2017 KTM 300 EXC vs 2018 BMW G 310GS

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles

Differences only

2017 KTM 300 EXC

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine

Single cylinder, two-stroke

Power

N/A

Top Speed

N/A

Weight

220.5 pounds

2018 BMW G 310GS

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine

Single cylinder, four-stroke

Power

25 kW / 34 hp @ at 9500

Top Speed

88.9 mph

Weight

373.7 pounds

Full Specifications

Differs Same

General
Year	-	2018
Colours	Orange/white/black	Cosmic Black, Racing Red, Pearl White Metallic Motorsport
Make Model	-	BMW G 310GS
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)	14.0 inches	-
Ground Clearance (mm)	355 mm	-
Seat Height	960 mm / 37.8 in.	835 mm / 32.9 in 820 mm / 32.2 in Low Seat 850 mm / 33.5 in Comfort Seat
Wheelbase	1,482 mm / 58.3 in.	1420 mm / 55.9 in
Height	-	1230 mm / 48.2 in (excl. mirrors)
Length	-	2075 mm / 81.7 in
Width	-	878 mm / 34.6 in (incl. mirrors)
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight	100 kg / 220.5 lbs	-
Fuel Capacity	9.50 litres / 2.51 gallons	11 Litres / 2.9 US gal
Wet Weight	-	175 kg / 385.8 lbs
Performance
Top Speed	-	143.0 km/h / 88.9 mph
Max Power	-	25 kW / 34 hp @ at 9500
Max Torque	-	28 Nm / 2.86 kgf-m / 20.7 ft-lb @ 7500 rpm
Engine
Fuel Control	-	Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
CO2	-	77.3 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Displacement (ci)	17.88 cubic inches	-
Engine Type	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, four-stroke
Bore x Stroke (in,)	2.8 x 2.8 inches	-
Bore x Stroke (mm)	72.0 x 72.0 mm	-
Displacement (cc)	293.00 cc	-
Displacement	-	313 cc / 19.1 cu-in
Engine Detail	Reed intake.	Four stroke, rRearward-canted single-cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves
Fuel System	Carburettor	Injection. Electronic fuel injection, BMS-E2.
Bore x Stroke	-	80 x 62.1 mm
Compression Ratio	-	10.6:1
Cooling System	-	Liquid cooled
Emissions	-	Euro 4
Engine Lubrication	-	Wet sump
Exhaust	-	Single, closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter
Fuel Consumption	-	3.33 litres/100 km (30.0 km/l or 70.64 mpg)
Fuel Induction	-	Electronic fuel injection, BMS-E2
Fuel Reserve	-	1.00 litres / 0.26 gallons
Ignition	Contactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment, type Kokusan	Electronic
Lubrication	-	Wet sump
Starter	Electric & kick	Electric
Valve System	-	4
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity	-	12 V / 8 Ah, Maintenance free
Drivetrain
Clutch	Wet, DDS multi-disc clutch, Brembo hydraulics	Multiple-discs in oil bath, mechanically operated
Final Drive	Chain	Chain
Gearbox	6-speed	6-speed
Primary Drive	14:50 (13:50). Primary drive: 26:72.	Endless Z-ring chain, shock damping in rear wheel hub
Transmission / Drive	-	Synchromesh 6-speed transmission, integrated in the motor housing
Chassis
Frame Type	Chrome-molybdenum steel central-tube	Tubular steel frame with bolted rear frame
Suspension - Front	WP USD ? 48 mm	41mm Upside-down fork
Suspension - Rear	WP PDS shock absorber	Solid die-cast aluminum swingarm, directly hinged monoshock, adjustable preload
Rake	26.5°	26.7°
Steering Head Angle	-	63.3°
Trail	-	98 mm / 3.86 in
Wheel Travel - Front	300 mm / 11.8 in.	180 mm / 7.1 in
Wheel Travel - Rear	335 mm / 13.2 in.	180 mm / 7.1 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator	-	308 W
Instrumentation	LCD display	-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)	8.7 inches	9.4 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)	260 mm	300 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)	10.2 inches	11.8 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)	220 mm	240 mm
Brakes - Front	Single disc. Brake calipers on floating bearings	Single 300mm disc, 4-piston fixed caliper, radially bolted
Brakes - Rear	Single disc. Brake calipers on floating bearings	Single 240mm disc, single-piston floating caliper
ABS	-	BMW Motorrad ABS
Rims	CNC machined hubs and high-end Giant rims	-
Tyres - Front	-	110/80 - R19
Tyres - Rear	-	150/70 - R17
Wheels - Front	-	Cast aluminium, 5-spoke, 2.50 x 19
Wheels - Rear	-	Cast aluminium, 5-spoke, 4.0 x 17

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2017 KTM 300 EXC and the 2018 BMW G 310GS 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

2017 KTM 300 EXC - Advantages

Lighter: 100 kg vs 175 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
More rear wheel travel: 335 mm vs 180 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
More front wheel travel: 300 mm vs 180 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2018 BMW G 310GS - Advantages

Lower seat height: 835 mm vs 960 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

2017 KTM 300 EXC vs 2018 BMW G 310GS - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2017 KTM 300 EXC and 2018 BMW G 310GS?

The 2017 KTM 300 EXC uses Single cylinder, two-stroke, while the 2018 BMW G 310GS is powered by Single cylinder, four-stroke. This is a fundamental difference - the 2017 KTM 300 EXC is a two-stroke engine while the 2018 BMW G 310GS runs a four-stroke, resulting in very different power delivery, maintenance requirements, and riding character.

Which is lighter, the 2017 KTM 300 EXC or the 2018 BMW G 310GS?

The 2017 KTM 300 EXC is lighter at 100 kg compared to 175 kg for the 2018 BMW G 310GS - a difference of 75 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2017 KTM 300 EXC or the 2018 BMW G 310GS?

The 2018 BMW G 310GS has the lower seat at 835 mm, making it more accessible. The 2017 KTM 300 EXC sits higher at 960 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.

Does the 2017 KTM 300 EXC or 2018 BMW G 310GS have ABS?

The 2018 BMW G 310GS is listed with ABS as standard. The 2017 KTM 300 EXC does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

Which should I buy, the 2017 KTM 300 EXC or the 2018 BMW G 310GS?

Both are strong choices. The 2017 KTM 300 EXC has the edge in lighter kerb weight and higher rear wheel travel, while the 2018 BMW G 310GS stands out for lower seat height and liquid cooling. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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