The made-in-India G 310 R is the ideal Beemer to get into the revered world of BMW Motorrad. As the company’s most-affordable motorcycle, the G 310 R offers learners and first-time motorcycle buyers a fuss-free and entertaining little roadster that’s more than perfect for all occasions.

Updated for 2022, the G 310 R now gives more bang for your buck and there are new colors on offer. The competition includes potent rivals like the KTM 390 Duke, Honda CB300R, and more, but then, none of the rivals can give you the same bragging rights of owning a BMW.

The G 310 R Is A 313cc Little Wonder

The G 310 R is the company’s first modern sub-500cc motorcycle. Made in collaboration with India’s TVS Motor, the G 310 R was the first product of this partnership, and it went on sale in global markets in 2018. While designed and developed by BMW, the manufacturing of the G 310 R takes place at TVS’ facility in Chennai, India. Since its market launch, BMW has sold over 100,000 units of the G 310 series motorcycles (including the G 310 GS ADV) across 120 countries. Not to add, the G 310 range has helped push BMW achieve its best-ever sales year in 2021.

Powering the 2022 G 310 R is a liquid-cooled 313cc single-cylinder DOHC engine that’s virtually unchanged since the inception of the motorcycle. However, in 2020, the powertrain received some crucial updates. The motorcycle got equipped with a ride-by-wire throttle, and it also complied with stricter Euro 5 norms. Despite meeting the latest European pollution regulations, there was no loss in power or torque as the motorcycle continues to develop 34 hp at 9,500 rpm along with 20.6 lb-ft of torque at 7,500 rpm. For transmission duties, it's paired with a six-speed gearbox, while the bike also gets an assist-and-slipper clutch.

Tipping the scales at 362 pounds, expect the G 310 R to offer performance on all sorts of roads. BMW claims a top speed of 88 mph, which should be decent for motorways. Since it’s a single-cylinder engine, don’t expect it to be as smooth or refined as twin-cylinder rivals from Japan.

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Frame, Suspension, And Brakes

The G 310 R features a tubular space/trellis frame along with a cast aluminum double swingarm. At the front, the bike gets a non-adjustable 41mm inverted fork with 5.5 inches of travel and a pre-load adjustable rear-mono shock with 5.2 inches of travel. In case, you want a more absorbent suspension setup, there’s always the ADV derivative that’s the G 310 GS. However, the G 310 R will be more agile in the city or around twisty roads, thanks to its sharper steering geometry (Rake: 25.1 degrees; Trail: 4.5 inches). The wheelbase of the G 310 R stands at 54.3 inches. With a seat height of 30.9 inches, the G 310 R will be easily accessible for short riders. The fuel tank can hold 2.9 gallons of gas.

Dual-channel ABS is standard. The front-wheel gets a single 300mm disc with a radially-mounted 4-piston caliper, while a 240mm disc with a floating single-piston caliper does the job at the rear. At the front, the motorcycle gets a 110/70-17 tire, while at the rear it’s a 150/60-17. The wheels are cast aluminum.

With its size and dimensions, the G 310 R is the motorcycle that makes perfect sense for urban commutes, while it'll also turn out to be a fun tool for corner carving.

Since it doesn't have a lot of power, new buyers or learners will find the G 310 R to be hugely forgiving and easy to live with and ride every day. For outright thrills, though, it may not be the best motorcycle in this category. So, if you're a boy race, maybe a KTM will make more sense to you. But if you like riding at a relaxed pace, the BMW should do just fine without being boring or dull.

Features And Equipment

For 2022, the G 310 R doesn’t get a lot of updates. Changes include new color options and that’s about it. That said, this little roadster is still quite a looker. Standard equipment includes full LED lighting, adjustable clutch and brake levers, and a fully-digital LCD instrument cluster. Optional extras include stuff such as heated grips, lowered or raised seat height, top-box luggage, navigation system, 12V power socket, and more.

Remember, the G 310 R is a bare basic roadster, so you don’t get electronics such as traction control, riding modes, or anything fancy.

Related: 10 Things Every Motorcycle Enthusiast Should Know About The 2022 BMW S 1000 R

2022 BMW G 310 R Costs

Starting at a base price of $5,490 (including $495 destination fee) for Cosmic Black 2 color, the G 310 R is a premium proposition. Choosing more colorful Style Passion or Sport Style shades will cost you another $250.

BMW offers 3 years or 36,000 miles warranty with the G 310 R in the U.S. market.