By NastyNils· ·
Motorcycle comparison · Adventure
BMW G 310 GS (0G12) vs Kawasaki Versys-X 300 (MY2017)
BMW G 310 GS vs Kawasaki Versys-X 300: which one you'd rather spend the big miles on.
You'll feel a sharp bump sink away into the BMW G 310 GS's plush suspension while you sit upright behind the wide bar. The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 sits you taller, and it's natural to rise onto the pegs for the hit. Its compliant suspension gives, then settles beneath you.
So which one do you buy?
The Versys-X 300 has the edge if…
Daily commuting & city riding
A touch ahead: Versys-X 300
On the way to work, the Versys-X 300 asks a little less of you. Most of that is simpler maintenance. Close enough that the test ride should settle it.
Keeping running costs low
Narrow edge: Versys-X 300
On running costs, the Versys-X 300 edges it. Not by enough to bank on.
Which one's the smarter buy
Nothing in it on value
At these used prices, neither bike comes out ahead on value. The G 310 GS and Versys-X 300 sit close enough that the money doesn't pick a winner.
What makes each one tick
G 310 GS
Crawling through a tight U-turn, the G 310 GS comes around on a short arc and never feels heavy at the bar. The single answers a light throttle with a smooth pull through city streets, and the clutch lever doesn't fight back. Highway work is another matter: the single strains to hold speed for passing. Its perch sees over traffic.
Versys-X 300
Once it's spinning, the top end rushes and the bars stay free of buzz. Short gearing keeps your left foot busy on the shifter in town. Its tank stretches long gravel days.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Versys-X 300 has the lower seat: 32.1 in (815 mm) vs 32.9 in (835 mm).
- The G 310 GS has the lower wet weight: 374 lb (170 kg) vs 386 lb (175 kg).
- The Versys-X 300 makes more peak power: 39 hp (29 kW) vs 34 hp (25 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Neither one fits
For all-day comfort, both fall short. Keep the rides short and you'll get on fine with either.
There's no real gap on twisty roads and a first bike. Sit on both and let fit and price decide.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
G 310 GS
What owners say
Strengths
- Light and easy to manage
- Accessible and user-friendly
- Comfortable and roomy riding position
Trade-offs
- Reliability concerns with alternator and clutch
- Underpowered for highway cruising
Versys-X 300
What owners say
Strengths
- Smooth, Rev-Happy Parallel-Twin Engine
- Surprisingly Capable Off-Road for a Small ADV
Trade-offs
- Lack of Low-End Torque
- Short Gearing Requires Frequent Shifting
Known problems to check before you buy
G 310 GS
- Alternator failure Premature alternator failure leads to battery drain and engine stalling, often at low mileage.
- Engine valve and crankshaft failures at high mileage A small number of owners have reported catastrophic engine failures, including valves breaking and crankshaft derangement, often around 30,000 miles (48,000 km). Possible link to extended valve inspection intervals.
Versys-X 300
- Tail/Brake Light Socket Defect (Recall) Recall 17V465000 The tail/brake light socket can fail, causing the light to stop working. A safety recall (NHTSA 17V465000) affected 1,888 units in the US; dealers replaced the socket free of charge.
- Drive chain premature wear and link binding The original drive chain stretches or develops kinked and sticking links prematurely, creating loud clunking noises.
What they cost used
These prices compare a 6-year-old G 310 GS with a 6-year-old Versys-X 300.
- G 310 GS
- about $3,800
- Versys-X 300
- about $3,500
What they share
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
Where the spec sheets split
| G 310 GS | Versys-X 300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 32.9 in (835 mm) | 32.1 in (815 mm) |
| Wet weight | 374 lb (170 kg) | 386 lb (175 kg) |
| G 310 GS | Versys-X 300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 313 cc | 296 cc |
| Engine | Single-cylinder | Parallel twin |
| Power | 34 hp (25 kW) | 39 hp (29 kW) |
| Peak power at | 9,500 rpm | 11,500 rpm |
| Torque | 21 lb-ft (28 Nm) | 19 lb-ft (26 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 7,500 rpm | 10,000 rpm |
| G 310 GS | Versys-X 300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 2.9 US gal (11 L) | 4.5 US gal (17 L) |
| G 310 GS | Versys-X 300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Front tire | 110/80-19 | 100/90-19 |
| Rear tire | 150/70-17 | 130/80-17 |
| Ground clearance | 8.7 in (220 mm) | 7.1 in (180 mm) |
| Front travel | 7.1 in (180 mm) | 5.1 in (130 mm) |
| Rear travel | 7.1 in (180 mm) | 5.8 in (148 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| G 310 GS | Versys-X 300 | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Standard | Option |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
