BMW G 310 GS versus Kawasaki Vulcan S

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW G 310 GS

Adventure
Kawasaki

Kawasaki Vulcan S

Cruiser

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2017 bis 2024~
Built von 2015 bis 2024~
RRP 6.600 €
RRP 8.595 €
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Pros:
  • Off-road capability
  • Comfort
  • Processing
Pros:
  • Comfort
  • Stability
  • Processing
Cons:
  • Achievement
  • Price
Cons:
  • Short maintenance intervals

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.420 mm
Length :
2.075 mm Height : 1.230 mm
Seat :
835 mm
Weight :
170 (max: 345 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.575 mm
Length :
2.310 mm Height : 1.100 mm
Seat :
705 mm
Weight :
229 kg

Engine

Motor design: Single cylinder 1 Cylinder
Displacement: 313 ccm
Hub: 62 mm
Hole: 80 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Number 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 649 ccm
Hub: 60 mm
Hole: 83 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 143 km/h
Performance: 34 HP at 9.500 U/Min
Torque: 28 NM bei 7.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 11 Litre
Consumption:
3 l
Reach:
330 km
Maximum speed: 176 km/h
Performance: 61 HP at 7.500 U/Min
Torque: 63 NM bei 6.600 U/Min
Tank contents: 14 Litre
Consumption:
4 l
Reach:
311 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Lattice tube (steel)
Front suspension:
Upside-down 41 mm (travel 180 mm)
Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 180 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 110/80 R 19
Rear tyres: 150/70 R 17
Frame type:
Perimeter (steel)
Front suspension:
41 mm telescopic fork (travel 130 mm)
Rear suspension:
Gas pressure shock absorbers (travel 80 mm)
Tyres at the front: 120/70 R18M/C 59H
Rear tyres: 160/60 R17M/C 69H

Brakes

Front brake
Single disc ( 300 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 240 mm)
Front brake
Single disc ( 300 mm) Rear brake
Single disc ( 250 mm)

Good, but not cheap

So you can imagine enjoying day trips or the ferries of everyday life on normal routes with the BMW G 310 GS. For the big tour she is rather too unrelaxed. BMW is calling for around 6,050 euros for this model. The question then arises as to who should buy this. Sure, it is suitable for beginners qua law. But as a pure beginner bike a bit expensive.

BMW's 310 series has clear qualities. If you can do without the rather limited touring ability anyway, you should take a look at the already mentioned G 310: Here you can save another 700 Euros.

The test bike was provided to us by Bergmann and Söhne in Pinneberg near Hamburg.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: 6.050€
  • Used (3 years old): 3,700€
  • Years of construction: since 2017
  • Availability: good
  • Colours: black, blue, white

Conclusion - a cruiser

What remains? The Kawasaki Vulcan S is definitely not an athlete, but it is also not a heavy, immovable being. Alpine passes do not worry her, while caring for the driver with adequate comfort despite her rather simple suspension. In the evening after work riding on her in the setting sun, this is cheesy, but somehow beautiful.

The Kawa-typical maintenance intervals, which are kept quite short at 6,000 kilometres, are a small drop in the right.

But otherwise? It doesn't have to be more motorcycle, the purchase recommendation is available.

The test bike was provided to us by Heller & Soltau in St. Michaelisdonn.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: 7,645
  • Used (3 years old): 5,500€
  • Years of construction: since 2015
  • Availability: good
  • Colours: matt black, matt green