The introvert’s motorbike affair

The new BMW G 310 GS is an off-road adventure motorcycle from the German two-wheeler manufacturer, and it is also the smallest and the most affordable bike from BMW ‘GS’ line-up. It might be the 'baby’ GS, but does it have a heart as large as its elder and rather illustrious sibling, the R 1200 GS or the R 1250 GS (now that the R 1250 replaces the R 1200)? We spent a good day riding the BMW G 310 GS on the tarmac and off-road as well, and here’s what we think about it.

Design
This newest entry is wrapped up in wonderful bodywork. Clearly inspired by that R 1200 GS, the look starts with a functional lower mudguard topped by a GS-correct beak that extends from the headlight (shared with the G 310 R). The short screen completes a look that is clearly BMW and clearly a part of the ‘GS’ family. Behind that fairing is the same digital instrument cluster as the R and the ABS indication will flash to remind you that you’ve turned off rear ABS.

The bike offers an LCD screen that displays basic indicators like speedometer, odometer, fuel gauge, tachometer, gear indicator, clock and so on. There is the switchable dual-channel ABS too and that’s about it. It currently misses out on LED lighting, but this is likely to appear whenever the bike is updated. So the G 310 GS might not offer an array of features and electronics its bigger siblings are known for, but it has enough to get the job done.

Engine
 The new BMW G 310 GS has a 313cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine and it is the same unit that also powers the TVS’ flagship Apache RR 310. The engine is good for churning out respective power and torque outputs of 34PS and 28Nm and these numbers are identical with those of the TVS Apache RR 310. The gearbox on the motorcycle is a six-speed unit. The new G 310 GS have a claimed top speed of 143kmph but expect the tuning and gear ratios to be slightly different than that on the TVS Apache RR 310.

Performance
 The G 310 GS is a bit of an introvert initially. The bike feels sluggish, especially if put through extreme off-road conditions. But as the 313cc, single-cylinder motor scales the rev band and gets comfortable in the mid-range, the G 310 GS is as enthusiastic as it can get. With a smooth throttle response, the bike pulls to 9000rpm and is capable of clocking a top speed of around 138kmph. Now, the major downside to the G 310 GS’s enjoyable engine is the clunky gearbox and its tendency to stall. So expect angry stares and horns blaring behind you when it happens in peak hour traffic. But once you manage to move off, the G 310 GS is a delight in traffic. It is agile and willing to tip in on command, thus negating its intimidating presence.

Verdict
At Rs 3.49 lakh ex-showroom, the BMW G 310 GS is not a cheap motorcycle to buy. But looking at the quality and performance, it will be an entry ticket for those wanting to be part of the highly acclaimed ‘GS’ club. And because no matter how hard I pushed its buttons, it didn’t seem to suffer in the slightest. In that sense, it feels solid and built to take a bit of a bashing in its stride. It also feels like one densely packed unit rather than a motorcycle composed of many small aggregates. So expensive? Yes, but this motorcycle is capable of putting a smile inside of that helmet.