BMW G310GS vs Kawasaki Versys X-300: Competition Check

The entry-level adventure bike segment in India is slowly getting more participants. First it was the Royal Enfield Himalayan, followed by the Kawasaki Versys X-300 and now there’s a new name, the BMW G310GS. While the Himalayan is a pretty old bike now, in this story we check how the Versys X-300 stacks up against the recently launched G310GS.

Design

Both the bikes, the Versys X-300 and the G310GS draw inspiration from their bigger siblings. The Versy X-300 is a tall looking motorcycle that has been developed from scratch. It gets the typical Kawasaki styling but resembles the Versys 650 the most. The BMW G310GS is built on the same frame as the G310R but gets additional equipment that makes it an off-roader. The front has been inspired from the R1200GS, the highest selling adventure bike in the world. 

Both the bikes are loaded with long travel front suspension, accessible seat height and plenty of ground clearance. The instrument cluster on both bikes are digital. 

Engine

The BMW G310GS is powered by a 313cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that produces 34bhp of peak power and 27Nm of maximum torque. This motor is mated to a six-speed gearbox that transfers power to the rear wheel. The Versys X-300 on the other hand, gets a 300cc parallel-twin engine which produces 38bhp at 11,000rpm and 27Nm at 10,000rpm. This engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox which has slipper and assist function. 

Cycle parts

The suspension duties on the Versys X-300 is taken care of by 41mm telescopic forks at the front and monoshock with preload adjust at the rear. The BMW G310GS gets 41mm upside-down forks at the front and monoshock with preload adjust at the rear. Braking power for the BMW comes from 300mm disc at the front and 240mm disc at the rear, whereas for the Kawasaki, the braking duties are taken care of by 290mm disc and 220mm disc at the front and rear respectively. ABS is standard on both bikes.