News

Owning my dream garage: G 310 GS to Gypsy & 2 other SUVs in between

The BMW G 310 GS, the EcoSport, the Jimny and the Gypsy King is my dream garage & I have them all.

BHPian Akash_1806 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hello everyone,

It has been quite some time since this thread was last updated. Work and responsibilities at home have kept me busy.

In my previous post, I admitted that I was too lazy to write an ownership review of all the vehicles at home. Hence, I will be posting timely updates here on this thread.

Also, the TBHP sticker set arrived and was applied to the rides.

Starting with the two-wheeled madness - BMW G 310 GS

The baby GS has clocked around 4000 kms, slightly less than my intended mileage. Delhi winters and a busy schedule are to blame for that. I went on a few short rides to Jewar and Leopard Trail, Gurgaon, in between.

The brake lever broke again while the bike was parked in Sector 18, Noida. I have ordered a replacement, which will be installed in a week or two.

Impressions after almost a year of riding:

  1. One of the best motorcycles in the segment, whether in looks, drivetrain, build quality, or simply in its ability to bring a smile to my face every time I pick up the keys.
  2. The gear shifting has improved significantly. As the 310 has a reverse inclined engine, shifting can be a little hard. However, adjusting the chain tension has helped.
  3. Ride quality is amazing, handling potholes and bumps effortlessly.
  4. No vibrations, no rattles, no drama. It rides like a charm.

Moving on to the family's daily runners, Ford 1.0 Ecosport

This one recently crossed the 80,000 km mark and will soon undergo servicing. NCR traffic has taken a toll on the clutch, which needs to be checked as it has become a little stiff. Additionally, the front suspension is due for replacement.

Recent experiences with Ford have not been great. The vehicle was taken to Gautam Buddh Ford for suspension replacement twice but was returned without any work being done. They started with excuses, blaming lateness for appointments, claiming the vehicle needed extensive work, and suggesting leaving it at the dealership for a few days, etc. I believe it is time to switch dealerships as I intend to keep this vehicle for the long term.

Quick question - When should the timing belt be replaced in the 1.0 Ecosport? The manual states it is fitted for life, but I consider it more of a gimmick. Any suggestions would be helpful.

Next, my trusted steed - Maruti Jimny Zeta AT

Well, this one has been my go-to car due to its automatic transmission, which is extremely convenient for city driving. It has completed 9000 km and will soon undergo the third free service/first oil change.

I have made a few cosmetic changes like adding Jimny Graphics from Nexa and a sticker set from our group, 'Cars of Hindustan - Driving for a Cause.' on both the front doors.

Off-road drives with the Jimny have been nothing but fun. Compared to the Gypsy, it can tackle similar terrain but with more comfort.

Observations after almost 7 months:

  1. The K15B engine does not feel underpowered in my usage. The gearbox always seems to be in the right gear and does not hesitate to downshift when needed.
  2. Performance with stock tyres has been more than satisfactory, both on and off-road. However, I am struggling to find the right tyre pressure. 26 PSI seems too low, and anything higher increases bouncing at the rear. Still experimenting.
  3. No matter what the world thinks about this car, it turns heads. People look at it, stare at it, and even slow down on the road. I have started to enjoy these reactions.

Raw power? Yup, the King - Maruti Gypsy 1.3 MPFI

She saw the least usage in the past few months due to a lack of time and my inability to attend meets and events. Tried attaching a video of her cold start after almost 2 months of hibernation, but got some error.

There were a few issues in the past few months:

  1. The starter relay malfunctioned, replaced.
  2. Starter wiring was also replaced.
  3. The clutch cable was replaced twice. Once when it snapped in the middle of a drive and the second time when the previous replacement was not done properly.
  4. The wiring for the tachometer needs to be checked as it is not working.
  5. Needs to be detailed; the paint has become quite rough and uneven (it is time for some TLC which has been pending for too long).

These are the updates and observations about my 'dream garage,' as I prefer to call it. I will be updating this thread regularly, provided I overcome my laziness and get back to what I love most, anything and everything on wheels.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

 

News

City commute on my new BMW G 310 GS: Few things that I noticed

The motorcycle has a very nice commanding riding position and the suspension setup is at another level.

BHPian BudgetFailure recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Got the delivery today. The delivery experience at BMW Motorrad Kormamgla (operated by JSP) was seamless. The bike was ready at the showroom when I reached. I was able to get hold of the bike within 20 mins.

Few things I noticed based on my 50km city commute.

  • It would take some time to get used to a tourer-type bike in which the headlight doesn't move.
  • Bike gives a very nice commanding position
  • The levers are extremely smooth and can be easily operated with one/two fingers.
  • Engine heat sink fan switches on very frequently and the hot air hits the ankle side a lot (nothing to worry about though)
  • Headlight throw is good but the intensity could have been better (I had upgraded my NS headlamps thus the complaint), would eventually get aux lamps
  • Suspension is simply at another level, glad I went ahead with this bike.
  • Need to learn to handle the weight of the bike well in traffic.
  • Parking the bike for me gets a bit tricky at times due to the seat height, but is manageable
  • Side stand is weird, and requires slight slanting of the bike in the opposite direction.

Looking forward to numerous trips on this in the coming years.

One question, I will have to leave the bike unused for 10-12 days after two weeks, any precautions I should take? I intend to take the bike for 1000km/1 month service next month.

One important thing I forgot to mention, I managed to stall the bike 3 times. Still getting accustomed to the throttle response and gear ratios.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

 

News

A 22-year-old's dream garage: Owning a Jimny, Gypsy & an EcoSport

An entry-level adventure tourer, a versatile petrol 4x4 with AT, a nimble turbo-petrol C-SUV and a raw and unadulterated project car.

BHPian Akash_1806 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I am starting this thread to share a 22-year-old's dream garage - a dream that took many years to materialize. It's a combination of vehicles, each excelling in its own segment. I won't delve into technical details and reviews, as there are already informative posts on our forum. Instead, I'll provide my observations, both pros and cons, based on my personal experience.

Starting with my background:

I'm 22 years old and work for a startup in North India. I've been a car enthusiast for as long as I can remember, and my passion began with my Hot Wheels collection, which now boasts more than 200 die-cast vehicles. I've been driving since I turned 18 and have covered over 1,50,000 kilometres in the past 4 years.

A brief overview of vehicles we've owned in the past:

  • 1996 Bajaj Chetak: Purchased pre-owned in 1997 and sold in 2010, this scooter was driven 90,000 kilometres over 13 years by my grandfather.
  • 1998 Hero-Honda Splendor: Bought new in 1998 and sold in 2019, this motorcycle covered a total of 2,32,000 kilometres in 21 years, ridden mostly by my father.
  • 2000 Maruti 800 4 Speed: Acquired pre-owned in 2001 and sold in 2015, this car travelled 73,000 kilometres in 14 years, driven by both my father and grandfather.
  • 2006 Hyundai Santro (Converted to CNG in 2013): This car served as a learning vehicle for me and my mother. We drove it for around 45,000 kilometres. It was purchased new in 2006 and sold in 2021, accumulating a total of 137,000 kilometres in 15 years within the family.
  • 2014 Nissan Terrano: Purchased new in 2014 and sold in 2023, this SUV was driven for a total of 1,48,000 kilometres by my dad and me in 9 years, with 58,000 kilometres driven by me in 2 years.

Now, onto the title of the thread - A Dream Garage:

I've been planning to write a combined ownership report of all my vehicles, but I must confess, I'm a bit too lazy for that. However, I believe that each vehicle in my garage is unique in its own way and cannot be compared to each other or to any other vehicle. For my family and me, every machine is special, and it wouldn't be fair to compare them.

2023 BMW GS 310

The first time I saw the baby GS at Lutyens Motorrad, Okhla.

We purchased the baby GS brand new in April 2023 and have ridden it approximately 2,000 kilometres to date. This machine introduced us to modern-day motorcycles. The initial observations can be found here.

Pros:

  • A well-engineered product resulting from the BMW-TVS partnership, evident in various aspects.
  • It boasts sorted driving dynamics, providing a stable and reliable ride and handling experience.
  • The build quality is top-notch, with no rattles or vibrations from the body or drivetrain.
  • The 310cc reverse-inclined engine, generating 34bhp and 28nm, is smooth and offers decent fuel economy (averaging 35 kmpl in typical riding conditions). It doesn't heat up like other motorcycles in its segment.
  • The upright seating and riding position, which were essential for me and my father, are comfortable.
  • BMW's after-sales service and customer support have been excellent, with no major issues encountered.

Cons:

  • The cost of spare parts and service is on the higher side. For instance, a brake lever replacement costs around Rs 6000, and the 1000 km service costs approximately Rs 5500. This cost reflects the premium associated with the BMW brand and customer service.
  • While the engine is smooth and refined, the same cannot be said for the 6-speed gearbox. It feels clunky, and shifting between 1-N-2 and vice versa can be challenging.
  • Although there are no vibrations or rattles, the bike becomes quite vibey around the seat and fuel tank at around 6000rpm.

2023 Maruti Suzuki Jimny Zeta AT

We took delivery of this vehicle on August 30, 2023, from Fairdeals Nexa, Sector-10, Noida. We've driven it around 600 kilometres so far. We were looking to replace our 2014 Nissan Terrano, and my dad was particularly impressed with the Jimny, especially its smooth and refined automatic transmission. The initial observations can be found here.

Pros:

  • We adore Jimny's looks and its no-nonsense boxy design.
  • The K15B+4AT combination feels decent, and it doesn't feel underpowered in our use case. The car always seems to be in the right gear (possibly due to having fewer gears).
  • It's a proper petrol 4x4 AT with a low ratio and most of the bells and whistles, all under 17 lakhs. Features include 6 airbags, ABS, Hill Descent Control, Speed Chimes, Seatbelt reminders, and more.
  • The NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) levels are excellent, especially when compared to my previous daily driver, a 1.5 K9K Diesel Nissan Terrano.
  • With its compact body structure, lightweight, and 103hp on tap, this vehicle is fun to drive and handles small bumps and potholes exceptionally well.

Cons:

  • Although the ride quality is better than the Thar, it doesn't quite match up to our Ecosport or the previously owned Terrano.
  • The engine behaves like a turbo-petrol when it comes to fuel efficiency. Even the slightest touch on the accelerator pedal results in extremely low fuel efficiency. Coasting seems to be the only option for longer stretches.
  • The stock tires are fine for on-road usage and extremely mild off-road trails. However, extreme rough road or off-road usage may necessitate a switch to all-terrain or mud-terrain tires.

2014 Ford Ecosport 1.0 Ecoboost Titanium

This vehicle was purchased pre-owned in 2021 with approximately 60,000 kilometres on the clock. It has covered around 20,000 kilometres to date, driven by my mom and dad.

Pros:

  • The 1.0 3-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, producing 125hp (stock) and paired with a 5-speed MT, is extremely fun to drive.
  • It handles like it's on rails, with no surprises in terms of ride quality and handling. I particularly enjoy the hatchback-like handling in corners.
  • The spare parts and service costs are reasonable. We haven't encountered any issues with Ford's service so far, and we hope it remains the same.
  • Loaded with features compared to the Terrano of the same manufacturing year.
  • The build quality seems decent, and the NVH levels are on the better side.

Cons:

  • The 1.0 turbo-petrol has mediocre fuel efficiency. City driving yields around 10 km/l, and sensible highway driving provide around 14 km/l.
  • With Ford India's exit, we are uncertain about the quality of spare parts and service.
  • The ride quality is acceptable but on the stiffer side. All the bumps and undulations are felt inside the cabin.
  • The 1.0 3-cylinder engine doesn't sound good at higher RPMs. It's average at best, and the signature 3-cylinder vibrations become noticeable at higher RPMs.

The Project Car and Off-road Build, the 2005 Ex-Army Maruti Gypsy King 1.3 MPFI (prepped to taste)

I affectionately call it the 'King.' We acquired it in 2020 (it was registered in 2016 with a few modifications already done) and have driven it around 19,000 kilometres since then, mostly by me. It has undergone various modifications but remains as robust as any off-roader can be. It was built by Auto Attitudes in Noida, courtesy of a fellow BHPian, Amanpreet.

The list of mods includes:

  1. FFE Side exit with Performance Headers.
  2. K&N Air Filter, Conical type.
  3. Gabriel Shock Absorbers.
  4. One less leaf spring on each wheel.
  5. AC.
  6. Radiator from 1.6 Baleno.
  7. Upgraded cooling system with an electric fan.
  8. 65 Amp Battery.
  9. NGK Iridium Spark Plugs.
  10. 6-inch Extended Rally Cabin.
  11. JBR Reclining Racing Seats.
  12. Blaupunkt Music System with two 6-inch JBL speakers.
  13. Checkered floor and bed plates.
  14. Tachometer.
  15. Yokohama Geolander All-Terrain Tires, 205/70/15, on stock steel rims.

Pros:

  • An extremely capable and mod-friendly G13BB engine, a proper 4x4 with low ratio, and no electrical aids for pure driving bliss.
  • Spare parts and service costs are minimal compared to other vehicles, and spare parts availability is not a concern.
  • A no-nonsense off-road machine built for one purpose: conquering obstacles one after the other.
  • Did I mention that the Gypsy is extremely mod-friendly? Modified NA builds have reached up to 190hp, and TC builds have achieved a whopping 450hp at the crank.
  • The narrow body structure is a blessing in traffic.
  • The mods done to the engine provide excellent low-end torque and a livable mid-range, which is not the strong suit of NA petrol engines.

Cons:

  • Power steering? Power Windows? Stock AC? Creature comforts? These terms are foreign to the Gypsy.
  • Gypsies tend to overheat in extreme off-road and traffic conditions if the radiator hasn't been upgraded.
  • The less said about the ride quality, the better. A Gypsy is only stable when it's at a standstill, thanks to its leaf spring suspension.
  • Fuel Efficiency? What is that? It gives me around 6 to 8 km/l on average.
  • It can only be driven on private roads or tracks due to the NGT ban on 15-year-old petrol vehicles.

After going through the above-mentioned points and details about the vehicles, a question might arise for the readers: How is this a dream garage?

To answer that question, I'd like to emphasize that I have realistic dreams and ambitions in life. I believe that things in life take time and happen only at the right moment. While I do think that this garage could use a proper 7-seater SUV (perhaps a Fortuner?) and a fast sedan or sports car (maybe a pre-owned 530D or a Porsche Cayman?), I feel that this is a perfect dream garage for someone like me. It surpasses what I had imagined five years ago, wondering if I'd be able to own my chosen cars in my early twenties. And here I am, with these beauties from the diverse and amazing world of wheels.

An entry-level adventure tourer, a versatile petrol 4x4 with AT and plenty of features, a nimble and comfortable turbo-petrol C-SUV, and a raw and unadulterated project car that would terrify any sane person (read non-enthusiasts). It's a perfect experience!

Ending the post with 2 beautiful pictures.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

 

News

BMW G 310 motorcycle range gets new colour options

BMW's G 310 range of motorcycles is powered by a 313cc, single-cylinder engine paired with a 6-speed gearbox.

BMW Motorrad has introduced new colour schemes for the G 310 R, G 310 RR and G 310 GS.

The BMW G 310 R is now available in two new colour schemes: Style Sport and Style Passion. The former features Racing Blue Metallic and Polar White shades, while the latter comes in Granite Grey Metallic paintwork.

The G 310 RR is offered in a new Cosmic Black 2 paint scheme, while the G 310 GS is now available in Style Rallye paintwork in Racing Red.

BMW's G 310 range of motorcycles is powered by a 313cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces 33.5 BHP and 27.3 Nm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox via a slipper clutch.

 

News

SUV guy buys his first motorcycle, a BMW G 310 GS: 10 initial thoughts

Heat is managed well and it does not roast the rider's legs as it happened with me on a friend's Royal Enfield Interceptor 650.

BHPian Akash_1806 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hello everyone.

Taking the opportunity and posting an update regarding the bike. Haven't ridden much, about 50kms so will post the initial impressions and observations for now. Please bear with me and my observations as this is my first two-wheeler and I do not have much technical know-how when it comes to motorcycles.

  1. Seems to be a very comfortable bike all around. Riding posture, suspension settings, adjustable clutch and brake levers and the single stock seat all contribute to a very comfortable experience inside the city. Haven't taken the baby GS on the highways or dirt tracks yet, will update about the same once the running-in has been completed.
  2. No vibrations or rattles as such. Haven't felt any vibrations on the handlebar or the foot pegs though it gets a little vibey around the fuel tank. The build quality screams BMW and there are no rattles. I hope it stays the same after I take her on the trails.
  3. Engine and gearbox combination is quite easy to live with and the bike does not feel underpowered at all. Though the 313 CC reverse-inclined engine is quite smooth, the same can not be said about the gearbox. Shifts are a little clunky and finding neutral is a task in itself. Not a deal breaker but could have been better. Also, the electric starter takes a little longer ~ 1.5-2 seconds to crank the engine.
  4. Looks. One word, gorgeous. One of the most beautiful-looking bikes I have ever seen. Could give the bikes in the same range a run for their money. People do give a second glance at signals and in traffic. It is a new feeling for me and it will take some time to get used to.
  5. Size. I love the huge size of this ADV and one fact that surprised me is that it is easily manageable in traffic despite the huge size. Being an SUV person all my life, the commanding position makes me feel at home.
  6. Service interval of 1 year or 10k kms, whichever is earlier. That is the car category. The maintenance might be on the higher side as mentioned in the reviews, but a service interval of 1 year is a big plus.
  7. Heat is managed well and it does not roast the legs of the rider like it happened with me on a friend's Interceptor 650. Quite a different class of bikes, but it's the only bike I have ridden in the last 3 years till the time I brought GS home.
  8. As the running in is still going on, I have kept the speeds below 60 and am riding sedately. Once the bike is run in, I will be able to comment better on the actual performance and fuel efficiency figures. I don't think that I will be able to complete 1k kms in a month but will still try to cover as much as I can.
  9. The instrument cluster is decent and easy to read but misses out on essential information and Bluetooth connectivity. One of them being real-time fuel efficiency and average fuel consumption per liter. The cluster does show fuel consumption in liters/100km but come on BMW, this ain't Europe.
  10. All LED lights look good and function as intended. The lighting is good as per my requirements and does not warrant an upgrade. LED indicators and tail light look cool and I believe they last longer when compared to the halogen bulbs of other brands/motorcycles. Horn is not the best in the segment but one can still live with it without worrying much.

That is all for now. Will post further updates in this thread till the time I don't part with my laziness to write an ownership review.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

 

News

BMW G 310 RR teased; launch on July 15

View Forum Discussion

The BMW G 310 RR will be powered by the same 313cc engine from the Apache RR 310.

BMW Motorrad India has released an official teaser of its upcoming G 310 RR sports bike. It will be launched on July 15, 2022.

The teaser image reveals the bike’s tail section, which looks similar to the TVS Apache RR 310. That being said, it could get a different front-end design and fairing.

Given that the G 310 RR will be based on the Apache RR 310, the bike will be powered by the same 313cc engine that puts out 34 BHP @ 9,700 rpm and 27.3 Nm @ 7,700 rpm. It will be paired with a 6-speed gearbox and could get multiple riding modes.

 

News

BMW G 310 R & G 310 GS prices hiked by Rs. 5,000

The G 310 R competes with the KTM 390 Duke, while the G 310 GS rivals the KTM 390 Adventure.

BMW Motorrad has increased the prices of the G 310 R and G 310 GS models by Rs. 5,000. The G 310 R is now priced at Rs. 2.65 lakh, while the G 310 GS costs Rs. 3.05 lakh (ex-showroom).

BMW had hiked the prices of both models back in August last year, just weeks before the announcement of the 2022 model range.

The bikes are powered by a 313cc, single-cylinder engine that produces 33 BHP @ 9,500 rpm and 28 Nm @ 7,500 rpm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed transmission via a slipper clutch. The bikes come equipped with a ride-by-wire system.

The G 310 R competes with the KTM 390 Duke, while the G 310 GS rivals the KTM 390 Adventure.

 

News

Rs 3.5 lakh budget: Need a bike for short trips/night rides

I plan to keep the motorcycle for at least 10-12 years. I've test ridden a few bikes including the Interceptor 650, Meteor 350, and BMW G 310 R/GS.

BHPian bravo82in recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I am in my late 30s, considering a bike for short trips/night rides, mostly within the city. Just for fun and some adrenaline rush. My back and shoulder problems keep me away from touring of any sort. The last bike I owned was a CBZ classic 15 years back.

My requirements are exclusivity and trouble-free ownership. The bike should look premium and must stand out in the crowd. Have set a budget of 3-3.5 lacs and can extend it a bit. I intend to keep the bike for at least 10-12 years or maybe longer. Have shortlisted and test rode a few and my ride impressions are summarised below.

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

This was the first and obvious choice. However, was not really impressed with the TD. Found the seat to be a bit high (I am 175 cms tall), had to extend the foot to find a stable ground at crawling speeds. The left leg kept hitting the footrest. Had to stoop forward to reach the handlebar causing lower back pain. There was no gear shift indicator and stalled the engine a couple of times due to wrong gear selection (maybe because I was riding after ages). However, the power on tap is excellent, the clutch is soft and gear shifts smooth. This bike has an exclusive cult following, is a looker and is a fairly reliable product. Endless customization options make it worth drooling for.

Royal Enfield Meteor 350

Though not on my bucket list initially, the sales executive insisted on a TD after I pointed issues with the Interceptor. However, this bike left me impressed. The ergonomics are sorted and the speedo console has all the requisite information. The large screen keeps away the wind blast. This bike actually has everything I am looking for except the exclusivity. It’s way too common on the roads.

Honda H'ness CB 350

This was the bike I felt comfortable riding. Never felt like I was riding such a heavy bike. It was so smooth and easy to handle. The only con is the looks. It’s just too boring, more like a Splendor going to the gym, especially in dual-tone. Didn’t find many customisation options on the net, unlike the Interceptor. Another issue will be the service. The nearest centre is 200kms away and I can never drive that distance.

BMW G 310 R/GS

Again, not on my bucket list, saw the 310 R on display in a mall and was really impressed with the way it looks. The next day headed to the showroom. This bike is a looker no doubts, but the driving dynamics are not that great. The gear ratio was a bit odd, so was the acceleration in lower gears. The gear shifts were precise. Felt like I was riding an Apache. Is this really BMW or a TVS Apache with a BMW label? The ergonomics of both the bikes were sorted except in G310R I had to dorsiflex my wrist way too much causing pain on the palmar aspect of the wrist joint. Had seating issues with the GS, a pain in stop and go traffic. The GS impressed me with the suspension though. Out of the two, the 310R will be my choice. Except for the looks and premium BMW label, there is not much to write about. Again service will be a pain, 200 kms away.

Yamaha Aerox 155

Although there is no comparison between the bikes above and the Aerox, the Aerox seems to fulfil my requirement. Though I am yet to test drive one, it’s a looker, expect it to remain exclusive and can do some grocery runs too. A practical choice I can say. However, I will miss the charm of owning something like the Interceptor.

Bikes not considered

  • Honda CB 300 - Yet to test drive but don’t find it a looker hence not considering.
  • Jawa - Again, lack of exclusivity and quality issues as reported by users is keeping me away from Jawa.
  • Kawasaki Ninja 300 - I guess the forward stance will cause back pain, hence not considered.
  • Benelli - This brand has a couple of good options with an extended budget. Chinese connection is keeping me away. I can reconsider if the products are reliable and keeper.
  • E-bikes - I couldn’t find good options hence not considered.
  • Commuter bikes from Hero/ Bajaj, etc.

A humble request for suggestions and inputs from the forum.

Thanks and regards

Here's what BHPian Cyborg had to say about the matter:

I can sense your confusion and frustration due to your back and shoulder issues. I wish you happy, safe riding as long as you choose.

Please read your own post (read it a few times if necessary) on the RE 350 Meteor, it’s the ONLY bike you yourself say “has everything you are looking for” except exclusivity. I would strongly advise you to forget about exclusivity, why are you bothering about it!

Just buy the RE Meteor and get back to riding. Forget about exclusivity, you are buying this to make yourself happy, do not bother about world perception.

Here's what BHPian neil.jericho had to say about the matter:

Based on your requirements, I feel a few motorcycles appear to be better choices than most

  • Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: With the back and shoulder issues that you alluded to, do strongly consider getting handlebar risers. Beyond that, the sky is the limit in terms of customization and making the bike your own. The Interceptor is a long term keeper and you certainly aren't going to outgrow it in a few years time.
  • TVS Apache RR 310 BTO: Leftfield choice but it is stylish, comfortable, has some very good components and will give you exclusivity as well. It definitely meets your premium feel and stands out criterion.
  • Classic 350: Same impressive characteristics of the Meteor but you might lose out on the exclusivity part.

In the end, I have a feeling that you will end up with the Interceptor 650 but do test ride a few more options before you make a final call.

Here's what BHPian nTorq had to say about the matter:

I am surprised at how Honda has been able to create a sense that the Highness is an alternative or even in the same segment as the Interceptor.

The Interceptor is a fantastic bike and is probably the most VFM parallel-twin engine in the market right now. Yes, there are a few design flaws, but those aren’t deal-breakers. Amongst the bikes you’ve listed, I think Interceptor is a no-brainer.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

 

News

BMW Motorrad India records highest sales ever

The BMW G 310 R and G 310 GS motorcycles have contributed to nearly 90% of the brand's yearly sales.

BMW Motorrad India has announced that it has recorded its highest sales ever. The company has delivered a total of 5,000 motorcycles in the Indian market in 2021.

BMW Motorrad India has said in a press statement that it will post a growth of over 100% in 2021 as compared to 2020. The brand's G 310 R and G 310 GS motorcycles have contributed to nearly 90% of the yearly sales.

As per the company, apart from the huge demand for the G 310 R and G 310 GS, other models which have been a favourite among motorcycle enthusiasts include the C 400 GT maxi-scooter, R 1250 GS/GSA adventure bikes, R 18 Classic and the S 1000 RR and M 1000 RR sportbikes.

The firm has also said that BMW Financial Services India has played a strategic role in expanding the brand's network in the country. It has also helped in facilitating the company's sales performance.

 

News

BMW G 310 GS: Quick Observations after a 900 km road trip

The bike returned a fuel efficiency of 32.4 km/l but reduced drastically when pushed a bit hard.

BHPian nitinkbhaskar recently shared this with other enthusiasts

I usually waited for those rainy evenings, when missus or kiddo would crave some samosas / bhajji etc. And before my wife could open the Zomato / Swiggy app, I used to pick up my helmet to convey that I am up for the job. And during such rides, I realized that what an amazing city bike can Reyah be (once you are comfortable with her size). The suspension and crisp pickup both work in tandem to ensure that you don't usually slow down during rough patches and even if you do you can quickly buzz out.

However, during such rides, I found 1 niggle (which I will be requesting mods to add to the opening post). The side stand protrudes way out and hence to pull out the parked bike one has to tilt the bike in opposite direction (right). And it becomes a challenge when someone parked on the close right after you did. You will have to tilt their bike or do some bike gymnast wizardry to get out of the spot. And it becomes frustrating in situations when you want to get in and get out quick (else the samosas may get cold and any future chance of replacing delivery boys will be compromised )

However, there is only this much you can do in the city and both Reyah and I was craving for a ride. And a great opportunity came up wherein my relatives were visiting us and we planned a trip to Mangalore. However, all of us couldn't fit in our humble Punto and I volunteered to ride on the bike. And with that, I completed the Mangalore trip (~900 km).

Some quick observations:

Positives:

  • Cruising on 90 - 100 km/h (~6k rpm) gave mileage of 32.4 km/l.
  • There is a lot of room for riders to move around.
  • Though the seat is well-padded bums were not happy after 4-5 hours of the ride. However, once I reached the destination (after 10 - 11 hours of journey), I was not tired.
  • I had a notion that the bike would be top-heavy and it would be a task to handle her in ghats. But the experience was quite opposite and I was really enjoying the ghat sections with late braking, rev-matched downshifts and cornering. I always felt that I could push her more. I think I will do a track day with Reyah
  • On the return leg, I had to hurry and I could cruise at 110-115 comfortably (with no headwinds). The point to note is that I don't have any aftermarket windshield. The stock screen is comfortable for me without causing any buffeting and any riding discomfort.

Negatives:

  • On the above speeds the mileage reduced drastically (~27 km/l).
  • Missus joined me for 200 odd Kms and she quipped that she misses the aftermarket seat and huge backrest of our previous ride (C500).

All in all, I had a blast during this ride. Looking forward to resuming the weekend rides soon.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

 

Pages

Driven by india