 313cc Single is smooth and gentle, with power meted to the rear tire via a cable-operated throttle. 34 horsepower isn’t much to work with, and its initial power delivery is slightly dull, but once past 4,000 rpm it has an impressive amount of scoot for its size, continuing up to its 10,000-rpm redline.
Photo Credits: Vikrant Bhalerao
At highways cruising speeds there’s almost zero buzzing felt in the hands or feet (it did rattle a little at high end). Oddly, the most vibes I felt was between the seat/tank junction, conveniently placed to tickle at the nether regions
Photo Credits: Vikrant Bhalerao
Clutch pull is light, making it easier to engage when leaving a stop or especially when negotiating traffic. Its a typical BMW gear shifts are very short and positive, making it easy to shift up the gears with or without the clutch. The smoothness sometimes makes it difficult to find neutral and it gets irksome. Highway speeds are easily attained, and despite its size the BMW doesn’t feel vulnerable cruising along at 100-110 kmph, unlike some other small bikes. 6th gear and 7000 rpm will have you cruising along at 110-115 kmph.
Photo Credits: Vikrant Bhalerao
The G310R gets its styling inspiration from the S1000R naked streetfigher, and it even acts like one. A 41mm Kayaba inverted fork is non-adjustable but is well damped for both Sunday Riding and average commuting. Together with the steel tubular frame, aluminum swingarm, and preload-adjustable shock, the 310R handles a twisty road with ease. The bars give good leverage to throw the bike into corners, and both ends never seemed fazed by the spirited pace while flicking in either direction.
Photo Credits: Vikrant Bhalerao
A single 300mm disc is clamped by a radial-mount ByBre four-piston caliper in front, with a 240mm disc and two-piston caliper out back. Braking power is strong but not overpowering, with decent feel at the lever. If anything, ABS intervenes too soon and you can even feel the rear ABS twitch at the pegs. (But that’s coming from the perspective of an experienced rider)
Photo Credits: Vikrant Bhalerao
Will it Dominate?
By all accounts, the BMW G310R is hugely impressive. It’s a comfortable, non-intimidating bike for the new rider, but it’s also a hoot for the experienced peeps. It’ll easily handle your commuter duties without compromising on the adventure one should expect from this Bike. If you can get this machine dance, it can also harass a sportbike riders on tight, twisty roads. And the fact it’s so smooth and refined belies its modest ₹2.99 lakhs price tag (ex-showroom)
Photo Credits: Vikrant Bhalerao
Our Rating for BMW G310R
- My Score: 86.25%
- Engine: 9/10
- Suspension/Handling: 8.5/10
- Transmission/Clutch: 8.5/10
- Brakes: 8/10
- Instruments/Controls: 9/10
- Ergonomics/Comfort: 9/10
- Appearance/Quality: 8/10
- Value: 9/10
- Overall Score: 69/80
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