The sub-500cc motorcycle market just got a bit more crowded, with the recent announcement of the BMW G 310 R. The one-cylinder, liquid-cooled roadster embodies what you'd expect from the German marque, with a silhouette that mimics the acclaimed S 1000 R and performance numbers that fall right in line with the competition.
Not having any models to raid from, BMW Motorrad started from scratch with the G 310 R and came up with what it claims is a bike designed specifically for the world market ... meaning anyone at any level burning just about any kind of fuel will be able to ride this bike.
The centerpiece is, of course, the engine, and the first thing that sets the newly developed power plant apart is the backward-tilted cylinder. This made it possible to position the intake facing directly at the front of the bike to aid in airflow and to stretch out the swing arm.
With four valves and two overhead camshafts, the 313 cc engine produces a claimed output of 34 hp (25 kW) at 9,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 21 ft lb (28 Nm) at 7,500 rpm. That's similar to the 32 hp of the KTM 390 Duke, the bike that will probably be considered the closest competitor to the G 310 R.
Top speed is a claimed 90 mph (145 km/h) and fuel capacity is 2.9 gallons (11 liters). Again, right in line with the competition.
BMW put that new engine in a rigid tubular steel frame attached to a long aluminum swing arm to ensure a high degree of stability and responsiveness. Inverted forks sit up front and a spring strut in the rear. Stopping power is provided by 2-channel ABS with a single 300-millimeter disc brake and 4-piston fixed caliper on the 3.0 x 17-inch front wheel and a 2-piston floating caliper on a 240-millimeter disc brake on the 4.0 x 17-inch back wheel.
Seat height is 31 inches (785 mm), but BMW is offering optional seats that can lower that to 30 inches (760 mm) or raise it to 31.5 inches (800 mm) for taller riders. At a dry weight of 349 lb (158.5 kg) the G 310 R is right in line with other bikes in this class.
BMW has partnered with the TVS Group in India to build the G 310 R, with expected availability globally by the middle of 2016. Price has not yet been established.
Earlier this fall, BMW teased the motorcycle community with the Concept G 310 stunt bike introduced at South America's biggest motorcycle show, the Salao Duas Rodas in Sao Paolo, Brazil.
Check out this video to see the G 310 R in action.
Source: BMW Motorrad
