Look, the 2019 BMW GS 310—formally known as the G 310 GS—got a bit of a weird reputation when it first dropped. Some hardcore ADV riders looked at the 313cc engine and scoffed. They called it a "Bayerische Motoren Werke" in name only. They were wrong. Mostly.
If you’ve ever tried to muscle a 600-pound R 1250 GS through a muddy rut in the rain, you know exactly why a lightweight bike matters. The 2019 model year was a pivotal one for this machine. It wasn't the first year of production, which is a good thing. BMW had already ironed out some of the early teething issues from the 2017 and 2018 launches, like those pesky side stand recalls and the occasional stalling drama. By 2019, the "Baby GS" was starting to find its feet as a legitimate entry-level adventure bike that didn't feel like a toy.
What's actually under the tank of the 2019 BMW GS 310?
Let's talk about that engine. It’s a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled 313cc thumper. It puts out about 34 horsepower. That sounds tiny. It is tiny. But the way BMW engineered it is actually pretty clever. They tilted the cylinder backward and rotated the head 180 degrees. This puts the intake at the front and the exhaust at the rear. Why do you care? Because it keeps the center of gravity low and lets the bike stay incredibly narrow.
The 2019 BMW GS 310 thrives in the "Goldilocks" zone of urban commuting and light trail work. You aren't going to win any drag races against a 1000cc sportbike. Honestly, you might get gapped by a determined teenager in a tuned Honda Civic. But on a tight, technical fire road? This thing is a scalpel. It weighs about 374 pounds wet. That is light enough to flick around corners without breaking a sweat, which is exactly what makes it approachable for new riders or older vets who are tired of dropping heavy bikes.
One thing that surprised people about the 2019 BMW GS 310 was the build quality. Despite being manufactured in partnership with TVS Motor Company in India, the fit and finish held up to BMW standards. The paint didn't flake. The switchgear felt tactile. It looked like a GS. That beak, the luggage rack, and the tall stance gave it the "big bike" aesthetic that people crave, even if it was sipping fuel at a rate that would make a Prius jealous.
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Real world ergonomics and the "Tall Bike" myth
A lot of people think adventure bikes are only for giants. The 2019 BMW GS 310 challenges that, but only slightly. The seat height is 32.8 inches. For a 5'10" rider, that's an easy reach. If you're 5'5", you're going to be on your tiptoes. BMW offered a "Low Seat" option back then that dropped it to 31.5 inches, which basically saved the bike for a whole demographic of shorter riders.
The riding position is neutral. You sit upright. Your arms are wide on the bars. It feels commanding. However, let’s be real about the seat—it’s a bit firm. If you’re planning a 400-mile slab haul on the interstate, your backside will let you know about it by mile 150. Most owners ended up swapping for a Seat Concepts or a Sargent saddle. It's a common mod.
The Suspension Reality Check
Here is where the 2019 BMW GS 310 shows its price point. It uses 41mm inverted forks. They look cool. They look "premium." But they are soft. Very soft. If you weigh more than 180 pounds and you hit a speed bump or a medium-sized rock off-road, you might bottom out that front end.
The rear shock is adjustable for preload, but that’s it. No compression adjustment. No rebound damping. For a beginner, this is fine. It soaks up potholes like a sponge. But for someone trying to do "real" ADV riding, the 2019 BMW GS 310 suspension is usually the first thing that gets upgraded. Companies like Ohlins and Rally Raid made a killing selling suspension kits for this bike, and for good reason. It transforms the machine from a soft commuter into a genuine dirt-capable explorer.
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The 2019 BMW GS 310 off-road: Can it actually do it?
The short answer: Yes. The long answer: It depends on the tires.
Stock, the 2019 BMW GS 310 came with Metzeler Tourance tires. Those are 90/10 tires. They are great for wet pavement and gravel driveways. They are absolute garbage in deep sand or mud. If you want to take this bike into the wild, you have to swap those for something like a Shinko 804/805 or a Continental TKC80.
The 19-inch front wheel is the compromise choice. It’s better off-road than a 17-inch street wheel, but not as "unstoppable" as a 21-inch wheel found on the F 850 GS. It’s the middle child. It works. You also get a switchable ABS system, which was a big deal for 2019. You can turn off the ABS to the rear wheel with a button on the handlebar, allowing you to slide the back end into corners on the dirt. That’s a "pro" feature on a "budget" bike.
- Pros: Lightweight, incredible fuel economy (60-70 mpg), easy to repair, looks expensive.
- Cons: Vibration at high speeds, soft front forks, the stock halogen headlight is kind of dim.
Common headaches and what to look for
If you're looking at a used 2019 BMW GS 310 today, check the battery. The original OEM batteries were notorious for dying if the bike sat for more than a week. Many owners switched to lithium-ion or high-quality AGM batteries.
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Another thing: the vibrations. Since it’s a single-cylinder, the bike gets "buzzy" at 75 mph. Your hands might tingle after an hour on the highway. This isn't a "broken" bike; it’s just the nature of the beast. Bar-end weights and better grips help, but they won't cure it. This bike is happiest at 55-65 mph on curvy backroads. That’s its soul.
Why the 2019 model is a "Smart" Buy in 2026
We are now several years removed from the 2019 launch. The 2019 BMW GS 310 has depreciated enough to be a steal on the used market, yet it’s modern enough to have fuel injection and reliable electronics. It doesn't have the ride-by-wire throttle that the 2021+ models received, but many riders actually prefer the old-school cable throttle. It feels more direct. More mechanical.
There's also the aftermarket. Because this bike has been out for a while, every possible accessory exists. Crash bars, skid plates, pannier racks—you name it. You can build a world-traveler out of a 2019 BMW GS 310 for less than the cost of a down payment on a new 1300 GS.
Actionable Steps for Potential Owners
If you're thinking about pulling the trigger on a 2019 BMW GS 310, don't just look at the odometer. These engines are hardy, but they need maintenance.
- Check the VIN for recalls. Ensure the brake caliper and side stand recalls were performed by a certified dealer.
- Inspect the coolant. Early models sometimes had water pump seal issues. Look for "milky" oil or crusty residue around the pump.
- Upgrade the lighting. The 2019 model uses a halogen bulb. Swapping to a high-quality LED bulb is a 10-minute job that significantly improves safety at night.
- Test the clutch. The 2019 doesn't have the "slipper" clutch found on later models, so it can be a little stall-prone if you aren't smooth with your friction zone.
- Plan for a sprocket change. Many riders swap the front sprocket for one with one less tooth. It lowers the top speed but gives the bike much more "grunt" for climbing hills and low-speed technical riding.
The 2019 BMW GS 310 is a gateway drug. It’s designed to get you addicted to the "GS Life" without the $20,000 entry fee. It’s honest, it’s rugged enough for most people's adventures, and it carries that badge with more dignity than the critics expected. Whether you're a new rider looking for your first "real" bike or an expert looking for a "smaller" second bike for the trails, this specific year represents a fantastic balance of price and performance. Just be prepared to explain to your friends that "No, it's not too small," right before you outmaneuver them on a tight mountain trail.