5 Things I've Learned In Two Years Of Riding My BMW G 310 GS

[@rodneybrown4304]

I'll throw in my 2 cents as a 310GS owner of two months. I actually like the seat, that topic is very subjective. Reliability I can speak to some since I have had some issues. BMW still has not contained the water pump seal issue. I had that repaired under warranty at 700 miles but you if you own a 310 GS you need to keep a check on the coolant if you have not had the repair kit installed for the water pump...yes they have a repair kit. The thing revs high so you can tach the crap out of it. I run mine 8-9k rpms driving to work and back. You have to get use to how the power is delivered if you ride the trails a lot like I do. The bike can take a beating on the trails but you'll feel it with the non-spoked wheels. The suspension is soft but you can get used to it. Cosmetically the bike is awesome. I ride with a few guys on KTM 390's and they always say they feel like the ugly duckling in the group. Overall so far, a lot of bike for the price. Expect to spend close to 1k on add ons and mods if you want to make it a serious off road bike. I highly recommend bar risers, engine guards including either a thicker plastic or aluminum skid plate. These don't come with handguards either and the 310GS signatures are about a buck fifty. Just my two cents. I love the bike.

[@advbrain9967]

@rodneybrown4304 Yes, I agree. The seat is a subjective topic. I actually haven't experienced an issue with the water pump on mine and to be honest I didn't even realize that was a problem for these bikes. Thank you for saying that I'll be checking my coolant tomorrow. I'll agree with you, they do look way better then KTM's but most bikes do haha.

[@Wagongirl01]

Do you have more info about the repair kit for the water pump seal issue? I just got my 310 GS a couple months ago and am nearing my 600 mile first service. Is this something I can ask them to install when I take it in? I'm in AZ, so the coolant issue would be a really big deal here where it's hot. Thanks!

[@patricktracy7940]

New subsriber. 67, riding for 53 years. My '21 310GS is my 11th bike. Daily rider. Love it. Checks all the boxes. Seat is super comfy compared to the Versys 300X i had previously. Stay safe!!

[@advbrain9967]

Thanks for the sub!

[@Liberty4Ever]

I bought a 2019 G310GS for my 60th birthday. I'd always ridden smaller dual sport thumpers. I never wanted a big heavy bike, but now that I'm old, I definitely don't want to flog a heavy bike off road. I love my G310GS. I'm very impressed by how much better it is on the road than my dual sports, although I'll be swapping to more off road Shinko E804/E805 tires soon so I'll be giving up some of the nice road manners.

[@advbrain9967]

Yes! I’ve been riding mine off road with just the stock tires and can’t wait to update my tires as well I’m think going the same route as you with the tires.

[@UltralightMotorcycleCamping]

@@advbrain9967 - The stock Metzeler tires do surprisingly well off road as long as you can avoid mud or sand. They're pretty good on rock and hard packed dirt. I got into some loose loamy soil in the woods next to my last campsite and couldn't get enough traction on a slight hill. I'm pretty sure the blocky Shinko tires will hook up in loose terrain. I thought about getting the slightly more street version of the Shinko for the front tire to maybe improve the road handling and tire life but I'll probably go with the 50/50 Shinkos front and rear.

[@Liberty4Ever]

I've had my G310GS almost three years. I still have a couple of months left on the generous three year warranty but I haven't used the warranty at all. My baby GS has been 100% reliable so far. I've done all of the scheduled maintenance and it's an easy bike to service, although the air filter is a bit of a pain to access and an inexpensive tool is needed to pull the coil pack to access the spark plug. I haven't upgraded to the Seat Concepts seat yet, but I'll get the taller version this winter, and add a heated seat at the same time. I installed the Koso Apollo heated grips and love them. I've never had heated grips before, thought they'd be a luxury item, but I use them all the time. I wouldn't have a bike without heated grips. The Koso Apollo grips look like factory heated grips. There is no clunky control box mounted to the handlebars like the other brand. You'll need to sand the inside of the right heated grip to fit the throttle sleeve, and I strongly recommend using RTV silicone to mount the heated grips instead of the supplied super glue which is a nightmare. The G310GS isn't my perfect bike, but it's the best bike available for my needs and wants. I've made a lot of upgrades to make it better suited to me. I'm about to order MK4 Pivot Pegs to upgrade from the tiny pegs BMW supplied. My only real complaint is the 2.9 gallon fuel tank because I can't buy a 5 gallon aftermarket tank. I wish BMW offered a G310GS Adventure version with a 5 gallon fuel tank, tubeless spoke wheels, an aluminum bash plate, engine protection bars, and fully adjustable suspension front and rear. Those upgrades would cost BMW less than $400 and I'd pay $2000 more for that bike. Bike manufacturers, not just BMW, look at their small ADV bikes as beginner bikes. They use them to get new customers on the upgrade path to their mid size and full size ADV bikes. Older riders typically have more discretionary income and are buying smaller bikes because they have trouble handling and lifting larger bikes, but I'd argue that a small ADV bike like the G310GS is better off road for all riders. Unfortunately, the marketing department doesn't want to admit this, so they won't sell full featured lightweight ADV bikes because most people wouldn't buy their more expensive larger bikes. That's why smaller ADV bikes are built to a budget and are stripped of premium features. The companies would rather sell someone their first bike, that leads to their second and third. They aren't interested in selling old riders their last bike, so they miss the opportunity to make an R1300GS Adventure profit margin on a G310GS Adventure.

[@advbrain9967]

Man, I 100% agree with you. If you look at the KTM 390 adventure, almost everything your talking about is on that bike. I just don’t understand why BMW doesn’t do this. I get that they want a beginner bike but in my opinion KTM really nailed it with their 390. However BMW has a leg up on them with reliability but that’s really it. Comparing apples to apple, KTM has it and not for much more money! With that being said, you can’t beat the reliability of BMW. I’ve beat the crap out it on trails and it still keeps going, never had a problem. And I can’t wait to pass this on to my wife and try out the 850 GS.

[@UltralightMotorcycleCamping]

@@advbrain9967 - I just read that KTM now has an option for spoke wheels on their 390 Adventure. If those are tubeless spoke wheels, that's yet another feature that upgrades it over the G310GS. Honestly, I'm older and don't ride fast off road so the soft basic suspension and alloy wheels aren't a problem for me but for more aggressive off road riders those will be significant considerations. There are Rally Raid and similar after market fixes but that's a $2K upgrade. It'd be much better if BMW offered an Adventure version with these upgrades from the factory. More of a concern to me is the 2.9 gallon tank on the G310GS. There is no aftermarket upgrade to increase my range. I hate that.

[@rodneybrown4304]

Agree 100%

[@Liberty4Ever]

@@rodneybrown4304 - I installed Pivot Pegz on my G310GS today. I'm almost finished upgrading to make the G310GS what a G310GS Adventure should be. $60 here. $200 there. It adds up, but farkles are fun. BTW - The Pivot Pegz are very nice, but the installation was a much larger PIA than I expected. Good instructions would help, but they really should have a clear and concise instruction video for each model as the installation is somewhat model specific. On the G310GS I needed to disconnect the shift lever and move it out of the way and there's a trick for aligning the hole in the top of the bracket, the hole in the Pivot Pegz, the spacer, the spring, and the hole in the bottom of the bracket that isn't intuitive and it wasn't shown in any of the three videos that I watched, including the customer video recommended by Pivot Pegz. Apparently, the purpose of the torsion spring is to prevent the parts from aligning. 😛

[@dashuntas.m4045]

With the Rally Raid mods, this bike outperforms the larger capacity Adv bikes offroad imo; it has a solid foundation but was purposely limited to cut costs protect the sales of BMWs larger Bikes

[@advbrain9967]

I agree with you 100% however in my opinion this bike lacks long distance or at least comfortable long distance capability but for going from trail to trail it’s great

[@Sauk-gp8wy]

I picked up a G 310GS this weekend, I watched sever reviews including yours to make an informed decision. Thank You for posting!

[@advbrain9967]

No problem. i hope you enjoying your new ride!

[@Tennessee968]

How do you feel about your purchase? Has the bike been good?

[@MikeNoble]

Great job. Nice video. I’m a 65 yr old returning rider looking to get a bike after decades of not riding. Recently did a msf course and upgraded my license. Been looking Honda and Kawi but should check the bmw dealer since it’s just a few miles from me. I like the upright riding position of the adv even though I doubt that I’ll do any trails. That 310GS deserves a look. Thanks for posting this.

[@advbrain9967]

Awesome to hear I hope you find the right bike and yes the 310 definitely deserves a look and the upright riding position is very comfortable!

[@snaht1]

did you bought it yet ?

[@MikeNoble]

@@snaht1 yes, I did. Enjoying it very much.

[@snaht1]

@@MikeNoble so in your view the seat is real soft and problem area as described in his video ?

[@MikeNoble]

@@snaht1 no I don’t think it’s a problem. It’s a cushy seat but I don’t think it’s too soft. I’m not as big as he is though. I’m 180 lbs and I think he said he was 210 or so. Plus I’m not on it very long when I use it. Usually an hour or hour and a half. I’ve only had it for 2 months though so it’s barely broken in.

[@ohwell2790]

This engine is built in Taiwan by Kymco for BMW. Also Kymco makes the BMW Maxi scooter that is why they are so good. Every 55 sec world wide a Kymco is sold noted for their reliability. Just so you know.

[@Deavo56]

I purchased the same bike that you have, with 1100 miles from my local dealer...have not ridden my R1200 GS LC since getting the 310. I'm 68 years old, and still love the big GS's for distance and touring, but the 310 is a hoot on the many back country roads we have here in central Virginia. Been riding the big GS's since my 1990 Paris Dakar, and R1100 GS Oil-head. Will keep my 1200 Liquid cooled , AND my "new-to me" 310 until I die, or quit riding... hope to see you on the road!

[@daxleone]

I just bought one and I love it ... I look forward to the adventures ... thanks for the video

[@advbrain9967]

Good, glad to hear you like it!

[@Sauk-gp8wy]

@rodneybrown404, I have had mine 3months and have about 1400 miles so far. No issues at all. I immediately put on a PUIG windscreen, Barkbusters and which are both worth every dollar spent. I put on the 2” riser from rox blox about 1000 miles ago and makes a great difference sitting and standing in my opinion. I’m 5ft 10 180lbs. The recent mod was lower engine guard and skid plate from Hepco and Becker. They seem really solid, but I haven’t taken the bike off-road yet. Still have the stock tires so just paved or gravel roads for now. Really like how it handles on the road. I like the seat, but can tell the stock suspension and tires will be on the list in the future. Great backroads bike. I commute to work often and generally go 55 on backroads and have about 5 at 70mph each way. Lots of fun in that category. Wouldn’t be a highway cruiser, but not my intent. I live near a river and can’t wait for future upgrades to have fun ther too-Rev it and have fun!!!

[@leoveroude4492]

Nice video Brain👍. Yes, seat sucks. Mirrors are awesome! Ali Express had tons of stuff for the 310gs. Headlight grill, rad guard, front fender extender (bottom). Rear tire hugger, foot peg widener thingies. All cheap, all fits. I have a 2020 in blue.

[@leoveroude4492]

**HAS tons of stuff 🙄😅

[@advbrain9967]

The mirrors are very well made. Very little vibration. And I didn’t even think to look there for parts. Thanks for the advice!

[@ikeeptime]

Best bike for ADV learners off road. Great commuter too. Wud never take mine on long distance highway trip. Too buzzy, and wind shock prone. Fatigue a factor on highway.

[@barrychambers2001]

Nice honest review no b s I love mine

[@KrishnaKumar-hz8my]

Small bike are fun and continuing trend 😋🎉🎉🎉

[@GermanJobbies]

Great looking bike. Barkbusters 👍

[@advbrain9967]

Thank you!

[@marccrowder9342]

Nice video. I am starting to film my adventures. Are you shooting in 1080p at 60fps or what are your settings? Thanks for your help. Peace ride safe.

[@perro0076]

No heated grips?!?! That for me is a killer. I'm looking to down-size from my G650GS, but heated grips are God sent.

[@advbrain9967]

Unfortunately not but you can add them

[@chadkline4268]

I don't think the model will last. They're going to have to make it a 450gs. That seems to be the new lightweight standard.

[@advbrain9967]

That would be cool. I hope they do something like that!

[@blackshuckthe3rd879]

​@@advbrain9967and a bigger fuel tank 👍

[@waynebrunner1826]

Been riding 50+ years. I bought a 310 gs 3 weeks ago, now has 850 miles. Water pump needs to be replaced, diagnosed by the dealer a few days ago. I'm 6', 275 lbs geared up. I almost put it for sale the first week because of the seat. I resolved that problem with an Airhawk R air cushion. I added a break pedal extension, a Puig windscreen with a Goldfire wind deflector on top of that, a rear trunk from a thrift store, a set of Grip Puppies with a second set of Big Paw's over those, a Cortech 10L tank bag, Zumo XT and ordering the Barkbusters tomorrow. So far I'm quite pleased having bought this and not knowing anything about it.

[@edwardsteinjolt3720]

I pulled the trigger on a 310gs against a 411 himalayan simply because this bike wont crack in half and cause an accident.....wish it had an engine with more torque and spoke wheels but as its gonna be my city commuter i think im ok

[@advbrain9967]

Absolutely a great bike for that!

[@dry509]

How are the vibes (buzzing) at freeway speeds …55-75 mph….? Thanks.

[@advbrain9967]

So, it does vibrate quite a bit but it’s not unbearable. I wear ear plugs and use a silicone seat cushion so that cuts down the noise and vibration a lot. Even without the seat cushion it’s still a pretty comfortable ride.

[@stevehoward3981]

No, the vibration is very very minimal for a single.

[@timpenny5749]

It vibes bad after 30 miles u need to stop... and the seat is unbearable.. I still like it . But will invest In a corbin seat!!

[@dry509]

@@timpenny5749 Thanks.

[@sergiomedrano1289]

same as you I did not look for another bike . my gs 310 2023. kind of short person. any way I can lower it at least 2 inches

[@advbrain9967]

Yeah, you can definitely make adjustments to fit you better. But for not doing any research I’m not unhappy with the bike just unhappy with my lack of research haha. because there’s so many great bikes near the price range of the 310. but oh well, as long as we’re on two wheels.

[@syednomanpasha2157]

Dude, I'm 5.5 and easily ride the bike without any modifications

[@advbrain9967]

Short of lowering the entire bike I don’t think there’s any other way.

[@Sasqmoto]

They offer a lower seat and also you purchase a lowering link for the rear suspension

[@Sasqmoto]

Yes by brembo

[@_Tamas]

I'm curious if you've tried the bigger brother of this bike and how you feel between the two of them

[@advbrain9967]

Unfortunately I have not at least not yet.

[@Wagongirl01]

I have a 2023 310 GS and also a 2014 650 GS, so not the 800 twin, but I can tell you there is a pretty big difference between the 650 and the 310 (both singles). The newer 310 is smoother and has the slipper clutch, ride by wire throttle, a gear indicator, fuel gauge, digital speedo. My 650 has none of those things LOL, but it's also 9 years old. The 650 has a longer wheelbase, so it feels more planted. It has better brakes and more power....super well-balanced bike and feels great to ride. It has a lower seat height than my 310 - I'm sure the 800 doesn't have a lower seat, though. As a newer rider, when I started on the 650 it felt too big and intimidating. After 9 months of riding smaller bikes, including the 310, now the 650 feels really good. I love the 310, though. The ergos are amazing and it's just really, really easy to ride.

[@rustytanks]

Was looking into one of these, but I can't say goodbye to my God like ego when I ride my 1200GS 🤣👍

[@advbrain9967]

Hahaha I understand and I wouldn’t want to give up a 1200gs myself so I can’t blame you

[@nobuffterry7313]

4000 km in 2 years? Do you keep the bike inside home to worship most of the time? I did 4000kms in the first month

[@advbrain9967]

Nice dude no I don’t have a ton of time during the week so I usually just ride on the weekends

[@dspur3994]

4,000 miles not km.

[@konakuaks3303]

Would you still suggest this bike for someone who is 130lbs

[@advbrain9967]

Yes I would. It weighs 374 lb so as long as you can at least get one foot down comfortably I think it would be all right.

[@konakuaks3303]

@@advbrain9967 Thanks. I’m really excited to get one

[@williecolon9678]

Short riders can get it lowered.

[@RRTouringUK]

Someone find a way to put a 21” wheel on the front and throw my money at you!

[@shrikantg9966]

Is it still worth in 2023.. any engine update planned for this bike

[@advbrain9967]

In my opinion the bike is still worth it now and as far as I know they aren’t going to change anything with later models although I wish they would do some upgrades to make it a little closer of a competitor for the KTM 390 adventure

[@shrikantg9966]

@@advbrain9967 yes i do agree. Little more power figure would have been nice.. how are the vibrations and what is the best cruising speed on this bike and how are gear shifts. I am upgrading from Yamaha FZ v2.i have booked it but there is waiting period

[@advbrain9967]

So being that this is a single cylinder motor the vibrations are noticeable but not unbearable. They have rubber inserts on the foot pegs that do help a lot, I took them out so I could get more surface area to stand on and I can tell the difference but that’s really the only place that gets a lot of vibrations. As far as cruising speed I’d say it’s pretty comfortable around 60-75ish, BUT being that it’s a light weight bike, bigger vehicles will blow you around quite a bit. And as far as shifting it does shift pretty smooth. If your at a complete stop and not in first sometimes you’ll have to roll back a little to get it into first and that can be frustrating but in my opinion not a deal killer…. I hope this helps! 😊

[@shrikantg9966]

@@advbrain9967 thank you for the details.. i have made up my mind.. will be go for 310 gs.. thanks once again for the help

[@shrikantg9966]

@@advbrain9967 i hope 60 to 75 miles right not kmph...

[@mastergivenn]

I have the 1st generation one. I wanted to try a lightweight bike but I must say this is the worst bike I ever had. Engine, especially over 30 degrees celsius is not smooth, throttle responce is not precise, it vibrates, gearbox smoothness is very variable, suspensions don’t have a consistent hydraulic. Engine and gearbox got considerably better with Motul 7100 but still far from any japanese or even chinese product. Ktm is much better in any aspects. Try a Cf Moto 450 MT and it is on another level. I cannot recommend it in terms of riding pleasure but i must admit that it is very reliable, never an issue. P.S. Advantec oil by Bmw is shit, at least on this one.

[@nithashk5650]

The 2019-2021 the bmw Gs 310 Engine was an incredible power 🔥 and suspension .

[@apacheknox]

Gear changes are a pain in the Butt...otherwise a lovely bike...finding neutral impossible..using a seat 3d mesh...a heavenly experience for your Butt...❤

[@erictavares678]

My buddy had the same problem, dealership fixed it on the initial service