Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/783081
2018 BMW G 310 R FIRST TEST P94 wheelbase of 54.09-inches, gives the 310 a nimble manner, that—when combined with the light weight—makes directional changes extremely easy and second-nature. Though the little single is a bit sluggish right off the bottom of the throttle turn, it gets up to revs quickly and pulls itself along respectfully. The pow- erband is relatively broad for a small engine, with the sweet spot being between 7000 and 9000 rpm, with a redline of 10,500 rpm. But the rider doesn't need to chase the instruments to find the performance, it arrives quite organically, with the aural note easily deciphered as to what the rpms are doing and when shifts are needed. Throttle response is clean and smooth, and the bike— unlike a lot of singles—scoots long with fairly minimal vibration. On the other end of the canyons was Los Angeles' famous grid- lock traffic. Whether freeway or side streets, the nimble 310 eas- ily weaves through the morass, its small size and weight being easy on the rider in terms of effort with minimal fatigue. Speaking of instruments, the G 310 R has a small, but highly efficient cluster that sits atop the wedged headlight cowl. The high- ly visible crystal display is com- prised of a tachometer, speedom- eter, gear select, total miles, trip, engine temperature, fuel level, range, average fuel consumption and speed, and a clock. A pastime of engineers and designers seems to be outdo- ing one another with elaborate descriptors of available colors. BMW is no exception. The new G 310 R will be available in Cosmic Black/Polar White non-metallic, Strato Blue metallic, and the stunning Pearl White metallic. It is the G 310 R's flexibility, the ability to perform well over various disciplines that makes it such a fun and versatile machine, cater- ing to newbies and experienced riders alike. For the absolute beginner it's a motorcycle that will forgive mistakes, yet allow plenty of room to grow with the rider as experience is gained. For the more experienced rider seeking functional, workhorse transporta- tion with excellent fuel economy, the 310 fits the bill quite well, leaving room for the occasional detour into the mountains and back roads for weekend fun. Actually, what the 310 provides despite the situation is a smile- inducing fun factor. BMW is on a bit of roll as of late, introducing a wide range of choices and dipping into new territory. The release of the nineT brought an entirely new customer into BMW dealerships; young people. With the G 310 R they are certain to see yet another demographic unfamiliar to BMW showrooms; beginners. BMW's ubiquitous reputation as a reli- able machine will only add to a first-time buyer's confidence. But what's most surprising of all is the price. Customers will be able to roll a new G 310 R out the door for just under $5000. CN 2017 BMW G 310 R ENGINE TYPE: ....Liquid-cooled, 4-valve, DOHC, single-cylinder DISPLACEMENT: ............................ 313cc BORE/STROKE: .................... 80 x 62mm COMPRESSION RATIO: ...................10.6:1 ENGINE CONTROL: .....................BMS-E2 TRANSMISSION: ....... 6-speed, constant mesh CLUTCH: ........................ Wet, multi-plate DRIVE CHAIN: ......................O-ring chain FRAME: Tubular steel, bolt-on subframe FRONT SUSPENSION: .....41mm, Kayaba telescopic fork, 5.5 inches travel REAR SUSPENSION: ... Kayaba cantilever monoshock, 5.1 inches travel RAKE: ............................................... 25.1° TRAIL: .......................................... 4.03 in. WHEELBASE: ................................ 54.1 in. FRONT BRAKE: ........300mm single disc REAR BRAKE: .......... 240mm single disc ABS: .......................BMW Motorrad ABS WHEELS: ...........5-spoke, allow die-cast FRONT TIRE: .................... 110/70R 17 in. REAR TIRE: ..................... 150/60R 17 in. SEAT HEIGHT: ............................. 30.9 in. CLAIMED WEIGHT: ..................... 349 lbs. FUEL CAPACITY: ..........................2.5 gal. MSRP: ........................................... $4750 S P E C I F I C A T I O N S