2017 BMW G 310 R
FIRST RIDE
P86
with the S 1000 RR (whose cylinder head design
the G 310 R largely copies), the Magneti Marelli
engine management system, and the two-channel
ABS fitted as standard that's supplied by Continen-
tal, who are also responsible for the very compre-
hensive LCD dash (including gear select!).
Finally, as with any BMW, there's a range of ac-
cessories for the G 310 R, which includes a top box,
center stand, LED indicators, a 12v socket and, of
course, heated grips. There are also optional lower
29.9-inch or higher 32.1-inch variants to the relatively
low stock seat height of 30.9 inches. All options
must be installed by the dealer—the bikes are all in
identical spec when shipped from India.
The 310 is available in three colors: blue, black
and BMW's trademark pearlescent Motorsport
hue, which costs a little extra.
T I M E T O R I D E
The invitation to join a select group of 30 journalists
at BMW's home city of Munich for an advance ride
on the company's Indian-made future bike deliv-
ered much more than just an hour or two of running
around the streets of the city, with a brief venture
out into the surrounding countryside. Instead, the
140-mile route took us south of Munich into the
foothills of the Bavarian Alps, and comprised a
broad range of riding conditions, including a brief
spell of freeway travel when the homologated top
speed of 89 mph showed up on the BMW's digital
Conti dash, with the tach just nudging the five-digit
segment as the small shifter light started flashing.
Yet at that engine speed, and all others, the 313cc
single motor felt completely unstressed, and more
to the point, totally vibe-free. The single counterbal-
ancer does its job to perfection.
Just seeing the G 310 R awaiting
me in the courtyard of BMW's original
1922 factory that's been redeveloped
THE BMW FEELS PLANTED IN A STRAIGHT
LINE. IT GIVES NO IMPRESSION OF BEING A
SCHITZY LIGHTWEIGHT PACKAGE.
The 310 isn't the
cheapest bike in its
class, but it's not
far off the mark.
Luckily, a new rider
won't be in a hurry
to upgrade with the
310—it's that good.
