BMW Motorrad has launched the much anticipated G 310 GS in India. The G 310GS will be priced at Rs 3.49 lakh (all prices ex-showroom). The BMW G 310 GS will only get a competitor with the launch of KTM 390 Adventure. But for the time being, it still kind of competes with the Royal Enfield Himalayan which is meant purely for touring purposes under the near 2 lakh budget. Himalayan name gives to the bike as a compliment to the Himalayas. And for the matter of fact, Himalayan BSIV is performing well in the most remote areas of India/Nepal where there are no roads. We put the two against each other to see which one you should put your money on.
Powertrain
The BMW G 310 GS uses the same 313 cc single-cylinder which also does its work on the G310R, the liquid-cooled engine is capable of 34 bhp and 28 Nm of peak torque. Meanwhile, The Royal Enfield Himalayan get a larger, 411cc, single-cylinder engine producing the higher torque figures at 32 Nm and lowest power figures at 24.4 HP.
From specs, it’s evident that BMW is more rideable considering it has a balanced torque to horsepower figures. whereas the Himalayan is like a mountain goat, The power and torque come really early at 6500 RPM and 4250 RPM which is helpful when you are off-roading. BMW motorcycles are far superior to Indian made RE in terms of Ride dynamics.
Verdict: BMW G310GS is better in terms of Rideability and ride dynamics however Himalayan is fairly reliable and can be fixed at any place since its less sophisticated than BMW G 310 GS.
Design
The BMW G 310 GS does look sharp. The styling is urban despite the additional cladding and the raised mudguard, while the alloy wheels do little to confirm that it is not that hardcore adventure motorcycle. Royal Enfield has managed to offer more purpose build looks on the Himalayan, it’s more industrial in design. The Royal Enfield offering its brand’s retro touch with the overtly simple design that does appeal to some.
Verdict: Looks are subjective. Himalayan is a combination of Retro and purpose build whereas BMW G310GS looks more like a city sleeker and looks more appealing
Features
The Himalayan comes with a compass, fuel efficiency reader, digital display and a tall windscreen that makes it decently equipped. However, Himalayan doesn’t get ABS even as an option which is very sad. There is a digital instrument cluster on the G 310 GS while the Himalayan get an analog-digital instrument cluster. the G 310 GS also feature dual-channel ABS.
Verdict: BMW is better equipped than Himalayan
Off-Road Worthiness
The Himalayan is purpose build for off-roading in every aspect, spoked wheels and off-road-ready tires to take on the rough terrain. The Himalayan also comes up with the fuel tank guards that also double up as jerry can holders. BMW G310GS comes with a long-travel suspension, dual-purpose tires, and switchable ABS. The Alloy wheels will limit its off-road ability, but it should also be a far better tourer than Himalayan. But when it comes to off-road Himalayan is still the King.
Verdict: BMW G310GS is better tourer than Himalayan whereas Himalayan is better off the road.
Price
Royal Enfield Himalayan which is priced at ₹ 1.68 lakh and is easily the most value for money offering here. Meanwhile, the BMW G 310 GS has been launched at an expected ₹ 3.5 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom). On road, it will cost Rs. 2.15 lakhs and Rs. 4.19 lakhs respectively. Ie: With an addition of an extra 11k you can buy two Himalayan instead of a BMW G310 R.
Verdict Overall
The G 310 GS is has a great brand name and is modern and will have better ride dynamic, but all this cost you twice the price of Himalayan. Moreover when it comes to going off-road Himalayan does it well. Hence considering on the basis of the value of money Himalayan makes more sense, it can be difficult to judge the clear winner, the result becomes obvious once you see the prices these bikes sell at .
