BMW G 310 R versus Kawasaki Vulcan S

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW G 310 R

Naked
Kawasaki

Kawasaki Vulcan S

Cruiser

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2016 bis 2024~
Built von 2015 bis 2024~
RRP 5.650 €
RRP 8.595 €
waveform
waveform
Pros:
  • Comfort
  • Price
  • Pillion compatible
Pros:
  • Comfort
  • Stability
  • Processing
Cons:
  • Driving performance absolute
Cons:
  • Short maintenance intervals

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.374 mm
Length :
2.005 mm Height : 1.080 mm
Seat :
785 mm
Weight :
158.5 (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 140 mm)
Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 131 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 110/70 R17
Rear tyres: 150/60 R17
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)

Conclusion - for whom is it suitable?

So: Who is the small BMW G 310 R suitable for? For small and light people, of course. Those who simply want to ride a motorcycle and place little value on riding performance.

It is ideal for people who answer the question asked at the beginning whether a scooter would not be the better choice, with the handiness and driving pleasure of the BMW G 310 R. If the concept motorcycle is superior to that of the scooter, then here.

The Japanese competition is usually a bit more expensive than the BMW (wouldn't have thought I'd ever write this sentence). However, it usually exhausts the 48 hp limit of the driving licence class A2 and brings a little more peace than the BMW, which some consider to be hilarious.

But: After initial scepticism, one thing is clear: make sure the G 310 R is really fun. Who would have thought that?

The test bike was provided to us by Bergmann & Söhne.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: 5.050€
  • Used (2 years old): 3,300€
  • Years of construction: from 2015
  • Availability: good
  • Colours: red, black, ply 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