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Review: BMW G 310 R (Baujahr 2019)

As good as the big ones?

23.05.2019

Welcome to the world of motorcycle beginners and novice riders – or isn't that the case, and the BMW G 310 is a full-fledged motorcycle despite its only 34 hp? This test finds out.

Does that make sense?

A new BMW for only 5,050 euros – this is considered a real bargain in the circles of fans. Especially since they are used to being asked to pay for extras with heavy extras. And there comes the cheap BMW G 310 and there is no extra to buy, at least none that is specially designed for this model?

But this motorcycle asks fundamental questions: Does it make sense to buy a 34 hp motorcycle for five thousand euros? Or would the decision for a used motorcycle (= more power) or a scooter (= more suitability for everyday use) be the right one?

There are only individual answers to these choices. Nevertheless, any answer would have to do with whether the G 310 is a fully-fledged motorcycle. It should not seem underpowered to the driver and offer this special driving behaviour especially in the cornering will, which scooters simply cannot conjure up due to their design.

It doesn't look cheap

Then we turn a lap around the bike in the stand. First of all, it is noticeable that the BMW is absolutely cleanly designed. Nothing seems poor here, and the processing is also okay. Why do we mention this? Because BMW models with production facilities outside Germany are highly suspicious in relevant forums. The BMW G 310 is manufactured in India and actually had to be recalled in mid-April 2017, and the first models were rather carelessly processed. Ours, as I said, is impeccable. The BMW has a lattice tube frame, and the swingarm is made of lightweight aluminium.

The equipment is also fine for the price. There is a modern LCD cockpit and a small on-board computer. Where low-cost homes like to save, are the vital tyres. Not so with BMW, the Michelin tyres strap on the chic rims.

The motorcycle looks rather small and low. In short, the technical data is internalized: Yes, the BMW G 310 weighs only 159 kilos, the wheelbase is very short at 1.38 meters and the low seat with a seat height of only 785 millimeters can also be climbed by small grown w / m / divers.

Of long-legged, too? Now it would be good to have the 184 centimetre seam and long legs-equipped Dietmar by the side – and he is already there. Swings on the moped and well ... it goes. It's still going well, very good not. The tank closure is fine, but it becomes clear: the BMW is not intended for large people.

But, a surprise: for the company already! Where much larger Naked Bikes weaken sensitively, the BMW presents one nicely. The bench doesn't just look good, it is – front and back.

But let's go now.

Yes, this is how a motorcycle rides

Oha. So sound-wise we had expected with rather little to nothing. 34 hp (no, this is not the throttled version, there is only this one) of 313 cubic centimeters displacement ... these are not the best prerequisites for a sound experience. Full-volume is different, of course, but in sound the little one is closer to larger motorcycles than to a 125-spare version.

Of course, this gets better and better with increasing speed, and it goes far up for the single cylinder: The red range in the rev counter starts at 10,000 revolutions. That's something. And it delivers, at least for its circumstances. In 6.8 seconds it storms to 100 km/h. That's about as much as my heavyweight but 326 hp car needs for this sprint. Respect, even if high speeds are always necessary for this.

Sure: The asphalt doesn't just wave behind her. And the passage ... what to say: 28 meager Newton meters are the maximum. As a result, it takes the pass test from 60 to 100 km/h, but you can descend on the way and smoke one.

What is missing is the top speed. It is 143 km/h, but the value is rather theoretical. Those who are used to heavier motorcycles will find the BMW unstable on the motorway. It is not, nor is it tilted in the original sense. But it is easy to feel them as such, because few bikers are used to handling such a light and agile motorcycle.

One point of criticism is the brakes, which are comparatively heavy-duty. But the function is without reproach, and they are also easy to dose. What we also noticed: The BMW from India doesn't like cold. It then starts rather unwillingly, and the gearbox likes it rather nicely warmed. During cold running, finding the empty run may take a little longer.

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.

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