MOTORCYCLING ’ S BENEFITS Perfect for many reasons actually : motorcycles have comparatively small carbon footprints , are economical , pollute less , are easy to store , don ’ t add to traffic jams , cost less , and generally promote much safer driving due to greater understanding of hazard , risk and result . I don ’ t need to go on - I ’ m preaching to the choir here in Kiwi Rider – but you get my point . There was never a better time to be a rider . And there ’ s the rub , because while the world goes to hell , motorcycles just get better and better ... and better . Currently we are all trying to reduce our impact on the planet , there ’ s a move to sustainability , recycling and reduction . Tiny homes are in vogue , and in general smaller vehicles are the most popular . Perhaps this is why many traditionally larger-brand motorcycle-makers are coming out with mini versions . BMW is no exception , with the G310R fitting into this niche perfectly .
PINT-SIZED PERFORMER R is for roadster and it is a particularly pert example of the kind . The single cylinder , 313cc DOHC engine revs freely and easily , and sits with a rearward cant in the frame , meaning the exhaust header is shortened , weight reduced and moved towards the centre , and it works well . The bike has both presence and heft , but feels super light and flickable . Not in the same category as the KTM 200 or 390 , which are almost miraculous , but certainly it responds like quicksilver from corner to corner . Chasing over many kilometres of damp winding mountain roads , pursued by bikes with four times the capacity was a challenge , and one that proved size is important , but not as important as performance . And perform it does . The G310R is a delight to ride , its buzzing and throaty little engine responds to blacksmith-like handfuls of wrist and it will whizz up to legal speeds and beyond , with aplomb . The 310 is just a laugh , and that may be its best asset after the brilliant quality of the finish , with one or two teensy niggles – more on that in a sec – but fun is the operative
70 KIWI RIDER term . The ease from its lack of weight , and its desire to lean into every corner , leads the rider on quite a dance , and I found everyday commutes a hell of a lot of fun ; zipping all over town , using all 34 horses , and there ’ s that pretty BMW livery too . The version I rode had the HP colouring of white tank with the Motorsport blue and red appearing on the decals . Recognisably BMW in an instant . The gold upside down forks , beautifully sculpted seat and cast black mag wheels give a very sharp and precise look . Braking is handled by Bybre ( short for By Brembo - Ed ) front and rear , with single discs , 300mm and four-pots up ahead , and a 240 behind . At 158kg wet , the bike is light , and those brakes are exceptionally linear and capable . ABS standard , as is becoming mandated . Having done a fair few kilometres on the Michelin Pilot Street radial rubber , I can confirm that they are at the top of their game too , with only wet black tar ribbons giving a moment of slip , quickly corrected . The chicken strips thinned down a lot . Riding around for a few days gave me plenty of opportunity to push things a bit , and I got to see just how well the engine and box are mated . Clutchless changing up is accomplished with light pressure on the lever , roll throttle off , and it snicks into the next gear without a murmur . Changing down ? Just as perfect . A little downward pressure , roll off , snick , throttle on and roll off again , down through the gears , just as you like . Amazing actually – no autoblipper required .
+ AGILE . VERY AGILE . CLASSY
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