When it comes to the 500cc class, BMW Motorrad isn’t just introducing a new motorcycle, they’re opening up a completely new category: the first GS in the 500cc bracket. A genuine adventure bike. Not a motocross in disguise or a sports machine, but a worthy descendent sharing the same hallmarks of the GS 1200 we have grown to appreciate over recent decades. A true GS: complete with characteristic design, sturdy appearance, dependability and drivability both on and off the pavement. Overland Journal was offered the opportunity to test the 310 GS for two days over a stretch of 500 km from Barcelona to Andorra, and back again. On highways, byways, and trails.
First on the agenda was the hand-over in Barcelona. BMW Motorrad expert Alexander gave me a seat from the accessories catalogue for people taller than 1.80 m. This effectively raises the seat height to 855 mm compared to the stock saddle at 835 mm and the variant for shorter legs at 815 mm. Those three alternatives should cover most physiques. I strapped a 49 litre luggage roll, just large enough for a weekend trip, to the standard rack which is usefully designed and provides plenty of options to tie stuff down. Finally, I’m given a green light to leave the hotel…only to find myself in one of the city’s infamous traffic jams. The GS makes light work of weaving through gaps between the cars; well balanced, agile, light clutch, and a surprisingly good riding position. Accelerating away from the toll booths along the Spanish highway, I’m up amongst the quickest with swift and precise gear changes—leaving most cars well behind. Thanks to the functional wind shield, riding long stretches of the highway at 130 kmh is relaxed and my helmet is kept out of the buffeting airstream.
On to the byways and into GS terrain: curves and more curves. As I head north toward Andorra it becomes quite apparent the small GS is possessed by two opposing spirits: One wafts you on hikes along narrow, even unpaved roads; the second coaxes you to flick through mountainous serpentines. However, you can easily ride this bike at 40 kmh in fifth gear without the slightest complaint from the engine, no chain whipping or juddering. Select sixth at 60 kmh and you swim effortlessly with the rest of the traffic.
When you hit 6,000 RPM, the engine’s character changes and the sportier side of the GS 310 is unleashed. The DOHC motor spins eagerly up to 10,000 RPM when a shifter light reprimands you to notch it up a cog (yes, the GS has inherited a white shifter flash from the 1000RR). Directing the bike into the mountains, its wide bars leave the rider to enjoy the scenery and revel in the machine. With a turning circle of 4.5 m, U-turns on a narrow mountain road present no problem, and weighing in at just 170 kg with a full tank of fuel keeps everything very manageable. The mountain roads leading to Andorra tend to send endorphins roaring through most motorcyclists’ veins and the 11 litre tank offering a 300 km range should be just about right. The easy to read LCD display on my bike quotes an average fuel consumption of 3.9 litres per hundred kilometres—mind you, just like my colleagues, we’ve been pushing things to the limit most of the time. Easing off into cruise mode will see those numbers fall. On the other hand, this bike is a lot of fun on small roads…and quick to eat up the miles.
After lunch, Liane, BMW’s PR spokeswoman, asked to take my pillion for a while. Seat off, hook wrench retrieved from the well-sorted toolkit, and the rear shock is set for two-up riding without any further ado or dirty hands. Liane is surprised at the seat’s length and comfort. Me too. I had envisaged myself straddling the tank for the next stage. Even my luggage roll doesn’t intrude on comfort, acting more as a support for Liane to lean against.
Scratch…scrape…ok, with two people, weekend luggage and some enthusiastic riding, the footpegs are going to ground out at some point—and if you push things just a bit further you can hear the side stand too. Sure enough, Liane decided she wanted to do some riding on her own. I wonder why.
Waking up the following morning, the thermometer struggled to get above a cool 4°C. BMW wouldn’t be BMW if they hadn’t included heated grips in the list of available accessories. Thank you, thank you!
We quickly descend from 2,500 m into the rambling Pyrenees hills toward Olot. As a self-declared 2-fingers-on-the-front-brake rider, the pressure point is a bit on the high side for me. On the other hand, beginners won’t run the risk of being caught out by an overly aggressive front anchor. Hardcore riders can even switch off the excellent ABS on the fly, if they really want to. The suspension initially struck me as being slightly on the soft side. As it turns out, the setup proved to be very well balanced, offering comfort on second-grade country roads and stability on the highways or swift chases along the byways.
The G 310 GS is an international bike with components sourced from renowned manufacturers across the globe. Shock and forks from Kayaba—made in China. Tyres from Metzeler—made in Brasil. Brakes from Brembo—made in India. The engine is a state of the art, DOHC, rocker arm, 4-valve unit—manufactured in stringent clean-room facilities—in India. Similar to other major players in the technological industry, market leaders are manufacturing everywhere with cellphones coming from China, biker attire from Thailand or Pakistan, and boots from Romania.
In my opinion, the G 310 GS is an ideal bike for beginners; for people who want to ride something light and reliable; for people who aren’t 1.90 m tall. The GS makes light work of allowing you to enjoy the journey. This is motorcycle hiking at its best, regardless of whether you choose to ride down second class country roads or up loose trails to a mountain shack.
I’d certainly recommend seasoned riders to take the 310 GS out for a test ride along your favourite home stretch. It’s like the old times—thrilling to let the engine howl just as we did 30 years ago on the Kawa GPZ 305, Honda CB 450, and Yamaha RD 250. But, you can’t just twist the grip and zoom into your friend ahead of you. No, you need to find your rhythm—let the momentum carry you into the curve, hold off on the brakes and…smile.
The G 310 GS is a fun ride and has rightfully earned the “GS” title.
This article was originally published in the 2017 Winter issue of Overland Journal Europe.
Photography courtesy of BMW Motorrad.
