Some bikes don’t need to shout. They don’t need flashy fairings or monstrous exhaust notes to get noticed. The BMW G 310 R is one such motorcycle. It stands there humbly, lean, simple, clean. But don’t be fooled by appearances. Take it up a mountain like Nandi Hills at sunrise, and this little Bavarian will show you that finesse and engineering matter more than brute force. And if you’re a beginner looking for your first real machine, or someone itching to return to two wheels, you might just fall in love like I did.

Perfect Engine: 34 hp

I started early from Bangalore. The air was crisp, the roads still yawning their way into the day. As I rolled the G 310 R out of my parking lot, it didn’t growl, it purred. With a gentle thump, the single-cylinder engine sparked to life. BMW has given this one a 313cc liquid-cooled engine with 34 horses, and while that may sound modest on paper, out in the real world, it’s a whole different story. Through the city, the power delivery was linear and predictable. I barely had to work the clutch, and the lightweight made filtering through traffic child’s play. The torque kicked in smoothly at lower revs, which was a blessing in stop-and-go stretches. It’s not lazy, though. Push it, and it’s happy to climb up the rev ladder. I found myself dancing through the six gears, grinning as it climbed effortlessly past 100 km/h. On the open stretch of highway leading to Nandi Hills, it clocked a steady 120, and with a slight tuck, I even nudged 135. Not bad for a “starter bike.” The thing is, this engine wants you to engage with it. It’s not one of those twist-and-chill motors. It’s a rev-happy little unit with a playful soul. Above 6,000 rpm, you’ll feel the vibrations tickling your palms and pegs, but it’s never harsh. It’s like the bike is whispering, “You’re alive, buddy.” With the cylinder head rotated 180 degrees and the exhaust exiting from the rear, it helps the weight stay low and central. That translates into crisp dynamics. More on that soon.

Very good handling

By the time I reached the foothills, the roads started winding like a snake waking from slumber. And this is where the G 310 R came alive. BMW nailed the geometry and weight distribution here. The bike leaned into corners with an ease I didn’t expect. Not twitchy, not lazy, just neutral and precise. The 41mm USD forks at the front worked surprisingly well, soaking up imperfections and keeping the front end planted even on bumpy bends. On the steeper hairpins, I thought I might have to manhandle it a bit. But nope, the bike stayed composed and obedient. It was like threading a needle, turn in, look through the curve, and the G 310 R followed like a pup on a leash. The 17-inch wheels and the 300mm front disc brake (with Bybre radial calipers, no less) helped with feedback and control. It braked cleanly, predictably, and the dual-channel ABS never felt intrusive. Even with the narrow seat, I never felt disconnected. In fact, the upright position, combined with the light weight, made me feel like I was riding something far more expensive. The G 310 R might be priced as an entry-level bike, but it handles like it’s had some big brothers teach it the ropes.

Ideal for beginners

Let’s talk about who this bike is for. If you’re looking at getting your first “real” motorcycle, this is the perfect entry point. The seat height, at 785 mm (with options for 770 or 800 mm), is friendly for riders of all sizes. I’m around 5’9″, and I could flat-foot it easily, which gave me immediate confidence in stop-and-go situations. The controls are well placed, and I loved how the levers were adjustable. That’s a feature usually found on bigger bikes, but here it makes the G 310 R feel refined and thoughtfully put together. The slipper clutch worked wonders too, no unexpected lurches or engine braking shocks when I aggressively downshifted going downhill from Nandi Hills. But even beyond beginners, I think returning riders, those who maybe parked their bikes for a few years, would find this machine equally welcoming. It doesn’t feel overwhelming, but it also doesn’t treat you like a rookie. You can ride it gently and just enjoy the view, or you can push it and discover its feisty side. What really stood out during the climb and descent was how intuitive everything felt. I didn’t need to wrestle the bars or plan every line like a game of chess. The G 310 R gave me space to just ride. To feel the wind, smell the morning dew on eucalyptus leaves, and hear the single-cylinder thumping in rhythm with my heartbeat.

Conclusion: Agile city and country bike

By the time I stopped for breakfast at a tiny tea stall near the summit, the sun was up and golden light bathed the valley below. I stood there, sipping chai, helmet on the mirror, and just stared at the G 310 R. It looked lean, purposeful, and somehow proud of itself. This isn’t a show-off bike. It’s not going to turn heads like a superbike. But it will turn corners like a dream, and it will turn your everyday commute into something a little more joyful. Yes, it’s got only 34 hp. Yes, it will struggle to hold highway speeds against the wind for long distances. But that’s not the point. The G 310 R isn’t built for autobahns, it’s built for backroads, urban jungles, and weekend hill climbs. It’s a city slicker with a wild side. And priced around ₹3 lakh (on-road), it’s one of the best bangs for your buck if you want to enter the premium motorcycle world without selling a kidney. For beginners, it’s forgiving. For veterans, it’s refreshingly simple. And for anyone who just wants to ride without drama, the BMW G 310 R is a perfect partner. Next time someone says “starter bike,” don’t picture a compromise. Picture this little Bavarian beauty tearing through the curves of Nandi Hills, engine singing, tires gripping, heart racing. That’s what the G 310 R is all about. And that, my friend, is more than enough.