BMW G310 GS vs Kawasaki Versys X-300: Spec Comparison

Scheduled to be launched in India on 18 July, the BMW G310 GS will face competition from the Kawasaki Versys X-300. While we haven’t ridden either bike yet, we tell you how the bikes stack up against each other on paper.

Design

The Kawasaki Versys X-300 unlike its bigger siblings sports a very minimalistic design. However, the sharp creases and edgy tank extensions add to its rugged character. The BMW G310 GS gets a sculpted tank and sharp tank shrouds along with a beak-like structure meant to imitate the high-mudguard on motocross bikes. 

Both bikes get a luggage rack at the rear as standard to add to their touring capabilities. Nevertheless, the X-300 sports a tall windscreen and rides on spoke wheels unlike the G310 GS which gets a small fly screen and alloy wheels. The sump guard on the G310 GS offers better protection for the engine while the X-300’s unit leaves the twin pipes exposed. 

Engine 

The BMW G310 GS is powered by a 313cc, single-cylinder engine that produces 34bhp and 28Nm of torque. The Kawasaki Versys X-300 benefits from an extra cylinder. The 296cc parallel-twin motor produces 38.5bhp and 27Nm of torque. Both the bike’s engines are mated to a six-speed transmission and final chain drive, however the Versys X-300 gets an assist and slipper clutch. 

Technology

The G310 GS and Versys X-300 are equipped with dual-channel ABS as standard. The Kawasaki’s instrument display is a semi-analogue unit with a small orange-backlit LCD screen that shows gear indicator, speed, odometer and clock. The BMW uses a blue-backlit, full LCD cluster that displays all basic information along with the gear indicator and clock. 

Cycle Parts

Both bikes ride on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels. However, while the Versys X-300 gets spoke wheels for added off-road capability, the G310 GS sports alloy wheels. Suspension duties on the Versys X-300 are taken care of by 41mm telescopic forks with 130mm of travel up front and a preload rear monoshock.

The G310 GS gets 41mm inverted forks with a longer, 180mm travel along with a rear monoshock that is preload adjustable. Stopping power for the Versys X-300 comes from a 290mm single disc in the front and a 220mm disc at the rear. The BMW G310 GS uses bigger braking hardware with a 300mm disc for the front and a 240mm disc at the back.

The G310 GS is equipped with a 11-litre fuel tank. However, the Kawasaki Versys X-300's 17-litre unit makes it more suitable for touring.

Pricing

BMW has not yet revealed pricing for the G310 GS but we can expect it to retail around Rs 3.7 lakhs when launched. Kawasaki has priced the Versys X-300 at an exorbitant Rs 4.6 lakhs, nearly a lakh rupees over the expected price of the G310 GS.