Small Adventure Bike fans rejoice! It looks like we’re finally beginning to see more choice in the smaller-displacement adventure bike category after a long drought. And after much speculation and a few hints from BMW, the Bavarian manufacturer appears to be ready to jump into the segment. New spy photos released today finally reveal the much anticipated BMW G310GS.

The BMW G310GS will be based on BMW’s G310R naked bike, which utilizes a 313cc single-cylinder fuel-injected 4-stroke producing 34 horsepower and 21 ft-lb of torque. With its 6-speed transmission, it’s capable of a 90 mph top speed and fuel efficiency of 71 mpg on the highway.
Courtesy Motociclismo
We expect the G310GS will receive increased suspension travel and a 19″ front wheel to improve its off-road prowess. The photos show some family resemblance to the R1200GS in styling like the front beak and silver side panels, but the G310GS will utilize a conventional telescopic front fork and chain drive. A small touring windscreen can also be seen along with a luggage rack.

Cast wheels are shown in the photos, but we can only hope that more off-road-focused wire-spoked wheels will be available as an option (as they are on the R1200GS). And if the G310GS ends up weighing somewhere in the neighborhood of the G310R’s 349-pound wet weight, it should be maneuverable and easy to manage in the dirt. Its 313cc engine will give it an edge over the 250cc dual sport competition on the highway and if BMW can apply some of their comfort magic, it could be a competent long-distance traveler.

What will it cost? based on the pricing of the G310R and G650GS, we’d expect the G310GS to land somewhere in the $6,000 to $7,000 range. That’s a great price range for new riders entering the market and even experienced riders looking for a more practical adventure bike.

The spy photos show what looks like a fully developed motorcycle ready to be released in 2017 and we can even see two different color schemes. We may not have to wait long to see the official specs of the new BMW G310GS, the announcement could occur this week at Intermot or next month at the EICMA show.

For more information on the spy photos, visit the Italian motorcycle magazine website Motociclismo.

Author: Rob Dabney

Rob Dabney started a lifelong obsession with motorcycles at the age of 15 when he purchased his first bike – a 1982 Honda MB5. Through his 20’s and 30’s he competed in off-road desert races, including the Baja 250, 500 and 1000. Eventually, his proclivity for exploration led him to dual sport and adventure riding. Rob’s never-ending quest to discover what’s around the next bend has taken him on Adventures in Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and throughout the American West. As a moto journalist, he enjoys inspiring others to seek adventure across horizons both near and far.