BMW G 310 R BS6 vs KTM 390 Duke BS6: Photo Comparison Gallery

We compare BMW Motorrad’s latest naked with its arch rival in detailed images

BMW Motorrad made the BS6-compliant G 310 R a lot more affordable with a massive 54,000 rupee price cut. Now at Rs 2.45 lakh (ex-showroom India), it undercuts its arch nemesis, the KTM 390 Duke, by almost Rs 13,000. Let’s compare the intricacies of the two motorcycles in detailed images and see where they stand:

The BS6-compliant iteration of the BMW G 310 R gets an all-LED lighting system, which has increased its premium quotient. The LED headlamp is reminiscent of the BMW F 900 R whereas the KTM 390 Duke’s insect-like LED headlamp is inspired by the KTM 1290 Super Duke R.

Sadly, BMW Motorrad hasn’t tinkered with the instrument cluster in the BS6 G 310 R. It is the same unit as before, with the de rigeur details along with a couple of useful features like range and gear position indicator. On the other hand, the KTM 390 Duke gets a proper TFT instrument cluster with smartphone connectivity to access features like phone calls/SMS and music control.

Another new addition to the BS6 G 310 R is the 4-step adjustable brake and clutch levers. KTM does one better by offering 5-step adjustable levers as standard. Both bikes have a 6-speed transmission with assist and slipper clutch for easy lever control and to prevent rear wheel lock while downshifting aggressively. The KTM also gets a bidirectional quickshifter for clutchless up- and downshifts.

While the fuel tank extensions on the BMW G 310 R BS6 have been slightly redesigned, it still holds the same 11 litres of fuel as before. KTM’s sharply chiselled fuel tank can hold slightly more fuel, at 13.4 litres.

Thankfully both bikes haven’t witnessed any drop in output figures despite complying with strict BS6 emission norms. The BS6-compliant BMW G 310 R produces 34PS and 28Nm whereas the bigger-engined KTM 390 Duke makes a generous 43.5PS and 37Nm.  Both bikes get ride-by-wire as standard for a crisp throttle response.

Like the KTM, the BMW G 310 R BS6 also gets flashily coloured wheels. They’re suspended on a 41mm inverted fork and anchored by a 300mm disc with radial caliper up front, and dual-channel ABS. The KTM 390 Duke gets a slightly more sophisticated 43mm WP Apex inverted front fork and a larger 320mm disc with radial caliper and dual-channel switchable ABS.

At the rear, the two bikes employ a preload-adjustable monoshock. The BMW G 310 R gets a slightly larger 240mm disc whereas the KTM 390 Duke comes with a 230mm unit. 

Overall, the BMW G 310 R BS6 has become a much more wholesome motorcycle than before thanks to the new features and the big price cut. If you’re looking for a reasonably powerful 300cc naked with proper badge value, then the BMW G 310 R works well. For those who look for out-and-out performance, the KTM 390 Duke remains the most obvious choice.