BMW G 310 R versus Kawasaki Z 650 RS

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW G 310 R

Naked
Kawasaki

Kawasaki Z 650 RS

Retro

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2016 bis 2024~
Built von 2022 bis 2024~
RRP 5.650 €
RRP 8.345 €
waveform
waveform
Pros:
  • Comfort
  • Price
  • Pillion compatible
Pros:
  • Optics & classical round instruments
  • Weight & Handling
  • good brakes at the front
  • comfortable sitting position
  • adjustable levers
Cons:
  • Driving performance absolute
Cons:
  • small tank
  • some features not 100% retro

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.374 mm
Length :
2.005 mm Height : 1.080 mm
Seat :
785 mm
Weight :
158.5 (max: 345 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.405 mm
Length :
2.065 mm Height : 1.115 mm
Seat :
820 mm
Weight :
187 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: Liquid-cooled four-stroke in-line two-cylinder 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 649 ccm
Hub: 60 mm
Hole: 83 mm
Cooling: flüssigkeitsgekühlt
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: 200 km/h
Performance: 68 HP at 8.000 U/Min
Torque: 64 NM bei 6.700 U/Min
Tank contents: 12 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
357 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:
Lattice tube (steel)
Front suspension:
41 mm telescopic fork (travel 125 mm)
Rear suspension:
Horizontal back-link gas pressure shock absorber with adjustable spring base (travel 130 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear tyres: 160/60ZR17M/C (69W)

Brakes

Front brake
Single disc ( 300 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 240 mm)
Front brake
Double disc Semi-floating 300 mm double brake discs. Double piston brake caliper ( 300 mm) Rear brake
Single brake disc. Single piston brake caliper ( 220 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 - what sticks

The Kawasaki Z 650 RS actually drove straight into our hearts. Nice that Kawasaki now offers the retro theme in a 2-cylinder with manageable performance at a fair price. So even novice drivers and lighter pilots will like to approach the topic of retro. But this does not mean that the Z650RS is not for old hands - on the contrary! There will definitely be many experienced bikers out there who are only too happy to get off their 250+ kilo monster and get on this light and really nice bike to ride.
 
The test bike was kindly provided by Heller & Soltau in St. Michaelisdonn. If you want to take a test drive or are interested in another Kawasaki (or Husqvarna), you should definitely consider a small trip to Dithmarschen. Beautiful country roads and a good coffee (!) await you.

Price/availability/colours/years of construction

  • Price: 8.400 € incl. transfer
  • Availability: from 02/2022
  • Colours: green, grey, black