BMW Motorrad India is likely to launch the BMW G 310 GS and the G 310 R in India on 18 July. Ahead of their launch, let’s take a look at how the G 310 GS levels up against the Royal Enfield Himalayan and the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 in a detailed spec comparison.
The BMW G 310 GS features long-travel suspension, dual-purpose tires and switchable ABS. The entry-level Indian adventure touring segment comprises of the Royal Enfield Himalayan and the Kawasaki Versys-X 300. While the Himalayan is accessible, it isn’t refined and has some teething issues. The Versys-X 300 is competent and offers decent kit but exorbitantly priced. In comes the BMW G 310 GS, which not only provides advanced engineering but is likely to be accessible as compared to the Versys-X 300.
| Specifications | BMW G 310 GS | Royal Enfield Himalayan | Kawasaki Versys-X 300 |
| Engine | 313 cc, single-cylinder, DOHC, liquid cooled with fuel injection | 411 cc, single-cylinder, SOHC, oil cooled with fuel injection | 296 cc parallel twin with liquid cooling and fuel injection |
| Maximum Power | 33.5 bhp at 9,500 rpm | 24.5 bhp at 6,500 rpm | 38.7 bhp at 11,500 rpm |
| Peak Torque | 28 Nm at 7,500 rpm | 32 Nm at 4,500 rpm | 25.7 Nm at 10,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-Speed | 5-Speed | 6-Speed |
| Front Suspension | 41 mm USD Forks, 180 mm travel | 41 mm Telescopic Forks, 200 mm travel | 41 mm Telescopic Forks |
| Rear Suspension | Mono-shock, 180 mm travel | Mono-shock with linkage, 180 mm travel | Bottom-Link Uni-Trak |
| Front Brake | 300 mm disc with ABS | 300 mm disc, No ABS | 290 mm petal disc with ABS |
| Rear Brake | 240 mm disc with ABS | 240 mm disc, No ABS | 220 mm petal disc with ABS |
| Front Tyre Size | 110/80 R 19 | 90/90 R 21 | 100/90 R19M/C 57S |
| Rear Tyre Size | 150/70 R 17 | 120/90 R 17 | 130/80 R17M/C 65S |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 11 litres | 15 litres | 17 litres |
| Kerb Weight | 169.5 kg | 182 kg | 184 kg |
| Seat Height | 835 mm | 800 mm | 815 mm |
| Price | INR 3 lakh (expected ex-showroom) | 1.68 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) | 4.69 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) |
The BMW G 310 GS will feature dual-purpose Metzeler tires, USD forks up front and rear mono-shock and switchable ABS. The Versys-X 300 and Himalayan both get telescopic front forks and a linkage-type mono-shock at the rear. The Versys-X 300 also features auxiliary lights as standard. While the BMW gets alloy wheels, the other two receive wire-spoke wheels.
The BMW G 310 GS uses a 313 cc, single-cylinder, reverse inclined engine making 33.5 bhp of power and 28 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 6-speed transmission. The Royal Enfield Himalayan employs a 411 cc, single-cylinder, SOHC, engine with fuel injection that pumps out 24.5 bhp of power and 32 Nm of torque, mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 uses the same 296 cc, parallel twin engine that powered the Ninja 300. This motor develops 38.7 bhp of power and 25.7 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a slip and assist clutch. The Versys-X 300 has a fuel tank capacity of 17 litres. In comparison, the Himalayan’s tank is 15 litres while the G 310 GS has a tank capacity of 11 litres.
Also Read: BMW G 310 R & G 310 GS for India - 5 things to know
The Royal Enfield Himalayan, at a price of INR 1.68 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), is the most affordable ADV in the market. The Kawasaki Versys-X 300, being a CKD import, is priced at INR 4.69 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Prices of both bikes are poles apart. That is precisely where the BMW G 310 R will fit, which is likely to cost INR 3 lakh (ex-showroom).
