BMW G 310 GS -Test Ride & Review 

Most under rated channel! You are the best! #1

Thanks for your honest, thorough review. After riding dirt bikes for most of my life, I finally bought my first street motorcycle at the ripe old age of 55! I considered a lot of different motorcycles in the "adventure bike" class, and was steered towards the BMW G 310 GS for a couple reasons. Firstly, I don't plan on using the bike for any long tours. I figure the most I will ride the bike as far as distance is concerned, would be for me to ride from my home in Boston, Massachusetts up to Maine and New Hampshire to go on some of the State Forest roads, and dirt roads that exist up there. I ordered my 310gs with saddlebags because I figure it would be nice to have for when I want to stay over at a campground, or hotel or whatever. Secondly, I am only 5' 9" tall, and weight 185 lbs. For me the bike seems to fit me like a glove. Maybe in the future I will consider some upgrades such as spoked wheels and more dirt oriented tires, but for now the stock tires work well enough for short stints off road. I understand fully well that this motorcycle is built in India. But after doing research I learned that it is built in a state-of-the-art factory, with BMW Factory technicians and supervisors there in-house to make sure the bikes are built to BMWs high standard of quality. For me, I think the quality is excellent. I paid just under $6,000 for the bike, including a BMW hard shell back bag, tank bag, and aftermarket soft sided saddlebags. Personally, I think I got a screaming good deal on an excellent motorcycle. If I were to want an adventure bike for truly long distance travel, I would have bought the GS 750. Again, thank you for the excellent review! I am a big fan of your Channel. Rob

Good review. Here in Mexico the bike was introduced last November 2017. Looks are very nice, yet being a 310 cc the price is high for the local market. You can get here a brand new DR650 for around US $200 more, or a multipurpose Honda XRE 300 (made in Brazil) a bit less equipped, same motor torque, for about US$1,200 less. On the other hand, I had a Tenere xt660z for 4 years, and replaced it by the Honda xre 300. For Off road its far more fun and safe the Honda than the tenere, as it's around 60 kgs lighter. So, my personal opinion is... You need a city commuter and off road bike? Get a small cc multipurpose. Want a long on road router? Get a powerful touring or adventure bike. You cannot have all in a single bike.

I saw the bike at BMW Welt in Munich and also at BMW Zentrum Berlin. As I didn't have a Euro license, I couldn't get a test ride. But just sitting on the bike and revving the engine convinced me that this was perfect for me. I booked the bike yesterday. Now eagerly awaiting the delivery.

Great and honest review. I bought the G310GS exactly for the purpose you describe it and find it great value for money: to ride in London and the occasional trip around the Surrey Hills. It does 80 mph (130kmh) no problem but I don't do it for more than 20 minutes. I added an aftermarket extension to the wind screen - not optimal but an improvement. This works for me perfectly as I am not as tall and not (anymore) as heavy as you are. I have not tried it with luggage other than a sportsbag yet. For my long road trips I ride a Harley Davidson Softail Heritage anyway.

Enjoying smaller displacement/weight motorcycles,I have been curious about this bike. Thank you for the excellent review my friend! :-)

I freaking love your channel. No bullshit, no endless blabbering; just pure usable content.

Excellent. You call it just as you see it, which makes your advice worth listening to.

Actually I have been looking at this bike for myself but your review served to point out some reservations that I had myself. Highway power, windscreen and suspension were the three things that worried me and though I had hoped your review would set these concerns aside, you only confirmed what I had thought. The review, in my opinion, was honest and right on the money. Thanks for putting together such great videos and for being neutral in your evaluations of these machines.

It's a good bike to commute with and perhaps good for a weekend break somewhere outside town but I wouldn't go for long distance travel with it. I spent a long time looking for a good bike in this category and I finally went for the Honda CB500X which is in the same price range. In my opinion, it is fantastic value for money and can cope well even 2-up with luggage. It comes with a good stock screen(If you are very tall you might need a bigger one) and it is very agile /manoeuvrable. Overall I really cannot complain and i would recommend this bike to anyone who is looking for a good adventure bike. The stock model is 90% street but there are so many aftermarket accessories too, once you have the stock model the options are really unlimited and you can customize it any way you want.

Thank you for this great review! I always appreciate your point of view on these things. Ironically, however, it was only after watching your ride to Mongolia (traveling at relatively moderate speeds and revs most of the time) and then watching the Rally Raid enhanced version of the 310gs that I decided to try one out. I have had many many motorcycles and felt as if I was going backwards to buy this inexpensive (almost toyish) machine after what I have and have had in my garage ... but after almost 1000 miles, I have to say, this motorcycle is much more pleasant that I was expecting. Personally, I was surprised at the size of it in person, compared to the pics, but then again, I am not a tall guy. So here are a few things came to mind while watching: Compared to any other GS BMW, it is not really possible at this price. It is nearly half the price of the 700GS, so using a tank fairing bolt that is not flush with the plastic (and something you never see while riding) is only to be expected, in fairness. Sure BMW could and should have done better, but honestly, they are cheap and easy to replace. I am shorter and lighter than you, and with a few pre-load clicks, I found the suspension to be quite nice for just about anything except advanced off road, in which, you would need spoke wheels and proper rubber. I added a taller clear windscreen (had laying around from another bike and it fit!) and it feels nice at highway speeds for my sitting height. As for highway speeds, one thing to keep in mind is piston speed. Compared to your 660 (stroke 3.31 inches max rpm 7500) at 5000 rpms your piston speed is 2758.3 feet per minute while the 310GS (stroke 2.4 max rpm 10800) is 2000 FPM at the same rpms. So still the bigger displacement is going to have the advantage, but the 310GS engine has gained on the bore and stroke ratio, the ability to produce decently slow piston speeds at highway rpms, respectively. Still, it isn't going to be fun at over 75MPH (without a head wind) for a long time, but is surprisingly comfortable once you get used to the sound. Now that I have this, I do not wish to ride my Concours 14 anymore. It is too big and too heavy ... so unless I am on a long distance high speed journey, it is just too much bike for how I like to ride these days. I will probably put and aftermarket pipe soon because the sound of it is not anything to get excited about, but I ride with ear plugs anyway, so I don't know what real difference it will make. I am enjoying it so far ... look forward to your next videos!

Great honest analytical revue thank you. At the start I was seriously considering the 310GS but this report has definitely steered me back to the CB500X having owned several BMW's in the past I would miss the BM quality. Not many U-tube reviews are so candid, it was a very refreshing change.

Very good no BS review, to the point. All aspects and issues addressed.

Really like that you give honest reviews of the good and bad (advantages and disadvantages).

I like this bloke, always gives well considered and honest appraisal. Raises very good point about hight and weight of rider...but still think this is overall a great little bike.

thanks for this review, I was about to buy it - finally a reviewer doesn't seem biased at all

You are fast becoming my favorite reviewer!

Great to have an honest review

I recently have been taken out on my bike at 120kph on an Irish motorway, I’ve always had medium to large capacity bikes. I’m going to give the G310GS a go, I’ve looked at them for some time now and feel after my last off I need a lighter bike for my adventures. I realise that for my trips that are more off road biase I’ll have to mod the Mini GS but that’s only expected. I’ve found an old stock new bike for very little money so what I’ve saved on the price will get me the suspension upgrade and I’ll save for the wire wheel option from rally raid. I when doing long distance rarely go over110kph so I’m happy with the lower power. What does make this bike a good option is it’s MPG, looking at online reviews it can easily get 65-70mpg which is ok with me. All the best Pavlin thanks again for a quality review.

Just want to add my two cents. I have the 310R and weigh in at 118 kg, 260lbs, 5'8". The motor has no problem hauling my lard butt around and if you ride this in the Rev range makes adequate power. The GS tail was too tall for me to keep swinging leg over. My 2004 Strom is actually easier to board. The 310 engine was not intended for US interstates but when you use this email in the tell it was designed it is a pleasure. With the warranty that comes with bike it is worth a look at over the competition.

This was most hilarious but honest review. I loved it. I am a new mc licensed in US, Florida and researching small mcs. That is how I found your review. Thank you for reviewing. I am a small 5 ft 3 inch 135 lb rider so size would be right for me. What country are you in, Germany maybe?

Honest review, liked it, these days it’s hard to find unbiased reviews. Keep‘em coming, stay safe have fun!!

The screw near the tank appear to be snap fits. Perhaps for a tank bag. I've added snaps to screws on my K1600 GTL.

im a GS310 owner (1.80 tall), completely agree with the lack of wind protection and your opinion about the power . it depends of your riding style - i like long trips with around 80-100km/h speed and i would say its perfect for that . the bike is great for long rides and even offroad it works very well . about highways - i was riding 5 hrs on a highway in austria i would say its not bad if you ride behind a truck or van with the speed of 90-100 but the big problem that above 110 the rpm is 7000 and the single cylinder bike starts shaking badly that you cant even see whats going on in the mirror. i would say the quality of this bike hits the other GS models . as an adventure bike another negative is the 11l tank - for me - a slightly bigger one would be much better.

Hi Pavlin, a good review. You are right when you say, that it is not the bike for a worldwide adventure or for the highways. But in every other cases, it seems to be a very usefull handy machine, especially with some modifications. Normally i don´t like the overloaded BMW GS wannabe-adventure- bikes, but this one is nice. I will try to get a used one in couple of years ... Ride safe, Hans

Good honest review...pointing out the goods and the bads. Thank You.

Excellent review. Simple and straightforward. This bike is intended more for the Asian market than the others. And it is perfect for India. I have a Bonneville with a simply terrible suspension and seeing how soft the setup on this bike means that my long distance rides are going to be very comfy indeed. The bike's launch in India is the most eagerly awaited event for us bikes.

Another great review!! I'm going to add rally raid upgrades, and go rtw...perfect for me...

Excellent review! I just bought mine to ease me back into riding. I have a new Tenre...... not exactly the best for someone who hasn’t rode in 9 years. So this is my get used to saddle time again.

Hi Pavlin, big fan of yours and I love all your videos. I got this bike last month (MARCH 2020) and took it for a ride. I did 720 km from Rajkot (Gujarat) to Mumbai in a day non stop, took me 12 hours including breaks, was riding solo with top case and little bag on pillion seat. I am 78 kg and 5'6" tall (or short:-) , I think the bike performed very well on the highway and I didn't feel tired after the trip, infact i was planning to do the trip in 2 days, 350 km each day but it was so easy, i just didn't feel like stopping. Maybe due to ur height and weight, you felt that its not good on the highway but if someone my size is riding, I think it wont be that bad. I am planning a 3000 km ride once the lockdown ends in India, will update after that ride with more details. Thanks. - Hanif Tried to buy your book but had issues with pay pal day before yesterday, will try again today.

see ya next week!!..can't wait

Excellent review. Just keep doing it.

Nice review, thank you!

Thank you for your videos! It would be awesome if you ever did a review on the BMW F650 variants. Do you think the F650GS is a good choice for a beginner?

You tested the best one first. What you missed is how fun it is in the twisties on a mountain road. Also the suspension is adjustable. The fact that the bike has enough torque to pull in higher gears going slow means it will perform well off road. Put some 50/50 tires on it and give it hell in the dirt.

I own this Bike. i live in the United States. I am 6 foot over 200 hundred pounds. I find this bike plenty tall and my weight a non issue. These bikes are sold with different seat heights. Mine is the standard, perhaps his different. At 6 foot tall, I find the riding position to be excellent. My buddy who is 6'2" rides it as well as says he is very comfortable. Do not miss out on this bike because you think "it is not for tall people." That is incorrect in my opinion.

I am so glad that you tried this bike. I understand that it is for the Asian market. I followed MAD TV on you tube and Rally Raid have developed adaptations for off road but it will cost an extra £2,000.00 which is expensive. I guess it is a good bike and one followed me and I couldn't actually hear it at low speed. I am actually heavier than you and 182cm and was interested in a small fun bike but I had to rule this out for me personally.

For a smaller guy or girl this is a great sized bike to do a bit of everything.

Good review of a small bike. Size does make a difference with the small ones.

First I liked this video and than started watching

Hi pavlin nice review 👍 Please make a review of Benelli Trk 502. Thank you.

Thanks for the honest review. I have this bike. ( I also have an old Africa Twin ) . I use it for commuting and it's fun. The big problem is: the Tenere -single cylinder - 650 c class isn't there any more. The successors ( Tenere 700, new Africa Twin ) are too expensive. If you take in to account proximity of dealers, you end up with little options. Get a Himalayan? I think there is one dealer in Belgium.

hello sir- I have learned a lot from watching your videos and. I appreciate you taking the time to do them. I am considering buying this bike to learn on, I have never ridden a bike before and am needing something small and simple to learn on, however I am 6ft 4 and 260 lbs. Ilive in a. very rural area and can ride gravel roads for hundreds of miles without any traffic. I know this bike is not perfect for someone my size but do you consider it a good learners bike?

I'm betting a smaller rear sprocket to improve the crusing speed and a taller windscreen would improve this bike tremendously. Also great for some offroading.

I have to disagree with some of the observations in this video. I live in Southern California, USA....where we have all kinds of terrain...beach...mountains...desert...etc. I've owned a 2018 BMW G 310 GS for a little over a year now. I spent the last 33 yrs riding a 1986 BMW K75C...and really like BMW quality. I've ridden 300 HP superbikes, raced an '86 Ninja 600R, a '72 Kawasaki 750 H2, ridden Harleys and many more. I bought this bike for zipping up and down the Pacific Coast Highway and for occasional off-road treks in the Anza Borrego desert. I am 6ft and 185 lbs and this bike fits me fine! It does not have the power of previous bikes I have ridden, but I didn't buy it for speed. It does everything I want it to do and does it very well! Handling, brakes, balance are all superb. It won't handle off-road like an enduro bike, but it'll do fire roads and hills without any problem. The stock seat is very comfortable for longer rides. It handles the freeways well....but will strain to cruise past 75MPH. Not a long-distance highway cruiser....but that's not the purpose. This is an excellent bike for city riding, local comuting, as well as a fun, off-road play bike! For about $6K (US)...you get a brand new BMW! What's not to like?

For a small person, this seems like a good fit

A real candid review. You make a good point that people travel by bicycle, so this bike can travel if you adjust your expectations. I traveled on a CBR250R '11 for 9500 miles and found it to be enough for most situations. I now have a Ninja 650 '15 and really enjoy it. I think this would make a good second bike. I have seen other videos where reviewers took this bike on dirt roads with a few rocks, etc, and it look like it did well. Again it is all in your expectations. It will never be a 1200. I do think that it is bit overpriced but it does come with a 3 year warranty and hope you won't need it.

Very honest review from an Adventure Trip point of view, excellent! Thank You and I am still waiting for my Baby - Yamaha T7. Come to PaPa T7 :-)

Nice review, I think is the best video of the G310GS. This kind of bikes are made for other markets differents to Europe or North America. You should talk about the performance in trail roads. Greetings from Colombia!

Nice review. Looking forward to test riding this.

Love this channel and love this bike!

You are amazing. Thanks for a wonderful review.

Honest review...thanks..cant wait for your review of crf 250 rally..thanks

Worth a lot more subscribers wonderful reviews.

Good insight into the ability of the little BMW. I get the impression it's more suited to commuting round town. Great channel have been watching your trip to Mongolia with interest. I'm 6 ft and just over 100 kg. I'm only on a CB125F at the moment. Currently undertaking my big bike lessons. Once I pass my test looking at the Kawasaki Versys 300 & 650,Suzuki Vstrom 650 & Honda CB500X as potential likely upgrades to the 125.

Everything youve mentioned about the bike is bag on . Very honest review.

Finally, new "Review" series :) Thanks for your opinion on this bike - i'm not-so-tall rider and consider this motorcycle as an alternative option in the future. Very affordable price also. (in Europe) Do you plan to test Honda cb500x? Please, test it :) Regards Kris

Thanks Pavel, for honest review..Cheers.

Thank you man for this review, I think this bike is perfectly designed for Asian and South American countries, with a lot of traffic jam in their cities and week end's break downs, not for long term touring. Also great for first bike as you said. For those who said... Another BMW marketing trick, well yes in deed, but at least here in México like many other's emergent countries, the BMW's financial plans are way better than Suzuki's, Yamaha's and Kawazaki's. Sometimes is not lack of good taste but money when you're looking forward a brand new bike. If you have or had a xt 660, dr 650, even a f 650 gs, well good for you, keep calm and don't throw hate, this bike isn't addressed for you. Cheers good review, hope you concider a tour in México!!!

Great city bike! Don’t expect more. I bought it for commuting.

This is the kind of review we need ..

Greetings From India. India waiting for this since long.

That's me sorted I am to tall for this bike. Thanks Pavlin.

Please do the Suzuki vstrom 250. You missed that one! So glad you chose to do lightweight tourers, there arent many good reviews out there in this segment.

love your review, nice and honest...

Love the vehicle , looks great.Thanks for the review.

By any chance you will have a review of the 2023/2024 bmw 310 gs?

This Motorcycle is made for Indian Conditions.... I totally agree abt quality but it will do.... my cruising speed on best condition in India on a 225cc is 70km and Avg Speed is 50km. So cruising at 90 will be an upgrade for me... Guru ji, which is better for a guy 5'5" and weight 65kg A Himalayan or BMW GS310 ???

I tested both the 310 and the Versys-X 300 several times. The Versys clearly has the edge (better quality and more powerful twin engine) so I bought one. Good review though. I found finding neutral on the 310 an issue although you learn to work it.

Good video, I like it so much got one. thumbs up subscribed.

Great videos, I keep watching your channel and you always inspire me! Keep it up! I would like to request you to review Royal Enfield Himalayan (if possible), you made a few comments about it on your Expo in Germany, I would love to hear more, so please see if you can get one for a test drive. Would appreciate it a lot!

Great video! I am happy you are trying out smaller bikes. I trust the Versys X or the CB500x are more suited for taller riders. Thank you. I am enjoying your channel!!

Yeah I think you absolutely right someone of smaller statue 165cm/60kg would appreciate this bike more than someone of your size. And women who generally smaller and would have hard time picking 250kg+ full size ADV bike. Looking forward for your Versys-X 300 review, especially complains about seat ;) Don't forget to rev it to redline, that engine thrives and has no prob being kept at 9000 RPM all day long.

I like you man! keep on doing what you doing...

Thank you, very much, for you EXCELLENT, user reviews!!! IMHO: I would even prefer to see this bike available with an equivalent sized turbo-charged diesel engine!!!.... for riding on the highways, then down the back roads, finally down the fire lanes, into the boonies!!!.... AAAaahhhh!!!! "....Serenity NOW!!!!"

Hi ! Nice review, I agree with your points I have another bike, wich is very heavy for urban use so Ibought this one for street use and I am very satisfied for this pourpose. Greetings from Brasil!!

I like the way you review...fair and square. So it worth it to buy?

I'm 6'1 185lbs and had a passenger (100lbs). has plenty of power to do 120km on the highway. its not a power machine tho, its a city rider.. good luck getting a 1200 in between traffic in a major city with busses etc.

Series of light weight adv motorcycles reviews is a hell of an idea. I'm about to buy my first moto and don't want to make a mistake and buy heavy and expensive machine. I think even the new Tenere 700 is more suitable for a guy like you. Not for a newbie. That's why I was thinking about Honda CRf250 Rally and I can't wait for your review.

Do a review on honda crf 250L man.. ....

Thanks for the honest, no bullshit review! This is gonna be an excellent new series! :) That bike is powered by an engine designed and made in India, it has nothing to do with BMW except the badge.

Nice to see you review different bikes,it does look like a bike for the city or the odd trip. As you stated, looks a bit cheap compared to the other BMW bikes.

I may be wrong but I believe the rear carried is BMW's attempt to make the bike look larger. Someone at BMW realized there was too big a gap between the pedal powered kid's GS and the real R1200GS.

Very good review! :-)

Please do it on the Honda NC700x which in my opinion is one of the best available. Not too light but also not too heavy, amazing mpg with good torque, and Honda reliability.

honest review I owned Kawasaki KZ 440, 1982 :-)

Thank you. I think you gave very usable information. .... Have you reviewed BMW's new 850?

Thanks for this. Please review Honda CRF250Rally if you don't mind

Also rode it a few days ago. For what it is, a light weight adventure motorbike, it is the best available on the market. I do agree with your assessment though, and would have considered one if it had 50% more power and torque with a stiffer suspension for my weight. It is remarkably comfortable even for my size though. I think this will be the perfect adventure bike for someone light and shorter, as you've mentioned, that does not intend taking it on a highway and will rather do bad roads frequently. I also think this is a great option for someone who just got their license and is keen on the adventure motorcycle experience and lives either on a farm or in the city.

Hi, great videos and this last piece brings me one question on my mind. Any suggestions which touring motorcycle to take in consideration when i´m 190 cm tall? Don´t need any heavy 1000 ccm and more fantasy bikes but something which I am able to pick up B) Thank you.

Just came to know that the Engine is manufactured by TVS..They use the same engine for TVS Apache 310RR (a street motorcycle)..BMW just shared the chassis and body design..Technically BMW has no involvement in the Engine manufacturing at all..The Engine is manufactured in Hosur, India..

I liked your videos man.. I've seen couple of them yesterday & already fan. Simple, easy to understand , right to the point & very practicle. Appricieate it. I wonder how BWM agreed to sale this bike with such quality in European market.. Details like the bolt you obsered, cheap appearance. Your dealer is right. These bikes are manufactured in India by TVS Motors. As per your experience with the bike, perfect for Indian road with heavy traffic. (I guess that is the reason, you could shift to higher gears at lower speed in city as compared to your bike) Irony is, this bike is not available in India yet.

This video made my day. So funny.

Excellent review, I am planning a trip from Houston to Panamá, and perhaps further south to Perú, but in a similar bike to the BMW G310 GS; which light bike would you recommend, carrying to people and minimal luggage. Look forward to your reply, thanks. Franklin

Thank you for the great review. I think that bike is more for me at 5'9". I've been intimidated by the big adventure bikes because of the seat height and weight, even though I've been riding street bikes all my life (my current bike is a K1100LT - wonderful on the big highways of America but I wouldn't ride it on a dirt road LOL.

I used to have a Yamaha 660 Teneré (the taller non-European version without traction control) before the KTM. It is a very tall bike. I am 1.83 m and could not have both feet flat on the ground. So yes I think somebody of say 1.7 m, 75kg will find something like the Teneré much to tall, could consider this little BMW. Also maybe good bike for women but yes much to small for you :-). Thank for a honest review.

P.S. Looking forward to your future reviews of the beautiful new 750 GS and 850 GS.

Very very helful,sometimes funny,but very I formative ...and lastly very well said..im a pilipino but I understand clearly all the information of ur vlogs..thank u very much.

Short hop commuter rather than long journey/tourer. For most European riders height and weight along with additional luggage its too small and underpowered. BUT,it was not designed as a round the worlder. It is what it is. As Pav says,if push came to shove you could do long journeys on it and maybe even a rtw trip. But let's be honest its design wasn't intended for that sort of use.

I think you nailed it. I like that you compared it to a 50 hp thumper. I've owned one and could relate to the power. These are a lightweight segment? It seems heavy for what it is. I'm in the SWM - AJP space.