It’s not entirely an off-road motorcycle, but BMW’s G310 GS is the kind of ride that can easily survive short romps through less-than-ideal roads. No, it’s not the bike you buy if you’re planning to run on a motocross track, but for road riding with occasional forays into more adventurous trails, this thing should do the trick.
Billed as a true around-the-world bike, it’s built to tolerate any kind of fuel, as well as pass emissions standards in any market. And, yes, the off-road leaning design is part of that, too, since it should allow the ride to handle all the potholes, unfinished roads, and messy trails the world over.
The BMW G310 GS is powered by a single-cylinder 313cc engine that puts out 34 horsepower and 21 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed transmission sends power to the rear wheel, while its long-travel suspension, significant ground clearance, and skid plate should ensure it handles rough roads and mild trails with nothing more than a shrug. It puts the rider in an upright sitting position, ensuring you can ride comfortably for extended periods, with compact proportions that should make it ideal for city use.
Features include an upside-down fork with a long swingarm for ride stability, precise steering response, high-performance brakes with two-channel ABS, a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, a 41mm upside-down fork, shocks with 7.1 inches of travel, and a large LCD instrument panel. It comes in black, red, and white.
No pricing or availability dates have been announced for the BMW G310 GS.