As the name suggests the 310GS is the most affordable in the BMW’s GS lineup. The visuals of the bike have all the pedigree that a “GS” should consist of, making it also known as Baby GS. But, the question here is... does it live up to the expectation to carry a “GS” badge? Continue reading to know what we think about this Baby GS :
Visuals
As the look is concerned, the 310GS does have all the visual appealing that people expect from an Adventure Tourer.
What we loved particularly was the Tall stance, High ground clearance and the Higher suspension travel setup, which makes it perfect for any sort of adventure that you can think of!
While talking about the looks, we can surely say that they are quite striking, and almost something that you haven’t seen on Indian roads. Over and above this, we love how “GS” lettering on the fuel tank not only looks stunning but also makes you feel like you’re riding a beast. With the 19” alloys, the 310GS looks massive enough for an entry level adventure tourer making it stand out from the crowd.
For an average rider, the bike may look a little big! For instance, I am 6’5”, and it looked pretty much perfect for me, but for my colleague who is 5’8”, it looks a little big!
While the visuals are outstanding in a nutshell, we think that the bike offers very less crash protection - the knuckle guards are not standard but optional, which should’ve been a obvious standard equipment for a adventure tourer for any bike.
Comfort
Moving onto comfort, we have no complaints for our 310GS. With suspensions like this, they make road trips comfortable and easy since they are super soft over small bumps and speed-breakers.
Even if there are bigger bumps or bad roads the Baby GS can go over it without any problem, making the riding position superb.
Be it off-roading or for a long journey, this Baby GS will not make you feel exhausted at the end of your journey. The bike also has a dual channel ABS for the rear tyres which can be turned off while off-roading.
The digital display makes it easier for one to take a look at various factors at once like trips, kilometers, petrol and much more, which is pretty much required. The back-lit switch gears helps the user, even in the dark.
However, one issue was that the pillion seating position was a little cramped, making your passenger feel uncomfortable during their ride.
With a capacity of 11 liters, the fuel tank helps one travel for almost around 350 kilometers, helping the rider with less stops at fuel stations so you can conquer more tarmac.
Performance
With a weight of approximately 170 kilos, the performance of the GS seems to be just adequate. The weight is slightly heavier than it’s sibling (310R), there is not much performance difference among them and the TVS RR 310.
The 310GS produces 34BHP, 28NM torque from the 313cc motor (Not 310 as the name suggest). It takes only 3.12s to go from 0-60kmph and 7.57s to get to 100kmph!
Because of the weight, we feel that the GS doesn't give off the peppy feel but its also not sluggish, making it pretty much well balanced.
There are only a few drawbacks of the gear ratios like the 1st & the 2nd gear are too tall which affects the ride, but once you get a hang of it, the bike doesn’t let you down or keep you wanting for more power.
What most people miss on the 310GS is an exhaust note that people would expect from the “BMW” badge!
Verdict
The GS is quite capable on and off the road, along with giving you a BMW badge at an affordable price point. The GS is definitely worth a test ride. We feel that this BMW opens up a new chapter for adventure riders!
JustCar says:
The 310GS can proudly be called the Baby GS. It has all the traits you’d expect from a “GS”.
Pros
Soft Suspensions
Torquey motor
High Seating
No heating problem
Cons
Uncomfortable pillion riders position
BMW 310GS Technical Specification
ENGINE
Type: Rearward-canted single
Displacement: 313cc
Bore x stroke: 80 x 62.1mm
Compression ratio: 10.6:1
Maximum power: 34 horsepower @ 9500 rpm
Maximum torque: 28Nm @ 7500 rpm
Valve train: DOHC, four valves
Transmission: 6-speed
Final drive: O-ring chain
CHASSIS
Frame: Grid-structure tubular steel w/ detachable rear sub frame
Front suspension; travel: Non-adjustable 41mm inverted fork; 7.1 inches
Rear suspension: Linkage-free spring-preload adjustable shock; 7.1 inches
Tires: Metzeler Tourance
Front Tyre: 110/80 x 19
Rear Tyre: 150/70 x 17
Wheels: Cast aluminum
Front wheel: 2.50 x 19
Rear wheel: 4.0 x 17
Front brake: Radially mounted 300mm disc w/ four-piston fixed caliper
Rear brake: 240mm disc w/ single-piston floating caliper
ABS: Standard
BMW 310GS Prices
Ex-Showroom (Ex-India) - 3,49,000/-
Cityscape & Nature Pictures: Nirmeet Patil
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