Topic: Test Ride: 2017 BMW G310R

[dkaz]

$1200??...ouch...if it were me, i'd simply buy another one...that scooter isn't even worth $1200.

you can buy a 2009 with less that 5,000 kms on it for $1999 (likely less if you negotiate it, as it's been listed longer than 6 weeks):

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Yamaha/Vino+125/Nepean/Ontario/5_28857641_20160825121248204/?ms=motorcycles_atvs&showcpo=ShowCPO&orup=2_15_6

It was a matter of buying another Vino and having an engine that could only last 15,000km vs. rebuilding and going another 33,000km. I didn't know when I was buying a house so I opted for the rebuild.

$1900 is way too much seeing how one could get a used PCX for $2,500. Then if you're going to spend $2,500, why not pay a little bit more to get a Reflex for $3,000? Then if you're already spending that, why not spend a bit more to get a Majesty or Burgman for a little bit more? It's always a little bit more, a little bit more...

[dkaz]

I'm waiting for the ktm 390 Adventure. It should be the real deal for off road worthiness

Will it be a dual sport or an ADV format bike?

[rrocket]

I'm waiting for the ktm 390 Adventure. It should be the real deal for off road worthiness

Will it be a dual sport or an ADV format bike?

Adv..with legit off road capability...You know, 21" front/18" rear, laced wheels, etc

[dirtyjeffer]

$1200??...ouch...if it were me, i'd simply buy another one...that scooter isn't even worth $1200.

you can buy a 2009 with less that 5,000 kms on it for $1999 (likely less if you negotiate it, as it's been listed longer than 6 weeks):

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Yamaha/Vino+125/Nepean/Ontario/5_28857641_20160825121248204/?ms=motorcycles_atvs&showcpo=ShowCPO&orup=2_15_6

It was a matter of buying another Vino and having an engine that could only last 15,000km vs. rebuilding and going another 33,000km. I didn't know when I was buying a house so I opted for the rebuild.

$1900 is way too much seeing how one could get a used PCX for $2,500. Then if you're going to spend $2,500, why not pay a little bit more to get a Reflex for $3,000? Then if you're already spending that, why not spend a bit more to get a Majesty or Burgman for a little bit more? It's always a little bit more, a little bit more...

no, i hear ya...just thought $1200 to rebuild a 125 seemed high...then again, it's been years since i've been in that business so perhaps that's just what it costs...we used to rebuild Chev 350 V8 engines for almost half that (cost).

[dkaz]

Adv..with legit off road capability...You know, 21" front/18" rear, laced wheels, etc

My only problem with tubed tires is that fixing a flat is not as simple as putting in a plug and then throwing air in it. That's why the Versys-X 300 is off my radar and the G310GS is.

no, i hear ya...just thought $1200 to rebuild a 125 seemed high...then again, it's been years since i've been in that business so perhaps that's just what it costs...we used to rebuild Chev 350 V8 engines for almost half that (cost).

The engine blew up on itself, I have a new cylinder, new crankshaft, etc. Thank goodness the head was spared any damage or that would've been another $300 just for the part.

[dirtyjeffer]

Adv..with legit off road capability...You know, 21" front/18" rear, laced wheels, etc

My only problem with tubed tires is that fixing a flat is not as simple as putting in a plug and then throwing air in it. That's why the Versys-X 300 is off my radar and the G310GS is.

i personally have a preference for "rims" vs laced wheels...i just assumed the laced wheels were more of a "look", than any true advantage...i'm not a wheel expert though, so there may be some pros/cons about both systems...for the reason you mentioned though, i prefer "rims".

[blur911]

Adv..with legit off road capability...You know, 21" front/18" rear, laced wheels, etc

My only problem with tubed tires is that fixing a flat is not as simple as putting in a plug and then throwing air in it. That's why the Versys-X 300 is off my radar and the G310GS is.

i personally have a preference for "rims" vs laced wheels...i just assumed the laced wheels were more of a "look", than any true advantage...i'm not a wheel expert though, so there may be some pros/cons about both systems...for the reason you mentioned though, i prefer "rims".

It mostly depends on if those wheels will be going off-road or not.  Spokes will take a beating and flex on off-road impacts, cast wheels will bend or break.

[dkaz]

BMW thinks most people will be staying on roads or maintained gravel roads at worst which is why they're going with cast wheels on the G310GS. Exploring forest service roads is a would be nice to me but not a must have. If I'm going to be on street tires anyway, I'm not going to go fast enough for a rut to bend a wheel. My understanding with the process of fixing a flat tubed tire is removing the tire, replacing or patching the tube, reinstalling. I already have a hard enough time having to replace a tire at home, I can't imagine having to do it roadside. The only thing I can think of being easier is that the tire will bead just from the tube filling up

[blur911]

BMW thinks most people will be staying on roads or maintained gravel roads at worst which is why they're going with cast wheels on the G310GS. Exploring forest service roads is a would be nice to me but not a must have. If I'm going to be on street tires anyway, I'm not going to go fast enough for a rut to bend a wheel. My understanding with the process of fixing a flat tubed tire is removing the tire, replacing or patching the tube, reinstalling. I already have a hard enough time having to replace a tire at home, I can't imagine having to do it roadside. The only thing I can think of being easier is that the tire will bead just from the tube filling up

Installing a tubed tire is way easier than a tubeless, they don't fit as tightly and you can do it with simple hand tools, now, mind you, you also pinch tubes and have to do the process several times if you are bad at it, which I somehow am.  There's also rim-locks to deal with. 
So yeah, if you're not going off-road, I guess tubeless is the best option.

[johngenx]

Tubed tires don't need huge pressure to seat the bead.  They're way easier to deal with in terms of a road-side repair.  When I toured through the Yukon, Alaska and NWT, I was very happy to have good old fashioned tube tires.  It's dead simple to carry a couple tire irons and four tubes (2xfront and 2xrear) plus a few patch kits.

[dkaz]

Good to know. One probably needs centre or wheel stands too?

I do my own tubeless tire changes, it's a three tire iron job. lol.

[johngenx]

Good to know. One probably needs centre or wheel stands too?

I do my own tubeless tire changes, it's a three tire iron job. lol.

I had to change a tire on my Honda XL and I found some wood to prop it up on.  I've seen guys just lay the bike (carefully) on it's side.  But, yeah, having a center-stand is great.

[blur911]

Dirt bike = spokes,
the G310R is definitely not a dirt bike.

[rrocket]

Plus there's tubes with self sealing goo in them.

I'm using Ride-On sealant/balancer in my scooter instead of weights.

I'm 100 percent sold on Ride-On from here on..

[rrocket]

Adv..with legit off road capability...You know, 21" front/18" rear, laced wheels, etc

My only problem with tubed tires is that fixing a flat is not as simple as putting in a plug and then throwing air in it. That's why the Versys-X 300 is off my radar and the G310GS is.

i personally have a preference for "rims" vs laced wheels...i just assumed the laced wheels were more of a "look", than any true advantage...i'm not a wheel expert though, so there may be some pros/cons about both systems...for the reason you mentioned though, i prefer "rims".

It mostly depends on if those wheels will be going off-road or not.  Spokes will take a beating and flex on off-road impacts, cast wheels will bend or break.

This.

Which is why I said the KTM will be a true Adventure bike with hard core off road capability.

[dkaz]

Dirt bike = spokes,
the G310R is definitely not a dirt bike.

I'm talking about the G310GS, but it's also not a dirt bike, well not without proper wheels/tires. The suspension travel is longer and stock I can see it going on gravel roads, nothing hardcore.

.

[dkaz]

This.

Which is why I said the KTM will be a true Adventure bike with hard core off road capability.

Like 95% of SUV drivers there, I'm a poser. I only want an ADV style bike, I'm not going to go hard core off road on it. They're just so comfy.

[rrocket]

This.

Which is why I said the KTM will be a true Adventure bike with hard core off road capability.

Like 95% of SUV drivers there, I'm a poser. I only want an ADV style bike, I'm not going to go hard core off road on it. They're just so comfy.

Doesn't have to be hard core...just a bit rougher than gravel. Dirt, single or double tracks, etc

Must be some beautiful off road trails out your way.

[dirtyjeffer]

I'm even more excited about their new G310GS ADV format bike which at $5,990 plus fees and taxes should be a huge hit.

have to admit, it's a nice looking bike.

[dkaz]

Doesn't have to be hard core...just a bit rougher than gravel. Dirt, single or double tracks, etc

Must be some beautiful off road trails out your way.

Lots of Forest Service Roads. I tried going on one on my Vino 125 and the suspension couldn't handle it. lol.

I really don't know how often I'm going to explore the forest service roads.

have to admit, it's a nice looking bike.

It's going to be a huge seller I think. I'm not sure what the market response is going to be like with the G310R but it's also one of the more affordable 250-300cc class bikes.