BMW G 310 R versus Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW G 310 R

Naked
Kawasaki

Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX

Sporttourer

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2016 bis 2024~
Built von 2020 bis 2024~
RRP 5.650 €
RRP 14.995 €
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Pros:
  • Comfort
  • Price
  • Pillion compatible
Pros:
  • mega-mature machine
  • silky 4-cylinder with punch and enormous elasticity
  • soft seating position, also suitable for longer distances with pillion passenger
  • Technically very well equipped
Cons:
  • Driving performance absolute
Cons:
  • partial noise depending on the setting of the windscreen
  • minor vibrations

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.374 mm
Length :
2.005 mm Height : 1.080 mm
Seat :
785 mm
Weight :
158.5 (max: 345 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.440 mm
Length :
2.100 mm Height : 1.190 mm
Seat :
835 mm
Weight :
235 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: Four-stroke in-line four-cylinder 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.043 ccm
Hub: 56 mm
Hole: 77 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: O-Ring 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: 247 km/h
Performance: 142 HP at 10.000 U/Min
Torque: 111 NM bei 8.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 19 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
328 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:
Double profile frame (aluminium)
Front suspension:
41 mm upside-down fork (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Horizontal backlink gas pressure shock absorber (travel 144 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear tyres: 190/50ZR17M/C (73W)

Brakes

Front brake
Single disc ( 300 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 240 mm)
Front brake
Double Petal Brake Discs, Double Radial Mounted, 4 Pistons ( 300 mm) Rear brake
Single petal brake disc, single piston ( 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 - what sticks

This machine is just great! Volker and Dietmar didn't want to be relegated anymore, that's rare. You can see the bike's maturity everywhere. Everything works easily and simply and the machine gives the pilot full confidence right from the start. It is guaranteed not to break so quickly, at least that's what it radiates. It is suitable for all those who want to be sporty during a longer tour - also with a passenger, because he also feels at home on the SX.
 
Kawa himself says about the Ninja 1000 SX: "Tours and sports – the Ninja 1000SX offers the best of both worlds". Usually we laugh at these marketing slogans, but in this case it hits the nail on the head.
 
The test machine was kindly provided by Heller & Soltau,by far the best Kawasaki dealer in Northern Germany! Our tip for the Ninja 1000 SX: Definitely test drive.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of construction

  • Price: 13.945 €
  • Used (3 years old): 10.000€
  • Years of construction: 2011-2021
  • Colors: red, green, black