BMW G 310 R versus Kawasaki Z 400
BMW G 310 R
Kawasaki Z 400
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Competitors
- Comfort
- Price
- Pillion compatible
- manoeuvrable, agile and accessible bike
- high-revving engine
- Precise handling despite simple chassis
- brakes well because it is light
- conveys a lot of driving pleasure
- Driving performance absolute
- outdated cockpit
- limited pillion seating comfort
Dimensions & Weight
Length : 2.005 mm Height : 1.080 mm
Seat : 785 mm
Weight : 158.5 (max: 345 ) kg
Length : 1.990 mm Height : 1.055 mm
Seat : 785 mm
Weight : 167 kg
Engine
Displacement: 313 ccm
Hub: 62 mm
Hole: 80 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 399 ccm
Hub: 52 mm
Hole: 70 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: O-Ring Kette
Aisles: 6
Performance
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: 45 HP at 10.000 U/Min
Torque: 38 NM bei 8.000 U/Min Tank contents: 14 Litre
Consumption: 4 l
Reach: 358 km
Chassis
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
Tubular space frame (steel) Front suspension:
41 mm telescopic fork (travel 120 mm) Rear suspension:
Uni-Trak gas pressure shock absorber with adjustable spring base (travel 130 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 110/70R17
Rear tyres: 150/60R17
Brakes
Single disc (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 240 mm)
Single disc, two-piston floating caliper (∅ 310 mm) Rear brake
Single disc petal, single-piston floating caliper (∅ 220 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.
Conclusion: Fun in bags
The Kawasaki Z400 is a simple but very good A2 machine. Due to its agile engine and precise chassis, it conveys a lot of driving pleasure. In any case, it doesn't need to shy away from the comparison to the other A2 naked bikes. It makes a mature and solid impression. The operation is simple and due to the low weight and easy handling, the Z400 is particularly suitable for beginners. But even old hands should have a lot of fun with the Z400, at least that was the case with us.The test machine was provided to us by Heller & Soltau in Sankt Michaelisdonn . There she stands as a demonstrator and is happy about a lot of test drives. Just around the corner there are great country roads where you can really let it rip! Of course, Heller & Soltau (here in Google Maps) also has all the other Kawasakis in the shop and also sells motorcycles from Husqvarna. A visit is always worthwhile and the coffee is served fresh several times a day.
