2018 BMW G 310 R
FIRST TEST
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Bavarian manufacturer has
confirmed that the company's
first true entry-level machine will
be coming to America in 2017.
And here it is. BMW recently
launched the G 310 R—the official
2018 version—for the first time
on U.S. soil and we were there
to see how it performed in the
hills and city streets of Southern
California.
The 2017 BMW G 310 R is an
all-new, ground-up motorcycle for
the Bavarian manufacturer, effec-
tively the company's first entry-
level machine. The 310 counters
BMW's longstanding reputation
for building high-end, somewhat
exclusive motorcycles intended
solely for experienced and seri-
ous riders. Another first is that the
310 will be manufactured entirely
in India by the TVS Motor Com-
pany, under a strict managerial
contingent out of Munich to en-
sure BMW's reputation for quality
build and reliability. Right off I will
say that the G 310 R packs a lot
more punch and performance
than the numbers may suggest.
Though intended for a new rider
to confidently stride and turn their
first wheel on, in the right hands
the bike is capable of delivering
some spirited riding.
The G 310 R evolved out
of BMW's research that sug-
gested emerging economies
and expanding populations
would create demand for smaller
displacement (under 500cc)
urban mobility. At the same time,
designers inherently understood
that despite being a function-
based motorcycle, styling would
factor in significantly. This is
BMW didn't skimp when it
comes to instrumentation.
Hardly looks like an entry-
level motorcycle.
