BMW G310GS (2017 - on) Review
Highlights
- Economical, entry-level GS model
- Reasonably priced compared with most rivals
- Loads of kit as standard and huge options list
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £250 |
| Power: | 34 bhp |
| Seat height: | Medium (32.9 in / 835 mm) |
| Weight: | Low (373 lbs / 169 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe 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.
There’s no word yet on price or availability so check back on MCN for more information as we get it.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineAround 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
Next up: ReliabilityBMW’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
Next up: ValueThe 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.
You can check out BMW G310GS owners' reviews on the MCN site, and the overall score of 4 stars out of 5 reflects the fact that 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
Next up: EquipmentAt £5320 the all-new baby GS is good value for money and an inexpensive step into the BMW family, £550 more expensive than the BMW G310R.
The baby GS was launched at the same time as the Suzuki V-Strom 250 and Kawasaki Versys-X 300, and since then we’ve seen models like the KTM 390 Adventure and Honda CB500X (which won MCN's sub-500cc bike of the year award in 2020) join the fray.
If you are a little more serious about tackling some off road adventures, the Honda CRF250L Rally is worth considering or if thrifty simplicity is the name of the game, try the Royal Enfield Himalayan.
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.
Specs |
|
| Engine size | 313cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Single cylinder 4V |
| Frame type | Tubular steel |
| Fuel capacity | 11 litres |
| Seat height | 835mm |
| Bike weight | 169kg |
| Front suspension | 41mm none adjustable |
| Rear suspension | Single adjustable for pre-load only |
| Front brake | 300mm discs, four-piston calipers, ABS |
| Rear brake | 240mm disc, twin piston caliper, ABS |
| Front tyre size | 110/80x19 |
| Rear tyre size | 150/70X17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 85 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £45 |
| Annual service cost | £250 |
| New price | £5,100 |
| Used price | £2,700 - £5,000 |
| Insurance group |
- How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | 2 years |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 34 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 20.7 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 105 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | 205 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
- 2017: Bike launched.
- 2021: BMW G310GS updated.
Other versions
- BMW G310R
Owners' reviews for the BMW G310GS (2017 - on)
4 owners have reviewed their BMW G310GS (2017 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your BMW G310GS (2017 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £250 |
Year: 2018
Annual servicing cost: £250
Capable, comfortable, fun, good looking solid all-rounder, good on tar and dirt roads.
I have done a 1000km day on this bike and it is one of the most comfortable bikes I have owned. Light weight, suspension is soft but the bike loves corners, brakes could be stronger for the road but a good compromise for the dirt. Eats up whatever road it is thrown at. Never the fastest or most composed but will do it with minimal fuss. Okay touring two up also, as long as passenger is light.
Engine is fine for everything except for fast overtakes. Will cruise comfortably on freeway and once engine is run in will happily sit on 130km/h. It is a small single so it can struggle with uphills but drop a gear and give it some revs and it will respond. I have done multiple tour days with much bigger bikes through mountainous roads and the little GS was never far behind. It likes to be revved and doesnt seem to mind a thrashing, it is where it performs best.
Failed alternator and factory brake recall but backed by a 3 year warranty with roadside service. Clutch does make a squeal on fast starts (since new, common issue). General build quality is great (considering the price). Paint a little thin (rear side panels and side stand) in some areas but overall a well built machine. 25,000kms of hard riding, aside from the alternator, no other problem.
10,000 and 20,000 kms services were all in the $200 to $300 AUD range. Bike is frugal on fuel, doesn't use oil, gentle on tyres, chain and brake pads despite it being used harshly.
Switchable ABS is great. Ditch the standard screen and add a higher one, add some lever /hand guard protection and a better bash plate and good to go. The standard rack is great, easy to mount a top box. Seat is very comfortable. Lights are okay for normal use. Standard tyres are perfect for 70/30 road/dirt use.
Buying experience: Dealer purchased, "demo bike", previous year model stock, but never used, so brand new. $6,990 AUD.
Year: 2020
Ideal for what I needed,mild green lanes and Norfolk back roads
Comfortable position, very spacious compliant suspension,nice
Will plod along but quite manic at high revs
Well built quality feel
Easy home servicing
Every thing you need and more,mpg,temp,etc
Buying experience: Bought from dealer Oxford BMW not a great experience, wouldn't recommend
Year: 2019
With a bit more grunt it would be even better
Version: G310GS
Year: 2018
This is review of the G310GS. This bike is seriously good fun and reminds me of riding the old Honda CB250RS. An engaging bike that likes to be revved. Some cost cutting evident but the overall build quality is very good. A tall riding position with comfortable peg position to allow extended legs. Lightweight bike that is easy to manoeuvre and good fun through bends.
Ride seems a little soft at times but not unduly so. Very comfortable seat and good tall riding position. Wide bars and upright position mean that miles can be eaten without stopping on motorways or back roads. The rear brake could be sharper
The bike power band kicks in at about 6000 revs. It will rev to 10000. It is surprisingly perky and seems to enjoy being ridden enthusiastically. 70mph cruising met at 7000 revs. I have read complaints of vibrations but I believe some vibration is to be expected. Don’t forget this is a single cylinder machine. Nevertheless, this bike is seriously good fun to ride. Involving and responsive to say the very least. I love it and do not miss owning any of the bigger/faster bikes I owned in the past.
There has been a BMW brake recall for improved brake callipers that prevent corrosion. Early models suffered from a frame defect causing the side stand to collapse.
80 to 83mpg. Regular chain lube and engine services. There is little else needing attention as this is a simple bike. I bought a three year BMW service pack for 500. The bike has a 3 year unlimited mileage warranty.
It’s fairly basic in terms of equipment. I added a Givi higher screen, Barkbuster hand guards and Oxford heated grips. (BMW do not offer heated grips as an option). The rear rack is good for adding a Hepco Becker box that takes a helmet. The rear brake pedal is too small and the side stand (no main stand) foot is small. I bought extension plates for both from Nippy Norman..
Buying experience: BMW Dealer. Good experience.
