BMW G 310 GS vs. Royal Enfield Himalayan vs. Kawasaki Versys-X 300 - Spec comparo

BMW Motorrad India is likely to launch the BMW G 310 GS and the G 310 R in India on 18 July. Ahead of their launch, let’s take a look at how the G 310 GS levels up against the Royal Enfield Himalayan and the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 in a detailed spec comparison.

bmw-g310-gs-adventure-motorcycle

The BMW G 310 GS features long-travel suspension, dual-purpose tires and switchable ABS. The entry-level Indian adventure touring segment comprises of the Royal Enfield Himalayan and the Kawasaki Versys-X 300. While the Himalayan is accessible, it isn’t refined and has some teething issues. The Versys-X 300 is competent and offers decent kit but exorbitantly priced. In comes the BMW G 310 GS, which not only provides advanced engineering but is likely to be accessible as compared to the Versys-X 300.

SpecificationsBMW G 310 GSRoyal Enfield HimalayanKawasaki Versys-X 300
Engine313 cc, single-cylinder, DOHC, liquid cooled with fuel injection411 cc, single-cylinder, SOHC, oil cooled with fuel injection296 cc parallel twin with liquid cooling and fuel injection
Maximum Power33.5 bhp at 9,500 rpm24.5 bhp at 6,500 rpm38.7 bhp at 11,500 rpm
Peak Torque28 Nm at 7,500 rpm32 Nm at 4,500 rpm25.7 Nm at 10,000 rpm
Transmission6-Speed5-Speed6-Speed
Front Suspension41 mm USD Forks, 180 mm travel41 mm Telescopic Forks, 200 mm travel41 mm Telescopic Forks
Rear SuspensionMono-shock, 180 mm travelMono-shock with linkage, 180 mm travelBottom-Link Uni-Trak
Front Brake300 mm disc with ABS300 mm disc, No ABS290 mm petal disc with ABS
Rear Brake240 mm disc with ABS240 mm disc, No ABS220 mm petal disc with ABS
Front Tyre Size110/80 R 1990/90 R 21100/90 R19M/C 57S
Rear Tyre Size150/70 R 17120/90 R 17130/80 R17M/C 65S
Fuel Tank Capacity11 litres15 litres17 litres
Kerb Weight169.5 kg182 kg184 kg
Seat Height835 mm800 mm815 mm
PriceINR 3 lakh (expected ex-showroom)1.68 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi)4.69 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi)

The BMW G 310 GS will feature dual-purpose Metzeler tires, USD forks up front and rear mono-shock and switchable ABS. The Versys-X 300 and Himalayan both get telescopic front forks and a linkage-type mono-shock at the rear. The Versys-X 300 also features auxiliary lights as standard. While the BMW gets alloy wheels, the other two receive wire-spoke wheels.

Royal Enfield Himalayan Sleet press shot front right quarter
The Royal Enfield Himalayan Sleet (pictured) features aluminium panniers and metal saddle stays as standard factory equipment.

The BMW G 310 GS uses a 313 cc, single-cylinder, reverse inclined engine making 33.5 bhp of power and 28 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 6-speed transmission. The Royal Enfield Himalayan employs a 411 cc, single-cylinder, SOHC, engine with fuel injection that pumps out 24.5 bhp of power and 32 Nm of torque, mated to a 5-speed gearbox.

The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 uses the same 296 cc, parallel twin engine that powered the Ninja 300. This motor develops 38.7 bhp of power and 25.7 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a slip and assist clutch. The Versys-X 300 has a fuel tank capacity of 17 litres. In comparison, the Himalayan’s tank is 15 litres while the G 310 GS has a tank capacity of 11 litres.

Kawasaki Versys X300 at BIMS 2017 side
The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 gets a taller windshield, wire-spoke wheels, switchable ABS, and dual-sport Dunlop tires.

Also Read: BMW G 310 R & G 310 GS for India - 5 things to know

The Royal Enfield Himalayan, at a price of INR 1.68 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), is the most affordable ADV in the market. The Kawasaki Versys-X 300, being a CKD import, is priced at INR 4.69 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Prices of both bikes are poles apart. That is precisely where the BMW G 310 R will fit, which is likely to cost INR 3 lakh (ex-showroom).

BMW G 310 GS Photo Gallery

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