KTM 390 Adventure vs BMW G 310 GS BS6 Real-world Numbers Compared: Acceleration, Mileage And Braking
Modified On Dec 29, 2020 03:56 PM By Jehan Adil Darukhanawala for BMW G 310 GS
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How different is the performance of the two entry-level ADVs?
If there’s one bike format that suits India the best, it has to be adventure tourers. The entry-level space has seen a lot of competition with European giants, KTM and BMW Motorrad, battling it out for top honours. Sure, their respective contenders, the 390 Adventure and G 310 GS, aren’t as cost-effective as the Royal Enfield Himalayan, but if you’re looking for a premium flavour, it doesn’t get any better than these two. So, which one offers better performance?
Also Read: BMW G 310 GS BS6: Road Test Review
Acceleration
Was there ever a doubt which one of these was going to be quicker? 373cc vs 313cc, 43.5PS vs 34PS, 37Nm vs 28Nm. Credit where it's due though, the G 310 GS is just as sprightly getting off the line and up to 60kmph. However, it is the manic KTM that edges to nearly a 2-second advantage in the acceleration run to 100kmph.
Roll-on Acceleration
The KTM likes to be ridden quickly. With a peaky powerband, the 390 ADV is good for hooning. But in the city, one needs to work the gearbox a bit more than what you would on the G 310 GS. The BMW’s motor has a stronger mid-range performance and is lighter too. In fact, the GS allows you to ride it at speeds as low as 40kmph in 6th gear, which is a bit difficult to do on the 390 ADV.
Braking
This was particularly shocking as the 390 Adventure with its sintered braking pads took more time to come to a dead halt from 100kmph. The braking feel on both bikes is brilliant as is progression. This anomaly is difficult to spell out, with one of the explanations being the larger contact patch offered by the BMW’s rear tyre adds extra braking stability to the mix.
Fuel Efficiency
High revving, high strung and high on performance means the 390 Adventure was not going to be as frugal as the G 310 GS. The city score indicates the strong mid-range performance of the GS. But we were quite pleased to find the 390 delivered just 0.4kmpl lower than the GS. The additional 3.5 litres enables you to ride the 390 Adventure for over 120km, though.