BMW

The responsibility of loading the GS symbol

When we interpret the GS symbol, we immediately associate large and heavy bikes with the capacity to face jungles and deserts and capable of providing unforgettable adventures around the world. The GS symbol is also obviously associated with the BMW brand and the quality and technological sophistication that the brand has always accustomed us in its models, whether four or two wheels.
GS is indeed a symbol that carries with it an enormous brand heritage related to a remarkable history, both in competition and leisure, and that certainly from a marketing point of view it will make sense for a brand to exploit its full recognition potential.



That said, and in fact recognizing the importance that the GS had always had for BMW itself, having even saved the mark of its disappearance in the world of the two wheels, it was then in the early 80's that BMW Motorrad struggled desperately to survive the the Japanese brand's relentless assault, it is with some critical curiosity that we see BMW's new low-power Dual Sport carry the responsibility of so many years of brand investment and move forward in a new emerging and promising market segment, does not identify directly with the image created by its predecessors of great displacement.





Controlled qualityThe fact that the new BMW G310 GS is manufactured in India by business partner TVS Motor Company, the third largest Indian motorcycle manufacturer, makes us question whether the final result will be in line with the quality parameters that BMW always got used to us. But in that respect, the brand wanted to ensure that any GS310 coming out of the Indian assembly line looked like it was produced in Bavaria, automating the assembly line and setting strict quality controls throughout it.





Considering all the above, it was not surprising that when we first looked at the BMW G310 GS, we could immediately recognize the quality of its construction and care in its finishes. The plastics are of excellent quality and the general appearance of the bike is identified with the quality that we usually see in the GS of larger displacement. The design definitely follows the family lines and the small GS looks solid thanks also to the good finish of its frame in steel trelissa.
The G310 GS is a comfortable bike with a natural driving position thanks to the good positioning of the footrests and its wide handlebar, the controls are simple but complete, the information panel includes all the necessary functions, indicating the speed, the total and partial kms, the fuel level, the autonomy, the average and immediate consumption, the oil temperature, the hours and the normal flashing and maximum warning lights as well as the connected ABS and a small warning light. the approximate maximum engine speed which is at 11,000 rpm.


City versatility
The only 310cc of displacement and the 35 CV of power of the small GS did not advent great capacity to face long routes and adventures, nor obviously high cruising speeds because its front glass is something low and offers little protection. The 310 GS has therefore its limitations as a "little adventurer". In our view it is a way for BMW to be able to attack a younger market segment and others less young but with A2 letter limitation and to be able to seduce a certain number of drivers, either because of their age or the lack of experience to drive a GS of thus providing sensations that are directly related to the imaginary of the GS and later evolve those same customers to higher cylinder capacity.In practical terms, the GS310 is an easy-to-use bike, versatile because of its low seat height and makes it more comprehensive in terms of the height of its users, comfortable and progressive in delivering the power of its engine, proving "lazy "Up to 6,000 rpm but to awaken his torque and his soul from there and to the redline at 11,000 rpm.The smoothness and ease of driving thanks to a good distribution of masses and its weight of only 169 kg is only disturbed by some vibration above 5,000 rpm. 
approximately 34Cv at 9,500rpm and its maximum torque is 28Nm at 7,500 rpm which makes the engine extremely smooth, unusual in a single cylinder.


Suspensions and brakes


The unique 300mm disc placed on the front wheel and mounting a ByBre clamp (brand of the own Brembo manufactured in India) fixed radially with four plungers seemed to us at the limit of the necessary efficiency, and ABS is something sensitive and interventional which is why we decided to turn it off during our test. However on rainy days and to circulate on floors of lesser adhesion will certainly be an extra security element for less experienced drivers.
The 41mm reversed front suspension has no tuning and the rear shock only has pre-set tuning. Both are somewhat mild, perhaps accusing my 90 kg, especially the rear that forced the setting of greater pressure in the spring.


Final equipment and conclusions

The version that was given to us by BMW Motorrad Portugal was a 30-liter Top-case that made it possible to put an open helmet inside, although it is an option, it is very useful for this type of motorcycle, especially in urban or small trips of weekend. BMW has a long list of accessories that you can also purchase and customize the 310GS according to your taste and type of use.In conclusion, we felt that the challenge we set out to confront the small GS with the enormous brand heritage that stands for the GS symbology was unfair and that ultimately the youngest now born in the GS family might even be a good introductory form of awareness and learning for higher flights in their larger sisters. Because of its size and overall appearance, the 310GS looks like a motorcycle with a larger displacement, generating many comments from those who were approaching and asking if it would not be a 600.

Motor
Type
Four-stroke single-cylinder engine with four valves, liquid cooling, two overhead camshafts and hammers, oil bath crankcase lubrication


Diameter x stroke
80 mm x 62.1 mm
Displacement
313 ccm

Power consumption max.
34 hp (25 kW) at 9,500 rpm (ECE version)
Max.
28 Nm at 7,500 rpm

Compression ratio
10.6: 1

Engine management
Electronic Fuel Injection System, BMS-E2.

Control of the emission of gases
Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU4




Pedro Rocha, Portugal