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VersysX300 vs. BMW G310GS

2.3K views 23 replies 15 participants last post by  fasteddiecopeman  
#1 ·
I had 2017 x300 a few years ago and enjoyed it. Then I got a wild hair and thought I wasn't riding enough and sold it. Spent the last couple of years on a Yamaha Bolt but decided cruisers aren't my thing even though I liked the torque. Trying to decide between these two bikes. Looking on the BMW forums it seems like the GS has more problems than the Kawi. I like the looks of the Bimmer but maybe the X is more reliable. Any thoughts, or real-world experience?
 
#12 ·
I have a 2018 X300 and it's been bullet proof. Just change the oil regularly and the coolant sometimes. Ridden part of the TAT in Colorado and Utah on it - quite happy on Jeep roads IF you respect the tire and suspension limitations by keeps speed down on rough sections. (Running Mitas E07+ tires & quite happy with them. The twin cylinder engine is much smoother than the thumpers I've had. Hoping to ride the eastern section of the TAT this spring, AR to NC. I would suggest the X300 for commuting and gravel roads, up to and including forest service roads. Some mountain passes in Colorado were pretty rough, but the X300 did great, esp with my new Mitas tires. One family member has an X300 with Dunlop TrailMax Mission tires and loves them also. Let us know what you get!
 
#13 ·
I misread the title & thought it said BMW1300GS, but either way the X300 is better than both the 310 or 1300.

For a start as I ran rings around some buddies on 1250GS's on back roads, the discussion turned to how was I so fast ? Huh, I have a 1/3rd your power, but 60Kg's less weight & 1/3rd your cost. So I can afford to kill my bike twice & still have enough for a 3rd one for the cost of your GS's which in all honesty are more about the looks than ability.

I get nearly twice the range for much less fuel, 300miles per tank (17L) if speed is kept below 60mph. I can cruise at 80mph if I choose to, but those are not the roads this bike was made for. A lighter bike will always handle better than a heavier one.

Now I plan to tour on my X315 two up once I retire next year. So lower costs are the order of the day.

Yes a super human can ride a big adventure bike off road at speed, but that is NOT how 99.9% of riders use these. So a lighter bike will always be easier to man handle, but for back roads & gravel/forest tracks the X300 is the better machine IMHO.

People & their wallets are seduced by bigger is better all the time. But if I want to do long fast road miles I'll use my VFR800 & it will do that all day everyday. So the right tool for the job is the way to go IMO.

As always YMMV. 😁
 
#14 ·
I misread the title & thought it said BMW1300GS, but either way the X300 is better than both the 310 or 1300.

For a start as I ran rings around some buddies on 1250GS's on back roads, the discussion turned to how was I so fast ? Huh, I have a 1/3rd your power, but 60Kg's less weight & 1/3rd your cost. So I can afford to kill my bike twice & still have enough for a 3rd one for the cost of your GS's which in all honesty are more about the looks than ability.

I get nearly twice the range for much less fuel, 300miles per tank (17L) if speed is kept below 60mph. I can cruise at 80mph if I choose to, but those are not the roads this bike was made for. A lighter bike will always handle better than a heavier one.

Now I plan to tour on my X315 two up once I retire next year. So lower costs are the order of the day.

Yes a super human can ride a big adventure bike off road at speed, but that is NOT how 99.9% of riders use these. So a lighter bike will always be easier to man handle, but for back roads & gravel/forest tracks the X300 is the better machine IMHO.

People & their wallets are seduced by bigger is better all the time. But if I want to do long fast road miles I'll use my VFR800 & it will do that all day everyday. So the right tool for the job is the way to go IMO.

As always YMMV. 😁
Are you saying the 1200cc ADV bikes are the 3/4 ton diesel daily driver mall crawlers of the motorcycle world? 🤣

Some do use them as a comfortable sport tourer, which the ergonomics are good for. Agree with you though that for a full day off pavement — light is right.
 
#19 ·
I tested the G310 before buying the Versys 300. I found the G310 to be a lot of fun for short distances, like daily commutes around town or going to a nearby city. If I recall correctly, the acceleration from low range felt much better than the Kawa, but at high speeds on the highway, it lost out. Plus, the footpegs massaged your feet (which, considering long journeys, would be annoying). Apart from the fact that the Versys made me feel better protected from the wind

But we know this is a passionate topic, my recommendation is always, if you have the opportunity to drive one, doit, it will be the best advisor for your final decision
 
#21 ·
I like Nathan's videos. His recent green lane comparison of the MT450 and Himalayan 450 had me on the edge of my seat with how gnarly some of that track was! Interesting business he has there, with his rental fleet. Such enterprises are few and far between over here, probably because of the much-dreaded "liability." :rolleyes:
Thanks for posting!
 
#24 ·
ALSO a "good idea" to REALLY look at anyplace you intend to stop, as to WHERE your side-stand will go, OR your 'stabizing-foot'. Here's a pic of my '08 on the Moqui Dugway in Arizona after I TRIED to put it onto the stand where there was a pretty good dip RIGHT where my right foot wanted to go...!

DSC01658 by Ed Copeman, on Flickr