2018 BMW G 310 GS. Photos by Kevin Wing.
Editor’s note: This Quick Read is part of our Mini-ADV Comparison Test Review of the Kawasaki Versys-X 300, BMW G 310 GS and Royal Enfield Himalayan.
The wild card of our trio (read the Mini ADV comparo with the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 and Royal Enfield Himalayan here) is perhaps the one you?d least expect, the Indian-built BMW G 310 GS. Its biggest brother is known for on-road prowess and an uncanny balance off-road despite its bulk, but the littlest GS has an attitude all its own.
Read our in-depth First Ride Review of the 2018 BMW G 310 GS here.
Big plastic rack with multiple tie-down points is wide enough to hold a duffel sideways. Side racks are not yet an option from BMW.
While it has plenty of space for luggage, it?s clear the emphasis is on sporty, nimble and quick, more of a playbike than a true ADV tourer?witness the 2.9-gallon gas tank and short wind deflector. It?s surprisingly capable both on-road and off, its 313cc single spooling up slowly; you won?t spend your whole time shifting. Cylinder is rotated 180 degrees and canted backwards, shifting weight down and forward for quicker steering.
Off-road, the wide, low handlebar, 377-pound wet weight, 26.7-degree rake and compact 55.9-inch wheelbase contribute to a mountain bike-like feeling of control, but the downside is an inability to stand up without bending forward; our solution was to rise up off the seat just enough to get our weight on the pegs.
Powerful 4-piston...