Achtung G-men

After a painfully long wait, BMW’s entry-level G Series – the G 310 R and G 310 GS – are finally here. So, do they live up to the hype?

- Arup Das

 

It was during the 2015 EICMA Milan motorcycle show that the BMW G 310 R first appeared. So, the anticipation surrounding the launch of this most affordable BMW motorcycle at the 2016 Delhi Auto Expo was both natural and expected. But, as they say, everything in its own time…

It was a full two years until the bike would finally be unveiled in India. You see, BMW’s focus was elsewhere – they first wanted to set up exclusive BMW Motorrad dealerships and a service network in the country. The move was logical, smart even, but when anticipation is fuelled by passion, logic and reason have little value. So, naturally we were disappointed, but thankfully BMW was soon back making headlines, as they unveiled their most compact adventure bike ever – the G 310 GS.

Then, before the close of 2017, it was time for TVS – BMW’s Indian partner – to take us by surprise when they announced the launch of the Apache RR 310, which is powered by the same BMW 313cc engine. And now, roughly six months later, BMW has boldly decided to enter the sub-400cc segment – a segment that no other premium two-wheeler manufacturer has entered before – with the launch of the G 310 R and G 310 GS. But that’s not all! What’s more surprising is that BMW has priced the G 310 R at `2.99 lakh and the G 310 GS at `3.49 lakh (ex-showroom).

Being made-in-India products, manufactured by TVS at their Hosur plant, are these two sub-400cc bikes true blue BMW products? We ride them to find out.

Two of a kind

The idea behind introducing an entry-level adventure tourer and a naked street bike is to ensure that daily commuters and new riders get an opportunity to enjoy small, yet powerful, lightweight motorcycles that are not only affordable but also aesthetically pleasing.