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

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
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
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
Full Specifications
General
Year20182020
Colours-Strato Blue Metallic, Pearl White Metallic, Cosmic Black One
Make ModelYamaha YZF-R 3BMW G 310GS
Dimensions
Seat Height779.7 mm / 30.7 in835 mm / 32.9 in 820 mm / 32.2 in Low Seat 850 mm / 33.5 in Comfort Seat
Wheelbase1379.2 mm / 54.3 in1420 mm / 55.9 in
Ground Clearance160 mm / 6.2 in-
Height1 135.3 mm / 44.7 in1230 mm / 48.2 in (excl. mirrors)
Length2090 mm / 82.3 in2075 mm / 81.7 in
Width718.8 mm / 28.3 in878 mm / 34.6 in (incl. mirrors)
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity14 Litres / 3.7 US gal11 Litres / 2.9 US gal
Wet Weight169 kg / 373 lbs175 kg / 385.8 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-143.0 km/h / 88.9 mph
Max Power30.9 kW 41.4 hp @ 10750 rpm25 kW / 34 hp @ at 9500
Max Torque29.6 Nm / 3.0 kg-m @ 9000 rpm28 Nm / 2.86 kgf-m / 20.7 ft-lb @ 7500 rpm
Engine
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
CO2-76.6 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Engine Type-Single cylinder, four-stroke
Displacement321 cc / 19.5 cu-in313 cc / 19.1 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinderFour stroke, rRearward-canted single-cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves
Fuel System-Injection
Bore x Stroke68.0 x 44.1mm80 x 62.1 mm
Compression Ratio11.2:110.6:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Emissions-Euro 4
Exhaust-Single, closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter
Fuel Consumption-3.30 litres/100 km (30.3 km/l or 71.28 mpg)
Fuel InductionElectronic Fuel Injection, 32 mm throttle bodyElectronic fuel injection, BMS-E2
IgnitionTCI: Transistor Controlled IgnitionElectronic
LubricationWet sumpWet sump
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12 V / 8 Ah, Maintenance free
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multiple-disc coil springMultiple-discs in oil bath, mechanically operated
Final DriveO-ring chainChain
Transmission / DriveConstant Mesh, 6-speedSynchromesh 6-speed transmission, integrated in the motor housing
Chassis
Frame TypeDelta boxTubular steel frame with bolted rear frame
Suspension - Front41mm KYBø telescopic fork41mm Upside-down fork
Suspension - RearAdjustable KYB® single shockSolid die-cast aluminum swingarm, directly hinged monoshock, adjustable preload
Rake25°-
Steering Head Angle-63.3°
Trail93.9 mm / 3.7 in98 mm / 3.86 in
Wheel Travel - Front130 mm / 5.1 in180 mm / 7.1 in
Wheel Travel - Rear124.4 mm / 4.9 in180 mm / 7.1 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator-308 W
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle 298mm disc 2 piston caliperSingle 300mm disc, 4-piston fixed caliper, radially bolted
Brakes - RearSingle 220mm disc 1 piston caliperSingle 240mm disc, single-piston floating caliper
ABS-BMW Motorrad ABS
Tyres - Front110/70-17M/C 54H110/80 - R19
Tyres - Rear140/70-17M/C 66H150/70 - R17
Wheels - Front-Cast aluminium, 5-spoke, 2.50 x 19
Wheels - Rear-Cast 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

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 - 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 vs 2020 BMW G 310GS - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 and 2020 BMW G 310GS?
The 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 uses Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder, while the 2020 BMW G 310GS is powered by Single cylinder, four-stroke.
Which is lighter, the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 or the 2020 BMW G 310GS?
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 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 or the 2020 BMW G 310GS?
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 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 or 2020 BMW G 310GS 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 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 or the 2020 BMW G 310GS?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 has the edge in larger fuel tank, while the 2020 BMW G 310GS stands out for standard ABS and higher front wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.