I started riding a 250cc dual sport in the mid 70s and never wanted a bigger bike, on or off road. I don't ride on highways. A few years ago, the industry finally granted my wish for smaller displacement and lighter adventure bikes. I just turned 60 and bought a G310GS for my birthday. It's much better behaved commuting around town than the DR350 I previously rode. I'm looking forward to some light duty old man motorcycle camping adventures.

As motorcyclists seem to be going down in numbers, seeing smaller ADV bikes being reviewed is becoming a necessity . Thanks for a practical review. Just remember, you don't quit riding because your old, you grow old because you quit riding!!

@redduketeleman

6 жыл бұрын

Spot on John. I just turned 62 today and I'm looking to get a couple of bikes. Sportswise I haven't decided between the Ducati Panigale V4 and the Yamaha R1M....for me and the missus I was looking at the Suzuki V-Strom 650 but this CB 500 X looks interesting.

@redduketeleman

5 жыл бұрын

Just for the record, I got the Ducati V4. It's a beaut.

@tomkitchen2764

2 жыл бұрын

Spot on John.

You know this music actually is soo nice! better then most of the videos on youtube.. its really smooth and not so crazy like most other vids :) i liked this thank you

Appreciate the detailed explanation of the differences and perspective of on-road/off-road use for each rig. Any dual sport is a compromise and each rider has to be honest about their intended riding. Don't expect perfection where it can't be provided. What's impressive is how John at RRP has transformed these two rigs into viable ADV mounts. Well-done, sir!

@rallyraidproducts1927

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the support !

I rode the 310 at the recent 2 day Wales500 event (which, was superb!). I hear you on the engine comments...at the end of day 1 (150km) I was a bit disappointed with it and I mentioned it to John in the evening. He explained that we're all so used to having big chunks of power and loads of torque from very low revs that to get the most out of the 310 you HAVE to rev it. For me this felt really odd after decades of big single thumpers, but as day 2 wore on (500km) and I was feeling more pressed for time I naturally started to wind it up a bit. And that's when it started to make sense to me. 6000 rpm and upwards and it starts to sing. The harder you rev it happier it seemed. By the end of the day (11 hours later) I was chucking it at everything and really starting to enjoy it. It's no rocket ship, but it had me smiling. The positives for me over the day were really the ease of riding (I easily cleared almost all the trials style sections) and how chilled I was. No aching arse, shoulders or forearms. Just 12 hours non-stop riding and a big happy smile. Oh, and if you think it can't go quickly...then the problem is definitely you. I saw Johns son Adam come past me at well over 60mpg, back it in around a corner and powerslide off on the pipe like a 2T. It was the fastest bike I saw all day! It's not for everyone, but I thought it was an astonishingly versatile thing and a great genuine adventure bike.

@nischal4444

6 жыл бұрын

david lomax hi glad that enthusiasts world over are liking the baby GS. In India these small capacity adv motorcycles makes more sense for our conditions. future looks good with KTM launching their 390 adventure in 2019.. the question though will be if these non Japanese bikes would last as long and be reliable in the long run..

@davejhlomax

6 жыл бұрын

nischal4444 That's a good point well made. 2 Rally Raid 310s recently completed a 5000km Austrailian Rally and one of them is currently riding back from Mongolia...I know a sample of 2 isn't a conclusive test, but that's a big ride in some pretty poor conditions by anyones standards. Time will tell I guess.

@nischal4444

6 жыл бұрын

david lomax wow, that's some torture test for the GS. surviving those terrains means it's a well made machine. good to hear positive things when you are in the market for a do it all small capacity easy to live with motorcycle. thanks friend for sharing this info, cheers

@rallyraidproducts1927

6 жыл бұрын

That Adam must be a handy rider ;)

@davejhlomax

6 жыл бұрын

Must have been the slick clothing he was wearing that gave him the 'edge'...

Thanks loads for your review. At 70 I'm still riding, albeit a 250 lb dual sport, on multi-day trips (mostly back roads, dirt, gravel fire roads, mountain passes, etc. - VERY little pavement. I'm considering a different bike with a little more creature comfort, but still need good off-road capabilities and light weight. Keep on keepin' on! -Ray

I am older now. got the BMW g 310 gs with the Rally Raid so thank you very much guys. Big thumbs up!

Riding one of the CB 500 X's from the 2019 and it's a fabulous machine. Quite light, handy and easy to ride. Perfect behaviour on the bottom of the RPMs making it very good for the beginning of the off-road journey. The necessity, however, are tank/engine guards, skid plate, radiator guard and more off-road oriented tires. It's has a little low ground clearance, but despite of this, it's a great 70% road / 30% off-road bike.

I have ridden all motor cycles in my life. The smaller engine chasis makes riding alot of fun. Great video thanks.

Great video, and looks as if you both are kindred spirits from different eras. Thanks for sharing!

Great honest review. I think you have a great delivery, non scripted, hit great points. I felt like I was there listening to your honest opinion. I am also a long time rider. First mini bike at 5, fifty years ago. License at 16 and on/off road riding ever since. I downsized from my Triumph Tiger a couple of years ago to a Suzuki DR 650. I plan a few more years on it. I know my next bike will probably be a DRZ 400 or a KTM 450, mostly on how it feels then. I tell my wife I'll probably be back on a mini bike by the time I get to the old folks home, lol, but not really kidding. Great reviews! Keep them coming!

Great video. Currently have an Africa Twin but am thinking of changing for the lighter 2019 CB500X, even though Honda changed the front wheel to 19", why oh why didn't they make them spoked?? They would have probably cornered the middleweight adventure market !

Hi, engine guard helps in case of a fall. My bike felt 3 times, no damage, just minor scratches on engine guard. Bye

Wonderful review and video! One of these two bikes are on my wife’s short list. We went from dual sporting to dirt biking now we want adventure!

@kathrynleger3168

Жыл бұрын

Just Curious which bike did your wife get? I am 5’5” tall I love the Honda but it may just be too tall! Hope to hear back…

@PennsylvaniaDualSport

Жыл бұрын

@@kathrynleger3168 2018 CB500X. There’s a reason for the year too. That was the last year for the 17” front wheel. In 2019 it’s a 19” front wheel which would make it that much taller. We had the seat professionally shaved to give her an inch and used an adjustable linkage on the shock to bring it down another inch. She is now on the balls of her feet and pretty comfortable in most circumstances. She is 5’3 with a 29” inseam

@kathrynleger3168

Жыл бұрын

We’ll I need to go check it out! Thanks for replying 😊

Good advise John , i've downsized to a CB500X because it's lighter and allows me to keep riding into my 70's.

I’m going to buy the 2019 KTM 690 when it comes out, 74hp and 320lbs how do you pass that up.

Nice vid really enjoyed it well made. Thanks 👌

That’s a really good point about down grading to a smaller bike. I have 2018 KLX250 that weighs in at 126 kg is powerful enough and excellent off road. I recently road with friends 414 km with no issues

Great editing . Very entertaining.

Great to see John Mitchison, The Godfather of the mid range adventure bike movement, on this video. Beautifully shot and composed I might add. I love the line he used with his magnifying glass - priceless! Take that you monster GS blokes.

Totally agree with the getting older, I am 60 and can see the day when the R1200 GSA becomes a 500 or 650.

@ripmax333

6 жыл бұрын

fazer john a R500 GSA with a boxer engine would be a dream come true. But BMW will never make them.

Great video for anyone like myself that is new to motorbikes and hopping across from mtb and bike packing to adventure motorbiking.

@adventurespec

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for that!

Awesome vid! Really liked the chill but still adventurous style of riding. Ride safe mates!

That was one of the best vids I've seen in a bit,,,,thank you

@adventurespec

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks - glad you enjoyed it. Was fun to make! - Greg :-)

How you liking the CB so far?

Thank's for the review, wish there was 1 more Rider with 400cc RE Himalayan to fill the gap between those 2 bikes. It will be more interesting..

Brilliant job guys!

What is the total expenses to make cb 500x raley raid plzz tell i am thinking of it if it is in range i think

this is such a great review! every-bloody-thing about it! love, a 21 y o dude who is making his license at the moment

Wonder which one for desert and desert roads?

Thanks for the video. I am getting older but I want to get back into riding. I think the honda might be the bike to get me back on 2 wheels after watching your video. Light and not Intimidating

Awesome. I am from weardale. Used to ride my bicycle around the places around 3 mins in

The drone footage was great. Also Johns riding skills. I have owned a Honda CB500X for 5 years now, it's a very capable bike, I would like to try a fully R.R. version to compare. I have watched a few of your videos Greg on your channel, very inspiring. :-)

@adventurespec

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@upward_onward

5 жыл бұрын

would u advise to go for it even if be used one ?

For UK touring what bike would you go for out of these 2

Excellent review! 👌

THANKS FOR THIS GREAT DEMO/REVIEW!!!! I LOVE THOSE HIGHLANDS!!! THE HEATHER (?) BLLONG BLUE/PURPLE, IS LOVELY!!! IT LOOKS A LOT LIKE A LOT OF WYOMING!... I'M VERY EAGER TO ADD THE "RALLY-RAID PRODUCTS" MODS ONTO MY BMW G 310GS, THIS FALL/WINTER, AND TRAVEL EXTENSIVELY, SOLO, NEXT YEAR!!!

@mightymizzar9672

4 жыл бұрын

These are technically the lowland as it's in Northumberland, England which is border to Scotland. But for sure is amazing!

Great review! And I agree with you, one needs two bikes. I have a WR250R and a CB500X rally raid, for my adventure and trail riding. I carry both on a trailer to my trips, so I can use one or the other depending what's the riding plan for the day, how much tarmac and how easy or not is the off-pavement terrain. But if I could, I would only be riding the CB500X, because it is so smooth... but in some challenging terrain, the WR250R is basically the smarter option.

@sumporfuk

6 жыл бұрын

I'd rather be riding I agree with the need for multiple bikes. When the need for trailering arises I will haul both the R1200GSA & 500 EXC

@upward_onward

5 жыл бұрын

is Honda CB500X an all terrain bike ? I would love to own even if it be used one.

Love your video, thank you for sharing us this incredible view

@adventurespec

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

Hello, where did you buy your golden rim for the g310 ?

Good vid, point well made (John).

How tall are you Greg? Whats your inseam? Great video btw.

Good showcase of the off-road abilities of these bikes. Whats with the music though? Sounds like somebody's about to talk about a tradgedy I their past lol. I'd love the 310 if it had a BMW engine and not a TVS engine.

Great vídeos. 100kgr could be the target?

How's this a vs. Comparison?

Interesting!!! Look out for Sammy Miller and his skills and check the spec of his machines. Could you ? achieve that?

Stumbled across this video, good review, Have ridden the 310 on road only. The honda gets repeated good reviews. Both are good bikes. Depends what your requirements are.

The description of both bikes was superb in that it allowed for the visualization of one actually being on the 310. In it's raw state it's clear that BMW did not target their already established market but may have mistakenly excluded excluded their wanting faithfuls in the process. To conceive of a 310 squirming it's way into the garage of my R1200GSA, 500 EXC, or 650 Dakar would be a ridiculous notion at best. If on the other hand, BMW were to allow the 310 to grow up into a 500CC and give it a proper 21"-18" wheel, that bike wouldn't have to worry about taking the place of any of my steads, it'd have a parking spot of it's own.

@rallyraidproducts1927

6 жыл бұрын

Its a difficult choice for a manufacturer to take, more power brings more weight, a need for better brakes, a 21-18 would leave the bike of this size too tall for many new or short legged riders. With all the regulations and price points involved perhaps you would end up at something very similar to a gs 750 ! But an interesting point never the less!

@sumporfuk

6 жыл бұрын

You make great points that I hadn't considered and they are well noted. I guess at the end of the day the motorcycle as we know it was invented many, many moons ago and no matter how much we add, subtract, and move the pieces around, nothing is going to change the basic equation. More will always mean more!

So the CB500X with the RR stage 3 (or whatever it's called now 2A/2B or something) would you say it's a capable bike for a RTW? Obviously when you hit Eastern Europe/Mongolia/Russia it's rough and dirty. I've totally fell in love with the CB500X! 😂🙄

@rallyraidproducts1927

6 жыл бұрын

The CB500X is more than capable for a RTW adventure!

Super video I'm leaning towards a 310GS for Iceland n Norway :) with my dad. Thanks for taking your time to share some thoughts 😊

@adventurespec

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that, and have a fun time exploring!

Thanks for the good video and commentary

@adventurespec

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

Really nice video well done T4S

@adventurespec

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks :-)

spoked wheel on the G310? How did you do it?

I had a couple of F650s some 15/20 years back fun bike to ride so a 310 kinda sounds small as it just wouldn’t have the guts looks a nice bike though late 50s now it’s been a while but thinking of getting another bike for odd fun days so I may take a look thanks for the info / video

@adventurespec

2 жыл бұрын

Great, thanks for watching

Which rims are mounted at the Honda? In Spain are only available alloy rims. I really like this spoke rims that you mounted.

@adventurespec

5 жыл бұрын

The CB500x is running the Rally Raid kit. These are the wheels - www.rally-raidproducts.co.uk/honda-cb500x-cb500f/honda-cb500x-spoked-wheel-kit

@svenkuhlmann80

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the answer and linking the rallyraid products. Looks like a nice upgrade, but a little bit expensive 😭. Other rims from honda models don't fit? (Transalp/Crf250) .

Hi Greg, you mentioned coming up to Scotland but I have not had any luck finding any legal off-road trails so far in the Borders / East Lothian. Are you aware of any? Cheers.

@adventurespec

6 жыл бұрын

There is some stuff just over the border, but really I was thinking that the CB500X would give me a chance to get up on the roads, something that I've not really done yet on the enduro bike

@ewganhoff

6 жыл бұрын

As far as I can tell Scotland is pretty much closed for adventure/trail riding. Sad. If it wasn't I'd have a crf250l. I had a bag o' shite Chinese 200 Road legal enduro and I did take it through loads of estate and forestry commission land up here around Aberdeen, but it usually ended with being shouted at by estate workers or threats to call the police. I'm currently eyeing up a loophole in the shape of an electric MTB. They can go anywhere a regular bike can.

Liked this your video. Much good.

Obrigado adorei a reportagem sobre as motos obrigado obrigado muito obrigado

Nice video; thanks; i dream of a brand new CB650X or a new Africa Twin 650-750cc to upgrade my CB500X; i would maybe Rally Raid my CB500X but as Canadian: Rally Raid kit, price, shipping, taxes & import fees would be to much expensive! It’s why i will wait maybe for the new Ténéré 700 or a new adventure bike from Honda.

@koejoe

4 жыл бұрын

Feel ya fully.. Sigh...

Amazing great video.

Just to say: me thinking of a ktm 390 adventure or bmw g310gs. Riding a 1250gs and k100rt daily. Despite, unknow pre judgement rote a Honda 300L today too but..you convinced me, as my 1st thought. Don't need to 'race/ktm etc' anymore. This, g310gs with some Ralley Raid specs, convinced me. Thanks for the great video and honest comments. Harrold

@adventurespec

2 жыл бұрын

Great to read, thanks for the feedback Harrold!

Awesome video and commentary. Greg, if I may ask...what did you mean when you mentioned that the BMW would be a good "tech bike" ? I subscribed to your channel, thanks for the great work !

@simondavis741

4 жыл бұрын

FenderFan1964 I think he said ‘TET’ (the Trans European Trail) a network of trails all over the continent. 👍🏻

I found that putting a 15t sprocket on the front and a 41 on the rear really helps the 310 with its low end

@choerenz

2 жыл бұрын

Matt - I realize it's 3 years later but do you know where to source a 41 rear sprocket for the GS?

in Brazil we have both models of motorcycles, but we do not have the tires of this model to use on earth ... sad upset. perfect test, I liked it

What a pleasant and informative video. Both bikes interest me and your comments about the weight of each bike made a lot of sense, ie. could you lift it if you dropped it and were alone in the wilds? I prefer singles but the remarks about the CB's superior traction made sense. Alas I'm probably much too tall for either bike but I could still see me getting a 310GS just for some easy green laning. I just need to win the lottery first... Nice video. Thanks, guys 👍

@adventurespec

6 жыл бұрын

Being too tall is a good problem to have! I'm more on the other side - there's no way I can get both feet down on my enduro bike - Greg

Song name please '_'

I got the cb500x for two reasons. I'm on the road more, and reliability. Plus I'm 6'5 and fit on it much better

@slakk5093

4 жыл бұрын

Thats 3 reasons buddy

@brahim-bouhamida

4 жыл бұрын

Fuel consumption + 450 KLM

John tiene toda la razón. Si vas cumpliendo años y quieres seguir saliendo al campo con la moto hay que bajar de cilindrada y de peso para seguir disfrutando. Buen vídeo.

Light weight is always important to me for offroad use. Power is nice but doesn’t get the priority of the lightness IMO. So the GS is the better bet for me. But then i would prefer my CRF250L for offroad over the GS. On the street i’m sure the GS is much more a comfy ride.

@vadadofthr3357

2 жыл бұрын

I love my gs....great on all but freeway driving... That said my gas gas 2t 200 is my plated serious off road choice too....

what's strange is that this is not catching on and I'm not seeing these bikes where I live...

@chrisredfield3240

6 жыл бұрын

Marty Fowler with the mods these bikes have they are a bit pricey.

@billsbikes

6 жыл бұрын

I own one in Canada and love the 500 Rally. I get huge mileage and I do everything my old KTM690 did.

@sumporfuk

6 жыл бұрын

Marty Fowler The answer to your question probably lies somewhere hidden in the price. BMW doesn’t make bikes for all the world to enjoy, they only make bikes for the select few that can afford them. They make the rest of the world wait for the second hand market

@chrisredfield3240

6 жыл бұрын

The base prices of bmw's are not that bad. I remember a 650 versy's was just over £7k and a base f800gs was £8.8k i think the 800 is worth the extra money. I know when you add all the extra's they get pricey, but the Japanese bikes are pritty basic anyway. Abs has made them more money now no more MT-09 for £6995

I've got to agree with riding a light bike on trails, after the number of time I stuck my XR250 into a ditch, buried it in some mud, or had to pull it out of a hedge there's no way I'd ride a GS.

@TsvetanVR

5 жыл бұрын

You should try an electric enduro mountain bike then. I think these are sub 25kg these days. After 15 years of mountainbiking, I tried some offroad with a 750GS. Can it go offroad? Yes. Do I want to go offroad on a 250kg motorcycle ever again? Nope. Some gravel roads and stuff is alright but trails? Hell no.

Is your bike a 450 exc? You never mention it...

Thinking about a 310, so thanks for the insights and great photography. What was the background music track?

@amol2753

3 жыл бұрын

Did you buy it?

@patricktracy7940

2 жыл бұрын

Been riding 51 years. My 2021 310GS is my 11th bike. Daily commuter, LOVE IT!!!

A good review !

More intro music, label and website. I want more of that music. Great vidoe music.

Any 250cc ADV bike recommendation for 95-100kg newbie ? 😁. I think in my country there are KTM 250 adv, crf 250 rally, versys 250, hmmm what else 🤔. Planning to ride it 50/50 (i think)

@adventurespec

2 жыл бұрын

You've listed some great ones there, maybe wrf250 too. Check out our the rest of our videos for bike reviews!

100% correct - i ruined both shoulders picking up my F800GS

which tire model is equipping the bikes?

@adventurespec

6 жыл бұрын

The 310 GS was running Motoz Tractionator Adventure. I'm not sure what the CB was running.

@rallyraidproducts1927

6 жыл бұрын

Both bikes were using Motoz Tractionator Adventure

Rally Raid CT125 next!?

nice video!

I heard the gs puts your hands to sleep at speed, did you notice it?

@adventurespec

2 жыл бұрын

No this was not a problem for me

first scenario music is Black Goldie By Eyal Raz ;) just found it!

What´s the name of the first song of this video man? it is the same awesome as it !

Great review! John's a wise man, sage maturity on small bike being able for the job👍. But you both have a way to go to fit Sammy Miller's boots🤣✌️🇬🇧🍺🍺👍 From New HampSHIRE 🇺🇸

What tires were you guys running

@adventurespec

6 жыл бұрын

Justin Humphreys - Motoz Tractionator Adventure www.adventure-spec.com/default/motoz-tractionator-adventure-bundle.html

I'm impressed. I did not think the Honda capable of taking those trails.

Nice little channel

I still can not decide between a HONDA CB500X and a BMW 300GS ... please HELP :D :D I am riding a CRF-250L and a CRF250Rally atm, the Rally has not enough power and since i am heavier i need something bigger, so i guess i should go for the CB500 for my tour to Europe from Asia

@piyabudmakaraphan7191

5 жыл бұрын

Hi from Thailand. I am riding G310gs, so light, great commute, easy to use. Cruise speed 120 is OK, max speed is 150 on highway at 9000 rpm. So confuse now for up size to 650 or 1000 cc. My dream bike is crf1000L but g310gs can do everything i want and save a lot of money.

I'd give the G310 a couple model years to get sorted.

Another great review guys. I think the manufacturers are smart by marketing these smaller bikes. With the millennial generation not getting into motorcycles like us baby boomers, I feel they might catch their interest with these very manageable bikes. Remember when a 750 cc bike was a large bike. And yes as being 55 I get the whole smaller manageable bike thing, I have way more fun on the DR 650 than the DL 1000. Ride on!

@Noastrenght

6 жыл бұрын

I am in my mid 30´s and the DR feels a tad on the heavy side to me, haha. With ADV touring in mind, I reckon it is a near perfect compromise capability/weight. Apart from that 20-30kg less are way more fun to throw around but never the less , I love the DR.

@greggkennedy3758

6 жыл бұрын

Toby absolutely, easy and inexpensive to work on too. For me riding is about getting out there with friends and having adventures. Heading to James bay and the Trans Taiga this fall.

@DDLovett

5 жыл бұрын

I remember my dad having a 250 superdream in the mid 80's. I thought that was a big bike back then.

First upgrades: BMW spoked- wheels,Booster box, Risers & Bars, Off-Road tires, Off-Road pegs, Tec- Flak exhaust, Rally-Raid suspension upgrade.

👍❤👍❤👍 Awesome Mate's...

The gs310 Vs Cb500x Or Drz400 I love the Drz400 but a Light twin sounds relieving and relaxing and most capable overall

One of my favourite bike #310GS

Maybe the cb500x with a 650 kit would make sense, i just feel it lacks power. 310 on the highway falls very short on power for me.

@johannescarlsson4559

6 жыл бұрын

Chris Hart so basically the Tenere 700 then? ;) But a premium 70hp twin at 140kg would be nice, like the Husqvarna 701 with less vibration and lower seat height

@chrisredfield3240

6 жыл бұрын

Johannes Carlsson it would be nowhere near good enough to call itself a tenere. Maybe 65hp to keep the midrange power. And it would be 196kg that's what the cb500x is anyway. Still have the same suspension and cast wheels. All to keep the cost down

@ewganhoff

6 жыл бұрын

The 500 will do over 100mph. That's plenty for long days on the motorway. Have you tried the 701? I haven't but nearly every review says that it's as smooth as twin, and it will happily sit at 80mph all day.

@chrisredfield3240

6 жыл бұрын

ewganhoff it will do 100mph but not easily and probably not up a big hill either. Or with a lot of luggage. And defiantly not with a pillion

@gingerd2098

6 жыл бұрын

It handles my wife and I with all of our luggage up in the Canadian Rockies without issue. You should try one, they are perfect on power. If you need more than 50hp, then you aren't in the market for a middleweight adventure bike.

I am in love with BMW motorcycle is my favorite brand👌

Name of the music please nice

@Noastrenght

6 жыл бұрын

Second that!

@adventurespec

6 жыл бұрын

You can find these tracks and more at artlist.io/

@tirakulchaigrid3743

5 жыл бұрын

first song name please I Can't find it

@DestinationNowherePJ

5 жыл бұрын

Tirakul Chaigrid black goldie

@tirakulchaigrid3743

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much

Rally Raid products are no longer being sold in the USA. Mail order only :(

@rallyraidproducts1927

6 жыл бұрын

Its cheaper for our US customers to buy direct from us! We don't use dealers as they need profit of their own costing you more money !

Idk which i prefer, those are boths my favourite

Nice review, but please skip the annoying music next time. Thoughts on the CRF250L /Rally?

Nice video, think KTM 390 adventure is more accessible than GS310, offers with 1 cylinder engine but 390 more mature, more torque, better stuff (tft screen) than 310. Reliability of KTM not so high but fun to drive.