BMW G 310 R versus Kawasaki Versys 1000 S

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW G 310 R

Naked
Kawasaki

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S

Crossover

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2016 bis 2024~
Built von 2020 bis 2023
RRP 5.650 €
RRP 14.795 €
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Pros:
  • Comfort
  • Price
  • Pillion compatible
Pros:
Cons:
  • Driving performance absolute
Cons:

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.374 mm
Length :
2.005 mm Height : 1.080 mm
Seat :
785 mm
Weight :
158.5 (max: 345 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.520 mm
Length :
2.270 mm Height : 1.490 mm
Seat :
840 mm
Weight :
257 (max: 459 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: Single cylinder 1 Cylinder
Displacement: 313 ccm
Hub: 62 mm
Hole: 80 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Four-stroke in-line four-cylinder 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.043 ccm
Hub: 56 mm
Hole: 77 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: O-Ring Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 143 km/h
Performance: 34 HP at 9.500 U/Min
Torque: 28 NM bei 7.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 11 Litre
Consumption:
3 l
Reach:
330 km
Maximum speed: 226 km/h
Performance: 120 HP at 9.000 U/Min
Torque: 102 NM bei 7.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 21 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
404 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Lattice tube (steel)
Front suspension:
Upside-Down 41 mm (travel 140 mm)
Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 131 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 110/70 R17
Rear tyres: 150/60 R17
Frame type:
Double profile frame (aluminium)
Front suspension:
43 mm upside-down fork (travel 150 mm)
Rear suspension:
Horizontally arranged back-link gas pressure central strut (travel 152 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear tyres: 180/55ZR17M/C (73W)

Brakes

Front brake
Single disc ( 300 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 240 mm)
Front brake
Double petal brake discs. Brake caliper: Double radially mounted, monobloc, opposite 4 pistons ( 310 mm) Rear brake
Single petal brake disc. Brake caliper: Single piston ( 250 mm)

Conclusion - for whom is it suitable?

So: Who is the small BMW G 310 R suitable for? For small and light people, of course. Those who simply want to ride a motorcycle and place little value on riding performance.

It is ideal for people who answer the question asked at the beginning whether a scooter would not be the better choice, with the handiness and driving pleasure of the BMW G 310 R. If the concept motorcycle is superior to that of the scooter, then here.

The Japanese competition is usually a bit more expensive than the BMW (wouldn't have thought I'd ever write this sentence). However, it usually exhausts the 48 hp limit of the driving licence class A2 and brings a little more peace than the BMW, which some consider to be hilarious.

But: After initial scepticism, one thing is clear: make sure the G 310 R is really fun. Who would have thought that?

The test bike was provided to us by Bergmann & Söhne.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: 5.050€
  • Used (2 years old): 3,300€
  • Years of construction: from 2015
  • Availability: good
  • Colours: red, black, ply white

Conclusion - what sticks

Driving pleasure, tour suitability, reasonable price-performance ratio and anything else? To be honest, there are hardly any points of criticism for us. The bike rides really extremely pleasant and smooth. The upright Adventure sitting posture in combination with the supple row quad is a great combination, which brings a lot of advantages on longer tours.

The optics can be discussed as always, but that's also a matter of taste here. By the way, the machine is available in the two color combinations Pearl Storm Gray / Metallic Diablo Black / Metallic Flat Spark Black & Emerald Blazed Green / Metallic Diablo Black / Metallic Flat Spark or in short Gray / Black & Green / Black. We find both successful and appealing.

Only a 19" front wheel instead of the 17 incher would be Dietmar and me perhaps still a concern. But even there, the spirits are divided, because the 17 inches in front of course ensure a good steering behavior. Either way, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S is an excellently successful travel machine and Kawa does not promise too much! "Every street - At any time" we can sign with a clear conscience.

The test machine was provided to us by Heller & Soltau.

Price/Availability/Colors/Years of Construction

  • Price: from 14.595 €
  • Years of construction: from 2021
  • Availability: from 2021
  • colours:

    Pearl Storm Gray / Metallic Diablo Black / Metallic Flat Spark Black &

    Emerald Blazed Green / Metallic Diablo Black / Metallic Flat Spark