BMW G 310 GS Review: The Ideal Compact Adventure Bike

Bringing GS DNA to a lightweight 313cc package, the BMW G 310 GS blends everyday usability, touring potential, and off-road readiness, perfect for beginners and weekend explorers alike.

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The G 310 GS is BMW’s entry-level adventure bike, launched in 2017 to fill a gap in its lineup.  It brings the GS heritage (Gelände/Straße, German for “terrain/street”) down to a commuter-friendly size. On the road the bike looks every bit a GS: tall windscreen, upright bars and a high front fender.

Yet with just a 313 cc single-cylinder engine and a lightweight frame, it’s far easier to live with than its bigger brothers. The little GS wears its pedigree well, no reviewers or passersby (friends or bike nerds alike) had a bad word for its looks.

Design and Features

The G 310 GS shares many styling cues with the big GS bikes.  Its frame is a tubular steel trellis (tube frame) with the fuel tank and seat forming a slim, narrow profile. BMW even used its M‑Bike color scheme (e.g. red frame with Rallye Blue panels) to add flair. For 2021+ models BMW introduced new paint schemes (Plain White/black, Rallye Blue/red and a special black/yellow “40 Years GS” edition).

The engine is canted slightly rearward and the intake is inverted (airbox at the front) to let the tank and seat meet low, making the bike feel smaller under you. At the back there’s an integrated luggage rack (with handles) that can carry a top-box or straps for adventure gear.

Cockpit and controls are simple but effective. The instrument cluster is an all-digital LCD that displays speed, revs, gear position, fuel and two-trip meters. You scroll through the odometer, range and settings with a single button.

The headlights (now full LED on 2021+ models) put out a bright beam. On the left handlebar you get switchable high/low-beam and a flash-to-pass button; on the right is the usual kill switch and electric starter.  Even the clutch and brake levers are adjustable now, so you can set them to fit your hands.

Engine and Performance

• Engine: 313 cc water‑cooled single, four-valve DOHC (double overhead cam)
  
• Power: 33.5 hp (25 kW) at 9,300–9,500 rpm; torque 28 Nm at 7,500 rpm
  
• Transmission: 6‑speed manual, chain drive, slipper (anti-hopping) clutch (2021+ models)
  
• Top Speed: Around 140+ km/h (approx.)

Despite its small size, the G 310 GS packs some high-tech features. It meets Euro 5 standards (with no loss of output) and even uses ride-by-wire throttle for smooth power delivery. Peak output is about 34 hp (25 kW) and roughly 30 Nm of torque. That means it won’t dart past 140 km/h (under load, around 130 km/h is realistic), but you do get a strong midrange pull.  

The single-cylinder design gives plenty of grunt down low, and it pulls smoothly up into the 9–10k rpm range (although you’ll feel a fair bit of vibration near redline).  Shifting is snappy and the gearbox is very slick, helped by the standard slipper clutch on newer models (which prevents rear-wheel hop on aggressive downshifts).

Chassis, Suspension and Brakes

The chassis is designed for versatility. A 41 mm inverted fork up front (180 mm travel) is paired with a preload-adjustable rear monoshock (also 180 mm travel). The wheelbase is 1,420 mm, slightly longer than the roadster G310R thanks to a longer swingarm. Both front and rear wheels get disc brakes (300 mm front, 240 mm rear, though spec sheets just say “disc front/rear”) with single-channel ABS fitted as standard.  

The G 310 GS rolls on a 19‑inch front rim and 17‑inch rear (fitting adventure-style 110/80 R19 front and 150/70 R17 rear tires), giving a good compromise for light off-road use. Unlike full-size GS models, the G310GS does not come with spoked wheels, it keeps alloy wheels to save weight.

The result is a nimble, very stable-feeling chassis. The 169.5 kg wet weight (about 11 kg heavier than the G310R it’s based on) is still very light by adventure-bike standards. The long-travel suspension soaks up road bumps well, but it also allows a little venture onto gravel roads or forest trails – just keep in mind it’s not built for hardcore off-roading.  

On pavement the bike tracks confidently. There’s a broad, upright riding posture and a high, wide handlebar that give excellent leverage and visibility. One trade-off is the seat height: it’s 835 mm off the ground (about 5 cm taller than the G310R’s seat). That sounds tall, but the narrow tank/seat junction makes it easier for riders to plant feet when stopped.

Riding Comfort and Daily Use

In practice the G 310 GS is very approachable, especially for newer riders or those migrating from smaller bikes. The slim frame and light curb weight make it easy to flick around town or through corners. The seating position is relaxed and offers a good view of traffic (the high bar is inviting and the seat is fairly broad).  

However, the engine’s modest power is plenty for city commuting and steady highway cruising – it comfortably holds 90–100 km/h and has reserve to push beyond when needed. The suspension and seat combo is tuned more for travel than sport, so the ride is firm but not harsh; small riders might find the seat padding a bit stiff on long rides. Vibration from the single-cylinder is noticeable at very high rpm, but in normal riding you’ll rarely need to rev it to the redline.

Overall the G310 GS feels stable yet lively. The narrow footrests and tank let most riders grip the bike easily (even though the seating is high). The light weight means you can load it up with touring gear without feeling overwhelmed. As one reviewer put it, this mini-GS faithfully reproduces the big GS personality, you get all the sharp lines and adventurous stance, just on a smaller scale.

Conclusion: Who Is It For?

The BMW G 310 GS isn’t meant to replace the big adventure bikes, there’s simply not the power or fuel range for that. Instead, it offers a convincing BMW GS experience at a friendly size and price.  It’s ideal for beginners or commuters who want adventure bike styling and ruggedness, as well as for city riders who occasionally take the scenic route. 

With its lightweight, manageable power and tall-trail geometry, it’s very confidence-inspiring. Add in genuine BMW quality, a smooth gearbox, full-LED lights and modern electronics (ABS, slipper clutch, digital dash), and you’ve got a bike that “punches above its class.”

In short, the G 310 GS is a sleeper hit in BMW’s lineup. It may be the smallest GS, but it wears the GS badge with pride and purpose. For anyone looking to enter the adventure-touring world without the girth (or cost) of a 1000cc bike, this baby GS is well worth a test ride.