BMW G 310 GS 2019 — Specifications

Little sister or big ambition? The BMW G 310 GS answers a question that no one at BMW Motorrad dared to ask: is it possible to distill the adventurer DNA of the GS family into an accessible format, priced under €6,000, and homologated for an A2 license? The answer lies in 313 cc, a single cylinder, and 169.5 kg on the scale. Not enough to intimidate mountain roads, but enough to convince a wide audience that adventure is not reserved for large-displacement machines.

This engine deserves attention. The four-stroke single-cylinder engine, liquid-cooled, produces 34 horsepower at 9,500 rpm and 28 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm. Correct figures for this displacement, supported by an unusual architecture: the cylinder head is inverted, with the intake placed at the front. This arrangement lowers the center of gravity and brings the mass closer to the front wheel, resulting in appreciable responsiveness on corner exits. The six-speed gearbox does the rest, and the announced consumption of 3.3 liters per hundred kilometers remains honest for an 11-liter tank. With a top speed of 143 km/h, the BMW G 310 GS 2019 does not claim to swallow German motorways, but it confidently handles winding departmental roads and weekend gravel tracks.

The chassis tells the same story of assumed compromise. The tubular trellis frame, inherited from the G 310 R, has been reworked at the steering level for greater stability, with the wheelbase extended to 1,420 mm. The suspension benefits from 180 mm of travel on both sides, with 41 mm inverted forks and a preload-adjustable mono-shock. This is where the BMW G 310 GS justifies its additional weight compared to the roadster. The seat height climbs to 835 mm, which will be prohibitive for shorter riders. Pilots looking for a used BMW G 310 GS will do well to take this data into account above all else. The front wheel goes to 21 inches, a consistent choice for mixed use, and Bybre brakes (a Brembo subsidiary) with switchable ABS make it a serious package. The ability to cut off the ABS at the rear on trails is a real plus; few competitors in this BMW G 310 GS price range offer this feature.

Facing the Kawasaki Versys-X 300, the Honda CRF 300 L or the Suzuki V-Strom 250, BMW plays the card of brand prestige and a perceived superior finish. The fully digital cockpit, with gear indicator and consumption calculation, gives the impression of high-end equipment for a small displacement. But this positioning has a downside. The motorcycle is assembled in Bangalore by TVS Motor Company, which some potential buyers will not fail to point out. KTM does the same with Bajaj, and no one really takes offense; the quality of production has largely proven itself on this shared platform with the G 310 R.

The target audience is clear. The BMW G 310 GS is aimed at an A2 license holder who wants to wear the propeller logo without breaking the bank, the urban dweller who dreams of gravel on Saturdays, the commuter who wants a high and comfortable position. It is not intended for the long-distance traveler who chains borders; its 11-liter tank and limited power would quickly remind him. But for what it actually offers, at this new BMW G 310 GS price of €5,990, it constitutes a rational choice in a category where the offer is not lacking. Available notably in BMW G 310 GS Cosmic Black, it remains visually faithful to the style of the large family, which is not the least of its arguments.