BMW G310GS (2017 - on) Review
Highlights
- Economical, entry-level GS model
- Reasonably priced compared with most rivals
- Loads of kit as standard and huge options list
At a glance
Owners' reliability rating: | |
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Annual servicing cost: | £180 |
Power: | 34 bhp |
Seat height: | Medium (32.9 in / 835 mm) |
Weight: | Low (373 lbs / 169 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe BMW G310GS is economical, easy to ride and allows you to step onto the BMW ladder and join the GS family for just over £5000. It looks the part and is an impressive commuter that can even take on some light off-road. It sits alongside the more road-focused BMW G310R.
A new and exciting range of small adventure bikes emerged from some of the biggest-hitting manufacturers towards the end of the 2010s. This new breed of bike was designed to be good at everything at sensible prices, and that’s exactly what the BMW G310GS delivers.
However, more experienced riders contemplating downsizing within the GS range will discover it’s a significant step down; in power, handling and specification.
We will be testing BMW's new G310GS tomorrow. Looks neat and only £5100. What do you think? pic.twitter.com/0IScv6RA6h
— Motorcycle News (@MCNnews) September 19, 2017
BMW G310GS updated for 2021
BMW have announced an updated version of the G310GS, their small-capacity member of the world-conquering GS family. First launched in 2016, the baby GS now gets a number of tweaks to keep it up to date.
Firstly, the G310GS’s 313cc liquid-cooled engine is now Euro5 compliant and still produces an A2-friendly 33.5bhp - now controlled by a ride-by-wire throttle.
The clutch has been upgraded to a ‘self-boosting anti-hopping’ unit to reduce aggressive engine braking and lighten the lever (which is now adjustable, too).
Up front, a new LED headlight is brighter than before and BMW say a new connector does away with vibrations affecting the beam. This is joined by new LED indicators.
The baby GS has also undergone a modest facelift to match the bigger models. As well as the base white version, you can also now get the G310GS in Rallye colours with red and metallic blue elements, and in a "40 years GS" black and yellow. All three now have grey engine covers.
The price, of course, has also increased to £5435. That's before any optional extras are added.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineAround town the small, 168kg BMW G310GS is easy to manage and manoeuvre, has a roomy riding position, user-friendly controls and is ideal for new riders.
There’s nothing to intimidate or confuse you as the clutch is light, the gearbox is positive, and the ABS assisted radial brakes are efficient without being abrupt. But overall the handling is on the soft side.
The BMW’s limitations are caused mainly by the bike’s overly soft, long-travel suspension. Fine around town, but the non-adjustable KYB forks dive quicker than a scared Ostridge when you attack a hairpin bend, while the feeling from the 19-inch front Metzeler Tourance is no better than vague. Both front and rear suspension lack the control you’d hope for and leave the sporting rider slightly frustrated.
The tall riding position gives the GS a useful road presence, and although the screen is minimal it performs far better than its size suggests. The bars are wide, and if it wasn’t for the comparatively small tank (11 litres) and annoying vibrations it wouldn’t be a bad entry-level tourer.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityBMW’s all-new G310GS has much in common with the excellent G310R. Both share the same reverse single-cylinder engine.
Initially the BMW feels punchy. The 313cc has some decent low-down kick. Although BMW quote 33.5bhp it feels fruitier than that. If you want to make real progress, keep the digital rev counter above 6000rpm and don’t be afraid to push all the way to the redline at 10,000. The Beemer is capable of cruising at 80mph, just, but as the revs rise so do the vibrations.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueThe G310GS is built alongside the G310R in India by BMW’s partner, TVS, with the majority of parts sourced or produced in the subcontinent too. There is no doubting the build quality but some things like the non adjustability of the wide-span brake and clutch levers and too-narrow mirrors need addressing. Vibrations are noticable as the speed and revs increase.
The view from the firm seat is basic but pleasing – and at ten paces it oozes an air of quality. Get closer though, and the impression starts to slip.
Our BMW G310GS owners' reviews show readers think it's a great bike, but could benefit from more power and more kit. But it is the cheapest route into GS ownership...
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentAt £5320 when new, the all-new baby GS was good value for money and an inexpensive step into the BMW family, £550 more expensive than the BMW G310R.
The baby GS was launched at the same time as the Suzuki V-Strom 250 and Kawasaki Versys-X 300, and since then we’ve seen models like the KTM 390 Adventure and Honda CB500X (which won MCN's sub-500cc bike of the year award in 2020) join the fray.
If you are a little more serious about tackling some off road adventures, the Honda CRF250L Rally is worth considering or if thrifty simplicity is the name of the game, try the Royal Enfield Himalayan.
The 2021 version saw a price increase to £5435.
Equipment
The Beemer is certainly eye-catching. The Motorsport paintwork is only £45 extra and the gold inverted fork looks distinctly superior.
There’s ABS as standard, and a decently equipped all-LCD dash, plus myriad official accessories to choose from – including 12-volt power sockets, heated grips, two further seat height options (820mm and 850mm), luggage, a centrestand, plus satnav and smartphone solutions.
Specs |
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Engine size | 313cc |
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Engine type | Single cylinder 4V |
Frame type | Tubular steel |
Fuel capacity | 11 litres |
Seat height | 835mm |
Bike weight | 169kg |
Front suspension | 41mm none adjustable |
Rear suspension | Single adjustable for pre-load only |
Front brake | 300mm discs, four-piston calipers, ABS |
Rear brake | 240mm disc, twin piston caliper, ABS |
Front tyre size | 110/80x19 |
Rear tyre size | 150/70X17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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Average fuel consumption | 85 mpg |
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Annual road tax | £55 |
Annual service cost | £180 |
New price | £5,435 |
Used price | £3,300 - £4,000 |
Insurance group |
- How much to insure? |
Warranty term | 2 years |
Top speed & performance |
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Max power | 34 bhp |
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Max torque | 20.7 ft-lb |
Top speed | 105 mph |
1/4 mile acceleration | - |
Tank range | 205 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
- 2017: Bike launched.
- 2021: BMW G310GS updated.
Other versions
- BMW G310R
Owners' reviews for the BMW G310GS (2017 - on)
13 owners have reviewed their BMW G310GS (2017 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your BMW G310GS (2017 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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Overall rating: | |
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Ride quality & brakes: | |
Engine: | |
Reliability & build quality: | |
Value vs rivals: | |
Equipment: | |
Annual servicing cost: | £180 |
Version: G310GS Rallye
Year: 2021
Annual servicing cost: £150
Excellent value for money overall. Looks more premium thats it's humble price tag suggests.
Brakes average. Some dive under front braking. It's not a sports bike and doesn't pretend to be.
Gutsy little single cylinder. Vibey but good fun. Manageable power delivery if unexciting.
Not bad overall.
75+ MPG all day everyday.
Heated Grips were excellent during the winter.
Buying experience: Private. 1 owner with full history. Mint Bike.
Year: 2018
Annual servicing cost: £150
I would recommend, however not if using on major A roads. Overtaking needs to be planned. If you need to take any body work off. You would be amazed how many nuts and bolts of different types are used. Its a lot. Headlight shakes, known issue that BMW don't seem to want to fix. 90mpg - what's not to like.
seat can give numb bum after over an hour in the saddle.
Plan overtakes but will easily rev to limiter. Very light clutch. I have fitted a 17T front cog, makes a big difference for the road
Only issue I have had in 5 years is that doesn't like cold starting.
Most general servicing can be done at home by yourself. If you can remember where all the bodywork nuts and bolts go (make a list)
Has everything I need, without being over the top with gizmos and information that you will never use. Just right in my view except could have done with heated grips as standard.
Buying experience: Bought from dealer, but wasn't a great experience, it felt that because I wasn't buying a all talking dancing space ship of a GS, lets get rid of the little thing.
Year: 2024
This is my second review of the G310gs, as I bought another one this year to replace my old 2018 model. The bike remains not notch. I think the upgrades on my original 2018 model are a discreet but significant improvement………namely better lighting, throttle improvements and slipper clutch. The tendency for the early model to stall is gone as is the wobbly headlight too. My upgrades are the Barkbuster handguards, footbrake and sidestand enlarger plates and BMW fitted heated grips. The speedometer still display needs a shroud to shade it from sunlight so that it remains visible. I did try a raised screen but found that it increased turbulence for the rider and compromised the bikes aesthetics. It remains a great little bike. Fun to ride, economical at 80+ mpg, and easily capable of motorway cruising at 70mph. It still makes me smile too!
Buying experience: Excellent. Bought a 5 mile bike, pre reg from Bahnstormer with large discount. Excellent service and delivery included.
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £150
Light and nimble. Pro. Rear brake lever too low for proper use. Con.
Jack of all trades bike! Soft suspension but upgraded to Touratech 2” lowering suspension.
Runs good for small engine. Revs are HIGH in each gear… 70 mph is almost 7200 rpm. I changed front sprocket up by 1 tooth to help lower rpm.
I say this because with only 316 miles on it, the bike refused to start. After EXPENSIVE troubleshooting, spark plug was defective! No error codes generated and took hours to REACH the spark plug.
Simple easy oil changes.
As OEM, it’s good as is.
Version: 40th Anniversary model.
Year: 2021
Annual servicing cost: £180
Build quality is fantastic. Grips and holds the road so well. I am 6ft 5inch and find the riding position so comfortable. Keeps up with the traffic at all speeds and is frugal. 70mpg. Have recommended to all my friends. The only downside is the fuel tank. 10 litres
Fantastic all round commuting bike. I can keep up with the daily commuter traffic. Only travel to work on dual carriageways. 12 miles each way.
The engine does not miss a beat. Pulls away lovely. No jerking, but a lovely seemless ride. Can't fault it.
Come on its a BMW. They are the Rolls Royce of motorcycles. Had the bike for 3 years. Driven through all 4 seasons. No corrosion and nothing has failed on me.
Being rather tall at 6ft 5. The seat height is perfect as well as the riding position. The fairing keeps the majority of the wind of me. Heated grips and hand guards to me are so important.
Buying experience: Bought the bike from Ocean bmw in plymouth. It was the demonstrator. Had 800 miles 4 months old and saved £700. Only paid £4950.
Version: 2023 Rallye
Year: 2023
Annual servicing cost: £180
Comfortable. Riding for a few hours non stop is no problem. I'm 5'9" and 11st and find the riding position very good. It does everything you need a bike to do in real world riding conditions. Worst feature is probably the brakes which like others have said, feel a little wooden. Some better brake pads would certainly help so no complaints really.
Brakes a little wooden as mentioned already. Can ride for a few hours with no complaints. I'd say this bike is at its best on the smaller A and B roads and country lanes. The soft suspension soaks up bumps perfectly for me.
Its revvy but it works. It can be ridden smoothly and the gear changes are pretty slick. I'm not a rider that revs the nuts off to bursting point and I just ride steady but will happily do 70mph cruising and higher for overtaking. 34hp is ample for a bike weight sub 170kgs especially if you are a smaller rider.
Very well built for the price. Easy to clean and the reverse single cylinder engine is well thought out. No one likes road grime splattering their exhaust so the design eliminates that. It does the commute to the office with no dramas, even on some stretches of fast dual carriageways. Commute to the shops and country lane rides are also what I use the bike for. No issues. Everything works. I wouldn't hesitate to take it touring as the rear luggage grid is useful for a top box or luggage bag/roll bag.
Servicing costs are reasonable. BMW dealers don't give any less than a quality service, even if the bike is a budget bike. No complaints.
Its basic and the one button dash gives you all the information you need. The body kit does push your knees out around the tank a bit but wind protection on the lower half is fine. The low screen height doesn't really offer much wind protection but there are large sized screens available to bolt on if wanted. My favourite feature has to be the overall quality for the price. Its not perfect, or the best at any one thing but it does everything I need it to do.
Buying experience: Excellent buying experience at Williams Manchester. Bike was serviced and ready to go on pick up. Friendly service. Came with data tag included and an alloy sump guard upgrade. Perfect. Paid £3,495 with balance of 3 year warranty included. March 2023 model. Absolute bargain and well worth the train ride cost and few hours ride back home.
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £160
Great bike, couple of accessories and this is a great all year bike. Service costs are low for commuting and great MPG even on 90% motorway. Still enjoy riding this even owning a 1300cc sports bike.
Good all round bike, city use, motorway use, A-roads all ok. Suspension on the soft side, wouldn't recommend for a pillion unless both very light. Suspension and brakes could be better for the price but still an enjoyable ride with no major issues.
Quite impressed with the engine sitting in motorway traffic holding its own.
Has been ridden through a couple of Scottish winters with loads of grit on the roads, stored outside and not been washed as often as it should and nothing major to note on corrosion apart from a couple of cheap bolts and some paint at top engine.
Very cheap for service only at main dealer.
Could be doing with some extra standard accessories such as hand guards and a larger screen.
Buying experience: Got 1 year old FSH 1600 miles in a private sale, paid a lot less than dealer price with all service and recall work complete. Had a gear selector go on the blink but no issues with BMW fixing under warranty. No further issues.
Version: Rallye
Year: 2022
Annual servicing cost: £200
Lightweight and easy to live with. Great to dart around on country lanes or in traffic. Also easy to move around the driveway and in parking spaces. To get moving you need to rev it hard, which is great fun. It can potter around all day or cruise on the motorway. I did 1,300 miles in a week when I explored some of the NC500 in Scotland.
Ride soaks up all the bumps, but as reported by many others, the front end can drive and the brakes are a little wooden.
A fun little thing. Not much torque, so you have to use the gears more. But you can achieve 90mph and easily hit 70+.
When I first bought it secondhand I had electrical problems. And it broke down. After it was returned it broke down again. Both issues were due to two battery faults. Since I bought my own battery and not a BMW version, the bike has been faultless.
Cheap to run and service, even at BMW. The trip computer will regularly estimate I'll get 200+ miles from the 11 litre tank.
A basic bike, but gives everything you need. Decent info from the instruments and great LED front light. Really clear view at night.
Buying experience: Bought from BMW dealer which was great. But warranty didn't cover the battery, which is rubbish. Cost a huge amount to get it from them, rather than £60 off the internet. Also, after battery breakdowns, it was slow to get the bike back for a simple issue!
Year: 2021
A cracking bike, it may be a baby GS but the style, look and build quality is second to none. I am 6ft 5 weigh 16 stone and the bike seat height is perfect. So comfortable. Certainly a head turner especially in the special edition bumble bee colour
Only ride to work as i bought the bike to replace my car. 11 miles each way. Handles really well. Once on the A roads the bike really gets going and comes alive. No vibration through the pegs or mirrors even at motorway speeds
The engine is seamless. Turns over at the touch of a button and the take off is awesome. Never misses a gear and the accelaration is fast
Bike is only 5 months old. No issues at present
Only holds 12 litres. Average 75 mpg. Fuel light comes on when there are three bars left on the gauge. Service book says when there is 1litre left light comes on. Very confusing.
Buying experience: Bought the demonstrator bike with 860 miles on clock from Ocean BmW Plymouth. Paid £4950 21 plate 5 months old. Added a bmw Top box, bmw hand guards and bmw heated grips. 1st service all ready carried out. Oozes quality.
Year: 2018
Annual servicing cost: £250
Capable, comfortable, fun, good looking solid all-rounder, good on tar and dirt roads.
I have done a 1000km day on this bike and it is one of the most comfortable bikes I have owned. Light weight, suspension is soft but the bike loves corners, brakes could be stronger for the road but a good compromise for the dirt. Eats up whatever road it is thrown at. Never the fastest or most composed but will do it with minimal fuss. Okay touring two up also, as long as passenger is light.
Engine is fine for everything except for fast overtakes. Will cruise comfortably on freeway and once engine is run in will happily sit on 130km/h. It is a small single so it can struggle with uphills but drop a gear and give it some revs and it will respond. I have done multiple tour days with much bigger bikes through mountainous roads and the little GS was never far behind. It likes to be revved and doesnt seem to mind a thrashing, it is where it performs best.
Failed alternator and factory brake recall but backed by a 3 year warranty with roadside service. Clutch does make a squeal on fast starts (since new, common issue). General build quality is great (considering the price). Paint a little thin (rear side panels and side stand) in some areas but overall a well built machine. 25,000kms of hard riding, aside from the alternator, no other problem.
10,000 and 20,000 kms services were all in the $200 to $300 AUD range. Bike is frugal on fuel, doesn't use oil, gentle on tyres, chain and brake pads despite it being used harshly.
Switchable ABS is great. Ditch the standard screen and add a higher one, add some lever /hand guard protection and a better bash plate and good to go. The standard rack is great, easy to mount a top box. Seat is very comfortable. Lights are okay for normal use. Standard tyres are perfect for 70/30 road/dirt use.
Buying experience: Dealer purchased, "demo bike", previous year model stock, but never used, so brand new. $6,990 AUD.
Year: 2020
Ideal for what I needed,mild green lanes and Norfolk back roads
Comfortable position, very spacious compliant suspension,nice
Will plod along but quite manic at high revs
Well built quality feel
Easy home servicing
Every thing you need and more,mpg,temp,etc
Buying experience: Bought from dealer Oxford BMW not a great experience, wouldn't recommend
Year: 2019
With a bit more grunt it would be even better
Version: G310GS
Year: 2018
This is review of the G310GS. This bike is seriously good fun and reminds me of riding the old Honda CB250RS. An engaging bike that likes to be revved. Some cost cutting evident but the overall build quality is very good. A tall riding position with comfortable peg position to allow extended legs. Lightweight bike that is easy to manoeuvre and good fun through bends.
Ride seems a little soft at times but not unduly so. Very comfortable seat and good tall riding position. Wide bars and upright position mean that miles can be eaten without stopping on motorways or back roads. The rear brake could be sharper
The bike power band kicks in at about 6000 revs. It will rev to 10000. It is surprisingly perky and seems to enjoy being ridden enthusiastically. 70mph cruising met at 7000 revs. I have read complaints of vibrations but I believe some vibration is to be expected. Don’t forget this is a single cylinder machine. Nevertheless, this bike is seriously good fun to ride. Involving and responsive to say the very least. I love it and do not miss owning any of the bigger/faster bikes I owned in the past.
There has been a BMW brake recall for improved brake callipers that prevent corrosion. Early models suffered from a frame defect causing the side stand to collapse.
80 to 83mpg. Regular chain lube and engine services. There is little else needing attention as this is a simple bike. I bought a three year BMW service pack for 500. The bike has a 3 year unlimited mileage warranty.
It’s fairly basic in terms of equipment. I added a Givi higher screen, Barkbuster hand guards and Oxford heated grips. (BMW do not offer heated grips as an option). The rear rack is good for adding a Hepco Becker box that takes a helmet. The rear brake pedal is too small and the side stand (no main stand) foot is small. I bought extension plates for both from Nippy Norman..
Buying experience: BMW Dealer. Good experience.