While BMW were busy unveiling their latest new models at the huge Intermot motorcycle show in Cologne, Germany – our spy snapper was chasing their test riders on German roads to capture a bike the bavarian didn’t want us to see just yet: the new BMW G310 GS.
While there’s no official confirmation that this bike even exists, the boss of BMW Motorrad, Stephan Schaller, has told RealRiders that more G310 models are on the way, and this funky BMW G310 GS variant looks absolutely production-ready. All the signs point to this new model being released at the Milan show in early November.
So what can we see?
Rumours had already been circulating for some time about the new BMW G310 GS – as well as a half-faired model – but these images leave absolutely no doubt about its arrival, the GS moniker clearly emblazoned on the tank. Even without the assistance of undisguised decals, it’s abundantly clear that this new variant sits slightly higher than the S1000R-styled G310R, wears the distinctive ‘beak’ that has come to define the GS style, has a more upswept exhaust, and also sports a set of Metzeler Tourance dual-purpose tyres.
While this bike will be built in India by BMW’s partner, TVS, the new BMW G310 GS will have been completely designed and engineered by BMW in Germany, before being readied for production at TVS – where the G310R is also built.
At the heart of the bike is the same fuel injected 313cc, liquid-cooled DOHC 4V single-cylinder engine, which is reversed in the frame (the cylinder head turned by 180 degrees allowing the inlet tract to be positioned at the front of the motor, the exhaust at the rear). We don’t expect the new BMW G310 GS to be in A different state of tune, so should still deliver a claimed 34bhp at 9500 RPM, and 20.6 ftlb of torque at 7500 RPM.
While it’s likely to be heavier than the R model, we wouldn’t expect it to tip the scales at more than 162kg (to the R’s 158.5kg).
Hold it Together
The tubular steel frame appears completely unchanged, while the footrest hangers are now painted black rather than silver. The cast aluminium swingarm also appears to be identical to the R model. The seat unit wears newly-designed, longer, bodywork which extends down to beneath the rider’s seat, while the seat itself bears no obvious changes.
All the test bikes spied are wearing topboxes, which we don’t expect to be a standard feature on the new BMW G310 GS, although the integrated luggage rack/grab-handle assembly looks likely to be stock fit. A centrestand is fitted to half the test bikes, but the other half only carry a sidestand, suggesting that even if it’s not standard fit, a centrestand will be a factory option.
Ahead of the rider’s seat is a completely redesigned tank and frontal bodywork – including that beak – all mimicking the bigger GS models. The dash appears identical to the R’s, but mounted higher, and more vertically.
Keep Rolling
The suspension looks identical to the G310R, though there may be linkage or set up changes to lift the new BMW G310 GS slightly in comparison to its roadster sibling. That means a 41mm inverted fork up front, and a directly mounted and adjustable rear monoshock.
Hanging off both are a set of identically styled wheels to those fitted to the R. That might disappoint those who want the more authentically off-road style that only laced rims can deliver – but don’t forget that the R1200GS comes on cast wheels, too. The Metzeler Tourance tyres fitted are a 150/70/17 rear and 110/80 R19 front, compared to the R’s 150/60/17 rear and 110/70/17 front, therefore also accounting for some of the GS’s taller stance.
Load Me Up !
There is sure to be a mass of accompanying accessories available to take the new BMW G310 GS even deeper into the R1200’s style territory. Luggage, seat options, that centrestand, LED indicators, 12v charging sockets and heated grips are all no-brainers, not least because they’re available for the R model, too.
Based on these test mules we can expect the new BMW G310 GS to arrive inat least grey/black and red/silver colour combos, and our sources suggest it’s likely to arrive in dealers in late Spring 2017.Labels: BMW, News Info
