BMW G310GS (2017 - on) Review

Overall rating

The BMW G310GS is economical, easy to ride and allows you to step onto the BMW ladder and join the GS family for just over £5000. It looks the part and is an impressive commuter that can even take on some light off-road. It sits alongside the more road-focused BMW G310R.

A new and exciting range of small adventure bikes emerged from some of the biggest-hitting manufacturers towards the end of the 2010s. This new breed of bike was designed to be good at everything at sensible prices, and that’s exactly what the BMW G310GS delivers.

However, more experienced riders contemplating downsizing within the GS range will discover it’s a significant step down; in power, handling and specification.

We will be testing BMW's new G310GS tomorrow. Looks neat and only £5100. What do you think? pic.twitter.com/0IScv6RA6h

— Motorcycle News (@MCNnews) September 19, 2017

BMW G310GS updated for 2021

BMW have announced an updated version of the G310GS, their small-capacity member of the world-conquering GS family. First launched in 2016, the baby GS now gets a number of tweaks to keep it up to date.

Firstly, the G310GS’s 313cc liquid-cooled engine is now Euro5 compliant and still produces an A2-friendly 33.5bhp - now controlled by a ride-by-wire throttle.

The clutch has been upgraded to a ‘self-boosting anti-hopping’ unit to reduce aggressive engine braking and lighten the lever (which is now adjustable, too).

Up front, a new LED headlight is brighter than before and BMW say a new connector does away with vibrations affecting the beam. This is joined by new LED indicators.

The baby GS has also undergone a modest facelift to match the bigger models. As well as the base white version, you can also now get the G310GS in Rallye colours with red and metallic blue elements, and in a "40 years GS" black and yellow. All three now have grey engine covers.

The price, of course, has also increased to £5435. That's before any optional extras are added. 

Ride quality & brakes

Around town the small, 168kg BMW G310GS is easy to manage and manoeuvre, has a roomy riding position, user-friendly controls and is ideal for new riders.

There’s nothing to intimidate or confuse you as the clutch is light, the gearbox is positive, and the ABS assisted radial brakes are efficient without being abrupt. But overall the handling is on the soft side.

The BMW’s limitations are caused mainly by the bike’s overly soft, long-travel suspension. Fine around town, but the non-adjustable KYB forks dive quicker than a scared Ostridge when you attack a hairpin bend, while the feeling from the 19-inch front Metzeler Tourance is no better than vague. Both front and rear suspension lack the control you’d hope for and leave the sporting rider slightly frustrated.

The tall riding position gives the GS a useful road presence, and although the screen is minimal it performs far better than its size suggests. The bars are wide, and if it wasn’t for the comparatively small tank (11 litres) and annoying vibrations it wouldn’t be a bad entry-level tourer.

Engine

BMW’s all-new G310GS has much in common with the excellent G310R. Both share the same reverse single-cylinder engine.

Initially the BMW feels punchy. The 313cc has some decent low-down kick. Although BMW quote 33.5bhp it feels fruitier than that. If you want to make real progress, keep the digital rev counter above 6000rpm and don’t be afraid to push all the way to the redline at 10,000. The Beemer is capable of cruising at 80mph, just, but as the revs rise so do the vibrations.

Reliability & build quality

The G310GS is built alongside the G310R in India by BMW’s partner, TVS, with the majority of parts sourced or produced in the subcontinent too. There is no doubting the build quality but some things like the non adjustability of the wide-span brake and clutch levers and too-narrow mirrors need addressing. Vibrations are noticable as the speed and revs increase.

The view from the firm seat is basic but pleasing – and at ten paces it oozes an air of quality. Get closer though, and the impression starts to slip.

Our BMW G310GS owners' reviews show readers think it's a great bike, but could benefit from more power and more kit. But it is the cheapest route into GS ownership... 

Value vs rivals

Equipment

The Beemer is certainly eye-catching. The Motorsport paintwork is only £45 extra and the gold inverted fork looks distinctly superior.

There’s ABS as standard, and a decently equipped all-LCD dash, plus myriad official accessories to choose from – including 12-volt power sockets, heated grips, two further seat height options (820mm and 850mm), luggage, a centrestand, plus satnav and smartphone solutions.