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: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Annual servicing cost: £180
Power: 34 bhp
Seat height: Medium (32.9 in / 835 mm)
Weight: Low (373 lbs / 169 kg)

Prices

New £5,435
Used £3,300 - £4,200

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The 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.

BMW G310GS updated for 2021

BMW G310 GS in Rallye colours

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).

BMW G310GS updated for 2021

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: Engine
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Around 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.

Off road on the BMW G310 GS

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: Reliability
4 out of 5 (4/5)

BMW’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.

BMW G310 GS engine

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The 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 BMW G310 GS should be a reliable bike

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: Equipment
5 out of 5 (5/5)

At £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.

BMW G310GS vs Suzuki V-Strom 250 and Kawasaki Versys-X 300

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

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.

BMW G310GS dash

Specs

Engine size 313cc
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

Average fuel consumption 85 mpg
Annual road tax £55
Annual service cost £180
New price £5,435
Used price £3,300 - £4,200
Insurance group -
How much to insure?
Warranty term 2 years

Top speed & performance

Max power 34 bhp
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

Overall rating: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Engine: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Equipment: 3.9 out of 5 (3.9/5)
Annual servicing cost: £180
4 out of 5 Cracking Little Single Cylinder Adventure.
07 October 2024 by JC

Version: G310GS Rallye

Year: 2021

Annual servicing cost: £150

Excellent value for money overall. Looks more premium thats it's humble price tag suggests.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Brakes average. Some dive under front braking. It's not a sports bike and doesn't pretend to be.

Engine 4 out of 5

Gutsy little single cylinder. Vibey but good fun. Manageable power delivery if unexciting.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Not bad overall.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

75+ MPG all day everyday.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Heated Grips were excellent during the winter.

Buying experience: Private. 1 owner with full history. Mint Bike.

4 out of 5 Whats not to like
03 September 2024 by Batty Rat

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.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

seat can give numb bum after over an hour in the saddle.

Engine 4 out of 5

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

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Only issue I have had in 5 years is that doesn't like cold starting.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

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)

Equipment 4 out of 5

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.

4 out of 5 Fun Machine
02 September 2024 by kevberlin

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!

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5

Buying experience: Excellent. Bought a 5 mile bike, pre reg from Bahnstormer with large discount. Excellent service and delivery included.

4 out of 5 Odd failure at only 316 miles on it.
02 September 2024 by George

Year: 2019

Annual servicing cost: £150

Light and nimble. Pro. Rear brake lever too low for proper use. Con.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Jack of all trades bike! Soft suspension but upgraded to Touratech 2” lowering suspension.

Engine 5 out of 5

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.

Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5

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.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Simple easy oil changes.

Equipment 5 out of 5

As OEM, it’s good as is.

5 out of 5
28 May 2024 by Mad mick

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

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

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.

Engine 5 out of 5

The engine does not miss a beat. Pulls away lovely. No jerking, but a lovely seemless ride. Can't fault it.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

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.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5

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.

5 out of 5 Quality little bike
12 April 2024 by Steve B

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.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

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.

Engine 4 out of 5

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.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

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.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

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.

Equipment 4 out of 5

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.

5 out of 5 Tuff little bike.
27 November 2023 by ScotCommuter

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.

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

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.

Engine 4 out of 5

Quite impressed with the engine sitting in motorway traffic holding its own.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

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.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Very cheap for service only at main dealer.

Equipment 3 out of 5

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.

4 out of 5 Small is beautiful
17 October 2023 by Rich Glos

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 quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Ride soaks up all the bumps, but as reported by many others, the front end can drive and the brakes are a little wooden.

Engine 4 out of 5

A fun little thing. Not much torque, so you have to use the gears more. But you can achieve 90mph and easily hit 70+.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

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.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Cheap to run and service, even at BMW. The trip computer will regularly estimate I'll get 200+ miles from the 11 litre tank.

Equipment 4 out of 5

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!

5 out of 5
28 October 2021 by Mick harper

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

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

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

Engine 5 out of 5

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

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Bike is only 5 months old. No issues at present

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

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.

Equipment 5 out of 5

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.

4 out of 5 Fun, capable bike
05 September 2021 by Aussie rider

Year: 2018

Annual servicing cost: £250

Capable, comfortable, fun, good looking solid all-rounder, good on tar and dirt roads.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

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 3 out of 5

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.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

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.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

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.

Equipment 4 out of 5

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.

5 out of 5 Just the job
29 April 2021 by Richard Eastwood

Year: 2020

Ideal for what I needed,mild green lanes and Norfolk back roads

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Comfortable position, very spacious compliant suspension,nice

Engine 4 out of 5

Will plod along but quite manic at high revs

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Well built quality feel

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Easy home servicing

Equipment 4 out of 5

Every thing you need and more,mpg,temp,etc

Buying experience: Bought from dealer Oxford BMW not a great experience, wouldn't recommend

4 out of 5 Good Just a bit more attention would be great
28 May 2020 by Votto

Year: 2019

With a bit more grunt it would be even better

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
4 out of 5 G310GS Fun Machine
05 October 2019 by Kevberlin

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 quality & brakes 4 out of 5

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

Engine 4 out of 5

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.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

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.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

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.

Equipment 3 out of 5

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.

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