Quick Analysis
BMW G 310 GS
12.0 pts
Unweighted: 11 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
TRIUMPH TIGER 1200 GT EXPLORER
20.5 pts
Unweighted: 12 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Liquid cooled system | Liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 313 cc | 1160 cc |
| Engine Type | single-cylinder, 4-stroke engine with four valves and DOHC | 12 valve, DOHC, inline 3-cylinder |
| Power | 34 PS (25 kW) at ~9,500 rpm | 150PS / 148bhp (110.4kW) @ 9,000rpm |
| Torque | 28 Nm at ~7,500 rpm | 130 Nm @ 7,000 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 11 l | 20 L |
| Mileage | — | 19.6 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 169.5 kg | 246kg (90% fuel - mass in running order) kg |
| Seat Height | 835 mm | Adjustable 850/870 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel ABS | Dual-Channel |
| Front Brake | Single disc 300 mm with a 4-piston radial caliper | Brembo M4.30 Stylema monoblock radial calipers, OC-ABS, twin 320mm floating discs. Magura HC1 span adjustable radial master cylinder with separate reservoir. |
| Front Suspension | Upside down fork , Ø 41 mm | Showa 49mm, semi-active damping USD forks. 200mm travel. |
| Rear Brake | Single disc 240 mm with a floating caliper | Brembo single piston caliper, OC-ABS, single 282mm disc. Rear master cylinder with remote reservoir. |
| Rear Suspension | Cast aluminium dual swing arm | 200mm wheel travel Showa semi-active damping monoshock, with automatic electronic preload adjustment and New Active Preload Reduction feature. Depending on the combined weight of rider, pillion and luggage, this feature could lower the riding height by up to 20mm when the motorcycle comes to a standstill, offering greater ease and confidence. |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 110/80 R19 | Metzeler Tourance, 120/70R19 (M/C 60V TL) |
| Rear Tyre | 150/70 R17 | Metzeler Tourance, 150/70R18 (M/C 70V TL) |
| Tyre Type | Tubelesss | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | LED | DRLs LED |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | 12 V / 8 Ah | — |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/g310gsracingred.webp | — |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/g310gscosmicblack3.webp | — |
| Cluster | Digital | — |
| Color Options | Racing Red Cosmic Black 3 Polar White with Racing Blue Metallic | snowdonia white |
| Cons | Seat height of 835 mm may be challenging for shorter riders. Fuel tank is only 11 litres, limiting long-distance touring range. Relatively expensive compared to entry-level adventure bikes in India. Single-cylinder engine vibrations can be felt at higher speeds on long rides. No advanced electronics or ride modes, which some competitors offer at this price point. | Height & weight make it demanding: The Explorer variant has a tall seat (≈850-870 mm or more) and substantial wet weight (~250 kg+), which can be challenging for shorter riders or in slow-speed manoeuvres. Not a true off-road machine: While capable, the road-biased wheel/tyre setup and size make it less agile on rough trails compared to more off-road dedicated bikes. Premium cost & ownership: Purchase price and running costs are high in the premium adventure bike segment; some owners note small quality/control issues. Some interface/usage quirks: Certain riders report mild issues with features such as navigation display responsiveness, clutch feel in low revs, and switchgear ergonomics. |
| Detailed Overview | When you swing a leg over the BMW G 310 GS in India, the first thing that strikes you isn’t a spec number — it’s the way the bike feels poised and ready, like it’s itching to turn the everyday commute into something a bit more special. Its heart is a compact but spirited 313 cc single-cylinder engine that’s liquid‑cooled and built with a four‑valve DOHC layout. On the road, it delivers about 34 PS of power and 28 Nm of torque, which translates into an engine that eagerly picks up pace from traffic lights and makes highway overtakes feel composed and manageable. There’s a crispness in the throttle response as you roll on, and because the unit is tuned for usable mid-range punch rather than just top-end bravado, it doesn’t feel strained when navigating busy city grids or climbing up highway ramps. What really sets the G 310 GS apart — especially in an Indian context — is how its engine integrates with the rest of the bike. It uses electronic fuel injection and a six‑speed gearbox that’s smooth and precise, making the everyday routine of changing gears feel natural rather than a chore. The slipper-style clutch helps ease off the engine braking during downshifts, which is a small touch riders appreciate when darting through traffic or easing into a tight corner on a winding stretch outside town. Suspension is usually where a motorcycle reveals its true character, and in this case, the long-travel upside-down fork up front paired with a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear makes the G 310 GS feel more confident than most bikes in its class. Hits and potholes on Indian roads are absorbed with surprising composure, and the suspension doesn’t chatter or feel overly harsh when you’re hitting uneven surfaces. Instead, it communicates what’s happening beneath you, giving a stable foundation whether you’re bombing through B-roads or cruising in city traffic. When it comes time to stop, the bike delivers real confidence. The sizeable 300 mm front disc with a radial-style caliper offers a reassuring bite that’s progressive rather than abrupt, and the 240 mm disc at the rear complements it well. Together with dual-channel ABS, this setup translates into a braking feel that’s both sure-footed and predictable — something you notice especially when rain-slick roads or sudden traffic require a firm hand on the lever. Looking at the physical feel and stance of the bike, its dimensions play a big part. With a kerb weight of around 169.5 kg and a seat height of about 835 mm, it strikes a balance between being accessible and offering that elevated, adventure-oriented riding posture. This isn’t a heavy adventure tourer — it’s light enough that filtering through morning traffic doesn’t feel like a wrestling match, but it carries enough substance that it doesn’t feel under-planted when you’re doing steady speeds on the highway. The wheelbase and upright ergonomics give you a commanding view of the road, and the bike’s compact footprint aids nimble lane changes and quick direction shifts throughout your ride. Tyres and wheels also reflect its dual-purpose nature: a tall 19-inch front tyre and a wide 17-inch rear tyre wrapped around sturdy cast aluminium wheels support a mix of on-tarmac stability and confidence-inspiring grip on less predictable surfaces. They’re tubeless radials, which means fewer worries about punctures and easier repairs — a practical advantage on rougher stretches outside metropolitan areas. On the utility side, the 11-litre fuel tank isn’t huge, but paired with around 28–30 kmpl real-world mileage, it still allows for respectable range between stops — something that’s useful once you’re out of the city and chasing horizon lines. The digital instrument cluster is clean and clear, giving you instant access to speed, gear position, trip info, and more without clutter, while LED lighting up front ensures you’re well-lit during early morning starts or night rides. An electric starter fires things up instantly when you’re ready to go. Small touches — like adjustable levers that let you tailor reach, a luggage rack that welcomes practical storage choices, and comfortable GS-style ergonomics — round out the ownership experience, making the bike feel well-thought-out. On long runs, you’ll notice that the seating and posture help reduce fatigue, and in city traffic, the bike’s responsiveness and light weight read as confidence-boosters rather than intimidating features. In real-world use across India’s varied roads — from smooth expressways to pot-holed urban stretches and everything in between — the G 310 GS doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard to be everything at once. It’s refreshingly honest: an adventure-styled machine with genuine capability that doesn’t overwhelm, a motor that’s eager but tractable, and chassis dynamics that deliver composure and agility in equal measure. For riders seeking an entry point into adventure touring without the bulk or intimidation of larger displacement bikes, this little GS feels like a machine that was built with everyday use and long-weekend exploration in mind — a tool that’s as ready for the traffic snarls of your daily commute as it is for the open road just beyond the city’s edge. | The **Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer** is the ultimate expression of Triumph’s grand touring adventure motorcycle lineup, engineered for riders who crave long-distance comfort, advanced technology, and refined performance on tarmac and light trails. Designed as a flagship road-focused adventure bike, the GT Explorer combines luxury and durability with impressive engineering precision. It is powered by a 1,160 cc inline-three-cylinder engine derived from the Speed Triple 1200, producing an exhilarating 150 PS of power at 9,000 rpm and 130 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. The unique T-plane crankshaft design delivers a distinctive sound and a linear power delivery that enhances both low-end torque and highway acceleration, making it perfectly suited for long-distance touring and high-speed cruising. The GT Explorer stands out for its comfort-oriented and feature-packed design. It comes equipped with a massive 30-litre fuel tank, offering exceptional range for cross-country travel—ideal for riders who prefer to go the extra mile without frequent fuel stops. The ergonomics are well thought out, featuring an adjustable seat height (850 mm to 870 mm), wide handlebars, and a well-padded seat that ensures a fatigue-free experience on long journeys. Wind protection is exceptional thanks to the tall, electronically adjustable windscreen and aerodynamically designed fairing. Heated grips, heated seats, cruise control, and a keyless ignition system add to the comfort and convenience, ensuring the GT Explorer feels more like a luxury tourer than a rugged adventure bike. In terms of technology and performance, Triumph has equipped the Tiger 1200 GT Explorer with the latest innovations. The motorcycle features a 7-inch full-color TFT display integrated with the My Triumph connectivity system, allowing smartphone pairing, navigation, music, and call control. It comes with six riding modes—Rain, Road, Sport, Off-Road, Rider-Configurable, and Off-Road Pro—allowing the rider to tailor the performance and traction to different road conditions. The semi-active Showa suspension system automatically adjusts damping for varying loads and surfaces, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride. The braking setup features top-spec Brembo Stylema calipers with cornering ABS, providing confidence-inspiring stopping power. Advanced rider aids such as traction control, hill-hold assist, adaptive cornering lights, and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) further elevate safety and riding precision. The GT Explorer’s chassis is built using a lightweight aluminum frame and a shaft-driven setup for smoother and low-maintenance performance. Unlike its Rally siblings, the GT Explorer features 19-inch front and 18-inch rear cast alloy wheels with road-biased tires, making it perfect for long highway rides and mild off-road trails. Despite its size and 255 kg wet weight, the bike feels balanced and stable at all speeds, with Triumph’s engineering ensuring superb maneuverability for such a large adventure motorcycle. Visually, the GT Explorer embodies a rugged yet elegant design, highlighted by its bold tank shrouds, premium finishes, and distinctive LED lighting setup. Every detail reflects Triumph’s attention to quality and craftsmanship. Competing directly with heavyweights like the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure and Ducati Multistrada V4, the Tiger 1200 GT Explorer stands as a benchmark for comfort, technology, and performance in the full-size adventure segment. Overall, it’s a motorcycle built for explorers who value refinement, endurance, and luxury as much as adventure—making it one of the most capable and feature-rich touring motorcycles available today. |
| Expert Review | MotoAutiv Team | MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: What is the engine type? A: The engine is a 313 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, four-stroke unit with DOHC and four valves. Q: What is the power output? A: The bike produces 34 PS of power. Q: What is the torque? A: The torque is 28 Nm. Q: What is the mileage? A: The mileage is approximately 28–30 kmpl. Q: What type of transmission does it have? A: It has a 6-speed manual gearbox. Q: What type of fuel system does it use? A: It uses electronic fuel injection. Q: Does it have ABS? A: Yes, it comes with dual-channel ABS. Q: What type of brakes does it have? A: It has a 300 mm front disc with radial caliper and a 240 mm rear disc. Q: What is the front suspension? A: It has an upside-down telescopic fork with long travel. Q: What is the rear suspension? A: It has a cast aluminium dual swingarm with preload-adjustable monoshock. Q: What are the tyre specifications? A: The front tyre is 110/80 R19, the rear tyre is 150/70 R17, and both are tubeless radial tyres. Q: What is the kerb weight? A: The kerb weight is approximately 169.5 kg. Q: What is the seat height? A: The seat height is 835 mm. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: The fuel tank capacity is 11 litres. Q: What type of battery does it use? A: It uses a 12 V / 8 Ah maintenance-free battery. Q: What type of headlight does it have? A: It comes with an LED headlight. Q: What type of starter does it use? A: It has an electric starter. Q: What kind of instrument cluster does it have? A: It has a fully digital display showing speed, gear position, trip information, and more. | Q: What engine does the Tiger 1200 GT Explorer use? A: It uses a 1,160 cc liquid-cooled, 12-valve DOHC inline three-cylinder engine producing approximately 150 PS at 9,000 rpm and 130 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity and what is the mileage? A: The GT Explorer features a large 30-litre fuel tank, giving it an extended touring range. Some sources list its claimed consumption at about 5.5 L/100 km (~18 km/l) under ideal conditions. Q: What is the seat height and weight of the GT Explorer? A: The seat height is adjustable at about 850 / 870 mm depending on configuration. Its wet (running) weight is about 255 kg for the GT Explorer. Q: What electronics and features come with the GT Explorer? A: It includes a full-colour 7″ TFT display with My Triumph connectivity, multiple riding modes, semi-active suspension (Showa), adaptive lighting, cruise control, heated seats & grips, tyre-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and other advanced rider aids. Q: What kind of wheels and tyres does the Tiger 1200 GT Explorer use? A: It uses cast alloy wheels sized 19″ front and 18″ rear (for the GT version) with road-biased tyres, in contrast to the off-road oriented rally versions. Q: What is the starting price of the GT Explorer in India? A: The ex-showroom price in India is listed at around ₹ 20,89,000 for the GT Explorer variant. Q: Is the GT Explorer suitable for long-distance touring? A: Yes. With its large fuel tank, comfortable ergonomics, high-spec suspension and advanced technology package, the GT Explorer is tailored for road-focused adventure and long-distance touring. Q: What is the service interval for the Tiger 1200 range? A: Service interval is approximately every 16,000 km (10,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first. |
| Fuel System | Electronic fuel injection | — |
| Price Variants | | 324973 | GT EXPLORER | 2089000 RALLY EXPLORER | 2229000 RALLY PRO | 2079000 GT PRO | 1939000 |
| Pros | Compact and lightweight adventure bike, making it very manageable in city traffic and narrow streets. Refined engine that delivers smooth power and strong mid-range torque, perfect for both urban commuting and occasional highway runs. Comfortable long-travel suspension that absorbs potholes and rough Indian roads effectively. Strong and predictable braking with dual-channel ABS for enhanced safety. High-quality build and premium feel typical of BMW motorcycles. Good ergonomics and upright seating that reduce fatigue during longer rides. LED headlight and digital instrument cluster improve visibility and usability. Tubeless radial tyres provide better grip and easier maintenance. | Incredible touring capability: With a large fuel tank (30 litres in the Explorer variant) and premium components, the Tiger 1200 GT Explorer is built for long-distance comfort and endurance. Top-level technology and features: Semi-active suspension, multiple riding modes, cruise control, tooth-some TFT display, and premium electronics elevate the experience. Strong engine and refined performance: The 1,160cc inline-three delivers excellent power (≈150 PS) and torque, providing both highway punch and touring usability. Comfort and ergonomics: Reviewers highlight the bike’s comfortable riding posture, wind protection, and stability even on lengthy road trips. |
| Starter | Electric | — |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6 speed |
