Wouldn't be my choice as a travel bike – would prefer a 450 trail bike – but got to try a rental with off road mods for a couple of days in Morocco.

Long version here.
Short version: pretty good for what it is: looks great (full bike size), well made, handles securely on backroads and suspension is not too soggy on the dirt. Did nearly 90mpg too, so that's about 300km range.
But: gets buzzy over 90kph, saddle is terrible and it's only a 310 that weighs 170 kilos.

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Adventure Motorcycling Handbook 8 • Morocco Overland 3 • Overlanders Handbook 2 • Twit

I was just reading about these the other day. I am interested, but I have had a couple of negative experiences with BMW in the past so I am also a bit leery.

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Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250

It will be interesting to see how these new BMW 310's hold up over long term use in a rental fleet in Morocco. IMO, this a perfect test of the build quality overall.

The 170 kg. weight is worrying, less so the modest (30 HP est.) power. But sounds like renters may not be buying the 310 once back home due to the crippling seat. BMW should address that ASAP, IMO. (easy fix)

The RR Kit version of the 310 looks good, but lack of motorway power may dissuade some from buying.

Another interesting NEW bike in this class is the X300 Kawasaki Versys. This little 300cc Twin revs to the Moon but stays smooth most of the way up to it's 11.5K RPM power peak of 39 HP. It's also a "roomy" bike, I sat on one, not ridden one yet.

Previous Thai made Kawasaki's have been well built and last well. (KLR, KLX,
Versys 650, Versys X300 ... probably others)

It's a bit heavy too, but only about 10lbs. heavier than the BMW 310GS. But I'm betting the Versys is the better road bike than BMW's offering. From reviews, it's capable cruising smoothly at 70 MPH with decent up hill passing power if you're willing to rev it a bit.
Prices of BMW 310 vs. Kawi Versys X300 are close, here in USA, with BMW
going for MSRP of $6000 USD, the Kawi for $5700 USD (ABS). Add about $1000 USD per bike for various dealer fees and taxes.

Local dealer wants to put me on one, haven't got round to it.

Thanks Chris.
Very good Informative post.
Cheers

Personally I would be very afraid of buying lowest, cheapest models of luxurious and generally expensive companies like BMW, Mercedes etc. They often cut corners even in their big flagship models so what do you think they can "do" to these budget vehicles? IMHO if you want BMW get a mid or high end bike.

Thanks for the post and good summary. I appreciate that. The pictures of the bike look nice as well.


I just saw mollydog's post and if we are talking Versys vs 310, I can say that down here I have a 300cc twin cylinder Benelli and for a while I was storing a friend's 400cc single Bonnie copy. Some random Chinese brand. Anyway, I rode the 400 for a while to put some miles on it for him and then every few days switched back to my Benelli. What a difference the twin cylinders make. It's incredibly smooth and pulls so much stronger from below 3k rpm. And the Benelli weighs over 400lbs! The 400cc single in comparison is in the low 300s.

For me, as a travel bike, multi cylinder all the way. Less vibration and much more enjoyable to ride.

I took a long look and a short test ride. Nope. I'll keep my Sertao for improved gravel/dirt roads. Nothing better about it. It's not a traveler. I would like it even less over time. Essentially a fat bike with a little engine. No improvement in my "small ride" stable ... that also includes 250xt Yamaha for single track paths/trails and DR650 for longer distance two track roads thru mountains rocks, deserts sand and mud.

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There is no path. You make the path as you ride.

I read with interest that Moto Ted did some work on one. He had to take the exhaust off to change the rear brake pads. Imagine that in 20ks time when the header bolts are starting to seize. What utter ludicrousy. It is not a bike that has been designed with long term use and travel in mind. Its made for people that want to dip their toe into the BMW brand.

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https://fernsforays.wordpress.com/

Are you sure about this? Not calling bs, but it sounds a bit of an exaggeration. If so, then shame on BMW.

I wonder if Fern means the bulky silencer, not the whole system.
Annoying, but I'm sure I've had bikes which needed this done just to get the spindle out.

While you guys are all speculating online whether this bike is any good or not, I've been out riding one - right across the USA so far, and will be on my way back east (via a lot more dirt) from next week...



There is a current running ride-report on the ADVrider forum should you wish you follow along and/or engage as appropriate... so far, it's more impressive than you might imagine - particularly when you consider it is a small capacity single cylinder machine.

Jenny x

Nope he had to remove the whole thing. He is a BMW mechanic at a BMW dealership.. (sometimes)

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https://fernsforays.wordpress.com/

Jenny, you changed your rear brake pads, did you expirience any problems?

So which one would you prefer CB500X with adv kit or this one?

Shameless plug for another website, Jenny, and actually at least 3 of us "speculating online" here HAVE actually ridden one. And none of us thought it would make a good travel bike.
(Of course, idle speculation to while away the hours IS what the internet is for though isn't it?)
As far as I'm concerned, apart from good ish suspension and excellent brakes, I thought it a gutless, over weight, damned uncomfortable oversized brute.
Hope you have a good trip, at least the fuel consumption is low.
Simon.