BMW G 310 GS versus Kawasaki Z 650 RS
BMW G 310 GS
Adventure
Kawasaki Z 650 RS
Retro
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Built von 2017 bis 2024~
Built von 2022 bis 2024~
RRP 6.600 €
RRP 8.345 €
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Competitors
Pros:
- Off-road capability
- Comfort
- Processing
Pros:
- Optics & classical round instruments
- Weight & Handling
- good brakes at the front
- comfortable sitting position
- adjustable levers
Cons:
- Achievement
- Price
Cons:
- small tank
- some features not 100% retro
Dimensions & Weight
Wheelbase: 1.420 mm
Length : 2.075 mm Height : 1.230 mm
Seat : 835 mm
Weight : 170 (max: 345 ) kg
Length : 2.075 mm Height : 1.230 mm
Seat : 835 mm
Weight : 170 (max: 345 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.405 mm
Length : 2.065 mm Height : 1.115 mm
Seat : 820 mm
Weight : 187 kg
Length : 2.065 mm Height : 1.115 mm
Seat : 820 mm
Weight : 187 kg
Engine
Motor design: Single cylinder 1 Cylinder
Displacement: 313 ccm
Hub: 62 mm
Hole: 80 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 313 ccm
Hub: 62 mm
Hole: 80 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Liquid-cooled four-stroke in-line two-cylinder 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 649 ccm
Hub: 60 mm
Hole: 83 mm
Cooling: flüssigkeitsgekühlt
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 649 ccm
Hub: 60 mm
Hole: 83 mm
Cooling: flüssigkeitsgekühlt
Drive: 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
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: 200 km/h
Performance: 68 HP at 8.000 U/Min
Torque: 64 NM bei 6.700 U/Min Tank contents: 12 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 357 km
Performance: 68 HP at 8.000 U/Min
Torque: 64 NM bei 6.700 U/Min Tank contents: 12 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 357 km
Chassis
Frame type:
Lattice tube (steel) Front suspension:
Upside-down 41 mm (travel 180 mm) Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 180 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 110/80 R 19
Rear tyres: 150/70 R 17
Lattice tube (steel) Front suspension:
Upside-down 41 mm (travel 180 mm) Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 180 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 110/80 R 19
Rear tyres: 150/70 R 17
Frame type:
Lattice tube (steel) Front suspension:
41 mm telescopic fork (travel 125 mm) Rear suspension:
Horizontal back-link gas pressure shock absorber with adjustable spring base (travel 130 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear tyres: 160/60ZR17M/C (69W)
Lattice tube (steel) Front suspension:
41 mm telescopic fork (travel 125 mm) Rear suspension:
Horizontal back-link gas pressure shock absorber with adjustable spring base (travel 130 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear tyres: 160/60ZR17M/C (69W)
Brakes
Front brake
Single disc (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 240 mm)
Single disc (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 240 mm)
Front brake
Double disc Semi-floating 300 mm double brake discs. Double piston brake caliper (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Single brake disc. Single piston brake caliper (∅ 220 mm)
Double disc Semi-floating 300 mm double brake discs. Double piston brake caliper (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Single brake disc. Single piston brake caliper (∅ 220 mm)
Good, but not cheap
So you can imagine enjoying day trips or the ferries of everyday life on normal routes with the BMW G 310 GS. For the big tour she is rather too unrelaxed. BMW is calling for around 6,050 euros for this model. The question then arises as to who should buy this. Sure, it is suitable for beginners qua law. But as a pure beginner bike a bit expensive.
BMW's 310 series has clear qualities. If you can do without the rather limited touring ability anyway, you should take a look at the already mentioned G 310: Here you can save another 700 Euros.
The test bike was provided to us by Bergmann and Söhne in Pinneberg near Hamburg.
Conclusion - what sticks
The Kawasaki Z 650 RS actually drove straight into our hearts. Nice that Kawasaki now offers the retro theme in a 2-cylinder with manageable performance at a fair price. So even novice drivers and lighter pilots will like to approach the topic of retro. But this does not mean that the Z650RS is not for old hands - on the contrary! There will definitely be many experienced bikers out there who are only too happy to get off their 250+ kilo monster and get on this light and really nice bike to ride.The test bike was kindly provided by Heller & Soltau in St. Michaelisdonn. If you want to take a test drive or are interested in another Kawasaki (or Husqvarna), you should definitely consider a small trip to Dithmarschen. Beautiful country roads and a good coffee (!) await you.
