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As in most parts of the world, the BMW marque draws a lot of attention from motorcycle enthusiasts. It has been four years since the BMW G 310 R was launched in Nepal and this entry-level Beemer remains the entry point for buyers that want to join the legacy brand.
Cut to 2022 and the G 310 R is back in a newer avatar, packing extra “oomph” and a bit more aggressiveness. Sharper, meaner and better equipped, the BMW G 310 R is all set to take on the concrete jungle. So, how well does it fare in the streets of Kathmandu? We find out.
Styling
The new G 310 R repeatedly echoes the styling of the bigger S 1000 R. Compared to the model it replaces, the 2022 BMW G 310 R looks much sharper and more focused. Even as an entry-level BMW, the G 310 R has the look and feel of BMW’s brawniest roadsters.
The bike looks sharper than before with visual changes not merely limited to colour schemes or sticker jobs. BMW has opted for all-LED lighting on the new G 310 R which means the bike now gets a full-LED headlight and LED turn indicators that appear directly borrowed from its bigger BMW siblings.
You can find more inspiration from bigger BMW siblings in the large panels along the profile of the G 310 R. The famous ‘BMW’ badge sits on a neat-looking panel below the muscular fuel tank. A short wheelbase highlights the compact yet dynamic proportions of the side view, while the high rear with its short tail lends the bike a sporty presence on the roads.
The visual similarity to the BMW S 1000 R is further apparent in the colour scheme too. All three finishes of the G 310 R – Style Sport, Cosmic Black 2 and Style Passion, emphasize the sporty intent of the bike. For instance, the Style Passion colour finish on our test unit, according to BMW, is a reference to the German manufacturer’s motorsport heritage.
In typical BMW fashion, all switches and controls are tactile to the touch and exude quality. The instrument console, on the other hand, is the same old LCD Dash which displays nothing new except the basic ride data.
Engine and Performance
What’s inside the underbelly of the G 310 R remains largely unchanged. The BS6, 313cc, single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine continues to make the identical 34 hp of max power and 28 Nm of torque as its outgoing counterpart. However, there are a few new additions. BMW has now slapped a slipper clutch and ride-by-wire system to smoothen out the throttle response.
Similarly, both the clutch lever and the handbrake lever are now adjustable in four stages. While the spec sheets aren’t worth writing home about, the performance on offer is spectacular. Spontaneous throttle response and lively pulling power reflect the true nature of the engine. Cross the 5,000rpm mark and the motor starts to come to life. And this is where the G 310 R excels the most. As with most BMWs, the throttle response is the smoothest out there.
What’s best about the performance is that it isn’t overwhelming, and that bodes well for riders who are transitioning to larger displacement engines. An impressive mid-rev range makes it super fun for commuting or urban duty. Yet, if you ask more of the G 310 R, it will deliver, leaving you with a grin plastered across your face. Having said that, the gear shifts were quite clunky at times which can lead your smile to falter. Power delivery is linear and reaching triple-digit speed should be easy without putting too much stress on the powerplant. There’s enough power for joy rides and it’s easy to live with.
Ride and handling
The BMW G 310 R was designed as a light, dynamic roadster which is evident in its riding dynamics. Swing a leg over and you’ll appreciate the accessible 785mm seat height of the bike, especially if you are of average Nepali height. The riding position of the G 310 R is great for a wide range of rider sizes. The compact, forward-slanted rider triangle is such that even though you sit in a comfortable upright position, you are still engaged enough for aggressive riding.
Although the bike weighs 5.5 kg more than its predecessor, it doesn’t feel ponderous. It is quick and agile in the city. Whether you’re crawling through traffic or entering a corner at speed, the bike feels relaxed and stress-free. And, while you will have the most fun in the urban jungle, the G 310 R doesn’t feel out of place on the highways either. It inspires confidence on open roads.
The bike sits on a tubular steel frame with an upside-down fork and a long swingarm for ride stability and comfortable handling. The supple suspension setup absorbs most bumps and undulations delightfully. At the front, there’s a 41mm USD fork with 140mm travel and a mono-shock at the rear with 131mm travel and preload adjustment.
The bike’s single-section rear-wheel swingarm made of die-cast aluminum is longer than in conventional designs. As a result of which, the bike acts in a much gentler way. Both the rider and the pillion won't be squeezed for space either, as the single-piece seat is generously sized. The bike attacks the corner with enthusiasm and smoothly settles into a stable state of lean, with good levels of grip from the standard Michelin Pilot Street radial tyres measuring 110/70 at the front and 150/60 at the rear.
Similar to the ride and handling, the braking performance is decent too. Braking performance from the single disc at either end is confident and perfectly up to the task. There’s an added safety net of dual-channel ABSthat comes as standard.
Verdict
One thing’s for sure, any machine wearing the prestigious checkered blue and white pattern isn’t going to be a run-of-the-mill machine, and this is reverently true of the BMW G 310 R.Regardless of the absence of ride modes or the abundance of new-age gadgetry, the BMW G 310 R is still a highly competent motorcycle. In fact, at the moment, it’s the German manufacturer’s most “affordable” product in Nepal.
We use the word “affordable” in a strictly comparative manner because at Rs. 13,50,000-Rs 13,75,000, it’s anything but that. But, that’s just how things roll. However, if you have plenty of dough just lying around and you want a motorcycle that is beautifully built and rides smoothly, the BMW G 310 R could just be the one for you. This plucky little roadster does everything you would expect from an urban explorer. AND you’ve always wanted to own a BMW we hear? Just sign the cheque!
