Keeway K300 N vs BMW G 310 R – Finding the better 300cc motorcycle out of the two

The sub-400cc category of sports roadsters has long been dominated by the KTM 390 Duke. Though, with its first significant update in 2020, the BMW G 310 R has become a lot better and much more affordable than before, thus widening the price gap from the 390 Duke. Now, a relatively new player for India, Keeway, has introduced its K300 N sports roadster, which squarely aims at the G 310 R. WE compare both the G 310 R and K300 N comprehensively to find out if the new K300 N has got the edge over the slightly more expensive G 310 R or not. 

Price

Priced at Rs 2.65 lakh, the Keeway K300 N is just Rs 5,000 lesser expensive than the more-premium looking BMW G 310 R, which is priced at Rs 2.70 lakh for the single variant in which it is available. While the Keeway K300 N is offered in colour options namely Matte White, Matte Red and Matte Black, the BW G 310 R is offered in funkier colour options like Polar White with Racing Blue Metallic, Racing Red and Cosmic Black 2.

(prices mentioned above are ex-showroom, India)

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Engine and Chassis

Both the Keeway K300 N and BMW G 310 R are bestowed with single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engines, though the latter has got a displacement advantage with a slightly bigger engine. The G 310 R enjoys this advantage in displacement with significantly higher power output (6.5 bhp more) and higher torque output (3 Nm more) than the Keeway K300 N. Even the refinement levels in the G 310 R’s powertrain feel much better than those in the engine of K300 N.

Both the motorcycles here get upside-down hydraulic telescopic forks at the front and a centrally-mounted mono-shock with adjustable pre-load, though the front forks of the G 310 R are wider in their diameter. The BMW G 310 R also benefits from radial tyres at both ends, with its rear tyre being wider than that of the K300 N. Lastly, with bigger front and rear disc brakes, even the braking combination of the G 310 R feels better than the K300 N’s setup.

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Dimension

Dimensionally, the BMW G 310 R is a larger motorcycle in size, when compared to the Keeway K300 N, as the former is longer, wider and taller while having a longer wheelbase, higher ground clearance and lower seat height as well. All these advantages do give it a stronger road presence of a larger motorcycle while feeling easier to the rider with a lower seat height.

Design and Features

While the Keeway K300 N is the newer one among the two motorcycles here, there’s no denying the fact that the BMW G 310 R feels the better-looking one with a more premium essence and better fit and finish levels. After all, the G 310 R is from BMW Motorrad, a company which never compromises with the quality of its motorcycles, even though the G 310 R is its smallest and most affordable motorcycle worldwide.

The Keeway K300 N has an edginess in its design, which is evident in the way its front fascia, fuel tank and tail section are designed. The front fascia comprises an edgy-looking cowl around the angular-looking all-LED headlamps. The aggressive-looking fuel tank and tail section of the K300 N look fancy with a lot of cuts and creases, which scream sportiness. The angularly-placed tail section of the K300 N ends up with a tiny LED tail lamp, while the LED turn indicators are placed on the lower edges of the tail section, as the K300 N misses out on a proper rear fender for an enhanced sporty look when viewed from the rear. In its place, it gets a small rear tyre hugger.

The BMW G 310 R is around in the market for quite some time now, however, the current facelifted avatar which came out in 2020 has given the motorcycle a fresh lease of life. It has become much more desirable with fancier colour options and a revised front fascia featuring an all-LED headlamp. Even the turn indicators became LED units with this update, though the motorcycle continued featuring the already nice-looking muscular fuel tank and compact tail section. Unlike the K300 N, the G 310 R gets a long single seat in place of a split seat arrangement, but it gets functional split pillion grab rails and a rear fender for a more practical appearance.

Both the motorcycles here get a fully-digital LCD instrument console without Bluetooth connectivity, though the console of the BMW G 310 R has more data on display and feels easier to read while on the move.

Verdict

Despite being the newer motorcycle, there is not a single aspect in which the Keeway K300 N has got the better edge over the BMW G 310 R. Out of the two motorcycles here, the BMW G 310 R has a better and more premium design, more features, bigger and more refined engine with higher power and torque figures and better suspension, brake and tyres. With all these significant advantages, the G 310 R leaves no reason for us to pick the Keeway K300 N over it. The slight premium of Rs 5,000 which the BMW G 310 R carries over the K300 N does make all of the sense.

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