2019 BMW G310GS | Our First Ride and Review

[@pauljoyquilter359]

We have two of these bikes - one for me and my wife. We recently ride some very tight gravel roads and sealed ones with 3 others on far bigger KTM bikes and a Suzuki 650 V Strom. The V Strom owner commented that he was impressed with the G310’s and had trouble keeping up with us. We bought them because they are light & nimble, we are 60+ year old experienced riders who don’t find heavy adventure bikes fun. So re-think those “only good for beginners” comments and ride one before you make up your mind!

[@RiderCamTV]

they are great bikes indeed as we said in the video, we also said that they were great bikes for beginners and others that wanted that style of bike. sounds like you put them through their paces which is fab. As you and we said not only good for beginner :) have fun and ride safe

[@supertony4708]

Do you experience at problem with your bikes til now? I saw some youtube videos that show the bike have many problem with the electric starter which makes me very worry before my long trip. I just bough the bike for 2 weeks.

[@ptrisonic]

I don't mind admitting to being a 68 year old former pro in the Music Industry. At least I get to remember the first single release by The Beatles or seeing Eric Clapton with The Yardbirds (I was bloody young then)... Best, Pete.

[@Liberty4Ever]

I'm almost 60 and getting back into riding. I've always liked smaller dual sport bikes even though I'm a big guy. The more powerful adventure bikes always seemed overpowered and way too heavy for the riding I want to do - commuting, back roads and mild off road for some weekend camping. I was very happy to see BMW make this baby GS. Now that I'm older, a nimble bike that's easy to handle is even more important.

[@pauljoyquilter359]

@@supertony4708 - we have not had many problems - 2 years now and we only had a faulty voltage regulator on one bike and a fault where the other one would rev to 4500rpm randomly without any rider input (most troublesome) was fixed with an ECU update.

[@THE_SNAPP]

I'm not a new rider, I'm 48 and have been riding since 12 years old. I bought this bike a year ago and I love it. It's great in the canyons, and decent on dirt roads. I don't like it on the freeway...a bit buzzy at speed. Overall, quite happy with it.

[@RiderCamTV]

fab stuff. we did talk alot about the rookie to rider and that it could appeal to new riders and its amazing to hear your experience of the bike too. Its a great bike. Ride Safe

[@exeterrider]

Hi lads, enjoyed that ...a few notes. I test rode the BMW 310R which I nearly bought but had issues with the dealer being a bit unhelpful. I would agree that the switch gear isn't the same etc but the 1200s have PCB type switches where this is is built to a budget of course. At about 5K new it's a super price as I'm sure you will agree. And the feel to it is as good I thought. The best switch gear Ive ever used I think -albeit basic looking.. I love the suspension on them and yes it does dip on the front a bit but that does have it's advantages. Anyone who says these are underpowered are being a bit unrealistic. It's fine for the road. They are made in India which alot of people have issues with . The quality is fine though. What may interest you is back in 2012 BMW stopped them coming out the factory due to quality issues and they had had a long gap before they were sorted out and started to release them for sale again which was around 2015 and went on showroom floors fully in 2016. The problem was that by the time it was sorted they had missed the boat and things like the screen etc stayed in a time warp and the whole bike needs a update but nothing has seemed to happen since the launch. Naturally that will be complected when TVS ( I think TVS are called who make the bike) have one with the same engine called the "Apache" and to update things they would have to change the whole production. BMW haven't sold nowhere near enough of these bikes to do that and make it pay. The side stands were sorted last year on recall after they were failing and bikes were falling!!!!!!!! I wanted to try a GS but the dealer didnt have one and frankly were very unhelpful, I am a easy customer to please but they were not very forthcoming at all .. All I wanted to do was to try the BMW brand to get into the family. What actually happened was I was totally put off. That said I may try another dealer to see what they are like and try a couple bikes to see what they are all about. The headlight is a bug bear of many 310GS owners. The reason it jumps around is because its mounted on rubber grommets which protects it when going off road. So it is annoying but there for a purpose. Going back to the switch gear , yes it is very Honda like on the right hand side of the bar, not so on the left I don't think. I also noticed the fuel filler is very Honda like and almost an exact copy! I think the thought process was to make it look like Honda stuff without pushing it too far to cause court cases!! The screen although too basic has everything on there needed including gear indicator and is incredibly clear I am sure you will agree. Rookie to rider is a great scheme . Off road these things are the best (from research not experience) For the price I dont think you can get a better value bike but only if they updated the lights to LED (for the record heated grips should always be a option is my view) or else they would add £300 where as the people who buy these bikes would just want to spend £50 on some Oxford grips. I think they had the 300 market sown up but after the late launch and non updated bikes -others came out such as the CB300R (all good looking riders have them) versys 300, MT03 . You forgot to mention how it sounds like a sewing machine on idle (I would have done haha) Braided brake lines, metzler tires, reverse port manifold are also all great features. With all that mentioned , and I have alot more to say on it but this post is long enough, it is one of the best value bikes ever launched in recent times, but they have gone wrong in many areas at POS of the bike. Hopefully if I try another BMW dealer they will let me try a couple with no issues! CB500X or 310GS, They both seemed to me to have the same power feeling but I see why you say the Honda and I think I would be the same ....its because when you buy a new bike you want exactly that with LED lights etc etc with well known reliability and not something thats stuck in 2012 . No offence meant to anyone!!!!! Also the Honda has another 150ish cc of course and is a twin so it's bound to be smoother . Great Review Toby and glad you liked it as much as I did. Jeezz longest post ever!! Exeter rider

[@jayjohnson4352]

You mentioned in the video about the instrument cluster being a little dated and lacking connectivity. In my opinion it looks perfect. All the right information and relatively simple. I’m absolutely sick of every new gadget having to somehow connect to a phone. I purposely buy most stuff that doesn’t connect on purpose.

[@bullsfan3705]

My wife and I have bought one each and love them.

[@bikramchandraroy9721]

The proportion of this bike looks so good. Not too big like 1250gs

[@iallso1]

While I ride a GW250 as my personal bike, I ride scooters for work. They are great for around the city, the Honda PCX150 is so easy to ride and so manoeuvre but can reach 100kmph. Work has recently added a couple of SYM300, which reach 130kmph but sacrifices a bit on handling. I didn't think I would enjoy the scooters coming from the bike, but they are very much suited to city work, and a lot of fun.

[@RiderCamTV]

scooters are fab, we have test ridden a couple so far and changed the way we think about them. if it gets people on 2 wheels its always good :)

[@ldsc2005]

Thanks for the review from Memphis and Nashville TN! Sounded good! Nice bike!

[@RiderCamTV]

hey buddy, hope your well. lovely roads out there! thanks for the kind words, ride safe :)

[@richardd9976]

i did the Rookie to Rider, although as an 'older chap' I chose the F750GS instead of the 310. I would recommend the F750GS as i think it has the right balance of power and manageability for a new rider.

[@richardd9976]

And by the way, the BMW training is excellent.

[@RiderCamTV]

excellent stuff Richard. The F750GS is awesome too. Well done on doing the course, we have heard good things about the trianing :) Ride Safe

[@richardd9976]

@@RiderCamTV Thanks. I am half way through the IAM course right now - enjoying it a lot - and dreaming of a 1250GS...

[@ghardi6324]

As always enjoyed watching your informative video. I have seen a few of these bikes on the road here in Australia, and also parked next to several 1200 GS's. Which made it seem as you have described it, the baby of the family. They would be a great bike for the right person. Its good to see companies like BMW getting such a diverse model line up, something for everyone!

[@RiderCamTV]

something for everyone indeed :) Thanks for the kind words about the video, glad you enjoyed it. Ride Safe

[@Null-zp3or]

Yeah people comments vary depending on what mood they're in. Never comment when you're angry. (i have been guilty of it myself) Just know no one is that rude in person on such matters.

[@FarzadKoobasi]

If BMW puts LED lights, some additional option-possibilities like heated grips and hand guards and centre stand, also add some 200 cc and HP's, there "maybe" 310GS will be comparable to Honda CB500 X, but not as is now! Faaaar from it!

[@simonthomas5367]

Hey guys. Totally agree with your comments regarding bike snobbery. I've been on my Yamaha X-Max 125 scooter for a year and a half. I wave to all two wheelers and it's often a guy on a big bike who ignores you because you're on a scooter! Stupid. Great review of this interesting bike. I'm still plodding thru my French highway code. All part of the fun of A2 training. Also still hooked on the Honda 500X! They seem aimed at similar markets. I guess, get the baby GS and you'd be tempted to get a bigger GS down the line. I'm drawn to 500X and then an Africa Twin down the line... At the moment! Be interesting to try the Kawasaki Versys 300 also? Keep plugging these very helpful vids!

[@raycollington4310]

Everybody has to start somewhere and anyone who demonstrates this behaviour has a short memory and is not worth knowing!

[@markholroyd5365]

Simon Thomas How sad that people don’t let on! I’ve just done 200 miles today on a Blood Bike in Cornwall and wave at everyone...

[@neilwiddison6529]

I nod to all bikers simon. I ride a cb500s whoch is an ace big and a vfr750 which i am going to sell.

[@exeterrider]

I nod to all. Even the pizza boys are surprised when I do! I come from a scooter background anyway.

[@simonthomas5367]

Thx guys! I know the majority of bikers are the best people in the World. Waving at the pizza boys made me chuckle!

[@markgordon6126]

Great video. Considering the gs310 so helped alot. Hadn't realised bulbs instead of LEDs. Thanks. MG.

[@RiderCamTV]

thanks Mark :)

[@JustForFun-zh7cy]

Good video - thanks! Sound could be MUCH better though. The bike is intended for new riders - motorcycling and BMW in general. You seem to be complaining a lot about dash, switchgear and so on, but this is very much a BUDGET bike - its an entry into BMW and GS world and cannot be compared with the 1250 - comparison, good to go with comparing against a CRF250L/CB500X and such like. The switch gear, watch. It'll be all bikes before long, G310GS is a test pony for BMW in that respect. Money equals CC - BMW PLEEEZE make a 500, then good to go.Just sayin'

[@RiderCamTV]

thanks for the comments buddy. You are right, a budget bike, but doesnt always have to feel budget and thats the point, a BMW isnt budget but this one is, so with all the retooling and maunfacturing to be done to make a different set of switch gear for this model, its odd that they didnt use what they already have.......

[@woopwoopadventures6789]

Hi, thanks for sharing. You aren't complaining you are doing in depth review. I just would like your opinion on 310gs. We are planning to travel Australia with our motorhome and park in remote location and do off-road touring with the 310gs. We weigh 75kg+65kg. Travel in hilly gravel roads and bitumen. Would you say this will bike will be comfortable and sufficient enough for our needs?

[@OntarioAndrews415]

Nice review. I think the display all comes down to the price point they want to keep it under. Probably the same goes for why there are no LED lights to be seen. I'm guessing spoke wheels are an after market item, but I do think BMW carries a taller windscreen for this model. As for the passenger foot peg....I'm not sure what you fascination is with the sound it makes. But hey, whatever floats your boat. LOL :)

[@andypetit5148]

Seriously considering one of these and will test ride next week. Been offered £0 Deposit & £70 per month pcp via BMW which seems really attractive. I will also test a F750GS Sport with extras for £0 Deposit & £140 per month. should be an interesting test ride comparison

[@Mariah-mt8fg]

Thanks for the heads up!

[@Z-kun]

hi! nice review! I'm wondering if it is capable of two people on it cuz the back seat really looks small

[@markholroyd5365]

孙景泉 i think two would be fine but only for short trips.

[@rzu7120]

When you are doing the riding commentary, you remind me of C-3PO (Anthony Daniels) from Star Wars. He is from Salisbury, Wiltshire in the UK. Are you from that area? You've both got a very easy-going, laid back delivery.

[@RiderCamTV]

hey buddy, thanks for the comments, we are a little further southwest than Wiltshire (in Cornwall). but thanks for the feedback :)

[@mikedignum1868]

It's a basic BMW GS and great for first-time riders. There's nothing wrong with basic. and it keeps the price down for a BMW. I think the screen may need to be changed. Dash reminds me of the one on the RS. Nice review as always. PS your Airvest needs a clean.lol.

[@RiderCamTV]

thanks Mike :) a great bike and was fun to ride, and as you and we both said, nothing wrong with basic at all.. The vest is clean just faded after a few years of touring in the sun unfortunately.. might be time for a new cover :) eek! more money!

[@mikedignum1868]

@@RiderCamTV New version of the turtle is out but its still over £500. Maybe worth looking at just getting it serviced? Got mine done a few months ago (in time for Magellan Norway tour) Cost £90 & new gas cylinder.

[@lambo2817]

Hi chaps, on a side note from this vid, I’m coming to Cornwall June for a few days on the XR with the mrs Eden project etc, planned a route round the loop landers etc, any good roads you’d say are a must to do? Cheers

[@markholroyd5365]

LAMBO 281 when in June? The coast road from Portreath to Lands End and the following the coast to Penzance is awesome!

[@lambo2817]

Coming 23,24,25, home 26, so will definitely do those roads! Anything else a must do

[@markholroyd5365]

LAMBO 281 depending where you are staying Padstow to Newquay coast road is also great. Have a look on the best biking roads app (BBR)

[@RiderCamTV]

great stuff, and there are so many nice roads in Cornwall to ride. As Mark says the Portreath to Lands End road which takes in the St ives to the St Erth road (one of the UK's top ten roads for bikers apparently). The ride from Truro to St Mawes is also a good ride with a lovely seaside village at the end and always worth a ride :)

[@Bavenbushcraft]

Brilliant to see a local review at last! The folks at Ocean are very friendly. I test rode the 310R a while back, but I'm 6'2" and found it a tad cramped. They hadn't got a GS demo at the time, so hoping to pop back soon! Have you ridden the R, if so, can I ask how it compares? I'm after an adventure bike, but I need a bike that you sit 'on' rather than 'in'. Sounds very strange, but due to a climbing injury these super upright adventure bikes like the tiger 800 are just really uncomfortable and really load the spine. A versys 650 is perfect though as your leaning slightly more forward. But, I want small CC for the green lanes, that are also easy to pick up with an iffy back lol. Thanks again for an awesome video! Definitely subscribed!

[@ancienttractorbuoy]

Check out cycle-ergo.com and compare them.

[@Bavenbushcraft]

@@ancienttractorbuoy awesome website, thanks!

[@stevetaylor8698]

Presumably must do about 80mpg, therefore a range of 200miles or so. Can anyone confirm?

[@deanparker3673]

Good review Think it would be really good for what I want but I can’t understand putting terrible head lights on it We need to be seen which it does but we also need to see in the dark I’ve got poor headlights now so it could be a deal breaker fo me

[@j.h.1060]

Then buy the 2021 model. It has led headlights now and looks absolutely stunning. ^^

[@lpete531]

That bike pass you and that car like you both was standing steal 😂😂 awesome video

[@RiderCamTV]

they did indeed, although they were breaking the speed limits . eek! hahahhhahahah

[@exeterrider]

P.S I didnt find the audio to good sorry to say. Seemed clearer before I think.

[@RiderCamTV]

thanks for the fedback buddy

[@ptrisonic]

I'm losing weight so that I can actually pilot one.... Best, Pete.

[@Ravan_Caw]

Nice review once again. For just over a 5k bike seams a little expensive maybe it’s just buying into the BMW name where as the Honda cb500x at 6k (with colour LCD display) looks a lot better for your money,so interestingly you compare these two bikes, was it a case you thought there was the same characteristic between both bikes or just fun factor.

[@RiderCamTV]

thanks for the comments buddy. Both really, both equally as fun but they both had that feel of being in the same category and being the younger sibling of the Africa Twin or GS/A so felt that they were going for the same ride and feel with the thought of enticing people to get the older sibling in time..... :)

[@FarfettilLejl]

What a good looking guy. And a beautiful bike too

[@RiderCamTV]

why thank you :)

[@rush1461]

royal enfield hymalayan ,better ,cheaper bike,,??

[@RiderCamTV]

depends what style your looking for but both great bikes

[@iniakpmarc28]

How about becoming only the 3rd UK rider to test the BMW's competitor - the Chinese ZONTES T310?

[@RiderCamTV]

now that would be fun

[@cloggsy1971]

It’s obviously ‘built to a price’ and it is missing some obvious bits; hand guards, heated grips etc.

[@RiderCamTV]

that it is.

[@garytaylor7611]

Usually love your reviews but found this frustrating to watch . This bike is built to a budget and should be reviewed against other bikes in its its class. Your first comments were not going to mention power yet thats all you went on about. Obviously wont compare in anyway with your beloved big gs but that's a given yet it's all you banged on about. Great bike for a new rider to build confidence and for a commuter. Sorry to be negative as I love your channel and reviews usually.

[@Bowlin01]

I think the audio was better on this one.

[@RiderCamTV]

hey buddy, thanks for letting us know... :) trying to get it better all the time and always great to have some feedback :)

[@rohansingh9040]

Well your insurance stays low if you get this bike

[@RiderCamTV]

thats a very good point :)

[@Yelwas]

next time you are at BMW ask them why the headlight has so much movement, I had to modify mine, as a lot of owners have, and please fit hazard lights, for the price of a nann bread...

[@RiderCamTV]

we found that too, that was the shimering on the street signs we said about, very strange....

[@ko95]

how tall are you??

[@ko95]

im 6.1

[@stumort]

The bike is made in India right? KTM Duke 390 also, and has TFT screen, LED lights and more and only cost 4,800 quid. So BMW can do it!

[@RiderCamTV]

that they can do, just got to convince them somehow!

[@anzucom]

TFT/LED? Price!

[@RiderCamTV]

and yet they are on nearly all of their other models!

[@johnmfjw]

Made in India, and to a price.

[@peterpyke1213]

not cheap i bet.buy better for same money secondhand.

[@jayjohnson4352]

You guys are all driving on the wrong side of the road😁

[@nebacanzer]

complain complain complain

[@RiderCamTV]

there wasnt any in the video.. great bike,