BMW G 310 GS versus Harley-Davidson Nightster Special
BMW G 310 GS
Adventure
Harley-Davidson Nightster Special
Naked
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Built von 2017 bis 2025~
Built von 2023 bis 2025~
RRP 6.600 €
RRP 15.990 €
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Competitors
Pros:
- Off-road capability
- Comfort
- Processing
Pros:
- Engine
- Sound
- surprisingly sporty approach
- great TFT display with map navigation
- Mobile phone connection with easy-to-use app
- excellent Harley entry-level bike
Cons:
- Achievement
- Price
Cons:
- Rearview mirrors could be a little bigger
- for this price a bit much plastic
- carelessly laid cables
- slippery seat
Dimensions & Weight
Wheelbase: 1.420 mm
Length : 2.075 mm Height : 1.230 mm
Seat : 835 mm
Weight : 170 (max: 345 ) kg
Length : 2.075 mm Height : 1.230 mm
Seat : 835 mm
Weight : 170 (max: 345 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.545 mm
Length : 2.250 mm Height : 1.140 mm
Seat : 715 mm
Weight : 225 (max: 420 ) kg
Length : 2.250 mm Height : 1.140 mm
Seat : 715 mm
Weight : 225 (max: 420 ) kg
Engine
Motor design: Single cylinder 1 Cylinder
Displacement: 313 ccm
Hub: 62 mm
Hole: 80 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 313 ccm
Hub: 62 mm
Hole: 80 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: V2 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 975 ccm
Hub: 66 mm
Hole: 97 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Riemen
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 975 ccm
Hub: 66 mm
Hole: 97 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Riemen
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
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: 180 km/h
Performance: 90 HP at 7.500 U/Min
Torque: 95 NM bei 5.750 U/Min Tank contents: 12 Litre
Consumption: 6 l
Reach: 213 km
Performance: 90 HP at 7.500 U/Min
Torque: 95 NM bei 5.750 U/Min Tank contents: 12 Litre
Consumption: 6 l
Reach: 213 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
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:
Tubular space frame (steel) Front suspension:
Showa telescopic fork 41 mm (travel 114 mm) Rear suspension:
Stereo struts, spring base adjustable (travel 76 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 100/90-19 57H
Rear tyres: 150/80B16 77H
Tubular space frame (steel) Front suspension:
Showa telescopic fork 41 mm (travel 114 mm) Rear suspension:
Stereo struts, spring base adjustable (travel 76 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 100/90-19 57H
Rear tyres: 150/80B16 77H
Brakes
Front brake
Single disc (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 240 mm)
Single disc (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 240 mm)
Front brake
floating mounted single disc, Brembo, axial, 4-piston fixed caliper (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, 1-piston brake caliper (∅ 260 mm)
floating mounted single disc, Brembo, axial, 4-piston fixed caliper (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, 1-piston brake caliper (∅ 260 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.
Conclusion - what sticks
Nightster or Nightster Special, that's the question! We would go for the new Special, if only because of the pillion seat, which you can use quite well every now and then. We particularly liked the great new cockpit and, above all, its ease of use, including the app. Whether you really need it is certainly a matter of opinion, but at least it works splendidly, which cannot be said of all competitors.The test bike was kindly provided to us by Harley Davidson Kiel for this test. There are the Nightster Special and the Standard Nightster as demonstrators - among many other chic Harleys. A visit to HD Hiel is always worthwhile, if only because of the wide range of used machines. You can also take a wonderful tour around the Westensee - let's go!
