With the BMW G 310 R’s launch date edging closer, we stack it against its competitors





The long-delayed BMW G 310 R and GS are scheduled for a launch on July 19th. With the 300cc naked motorcycle segment heating up in our market, the G 310 R has a huge challenge ahead of itself. Until then, we compare how the naked motorcycle will compete against some of the segment middleweights. 



 



Engine - 






Powering both the BMW G 310 R and GS is the same  313cc, water-cooled single-cylinder engine that is also seen on the TVS Apache RR 310. This motor delivers 34PS of power at 9500rpm and 28Nm of torque at 7500rpm, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. While the more adventure friendly, GS, will have more low-end torque for better offroad performance, the naked streetfighter version will be more street tuned. 





The KTM 390 Duke has been quite a hit ever since its launch, owing to its performance, agility and features. Its 373.2cc, single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine produces 43.5PS of power and 37Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The highest in this comparison.





The Mahindra Mojo XT 300 has been in our market for quite a while now. However, during its time the motorcycle has failed to leave an impression on the masses. Mainly due to its looks and handling dynamics. It's also the least powerful motorcycle in this segment. The XT 300 is powered a 295cc unit, which churns out 27.19PS at 8000rpm and 30Nm of torque at 5500rpm. 



Bajaj' Dominar 400 has had an impressive run since its inception, thanks to a nifty list of features and an easy going engine. Its 373.3cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine is sourced from the 390 Duke but makes 37PS of power and 35Nm of torque.





The Benelli TNT 300 shares it's engine with the 302R. This 300cc twin-cylinder engine produces 37PS of power and 26.5Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed gearbox.



 



Features - 






In terms of features, the Bavarian bike gets an LCD display, which showcases necessary information such as rev and gear indicator, a dual trip meter, engine coolant temperature information, fuel level and range. However, while it offers an LED taillight, LED headlamps have been given a miss, which we think is a sneer considering its rumoured “premium pricing”





The updated KTM 390 Duke, on the other hand, gets a TFT instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity that offers music, phone and messaging functionality. The signature upside-down pitchfork headlamps are LED and come with integrated DRLs. In addition to this, the 390 Duke also gets ride-by-wire control, a slipper clutch and different ABS modes - (On, Supermoto and Off).



The Mahindra Mojo XT 300 gets a semi-digital instrument console with the digital display on the right and analogue cluster on the left. It also gets twin-pod 70W headlamps with LED DRL, LED tail lamps and the famous twin-exhaust units. Since this list isn't impressive, we feel the Mojo might have a hard time to cope up with more feature packed G 310 R and the 390 Duke. 





Bajaj has packed the Dominar 400 to the brim with features as compared to the other sports-cruiser in this list, the Mojo. This includes all-LED headlamps, LCD instrument cluster, ABS and a slipper clutch. While this list may not be as extensive as the the 390 Duke, it’s the second most feature packed bike when compared to the more expensive Mojo and TNT 300. 





While the Benelli TNT 300 may be a looker, it's feature list isn't as impressive. The TNT 300 packs a semi-digital instrument console which displays basic readouts. It misses out on features like LED headlamps but does get LED DRLs and an LED tail lamp, which isn't very impressive considering its competition. 



 



Underpinnings - 






BMW has equipped the G 310 R with a tubular spaceframe, which is suspended upon USD forks at the front and a monoshock unit at the back. Braking is taken care of by 300mm front and a 240mm rear disc brake, with ABS coming as standard. At 158.5kg, the G 310 R is lighter than every motorcycle on the list and has an 11-litre fuel tank. 





For handling suspension duties, KTM uses WP manufactured USD forks at the front with an open cartridge technology and a monoshock at the back which comes with pre-load adjustment. Helping the bike to come to a halt is a 320mm front disc brake and a 230mm rear disc, along with ABS coming as standard. It tips the scale at 164kg (kerb) and packs a 13.4-litre fuel tank.





The Mahindra Mojo XT 300 employs USD forks at the front and a mono shock unit at the rear. While braking is done by 320mm front and a 240mm rear disc brake but misses out on ABS. It being a tourer at the heart packs a healthy 21-litre of fuel tank. However, the Mahindra is also one of the heaviest motorcycles in this comparison with a whopping 182kg (kerb). 





Unlike every entry on this list so far, the Bajaj Dominar 400 packs conventional telescopic forks at the front and a dual monoshock setup at the back. However, when it comes to braking, the Dominar shares the same setup as the Mojo with a front 320mm and a rear 230mm disc brakes. It tips the scale at 182kg (kerb) and has a disappointing fuel tank capacity of just 13-litres.





The Benelli TNT 300 follows similar suit as the other bikes and offers more premium USD forks along with a monoshock suspension setup at the rear. Braking duties are handled by dual discs up front and a single disc  brake at the rear. ABS comes optional here. The TNT is the heaviest motorcycle on the list at 197kg (kerb). It packs a 16-litre fuel tank. 



 



Prices - 





While we’re still a few days away from the launch of BMW G 310 R, it’s rumoured “premium pricing” shouldn’t sit well with potential buyers. Considering that the KTM 390 Duke retails for Rs 2.25 lakh while being the better motorcycle on paper. Meanwhile, in the sports cruiser segment, the Bajaj Dominar 400 retails for Rs 1.48 lakh for the disc brake variant and Rs 1.62 lakh for the ABS variant.





The Mahindra Mojo XT 300, on the other hand, retails for Rs 1.63 lakh. Clearly, the Dominar takes the cake on paper for being more value for money offering. With the future of Benelli being unclear for now, there aren’t many showrooms of the company that haven’t shut. Before that, the Benelli TNT 300 retailed for Rs 3.29 lakh for the standard model. But with Benellis strong vision for India we hope to see a lot more of the TNT 300. (all prices, ex-showroom Delhi)



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