Rally Raid BMW GS310 v Honda CB500X
Vložit
- čas přidán 8. 07. 2018
- Can the Rally Raid treatment elevate two standard mid capacity 'adventure' bikes into proper off road machines?
Rally Raid's John Mitchinson headed up to Northumberland with the new BMW 310 GS and a Honda CB500x for a play in the hills. Find out how they got on and if they compared to Greg Villalobos's KTM 450EXC.
Film by Greg Villalobos: / gregvillalobosrides
Subscribe for more from Greg: / gregvillalobos
The riding gear: www.adventure-spec.com/
The bikes: www.rally-raidproducts.co.uk/ - Auta a dopravní prostředky
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.
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
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!!
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.
Just for the record, I got the Ducati V4. It's a beaut.
Spot on John.
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.
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..
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.
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
That Adam must be a handy rider ;)
Must have been the slick clothing he was wearing that gave him the 'edge'...
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!
Thanks for the support !
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.
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!
I have ridden all motor cycles in my life. The smaller engine chasis makes riding alot of fun. Great video thanks.
Good advise John , i've downsized to a CB500X because it's lighter and allows me to keep riding into my 70's.
Nice vid really enjoyed it well made. Thanks 👌
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
Great to read, thanks for the feedback Harrold!
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.
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
Great video, and looks as if you both are kindred spirits from different eras. Thanks for sharing!
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 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 !
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
Brilliant job guys!
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!
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…
@@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
We’ll I need to go check it out! Thanks for replying 😊
Great video for anyone like myself that is new to motorbikes and hopping across from mtb and bike packing to adventure motorbiking.
Thanks for that!
Great editing . Very entertaining.
That was one of the best vids I've seen in a bit,,,,thank you
Thanks - glad you enjoyed it. Was fun to make! - Greg :-)
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.
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.
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
is Honda CB500X an all terrain bike ? I would love to own even if it be used one.
Awesome vid! Really liked the chill but still adventurous style of riding. Ride safe mates!
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
Thats 3 reasons buddy
Fuel consumption + 450 KLM
Hi, engine guard helps in case of a fall. My bike felt 3 times, no damage, just minor scratches on engine guard. Bye
Totally agree with the getting older, I am 60 and can see the day when the R1200 GSA becomes a 500 or 650.
fazer john a R500 GSA with a boxer engine would be a dream come true. But BMW will never make them.
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!!!
These are technically the lowland as it's in Northumberland, England which is border to Scotland. But for sure is amazing!
Love your video, thank you for sharing us this incredible view
Glad you enjoyed it
Excellent review! 👌
Good vid, point well made (John).
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..
Thanks for the good video and commentary
Glad you enjoyed it
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. :-)
Thanks!
would u advise to go for it even if be used one ?
Liked this your video. Much good.
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.
Amazing great video.
Really nice video well done T4S
Thanks :-)
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.
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!
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!
Obrigado adorei a reportagem sobre as motos obrigado obrigado muito obrigado
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.
Awesome. I am from weardale. Used to ride my bicycle around the places around 3 mins in
Super video I'm leaning towards a 310GS for Iceland n Norway :) with my dad. Thanks for taking your time to share some thoughts 😊
Thanks for that, and have a fun time exploring!
A good review !
I’m going to buy the 2019 KTM 690 when it comes out, 74hp and 320lbs how do you pass that up.
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.
Feel ya fully.. Sigh...
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 👍
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
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!
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.
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.
I remember my dad having a 250 superdream in the mid 80's. I thought that was a big bike back then.
For UK touring what bike would you go for out of these 2
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 🇺🇸
nice video!
How you liking the CB so far?
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
Great, thanks for watching
100% correct - i ruined both shoulders picking up my F800GS
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 !
FenderFan1964 I think he said ‘TET’ (the Trans European Trail) a network of trails all over the continent. 👍🏻
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.
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 is the total expenses to make cb 500x raley raid plzz tell i am thinking of it if it is in range i think
How tall are you Greg? Whats your inseam? Great video btw.
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.
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
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.
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! 😂🙄
The CB500X is more than capable for a RTW adventure!
Hello, where did you buy your golden rim for the g310 ?
First upgrades: BMW spoked- wheels,Booster box, Risers & Bars, Off-Road tires, Off-Road pegs, Tec- Flak exhaust, Rally-Raid suspension upgrade.
Interesting!!! Look out for Sammy Miller and his skills and check the spec of his machines. Could you ? achieve that?
I'm impressed. I did not think the Honda capable of taking those trails.
I am in love with BMW motorcycle is my favorite brand👌
👍❤👍❤👍 Awesome Mate's...
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.
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.
Great vídeos. 100kgr could be the target?
One of my favourite bike #310GS
More intro music, label and website. I want more of that music. Great vidoe music.
How's this a vs. Comparison?
Which rims are mounted at the Honda? In Spain are only available alloy rims. I really like this spoke rims that you mounted.
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
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) .
Thinking about a 310, so thanks for the insights and great photography. What was the background music track?
Did you buy it?
Been riding 51 years. My 2021 310GS is my 11th bike. Daily commuter, LOVE IT!!!
spoked wheel on the G310? How did you do it?
I found that putting a 15t sprocket on the front and a 41 on the rear really helps the 310 with its low end
Matt - I realize it's 3 years later but do you know where to source a 41 rear sprocket for the GS?
Wonder which one for desert and desert roads?
The gs310
Vs
Cb500x
Or
Drz400
I love the Drz400 but a Light twin sounds relieving and relaxing and most capable overall
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.
Nice little channel
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)
You've listed some great ones there, maybe wrf250 too. Check out our the rest of our videos for bike reviews!
which tire model is equipping the bikes?
The 310 GS was running Motoz Tractionator Adventure. I'm not sure what the CB was running.
Both bikes were using Motoz Tractionator Adventure
I'd give the G310 a couple model years to get sorted.
Agreed….downsizing = longer riding
Idk which i prefer, those are boths my favourite
Whats the weight difference guys?? Thanks for the Vid. Love my CB500X RR L3. The GS looks great, would love a go! The CB500X is a great balance for the road and offroad, sorry John I think it is 50/50 :) Will sit on 140kph on the freeway and I have never hit an offroad section it won't get through, will grind up most things in 1st gear no problem and the bashplate can take a wack. The CB can be a bugger to lift if dropped for the 5th time!! Would consider sacrificing some road performance for less weight... is that the GS? weights? (hint hint). Just came back from a weekend on the Slovenian TET... 20 hours highway driving for 12 hours offroad... perfect bike. Happy Customer!
I found this video after watching Juan Browne review the RR 310 gsm with Jenny Morgan. Even Jenny said the cb500x was a 50/50 bike and the 310 was more dirt oriented.
You would have to look online for the exact weight difference, or contact John at Rally Raid Products. From my perspective, the GS felt light, similar to my enduro bike. The seat is a lot lower too which helps. The CB was certainly heavier and taller. I got the CB stuck in a deep rut and it wasn't a problem to lift it out without help.
Thanks for the comments and the vid link. The gs is definitely an interesting bike. Cheers
I think when John suggests the CB is 70/30, he means in comparison to the GS - which feels more like a traditional trail bike (rather than an adv bike) - and specifically with regard to trial riding in the UK (such in those conditions in the video)...
Pretty happy with my KTM 690 ENDURO R …
Wish it was 25 Kilos lighter, though.
phrankus2009 same...
What tires were you guys running
Justin Humphreys - Motoz Tractionator Adventure www.adventure-spec.com/default/motoz-tractionator-adventure-bundle.html
Is your bike a 450 exc? You never mention it...
what's strange is that this is not catching on and I'm not seeing these bikes where I live...
Marty Fowler with the mods these bikes have they are a bit pricey.
I own one in Canada and love the 500 Rally. I get huge mileage and I do everything my old KTM690 did.
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
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 heard the gs puts your hands to sleep at speed, did you notice it?
No this was not a problem for me
The magnifying glass hahahaha
Rally Raid CT125 next!?
Come to taking them to the shop you will be glad you have a Honda.
Iowarail shop prices and parts are really not much of a difference these days in my area. But the cost of upgradingnthe japanese to the level of the european standard parts is expensive. If it a basic daily ride mostly road. Fine, but if you ride harder offroad then the upgrades are a must. Thats what i look at every time i compare
If you order bits direct from Thailand they are even cheaper.you can't do that with the badged name.
So 500x all the way
Badged BMW soz auto correct
chubbybrown4real thats what kills us canadians. The shipping for parts from over seas kills us. Even just ordering from the USA is ridiculous for mark up and shipping costs then you get hit with duty fees. Expensive.
first scenario music is Black Goldie By Eyal Raz ;) just found it!
great video. if they did a 500gs I would be all over it
hope they come up with 500 GS but that would kill the market for 1200gs why kill the duck that is laying golden egg.
@@upward_onward The 800 - now 850 - doesn't, so why do you think a 500 would?
cause 800 seem to be bit heavy
@@upward_onward super heavy, I was really looking at one hard, but its for street use only
I can't believe there is still such a huge hole in the adventure market..
Song name please '_'