The BMW G310 R and G310 GS are expected to make a huge impact for the German manufacturer in the Indian market due to their pricing and appeal
BMW Motorrad had long been anticipated to enter India as global premium biker makers have tasted successes in recent years and segments have constantly evolved with increased number of buyers opting to pursue motorcycles of above Rs. 2 lakh price bracket.
The German brand did respond and officially made its presence felt by commencing its operations in April 2017 but its highly awaited entry-level 310 series motorcycles would still be missing. After making debut as early as 2016 Auto Expo, the enthusiasts had their patients tested.
And following a long spell of speculations, the duo is finally here much to everyone’s excitement. The BMW G310 R naked street fighter has been priced at Rs. 2.99 lakh while its adventure brother, the G310 GS, is priced at Rs. 3.49 lakh (both prices, ex-showroom). The pricing is bang-on target and will be enticing a large band of customers.
Both the bikes appeal for different set of people and more importantly fill the gap up in the base-end of the spectrum within the lineup that covers audiences who could actually think of buying a BMW rather than just fantasizing one. The BMW G310 R and G310 GS are produced at TVS’ facility in Hosur and are of the same quality standard sold globally.
While the motorcycles share same tubular steel frame chassis with a bolted rear sub-frame, their purpose of build is entirely distinguishable as the G310 R is a corner carving road tamer and the G310 GS can tackle uneven terrains with its adventure-based setup. They also have slightly different steering head angle and wheelbase.
The powertrain is a 313cc single-cylinder DOHC unit with water-cooling and fuel injection technology as seen in the TVS Apache RR310. Both the motorcycles have same power and torque rating at 34 PS at 9,500 rpm and 28 Nm at 7,500 rpm respectively, along with similar sprocket setup and engine mapping. The G310 R does 0-50 kmph in 2.5 seconds and has 143 kmph claimed top speed.
The BMW G 310 GS uses 41 mm USD front forks and adjustable preload monoshock rear with 180 mm travel at both ends. However, the G310 R’s 41 mm front fork offers relatively less travel at 140 mm and 131 mm at the rear. A 300 mm front disc held by a radially mounted 4-piston caliper and a 240 mm rear disc with a single-piston floating caliper are used on both bikes with dual-channel ABS as standard fitment.
The adventure tourer runs on dual-sport Metzeler Tourance rubber with 19-inch front and 17-inch rear aluminium alloy wheels, while the G 310 R features 17-inchers on each end, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Street tyres. The BMW G310 R squares off against KTM Duke 390 and very aggressively priced Bajaj Dominar 400 and the G310 GS competes Kawasaki Versys X-300 and the upcoming KTM 390 Adventure.
Both the bikes are designed in Munich, Germany and come standard with 3 year/unlimited km warranty. The G310 R is sold in Pearl White Metallic, Cosmic Black and Racing Red metallic colour schemes and can be had and serviced from BMW’s 7 dealerships apart from the two soon-arriving outlets in Chandigarh and Kolkata.