[Shumi_21]

Originally Posted by abeerbagul

The service is 10k km or once a year, whichever is first. He had no idea of service cost of each service. No idea of price of brake pads, or engine oil.
In fact, when I asked him the cost of brake pads, he smiled and said customers who buy BMW are rich enough not to bother about such things.
I was really pissed. This is not the kind of answers expected from any salesman, leave alone BMW.

The arrogance is a bit subtle in Mumbai. BMW seems to be deciding whether you can afford the 310's based on which area of Mumbai you live in. I have visited the BMW dealership only once, before the bikes were launched to get some info on the launch dates and prices. The people there were quite snooty (I had shown up on my Gixxer), until they found out where I live. Subsequently, I have been getting follow up calls almost on a weekly basis once the bookings started and now for a test ride. A few of my friends have had similar experiences.

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

The service network is not going to differentiate the labour rates much between these 310 cousins and their elder 1000+cc siblings.

I asked this specifically to the person following up with me. No official info yet, but I think you are right. AFAIK, Kawasaki charges labour at ₹1200/hour whether you have the N300 or the N1000, I expect the labour charges to be the for GS310 and the 1200GS to be the same. Silver lining seems to be the 1 year or 10k km interval.

Originally Posted by AtheK

The only game BMW is playing here is the badge game

That's BMW's marketing strategy for the 310's in one line. While the BMW reps can wax eloquent on how premium a brand BMW is and the consequent snob value/ego boost that you will get by owning one, they begin squirming once you start asking questions about the bikes themselves.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Honest first impressions from Bulu Biker -

https://youtu.be/upOI4TSaV-g

Some points -

1. Bangalore dealer is charging a cancellation amount of an atrocious 20k.
2. Finance options are only on the ex-showroom price. Rest needs to be paid directly.
3. Bulu biker feels GS is having brilliant quality for the segment. But price still on the higher side.
4. He feels 310R is just like an FZ250. Not worth the price tag.

[AtheK]

20k for cancellation, is it for new bookings or old bookings, because they had said before that entire amount is refundable.

[timuseravan]

Originally Posted by Bhodrolok

I am 35 year old, I can ride around in either of the twins. I absolutely love the new 390 but I wouldn't be caught dead riding it at my age. I feel KTM is a much younger bike while the Beemers are a little grown up.

I am a 35 year old who proudly rides the D390! Its probably the only thing which makes me feel 25

Originally Posted by abeerbagul

I went to the BMW motorrad showroom in Pune today evening to check the twins out in flesh.

I was planning to check out the bikes this weekend but thanks for saving me the trouble.
Now the wait for the mythical Adv 390 begins again

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Mature choice compared to the KTM 390 - Isn't that choice already called as a Dominar 400?

Mature choice at 3 times more than the price of the Dominar? Doesn't really sound that mature to me.

[anshumandun]

Why would someone buy the A4 instead of Octavia?
Why would someone buy theA6 instead of Superb?
Why would someone buy the 330i instead of Octavia VRS?

For the same reason, someone will buy the G310R over the D390.

But the G310GS is a totally different game. It’s not for the common people who compare bikes like Duke390, RC390, RR310, Dominar, Himalayan all in the same basket. It is for people who know exactly what they want out of their bike.

The G310GS has got rave reviews worldwide as a superb adventure tourer. And rightly so because it has one thing that no one (Tiger, Versys, GS1200) has: Light weight! Off roaders know how important it is for the bike to be light for easy handling and maneuverability on trails and bad roads.

The lack of electronics is another feather in the cap for this bike for people who like their bikes raw and mechanical and like to get their hands dirty with DIY and self-repairs. The bigger ADV bikes like GS1200 and Tiger need electronics to help the rider handle their bulk and weight but the G310GS does not.

It’s the people who are eyeing the Himalayan but are able to stretch a bit, who will go for the G310GS. And then it’s the people who are stretching to buy the Versys 650, who might save some money and buy the 310GS.

The baby GS will not sell a lot but the people who buy it, will most probably, put it to good use and treat her with love. The 310GS might do for BMW Motorrad in India what the 1200GS has done for it in other parts of the world: live up to its tag line of “Make life a Ride”.

[nasirkaka]

I am almost sold on the baby GS but an having second thoughts after going through the last few pages here.


My point here is that most of us have talked about the BMW310 twins in a single breath and have compared these two 'together' to others in the market which is not fair.


BMW310R is OUT of discussion, as we all know and have discussed over last few pages that its highly overpriced, dated design, nothing new to offer, and we have many other options, some much better and at cheaper price point.



But the G310GS is a different bike all together and there are hardly any options available in that segment. I have been waiting for this for long time and following its international launch, reviews and ownership experiences abroad and trust me its a nice little but capable motorcycle, perfect for our Indian condition. We cannot compare it to ktm 390 or RC or RR310 as the purpose is so very different. There is generous ground clearance, about 200mm of suspension travel, upright ergonomics with wide handlebar, luggage carrier, very comfortable seat, typical GS looks and good fit and finish. The bike stands at 169kgs with all fluids and full tank of gas.

I had first gen duke 390 and sold it after 36k kms. The suspension was hard, seat was hard, no low end torque, rear set footpegs and one has to keep the revs above 4.5k to enjoy the power. I currently ride a Versys650 which is another classic, but heavy and not the most ideal for daily commuting in out cities. Thats where the baby GS fits in. Ideal for our cities littered with potholes and weekend breakfast rides. Can tour aswell if one wants to.

I am tired of waiting for a lightweight comfortable bike, if it was KTM 390 adv, i would have jumped at it. BMW310 GS is definitely overpriced, but what other options do we have? I took 3 test rides of Himalayan but was not convinced. Versys 300X is 4.65L Ex showroom, and expensive on service and spares. I seriously dont care about that BMW badge, but may have to settle for it. Would be superhappy if the same bike had the TVS horse and was priced a lakh lower, the BMW badge would anyways draw unwanted attention and am sure people would try and peel it off..

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by nasirkaka

BMW310 GS is definitely overpriced, but what other options do we have? I took 3 test rides of Himalayan but was not convinced. Versys 300X is 4.65L Ex showroom, and expensive on service and spares.

I have a feeling Kawasaki will respond soon. They dont need to do much golmaal either - just needs to take those stupid accessories off the mandatory ex-showroom price. That itself is enough to bring the price directly against the baby GS.

I'm guessing spares and service won't be any cheaper with BMW.

BMW Motorrad India service told OVERDRIVE that owners should expect to pay Rs 3-4,000 per service.

Service interval is 10k kms though. Source

[nasirkaka]

I have a feeling Kawasaki will respond soon. They dont need to do much golmaal either - just needs to take those stupid accessories off the mandatory ex-showroom price. That itself is enough to bring the price directly against the baby GS.

Is there any plans for 300X parts being heavily localized to reduce cost like the ninja300? Even for baby GS would have to shell-out a decent amount for accessories intill carbon or sahayadri introduce their offerings for the bike.

I'm guessing spares and service won't be any cheaper with BMW.

This is one critical point and requires some clarity before putting the money down. Can some parts like brake pads, air and oil filter, etc from RR310 be used for this?

[drive_angry]

I had the chance to check out complete BMW range in the flesh at Cyber Hub, Gurgaon. Though they were not offering a test drive at the moment but I had the chance to feel the bike. Fit and finish is indeed top notch. 310R felt dull and bland but GS has a wow factor and it was parked next to big GS and dare I say that it can give big daddy GS run for its money. The suspension was soft and plushy. Those seats were so darn comfy, Bullet comfy 😊

I think GS is going to see a lot many takers even though it's priced on the higher side.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by nasirkaka

Is there any plans for 300X parts being heavily localized to reduce cost like the ninja300?

No, but here's a calculation I had done earlier when the X300 was launched -

Engine guard - $214.95
DC outlet - $84.
LED AUX lights - $399.95
Hand Guard set - $109.95
Center stand - $289.95
17L Hard Saddle bag - $214.5 ($429 a set).

Total value of accessories - $1313. (Rs 84,484/- plus taxes and shipping).

Price of X300 ABS in the US - $5699. (Rs. 3.66L)
Price of X300 ABS plus the accessories in the US - $7012 (Rs 4.51L).

Just taking those mandatory accessories off the import price should easily help them price the X300 directly against the GS310.

[ethanhunt123]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

No, but here's a calculation I had done earlier when the X300 was launched -



Just taking those mandatory accessories off the import price should easily help them price the X300 directly against the GS310.

Kawasaki needs to undercut 310GS by quite a lot if they hope to stand a chance with X-300. But i doubt they are even bothered.

KTM 390 adventure might be the competition when it launches.

[theredliner]

Originally Posted by anshumandun

Why would someone buy the A4 instead of Octavia?
Why would someone buy theA6 instead of Superb?
Why would someone buy the 330i instead of Octavia VRS?

For the same reason, someone will buy the G310R over the D390.

Apples and oranges.

Audi and BMW are luxury brands world over and are priced higher than a comparable Skoda all over the world. While a Skoda is a budget brand when compared to an Audi, that is not the case with KTM wrt BMW. They are direct competitors.

The G310R is cheaper than D390 everywhere in the world except in India even though both are made locally. Shows what kind of suckers the manufacturers consider us to be. I'm glad that KTM/Bajaj did not pull this 'brand' trick on us.

[Ajaybiz]

Wow really surprised to see so many BMW haters, can't understand if someone is not comfortable with BMW why so many negative posts around, I think people had lot of expectations and BMW busted their dreams.
Tomorrow going to check the bike, choice of my color the black one, I felt it would be good company for my white tiger, when the German babe meets the British brat ��

[anshumandun]

Originally Posted by theredliner

Apples and oranges.

Audi and BMW are luxury brands world over and are priced higher than a comparable Skoda all over the world. While a Skoda is a budget brand when compared to an Audi, that is not the case with KTM wrt BMW. They are direct competitors.

Agree with you for the rest of the world. Not for India though.

In India, there is no denying that BMW is a bigger brand than KTM. KTM started with smaller bikes and still doesn't sell anything bigger than 390 in India. They priced their bikes very well which is good for us as buyers but that also means that they are not depicting themselves as a premium brand. KTM is value for money.

BMW, on the other hand, took the top down approach. They started with bigger bikes and now their smallest bikes compete with the biggest bikes of KTM in India. This approach is always followed by companies looking to make a premium brand image. BMW is never going to sell anything in India which is value for money. It will dilute their premium brand image.