2020 BMW G 310GS vs 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2020 BMW G 310GS 2020 BMW G 310GS

Sport

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
25 kW / 34 hp @ at 9500
Top Speed
88.9 mph
Weight
175 kg / 385.8 lbs
2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Power
30.9 kW 41.4 hp @ 10750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
169 kg / 373 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20202018
ColoursStrato Blue Metallic, Pearl White Metallic, Cosmic Black One-
Make ModelBMW G 310GSYamaha YZF-R 3
Dimensions
Seat Height835 mm / 32.9 in 820 mm / 32.2 in Low Seat 850 mm / 33.5 in Comfort Seat779.7 mm / 30.7 in
Wheelbase1420 mm / 55.9 in1379.2 mm / 54.3 in
Ground Clearance-160 mm / 6.2 in
Height1230 mm / 48.2 in (excl. mirrors)1 135.3 mm / 44.7 in
Length2075 mm / 81.7 in2090 mm / 82.3 in
Width878 mm / 34.6 in (incl. mirrors)718.8 mm / 28.3 in
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity11 Litres / 2.9 US gal14 Litres / 3.7 US gal
Wet Weight175 kg / 385.8 lbs169 kg / 373 lbs
Performance
Top Speed143.0 km/h / 88.9 mph-
Max Power25 kW / 34 hp @ at 950030.9 kW 41.4 hp @ 10750 rpm
Max Torque28 Nm / 2.86 kgf-m / 20.7 ft-lb @ 7500 rpm29.6 Nm / 3.0 kg-m @ 9000 rpm
Engine
Engine TypeSingle cylinder, four-stroke-
CO276.6 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)-
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Displacement313 cc / 19.1 cu-in321 cc / 19.5 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, rRearward-canted single-cylinder, DOHC, 4 valvesFour stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection-
Bore x Stroke80 x 62.1 mm68.0 x 44.1mm
Compression Ratio10.6:111.2:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
EmissionsEuro 4-
ExhaustSingle, closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter-
Fuel Consumption3.30 litres/100 km (30.3 km/l or 71.28 mpg)-
Fuel InductionElectronic fuel injection, BMS-E2Electronic Fuel Injection, 32 mm throttle body
IgnitionElectronicTCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition
LubricationWet sumpWet sump
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12 V / 8 Ah, Maintenance free-
Drivetrain
ClutchMultiple-discs in oil bath, mechanically operatedWet, multiple-disc coil spring
Final DriveChainO-ring chain
Transmission / DriveSynchromesh 6-speed transmission, integrated in the motor housingConstant Mesh, 6-speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel frame with bolted rear frameDelta box
Suspension - Front41mm Upside-down fork41mm KYBø telescopic fork
Suspension - RearSolid die-cast aluminum swingarm, directly hinged monoshock, adjustable preloadAdjustable KYB® single shock
Rake-25°
Steering Head Angle63.3°-
Trail98 mm / 3.86 in93.9 mm / 3.7 in
Wheel Travel - Front180 mm / 7.1 in130 mm / 5.1 in
Wheel Travel - Rear180 mm / 7.1 in124.4 mm / 4.9 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator308 W-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle 300mm disc, 4-piston fixed caliper, radially boltedSingle 298mm disc 2 piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle 240mm disc, single-piston floating caliperSingle 220mm disc 1 piston caliper
ABSBMW Motorrad ABS-
Tyres - Front110/80 - R19110/70-17M/C 54H
Tyres - Rear150/70 - R17140/70-17M/C 66H
Wheels - FrontCast aluminium, 5-spoke, 2.50 x 19-
Wheels - RearCast aluminium, 5-spoke, 4.0 x 17-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2020 BMW G 310GS

The 2020 BMW G 310GS edges out the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 thanks to its standard ABS and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2020 BMW G 310GS - Advantages

  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • More front wheel travel: 180 mm vs 130 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 - Advantages

  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.

2020 BMW G 310GS vs 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2020 BMW G 310GS and 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3?
The 2020 BMW G 310GS uses Single cylinder, four-stroke, while the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 is powered by Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2020 BMW G 310GS or the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3?
The 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 is lighter at 169 kg compared to 175 kg for the 2020 BMW G 310GS - a difference of 6 kg. This is a small difference unlikely to be a deciding factor in everyday riding.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2020 BMW G 310GS or the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3?
The 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 has the larger tank at approximately 14 litres vs 11 litres for the 2020 BMW G 310GS. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 233-280 km vs 183-220 km between stops.
Does the 2020 BMW G 310GS or 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 have ABS?
The 2020 BMW G 310GS is listed with ABS as standard. The 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2020 BMW G 310GS or the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3?
Both are strong choices. The 2020 BMW G 310GS has the edge in standard ABS and higher front wheel travel, while the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 stands out for larger fuel tank. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.