BMW G 310 R versus Suzuki GS 500

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW G 310 R

Naked
Suzuki

Suzuki GS 500

Naked

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2016 bis 2024~
Built von 2005 bis 2007
RRP 5.650 €
RRP
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Pros:
  • Comfort
  • Price
  • Pillion compatible
Pros:
  • Handy
  • Low seat height
  • Suitable for everyday use
  • Value for money
  • Excellent spare parts situation
Cons:
  • Driving performance absolute
Cons:
  • No electronic helpers
  • Susceptible to rust
  • Weak rear damping

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.374 mm
Length :
2.005 mm Height : 1.080 mm
Seat :
785 mm
Weight :
158.5 (max: 345 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.410 mm
Seat :
790 mm
Weight :
174 kg

Engine

Motor design: Single cylinder 1 Cylinder
Displacement: 313 ccm
Hub: 62 mm
Hole: 80 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor type unknown 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 487 ccm
Cooling: Luft
Drive: Kette

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: 177 km/h
Performance: 45 HP
Tank contents: 17 Litre

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

Brakes

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

For beginners? Well, yes....

So what remains? In our case, the question of whether a motorcycle can work for only EUR 900 must clearly be answered in the affirmative. And more: Little Suzi is really fun. Of course, she is especially noticeable when it is brakes, but she has no real flaws. If you want or have to ride a motorcycle cheaply, you would have a long time with this Suzi for the narrow thaler.

Two things about it: It worked in our case, because the buyer had been informed exactly what to look for. It should not be concealed that a portion of luck can't hurt: If a previous owner often turned the Suzi out cold or driven it over the runway at full throttle, this conclusion would probably not be so positive.

The second is the concept of an entry-level machine, which is often attached to machines such as the Suzuki GS 500E. Of course, you don't want to spend a lot of money and gain experience first. But whether you should do this with a motorcycle that lacks any electronic safety feature?

Everyone has to make up that with themselves.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: In the year 2000: 4480€
  • Used from 200 to approx. 2,500€
  • Years built: 1988-2007
  • Availability: very good
  • Colours: initially

    red, black, blue, white, later also in purple and green