2020 BMW G 310 R vs KTM 390 Duke: Competition Check

BMW Motorrad recently launched the new 2020 edition of its entry-level offering, the G 310 R, in India. The motorcycle has received a plethora of updates but the price has surprisingly gone down as compared to the earlier version. However, it still faces stiff competition from the highly-popular and enticing KTM 390 Duke in the street bike genre. Now, to find out which one’s better on paper, we compare them both in terms of styling, features, hardware and pricing. 

Styling

The KTM 390 Duke had received a major design makeover in 2017 when it was bestowed with extremely sharp and sporty body panels. For 2020, the motorcycle has only received new colour options which look eye-catchy. Now, the new G 310 R might not look as edgy as the Duke. But its design has been made slightly more angular over the outgoing version, especially on the front. Topping off the aesthetic changes are three new paint schemes which look much swankier than the previous colours. 

Features

The BMW G 310 R has been updated on the feature front also, with the addition of LED headlamp and LED turn indicators. However, the 390 Duke is still the most loaded machine in this area with full-LED lighting and a colour TFT screen which gets Bluetooth-connectivity and shows gallops of information. Meanwhile, the G 310 R’s display is still an LCD unit. 

Engine

Powering the 2020 G 310 R is the same 312cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine which is now BS6 compliant. The emission constraining changes haven’t affected its power figures which continue to be the same at 34bhp and 28Nm. Now, the 390 Duke substantially outdoes the beemer in this department as well. Its 373cc motor pumps out 42.9bhp and 37Nm. 

Although both bikes get ride-by-wire throttle, a six-speed gearbox and an assist and slipper clutch, the KTM takes things a notch higher with a bi-directional quick shifter which allows for clutchless gearshifts. 

Cycle Parts

Both the contenders are nearly the same in terms of cycle parts. They ride on 17-inch alloy wheels with upside down forks up front and a monoshock at the rear. Moreover, braking hardware is also identical with a disc at both ends with dual-channel ABS. However, the Duke’s ABS setup is switchable with three modes, while that of the G 310 R is non-switchable. 

Pricing

BMW Motorrad surprised everyone by pricing the 2020 G 310 R lesser than its BS4 model. Pegged at Rs 2.45 lakh, the BS6 model of the bike is Rs 54,000 cheaper than the BS4 trim. On the other hand, the KTM 390 Duke is slightly more expensive with a price tag of Rs 2.58 lakh. But what’s worth noting is that the sales and service reach of KTM is much wider than BMW Motorrad in India. Also, the maintenance cost of the Duke should be lesser than the G 310 R. 

(All prices are ex-showroom)