BMW G 310 R versus Kawasaki Ninja 400

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW G 310 R

Naked
Kawasaki

Kawasaki Ninja 400

Supersport

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2016 bis 2025~
Built von 2018 bis 2023
RRP 5.650 €
RRP 6.745 €
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Pros:
  • Comfort
  • Price
  • Pillion compatible
Pros:
  • Precise chassis
  • Motor
  • light
Cons:
  • Driving performance absolute
Cons:
  • Comfort

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.374 mm
Length :
2.005 mm Height : 1.080 mm
Seat :
785 mm
Weight :
158.5 (max: 345 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.370 mm
Length :
1.990 mm Height : 1.120 mm
Seat :
785 mm
Weight :
168 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: 399 ccm
Hub: 52 mm
Hole: 70 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: 195 km/h
Performance: 45 HP at 10.000 U/Min
Torque: 38 NM bei 8.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 14 Litre
Consumption:
4 l
Reach:
358 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:
Tubular space frame (steel)
Front suspension:
41 mm telescopic fork (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Gas pressure shock absorbers (travel 130 mm)
Rear suspension:
Bottom-Link Uni-Trak
Tyres at the front: 110/70R17 M/C 54H
Rear tyres: 150/60R17 M/C 66H

Brakes

Front brake
Single disc ( 300 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 240 mm)
Front brake
Single Petal Brake Disc ( 310 mm) Rear brake
Single Petal Brake Disc ( 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

It works - but not for everyone

So does that work, 45 hp and super sportsmen? Yes, it works. As far as you can not only define the pure driving performance in sport, but can enjoy the manoeuvrability. If everything else is somehow too high, too big and heavy, then the Kawasaki Ninja 400 fits.

And only then does it make sense, because one thing is clear: at around 6,400 euros, it is not a bargain. It is not cheap and does not want to be it. But a motorcycle that can surprise. And that works.

The test bike was provided to us by Heller and Soltau in St. Michaelisdonn.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: 6.429€
  • Used (2 years old): 5.100€
  • Years of construction: since 2018
  • Availability: good
  • Colours: green, black