BMW G 310 R in the driving report

BMW G 310 R in the driving report

G for global

With the BMW G 310 R and its 34 hp single-cylinder, Weibblau is expanding the model range far downwards. It is cheap, but should be premium. It should open up new markets. And it is being built in India.

What is big and what is small is often a question of perspective. This is also the case with the new BMW G 310 R. If you look at it from a close, let’s say, Western European perspective, the 313 cubic roadster is a small motorcycle. 34 PS, not even 160 kilos ready to drive, 785 millimeters seat height, 4,750 euros – this is something for (re) beginners, the small, for the city et cetera. But if you take a step back and look at the global market for motorized two-wheelers, things look different. In the mass markets like Southeast Asia and South America, where displacements up to 150 cubic are the rule, such a 300 is considered a large machine. BMW, on the other hand, is big in Germany and Europe, but in the world market the Hondas, Bajajs and Shinerays think in completely different quantities. Here, too, they have a good name and sales success in the premium segment, but so far no model that is affordable for the general public. This is said to be the case with the BMW manufactured in India G 310 R changes. So it is twofold: for the local market a small, inexpensive A2-class roadster. And globally the company to open up new markets with great potential, to make the premium claim of the brand accessible to new groups of buyers there. A small motorcycle for Germany, a big one for BMW and the world.

BMW G 310 R in the driving report

G for global

Shrink-GS was presented at the EICMA

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Pictures: BMW G 310 R in the driving report

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BMW Motorrad are self-confident, referring to the test lap with the BMW G 310 R. Well, let’s go!

For a 300 more than adequate

Indeed, once in motion, doubts about the usefulness of this vehicle concept vanish in no time at all. On the contrary, after filling up the tank in a sporty manner around the beautiful Ammersee, the question mark becomes a point. A G-spot, if you will, because the little roadster’s handling is excellent. It goes without saying that a ready-to-drive 158.5 kilos (factory specification) light motorcycle with 110 or 150 millimeter tires padded can turn into a squirrel nimbly. On the other hand, it is remarkable that this agility is rock solid, completely unaffected.

The BMW G 310 R steers neutrally and holds the radii by itself, making it extremely good-natured and enjoyable to drive. Also a merit of decent Michelin tires, but more of a balanced geometry and extremely accurate spring elements. The front upside-down fork is particularly impressive. With clean responsiveness and smooth damping over the entire suspension travel, the BMW G 310 R would not be out of place even in a class above. The secret? Immersion and sliding tubes come inexpensively from China, the inner workings from Kayaba from Japan. The same principle (save where it is not noticeable, spend money where it counts) with the brake. 300 mm disc and radial brake caliper from the Indian Brembo subsidiary Bybre are nothing special, but sintered metal linings and steel braided hose give this stopper teeth. Pressure point, controllability, very good Continental ABS – everything is more than adequate for a 300.

Single cylinder with excellent smoothness

The four-valve single cylinder is a new design especially for the G series (BMW 310 GS in the picture gallery) and has some technical delicacies. The head is rotated 180 degrees (inlet front, outlet rear), the cylinder tilts backwards. This allows a performance-enhancing guidance of the air-fuel mixture and an installation position favorable to the center of gravity. DLC-coated rocker arms, Nikasil coating of the cylinder, crankshaft with plain bearings – the construction is ultra-modern, which is also noticeable. For a single cylinder, the smoothness over the entire speed range is excellent thanks to a balancer shaft, only at the very top does the footrest BMW G 310 R tingle fine. Despite the low flywheel mass, it runs smoothly early and accelerates, but overland it can and should be turned vigorously. From about 6000 tours, the little engine really goes to extremes, growls hungrily from the airbox and works its way up to considerable speed regions with verve and sparkling joy. They have translated it to a crisp, short version, which is really fun on the country road, but has a bit of a negative impact on the engine on the motorway. The BMW G 310 doesn’t necessarily belong there either. Let’s put it this way: The 34 hp are fun, but a few extra horses would be nice too.

Transmission makes a small exception

In any case, thanks to fine manners and smooth throttle response, the engine, like the whole BMW G 310 R, feels like premium. The only exception is the transmission. The gearshift travel is short and the clutch is extremely smooth, but idling is not found at every traffic light. Somewhat spitefully one could say: It’s nice that BMW remains true to itself. Apart from that, the presentation machines left a sparkling clean impression in terms of workmanship and material appearance. Sure, carbon here and brushed there you look in vain. But it was enough for chic cast wheels, a beautiful aluminum swingarm, clean weld seams, high-quality surfaces and a clean finish all around. Not necessarily self-evident, after all, you can spend the same money on a 125cc. The crucial question is, of race, whether the thousandth or ten thousandth BMW G 310 R is still rolling off the assembly line so leaky and how long it will last. BMW refers to the close cooperation and high quality standards at the Indian manufacturer TVS. In any case, the driving presentation gives no reason to doubt it. Smells like an endurance test!

Until then, we will state that the BMW G 310 R is modern, inexpensive, drives, bounces, cushions and brakes great. That makes it a well-balanced little package for anyone who needs 34 hp. We’ll compare whether that’s enough against the competition. And how the big world market is going remains to be seen.

Technical data BMW G 310 R

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