BMW G 310 R versus KTM 690 SMC R

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW G 310 R

Naked
KTM

KTM 690 SMC R

Supermoto

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2016 bis 2024~
Built von 2012 bis 2024~
RRP 5.650 €
RRP 12.499 €
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Pros:
  • Comfort
  • Price
  • Pillion compatible
Pros:
  • Sporty
  • Incredibly manoeuvrable
Cons:
  • Driving performance absolute
Cons:
  • Price
  • Everyday use

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.374 mm
Length :
2.005 mm Height : 1.080 mm
Seat :
785 mm
Weight :
158.5 (max: 345 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.470 mm
Seat :
890 mm
Weight :
157 (max: 350 ) 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: 1-cylinder 4-stroke engine 1 Cylinder
Displacement: 693 ccm
Hub: 80 mm
Hole: 105 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: X-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: 180 km/h
Performance: 74 HP at 8.000 U/Min
Torque: 74 NM bei 6.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 14 Litre
Consumption:
4 l
Reach:
349 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 (chromium-molybdenum)
Front suspension:
WP-USD Apex Ø 48 mm (travel 215 mm)
Rear suspension:
WP strut (travel 240 mm)
Rear suspension:
Pro-Lever deflection
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 160/60 ZR 17

Brakes

Front brake
Single disc ( 300 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 240 mm)
Front brake
Disc, Brembo four-piston radial fixed caliper ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc, 1-piston floating caliper ( 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

Conclusion: You want to like them, but it's not easy

Does she get her thumbs up from us? Difficult decision. Even if it is the most agile and consistent Supermoto compared to the competition, it simply has too many flaws for most interested parties. This is not about such things as the lack of suitability for the future or the non-existent windscreen. About such things, dedicated KTM SMC R 690 drivers can only grin, and they are right about it. By the way, there are many fans: The machine is ranked 15th in the current registration statistics.

No, there is one big drawback: it does not deliver in its parade discipline, because it is really fast only if you want to go up the stairwell of the Hamburger Michel. Otherwise there's more show than Shine. If the world's most powerful single-cylinder engine delivers only 75 hp, this is the decisive performance shortcoming compared to the not much less manoeuvrable Ducati Hypermotard with its 114 hp. That's more than 50% more.

The fact that comparisons with Ducatis appear at all is due to the sporty pricing policy of the Austrians, from which even BMW could learn something. For the raw SMC R 690, KTM actually charges 10,799 euros. By comparison, the same engine is installed in the 690 Enduro R for 10,799 euros, the Naked Bike Duke 690 is available for 8,899 euros.

Ducati motorcycles are not considered softies. The Hypermotard may be that compared to the SMC, but for a seat more, the extensive equipment and 114 hp require Ducati 12,490 euros, which is only 1,691 euros more.

But probably this is not for the KTMlers. Yes, it is the most consistent Supermoto on the market. And with it a statement, wonderful.

Thanks to M.A.S. for the test bike.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: 10.799€
  • Used (3 years old): 8,200€
  • Years of construction: 2012-2016, again since 2017
  • Availability: very good
  • Colours: white, orange