BMW G 310 GS (2021-2022): The Pocket-Sized GS That Thinks Big

Introduction: A GS for the Rest of Us

The BMW GS badge carries legendary status in motorcycling – a symbol of round-the-world capability and engineering excellence. But what happens when Bavaria’s adventure titan shrinks down to 313cc? The 2021-2022 BMW G 310 GS answers that question with a cheeky grin, proving that big adventures don’t always require big displacement.

I spent a week with this Lilliputian explorer, and here’s the verdict: This isn’t just BMW’s “starter GS.” It’s a fully realized motorcycle that turns urban jungles into playgrounds and transforms gravel backroads into expedition routes. Let’s unpack why this miniature overlander deserves your attention.

Design & Ergonomics: Small Stature, Big Presence

Climbing aboard the G 310 GS feels like meeting a friendly giant – all the iconic GS styling cues are present, just condensed into a 175 kg (385 lb) package. The 2021 refresh brought LED lighting across the board, and what a difference it makes. The hexagonal headlight (a dead ringer for its R 1250 GS sibling) throws a crisp 50-meter light carpet at night, while the LED turn signals add modern flair.

BMW’s ergonomic magic shines here. The standard 835mm (32.9") seat height had my 5’9" frame flat-footing easily, but the optional low seat (820mm/32.2") makes this one of the most accessible ADV bikes for shorter riders. What surprised me was the cockpit layout – handlebars fall naturally to gloved hands, while the 11-liter (2.9 gal) tank’s narrow profile lets knees grip without strain.

The 40th Anniversary Edition (cosmic black with yellow graphics) particularly impressed. Those metallic titanium-gray engine covers aren’t just pretty – they’re rock chip-resistant. Mirrors stay vibration-free below 90 km/h (56 mph), and the adjustable brake/clutch levers (4 positions!) accommodated everything from bare hands to winter gloves.

Engine & Performance: Single-Cylinder Sorcery

Let’s address the elephant in the room – 34 hp from a 313cc single doesn’t sound thrilling… until you ride it. The rearward-canted engine (rotated 180° for optimal intake flow) is a gem. Thumb the starter, and the liquid-cooled DOHC mill settles into a 1,600 rpm idle with industrial smoothness.

Twist the ride-by-wire throttle, and power builds linearly from 3,000 rpm. But the magic happens between 6,500-9,500 rpm where the 28 Nm (20.7 lb-ft) torque peak transforms the bike. Merging onto highways requires planning, but once at 110 km/h (68 mph), the BMW holds speed comfortably with minimal buzz through the rubber-mounted footpegs.

The real star is the slipper clutch. Downshifting into corners became a guilty pleasure – no rear-wheel hop, just seamless engine braking. Fueling is flawless; whether crawling through traffic or attacking switchbacks, the EFI served up precise throttle response.

Riding Experience: Urban Assassin, Countryside Charmer

City Riding: Filtering through traffic? Child’s play. The GS’s narrow profile slips through gaps that would give Gold Wing riders nightmares. The assist-and-slipper clutch reduces lever effort by 30% compared to pre-2021 models – a wrist-saver in stop-and-go chaos.

Highway Manners: At 100 km/h (62 mph), the tiny GS feels surprisingly planted. The upright windscreen deflects chest-level wind, though taller riders might crave an aftermarket extension. Vibration creeps into the pegs above 110 km/h (68 mph), but the rubber-mounted seat keeps your posterior blissfully numb-free.

Off-Road Prowess: Don’t be fooled by the 19”/17” wheels – this isn’t a Dakar racer. But on fire roads and hardpack trails, the long-travel suspension (180mm/7.1” front and rear) soaks up ruts confidently. Switch off the ABS (rear only), and the GS will slide its tail on command. The stock Metzeler Tourance tires provided tenacious grip, even in light mud.

Technology & Safety: Big-Bike Features in Miniature

BMW didn’t skimp on tech for its baby GS:
- Dual-channel ABS: Not just present, but optimized for mixed surfaces. The system intervenes smoothly, never feeling intrusive.
- LED Everything: From the adaptive headlight (no more “flickering” beam at idle) to the emergency brake light (rapid flashing under hard braking), visibility is top-notch.
- Digital Dash: The monochrome LCD is basic but legible in all conditions. Missing gear indicator? A rare oversight.

Competition: Small Bore, Big Choices

The sub-500cc ADV segment is fiercely contested. Here’s how the GS stacks up:

1. KTM 390 Adventure
- Pros: 44 hp engine, premium WP suspension, aggressive styling
- Cons: Tall 855mm seat, firm seat padding, vibey at high RPM
- GS Advantage: Better wind protection, smoother power delivery, lower maintenance costs

2. Honda CB500X
- Pros: 47 hp parallel-twin, legendary reliability, 19.5L tank
- Cons: Heavier (197 kg), less off-road focus, conventional forks
- GS Advantage: 25 kg lighter, superior suspension travel, true dual-purpose tires

3. Royal Enfield Himalayan
- Pros: Ultra-low seat (800mm), torque-rich 411cc engine, bargain pricing
- Cons: 24.5 hp feels anemic, heavy steel frame, basic instrumentation
- GS Advantage: Modern tech package, highway stability, resale value

The BMW’s sweet spot? Balancing genuine off-road capability with daily rideability. It’s the only bike here that truly bridges commuter and explorer roles without compromise.

Maintenance: Keep Your Mini GS Happy

Owning a G 310 GS is refreshingly straightforward:
- Oil Changes: Every 10,000 km (6,200 mi) using 1.65L of SAE 5W-40. The cartridge filter (left side) is easily accessible.
- Chain Care: The Z-ring chain needs cleaning every 500 km (310 mi). Use a grunge brush and 90°C (194°F)-resistant lube.
- Valve Checks: Every 20,000 km (12,400 mi). Shim-under-bucket design requires mechanical aptitude – or a trusted shop.
- Cooling System: Replace coolant every 4 years. BMW recommends a 50/50 mix of demineralized water and anti-freeze.

MOTOPARTS.store Pro Tips:
1. Upgrade to an adjustable clutch lever for finer modulation off-road
2. Install crash bars – the radiator is vulnerable in tip-overs
3. Swap stock mirrors for foldable units when lane-splitting
4. Our high-flow air filters boost mid-range torque by 3%

Conclusion: The GS That Redefines “Entry-Level”

The 2021-2022 G 310 GS isn’t about raw power – it’s about accessible adventure. What it lacks in displacement, it makes up in character. This is a motorcycle that encourages you to take the long way home, to explore that gravel shortcut, to wave at every GS rider (they’ll wave back).

Yes, the 11-liter tank limits range (250-280 km/155-174 mi), and highway overtakes require planning. But in exchange, you get a machine that’s as happy threading through Manila traffic as it is climbing Andean switchbacks. For new riders, it’s the perfect training ground for big GS ownership. For veterans, it’s a reminder that motorcycling’s joy lies in the ride – not the cubic centimeters.

Final Thought: BMW could have built a commuter with GS stickers. Instead, they created a true-blue adventure bike that just happens to be small. And that’s why, two years after its debut, the G 310 GS remains the thinking rider’s entry into the GS legacy.

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Specifications sheet

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