From the Webike Community's My Bike, the "Owner Review Summary" introduces various motorcycles based on the voices of owners who actually ride or have ridden them. This time, here's what the owners have to say about BMW「G310R」.
To be honest, the G310R is this kind of bike!
The G310R is BMW's mid-sport naked. The company categorizes it as a roadster, but this can be safely assumed to refer to a naked motorcycle in general. The "R" at the end of the motorcycle name is an acronym for "Roadster.
The G310R was presented at the 2015 Milan Show. Delivery to Japan started in 2017. Since BMW is often perceived as a manufacturer specializing in large motorcycles, the G310R became a major topic of conversation as a model that can be ridden with a regular motorcycle license, a long time coming.
Moreover, the price is at the same level as domestic 250cc class naked models. Riders will be happy to know that BMW, Europe's leading premium motorcycle manufacturer, has attached an affordable price tag to its motorcycles.
The secret behind this exceptionally low price lies in the production location. BMW is a German manufacturer, but the G310R is produced by TVS Motor Company in India. This strategy may be aimed at lowering production costs and at the same time increasing the efficiency of development and service by locating the G310R in the Asian region, which is the G310R's main market.
The G310R's engine is a liquid-cooled single-cylinder DOHC 4-valve with a displacement of 312 cc.
However, the engine is actually the topic where the advanced and unique features typical of BMW can be felt. The engine, however, is one that is uniquely advanced and original in the BMW tradition.
In general engines, the intake system is located at the rear of the engine and the exhaust port faces the front of the motorcycle. The G310R, on the other hand, turns the engine around 180 degrees, with intake air coming from the front and exhaust air from the rear. At the same time, the cylinder is tilted backward to make room for the intake system.
This design allows the crankshaft, which is the heaviest component of the bike, to be positioned further forward on the chassis. This means that the center of gravity is positioned further forward than usual, increasing the load on the front wheel. This provides a high level of stability and mobility. The sharp cornering and excellent straight-line stability are typical of BMW, despite the small displacement.
The most important change is compliance with Euro 5 emission regulations, but the motorcycle is also becoming more and more attractive with an electronically controlled throttle, full LEDs on the lights, and renewed exterior parts.
How do Webike users feel about the G310R?
G310R
Average price of the new model: approx. 5190 USD
Used model price: 3320 USD
Number of reviews: 12
Data as of February 6, 2023
Average Owner Satisfaction Rating: 3.88 out of 5 (75 persons evaluated)
It should be noted that fuel economy, looks, and handling scored as high as 4 points. Although the G310R's driving performance narrowly missed the 4-point mark, many people appreciated the G310R's nimble riding performance, and it seems to be useful in both touring and city riding situations.
On the other hand, some say that the G310R is expensive to maintain, does not have many custom parts, and does not have enough space for loading, but the G310R has enough appeal to make up for this. Even motorcycle beginners and small riders can enjoy it to the fullest, and it even comes with the brand power of BMW! And yet, the price is reasonable for a BMW, so if you're not sure, it's a good idea to take it for a test ride at a dealer.
G310R, Quick Summary
Advantage
BMW's brand is immense!
Pleasant acceleration from the mid-RPM range
Fluttering and light
Very easy to maneuver
Fuel consumption is 37km/L at best, and 33km/L at worst.
ETC is standard equipment
Recommended as a second bike
Disadvantage
No loading space
Too many plastic parts
Vibration is painful
Not suitable for high-speed cruising over 100 km/h
Few parts
G310R Owner's Voice
Here are some of the most impressive voices among the many reviews.
Kiyoshi131314
| Advantages/Satisfactory points | Lightweight and the feeling of fluttering in the corners are irresistible. The motorcycle doesn't run into other motorcycles at touring spots. The light weight makes it easy to maneuver. |
|---|---|
| Disadvantages/Dissatisfactory points | The acceleration of the first shot is not as good as that of a large motorcycle. When touring mainly with a large motorcycle, it is tiring because you have to work harder to keep up with it when winding. When you are mainly touring at high speeds, it is hard to keep up with the high RPMs. |
| Advice for prospective buyers | The bike has relatively good footing among foreign motorcycles and is very easy to ride, so beginners and women can ride it with ease. Recommended as a second bike for large-sized owners. |
Keishiro
| Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models | I was riding the same G310R before I replaced it, but I was considering replacing it due to engine trouble. When I test-rode another bike, the ride quality was quite different (it was hard to ride), so I was considering what to buy when the G310R happened to be in stock and I decided to buy the same bike because I was used to riding it for half a year. |
|---|---|
| Advantages/Satisfactory points | I am not tired even when touring long distances (400km is the longest). I feel that this is indeed a BMW. The engine with a good start-up feeling is also pleasant in acceleration from the mid-range of rpm. |
| Disadvantages/Dissatisfactory points | There is very little storage space, so a seat bag or similar is required for touring. There are a few custom parts. |
| Advice for prospective buyers | The purchase price is the same as a Japan motorcycle of the same class. For those who want to ride a bike differently from others. I have yet to meet anyone who rides the same bike. Although it is inferior to domestic motorcycles in terms of catalog specs alone, it has exquisite rideability in areas that cannot be expressed in numerical values. |
Motchan
| Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models | When I bought a GROM for my wife, who had never ridden a motorcycle after getting her license, she wanted to ride one herself, and when I went to test ride a motorcycle that could be ridden with a standard motorcycle, she signed a contract. |
|---|---|
| Advantages/Satisfactory points | After all, it's fun to ride. I don't feel like falling into the corners. I don't know if it's not selling well or production can't keep up, but I don't see anyone else riding it (as of 2017), so it stands out (?). I don't know why I say I ride a BMW. When I tell people I ride a BMW, for some reason they say, "Oh, wow! |
| Disadvantages/Dissatisfactory points | The OEM option had a center stand, so I ordered it together, but then the dealer told me that the 2017 model would not have a center stand due to the frame and refunded my money. I also added ETC, but then ETC became standard equipment. So, there are a few traps that are common in the initial lot. The tank is small, so I always have to refuel when touring. |
| Advice for prospective buyers | I definitely recommend it to those who only have a medium license. If like myself, you have only ridden motorcycles in the 20th century, you will be in for a culture shock at the evolution of motorcycles. |
Check out G310R's competitors
Because of the G310R's unique displacement, there are no other sports naked models with the same displacement. If motorcycle size and power are the criteria, a 250cc single-cylinder engine naked model would fall into this category, but the major difference would be whether or not it is subject to motorcycle inspections. In this case, KTM's 390 DUKE emerges as one of the few direct rivals.
The 390DUKE is a solid sport naked with a sharp 373cc pickup engine in a compact chassis that shares basic components with its siblings, the 125DUKE/250DUKE. Compared to the G310R, the G310R is more powerful due to its larger displacement, and its suspension has a higher load setting. The 390DUKE has the advantage when it comes to circuit riding, but the G310R has the advantage when it comes to touring and daily use.
The G310R's sibling, the G310GS, is another interesting motorcycle to compare. Although the two models share the same basic frame and engine, their ride quality is surprisingly different. The G310GS has larger-diameter 19-inch front wheels and front and rear suspension with increased wheel travel. The G310GS lives up to its name as an adventure tourer by being able to go off-road with no problem. Although the suspension is a little less stable, the bike's maneuverability as a city bike is also very impressive.
Average owner satisfaction and the number of reviews are as of February 6, 2023.
KTM-390DUKE
Average Owner Satisfaction: 3.91 (375 people rated)
Average price of a new model: (approx.) 5585 USD
Average used model price: (approx.) 3930 USD
Number of reviews: 50
BMW G310GS
Average Owner Satisfaction: 4.03 (121 people rated)
Average used model price: (approx.) 4030 USD
Number of reviews: 19