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

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2020 BMW G 310R 2020 BMW G 310R

Sport

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
25 kW / 34 hp @ 9500 rpm
Top Speed
88.9 mph
Weight
158.5 kg / 349 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
ColoursHP Motorsport, Cosmic Black, Racing Red-
Make ModelBMW G 310RYamaha YZF-R 3
Dimensions
Seat Height785 mm / 30.9 in779.7 mm / 30.7 in
Wheelbase1374 mm / 54.1 in1379.2 mm / 54.3 in
Ground Clearance-160 mm / 6.2 in
Height1080 mm / 42.5 in.1 135.3 mm / 44.7 in
Length1988 mm / 78.3 in2090 mm / 82.3 in
Width896 mm / 35.3 in718.8 mm / 28.3 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight158.5 kg / 349.4 lbs-
Fuel Capacity11 Litres / 2.9 US gal14 Litres / 3.7 US gal
Wet Weight158.5 kg / 349 lbs169 kg / 373 lbs
Performance
Top Speed143.0 km/h / 88.9 mph-
Max Power25 kW / 34 hp @ 9500 rpm30.9 kW 41.4 hp @ 10750 rpm
Max Torque28 Nm / 20.7 ft-lb @ 7500 rpm29.6 Nm / 3.0 kg-m @ 9000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.2115 HP/kg-
Engine
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
CO277.3 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)-
Engine TypeSingle cylinder, four-stroke-
Displacement313 cc / 19.1 cu in321 cc / 19.5 cu-in
Engine DetailSingle cylinder, DOHC, 4 valvesFour stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection-
Bore x Stroke80 x 62 mm68.0 x 44.1mm
Compression Ratio10.6:111.2:1
Cooling SystemLiquid CooledLiquid cooled
EmissionsEuro 4-
Exhaust valve diameter27.2 mm-
Fuel Consumption3.33 litres/100 km (30.0 km/l or 70.64 mpg)-
Fuel InductionBMS-E2Electronic Fuel Injection, 32 mm throttle body
Ignition-TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition
Lubrication-Wet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Valve Diameter (Intake)33.5 mm-
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12V, 8 Ah-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-plateWet, multiple-disc coil spring
Final DriveChain, O-ringO-ring chain
Gear Ratios1st 3.000 / 2 nd 2.063 / 3rd 1.588 / 4th 10286 / 5th 1.095 / 6th 0.955:1-
Primary Drive Ratios3.083:1-
Transmission / Drive6-Speed, constant-meshConstant Mesh, 6-speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel frame in grid structure with bolt-on rear frameDelta box
Suspension - Front41mm Telescopic fork41mm KYBø telescopic fork
Suspension - RearAluminium swinging arm in conjunction with a directly mounted spring strutAdjustable KYB® single shock
Rake-25°
Steering Head Angle64.9°-
Trail102.3 mm / 4.02 in93.9 mm / 3.7 in
Wheel Travel - Front140 mm / 5.5 in130 mm / 5.1 in
Wheel Travel - Rear131 mm / 5.5 in124.4 mm / 4.9 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator330W-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle 300mm discSingle 298mm disc 2 piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle 240mm discSingle 220mm disc 1 piston caliper
ABSStandard-
Rims - Front3.0 x 17-
Rims - Rear4.0 x 17-
Tyres - Front110/70 R17110/70-17M/C 54H
Tyres - Rear150/60 R17140/70-17M/C 66H
Wheels5-Spoke, light alloy die-cast-

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2020 BMW G 310R and the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2020 BMW G 310R - Advantages

  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • More front wheel travel: 140 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.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

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

What are the engine differences between the 2020 BMW G 310R and 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3?
The 2020 BMW G 310R 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 has the larger fuel tank, the 2020 BMW G 310R 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 310R. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 233-280 km vs 183-220 km between stops.
Does the 2020 BMW G 310R or 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 have ABS?
The 2020 BMW G 310R 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 310R or the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3?
Both are strong choices. The 2020 BMW G 310R has the edge in standard ABS and higher front wheel travel, while the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 stands out for larger fuel tank and fuel injection. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.