Quick Analysis
BMW G 310 GS
15.0 pts
Unweighted: 12 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
TRIUMPH TIGER 1200 GT EXPLORER
17.5 pts
Unweighted: 11 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
||
| Cooling System | Liquid cooled system | Liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 313 cc | 1160 cc |
| Engine Type | Water-cooled, single-cylinder 4-stroke engine, four valves, two overhead camshafts and finger followers, wet sump lubrication | 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 |
||
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 11 L | 20 L |
| Mileage | 30 | 19.6 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
||
| Kerb Weight | 169.5 | 246kg (90% fuel - mass in running order) kg |
| Seat Height | 835 | Adjustable 850/870 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
||
| 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 |
||
| 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 |
||
| Headlight | LED | DRLs LED |
Other Specifications |
||
| 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 | #C40000 Cosmic Black 3 | #1A1A1A Polar White with Racing Blue Metallic | #F5F5F5,#003399 | 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 | The BMW G 310 GS serves as a lightweight entry into the adventure-touring segment, specifically engineered to balance urban agility with light trail capability. At its core is a 313cc, single-cylinder engine featuring a unique “reverse-inclined” layout, which positions the intake at the front and exhaust at the rear to lower the bike’s center of gravity. This liquid-cooled, DOHC unit produces 34 PS of power and 28 Nm of torque, managed through a 6-speed gearbox equipped with an anti-hopping slipper clutch and ride-by-wire throttle for smoother transitions. The chassis is built around a tubular space frame supported by a suspension system designed for high comfort levels on uneven surfaces. It features 41mm upside-down front forks and a rear monoshock, both providing 180mm of travel to effectively absorb road irregularities. The bike rolls on a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear cast aluminum wheel setup, fitted with tubeless radial tyres. Braking is handled by a large 300mm front disc and a 240mm rear disc, both integrated with a dual-channel ABS system for consistent stopping power. Ergonomically, the motorcycle provides an upright, neutral seating position with a standard seat height of 835mm, making it a stable platform for both commuting and touring. With a kerb weight of 175 kg and an 11.5-liter fuel tank, it remains manageable for a variety of riders. The interface includes a full LED lighting package and a functional LCD digital instrument cluster that provides essential ride data at a glance. | 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 | The BMW G 310 GS is a purposefully engineered adventure tourer that prioritizes mechanical refinement and rider ergonomics over aggressive off-road performance. Its standout feature is a plush, long-travel suspension system that effectively isolates the rider from the harsh irregularities typical of Indian road infrastructure. Complemented by an upright, commanding seating position, the motorcycle offers superior long-distance comfort and high visibility for urban navigation. The 313cc liquid-cooled engine is characterized by a linear power delivery of 34 PS, providing a predictable and manageable experience for intermediate riders. While it maintains highway speeds with ease, high-frequency vibrations at the upper end of the rev range remain a known trait of its single-cylinder configuration. Ultimately, the G 310 GS represents a premium ownership proposition, where the initial build quality and brand prestige are balanced against higher-than-average maintenance costs and a relatively concentrated service network., 4.4, MotoAutiv Team | MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: What is the mileage of BMW G 310 GS? A: The mileage is approximately 28–30 kmpl. Q: Does BMW G 310 GS have ABS? A: Yes, it comes with dual-channel ABS. Q: Is the BMW G 310 GS suitable for short riders? A: The standard BMW G 310 GS seat height is 835mm, which can be challenging for anyone under 5'7". However, BMW offers a low seat option (820mm), and the bike's narrow profile and light 170kg kerb weight make the BMW G 310 GS easier to balance with one foot down. Q: How much is the annual maintenance cost for a BMW G 310 GS in India? A: Expect to pay between ₹6,000 and ₹10,000 for a standard annual service of the BMW G 310 GS. Major services (every 20,000 km) for the BMW G 310 GS can cost significantly more, sometimes exceeding ₹20,000 if parts like the chain-sprocket or brake pads need replacement. Q: Is the BMW G 310 GS engine reliable for long-distance touring? A: The BMW G 310 GS uses a proven 313cc reverse-inclined engine that manages heat very well. | 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 | Standard | 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 |
