Think I’ll give it a go - CB500X or G310 GS?

[jmcc500]

Hi all,

After passing my test in December and being a bit put off by weather etc, I now think I might want to give this motorcycling thing a go after all. Of course, this is influenced by looking at shiny things in showrooms, so...

... I really like the look of the G310GS and am tempted to get one. I like the idea that I could do a green lane or dirt road if I wanted to, and I like the adventure bike riding position etc. However, for more or less the same money I can get a CB500X. Insurance is the same, Honda is (on paper) more economical and faster/more powerful. Also a twin so smoother.

My riding is realistically likely to be 98% road, one up, but I may occasionally take a pillion, and hope to do some light off-roading.

I currently don’t have any kit, so I can’t test ride, and even if I could I’m not sure my almost non-existent experience would mean I would be able to judge the merits of either bike. Sitting on them in showrooms, I can’t say one or other is better/worse.

Has anyone ridden the two to be able to help this decision? Or is there something else I should be looking at?

Cheers,

James

[xeny]

If you're going to ride, you've got to buy some kit. Why not buy kit and then test ride? It's not as if bike kit "goes off".

Have you seen the rally-raid kit for the CB500X - make it as off-road as you want:

https://adventure-motorcycling.com/honda-cb500x-ov...

http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/rally-raid-p...

[pip t]

I can’t comment on the BMW, but I ride a CB500X.

I like it. It’s fast enough to be entertaining, and you can ride it quite hard without putting your licence at too much risk - though if you’re after neck snapping acceleration and pub bragging rights look elsewhere. It’ll happily out accelerate most cars though, and sits comfortably at motorway speeds, with a bit in reserve. It sounds a bit tame, I added the Akrapovic exhaust to make it sound less like a sewing machine.

Handles tidily, and the ride is pretty comfortable, though a succession of bumps at speed can send things a bit scrappy.

Mine has been unburstably reliable (touch wood!) and it’s pretty well built. The OEM chain on some bikes seems to be a bit of a weak point, with quite a few reports of a short life. Mines got 11,000 miles on the clock and it’s coming close to needing a new chain. Comfortable over long distances, with a relaxed riding position, though the OEM screen can be a bit buffety - easily solved though. Very economical, even when ridden enthusiastically - mine shows around 65mpg on the trip computer most of the time, and that’s not sparing the horses.

Quite a practical bike if you’re thinking of commuting/touring - mine came with full luggage, and there’s lots available for it.

All in all, fun and easy/cheap to run, though you may find yourself wanting a bit more power once you gain experience.

[crofty1984]

I'm sure either would be fine, but my money would go to the Honda.
I can't say exactly why, but it seems like more of a "proper" bike and not a large scooter. I'm well aware the BMW is also a proper bike, but Honda have been churning out the cb500 for literally decades, where the BMW seems to be newly created to fill a particular niche. Though even if you agree, that may count as a GOOD thing in the BMWs favour in your book.
I had an NC 700X Honda a couple of years ago. I was really impressed with it. Though I sold it to buy a 39 year old Triumph instead.

[jmcc500]

Thanks all,

Sounds like more of a thumbs up for the Honda then. Think I’ll start to get some gear together and try them both in case I can come up with a preference!

Oh, and yes, we’ll aware of the Rally Raid kit for the Honda - they’re also developing similar for the BMW!

[CAPP0]

I saw the 310 GS at a BMW dealer this week and thought it looked really smart. What was the scooter comment above? It's nothing like a scooter?

[Google [bot]]

I’ve fairly recently started biking and have a G650GS which I can’t recommend highly enough. A mate has just bought a CB500 (not x) and it’s a lovely bike, not much in it performance-wise, so I’d imagine a 310 would be substantially slower than a CB.

[Camelot1971]

I went with a new Suzuki SV650 for my first bike after 10 years not biking - very easy to ride and plenty of power. You should look at the KTM 390 Duke as well - some amazing deals on those at the moment and looks nice enough.

[ringsound]

jmcc500 said:

Thanks all,

Sounds like more of a thumbs up for the Honda then. Think I’ll start to get some gear together and try them both in case I can come up with a preference!

Oh, and yes, we’ll aware of the Rally Raid kit for the Honda - they’re also developing similar for the BMW!

they are both very entry level bike, and both aren't very capable of offroading without some modification
Honda would have more power and may be slightly cheaper on major service
310GS seem to be aiming for the big sub 400cc segment in Asia
if you don't mind used bike, I suggest you might want to look at DL650, or G650GS too
both are cheap to insured, easy to ride and handle and great for commuting