2017 BMW G310R – First Look

When you’ve just attained your Learners Class 6 license and you’re ready to start looking for your first small capacity bike to learn on, BMW hasn’t generally been a brand to consider. Sure, pretty much all of the major brands have various LAMS approved machines, but if you wanted something different from the status quo you needed to look a little harder… Until now, that is!

 

 

BMW have released their new G310R, a lightweight naked bike with a single cylinder 313cc powerplant, made to run the city gauntlet. The motor has been mounted leaning to the rear of the bike, in an effort to lower the overall centre of gravity and aid handling characteristics. The swingarm mounts low on the frame, and is designed slightly longer than usual to make up wheelbase. Also, the cylinder head has been designed backwards, relative to conventional standards, to allow the exhaust to flow from the rear of the cylinder, bringing mass weight even further toward the middle of the bike.

 

 

The upright seating position allows the rider to look further ahead, with ergonomic handle-bars and footpegs placed to best allow the rider maximum control, to make the bike feel nimble and balanced, and give the rider confidence in their abilities. The large mirrors will allow maximum rearward visibility,  especially useful for negotiating busy city traffic, while not protruding so far as to hinder maneuvering through tight spaces.

 

 

BMW certainly haven’t skimped on the parts either, with 41mm upside-down front forks and a preload adjustable rear shock. The frame is semi-tubular with bolted steel sections, and the swingarm is solid die-cast aluminium. ABS brakes are standard equipment, the norm on every BMW released since 2013, with single disks front and rear. The tires are a popluar sized 110/70 front and 150/60 rear, both wrapped around 17 inch aluminium wheels.  It even has a full digital dash! Colour options are simple – white, blue, or black.

 

 

Admittedly, the G310R does have some pretty good competition in it’s market, but I think it’ll be a more and more common sight on the road. With such a strong emphasis on handling, BMW may just be on to a winner in this little machine. For something a little different to their regular benchmark, BMW have definitely built a solid small capacity bike. New riders, this is worth a look!

 

NZ Release Date – Available NOW!
Price (NZD) – $7,995 (+O.R.C.)
Power – 25KW @ 9400 rpm, 28Nm @ 7500 rpm
Weight – 158.5 kg

 

– Scott

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