At last its all coming together

[Gazuk]

So the plan in the middle of last year was to get a motorhome that can fit a motorbike that can be fun for solo riding and good enough two up. It was always going to be a compromise as it was never going to match my GSA for two up touring or my VFR for solo riding, but I've eventually got there and am very happy wth my soluton.

Motorhome : Carthago C Tourer I 150 Gross weight 4250kg
Motorbike : BMW G310R
Extras : ramp, front wheel chock and top box

(the 3 lines above do not do justice to the amount of hours of research this has taken)

I still have to got to the weighbridge with the bike in the motorhome, but got it weighed empty and with me and the wife in it we had 600kg free, with 600kg available on the rear axel, so not concerned about that (the G310R weighs about 160kg ready to go, so I reckon around 200kg on rear axel.)

Just done a journey to drop the motorhome off at mechanics, with motorbike in garage for return journey (plus Mrs Gazuk) and everything went well. Forty miles each way so a good test. Bike loaded easily, didn't move during transit and was very stable (and fun) two up on the return journey, so even better than expected.

There is alot of love for the KTM Duke 390 with motorhomers, but the pillion comfort (high pegs) was not good for Mrs Gazuk, so had to look elsewhere. Also, something I think is sometimes overlooked, motorbikes also have a maximum payload and the G310R has a very good one at 181kg

 

[Roger S]

I had a 310 GS, excellent bike, iot pulled well two up

 

[glenn2926]

Glad you’re enjoying the little GS. I do think they have got the looks just right re being a part of the GS family. I also think the GS will be easier to look after than the KTM . What’s the build quality like on the GS compared to the German built bikes?

 

[Gazuk]

I've got the G310R not the G310GS. Mine is the roadster version and came out first and if you believe the reviews is the better of the 2. I think it comes down to suspension. I do have a 1200 GSA so I quite enjoy the different riding position.

I've only had it for a few days, but it does seem well put together. I've changed rear preload, removed mirrrors, fitted heated clothing harness and all well.

 

[glenn2926]

I've got the G310R not the G310GS. Mine is the roadster version and came out first and if you believe the reviews is the better of the 2. I think it comes down to suspension. I do have a 1200 GSA so I quite enjoy the different riding position.

I've only had it for a few days, but it does seem well put together. I've changed rear preload, removed mirrrors, fitted heated clothing harness and all well.

I did think it looked quite small. I think quite a few people will be able to carry on rider longer with the advent of these lighter bikes. I’m quite taken with the RE Meteor 350.

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[Taran_Las]

I bought the Honda CB300R to carry in the van. I only ride one up. But the GS310 is a nice bike. The Honda, GS310 & Duke 390 were my shortlist.

 

[Taran_Las]

I did think it looked quite small. I think quite a few people will be able to carry on rider longer with the advent of these lighter bikes. I’m quite taken with the RE Meteor 350.

We have a RE dealership close by (10 miles). Those Meteors really do look good, for both the price and the fun factor.

I bought a Guzzi from them and hope they give me a Meteor when it goes in for service.

 

[glenn2926]

We have a RE dealership close by (10 miles). Those Meteors really do look good, for both the price and the fun factor.

I bought a Guzzi from them and hope they give me a Meteor when it goes in for service.

If they give you the meteor let us know what you think of it please.

 

[Taran_Las]

Will do

 

[dazandandrea]

Sounds good .
Another 1200 GSA rider here

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[glenn2926]

Sounds good .
Another 1200 GSA rider here

I had a R1200GS a while ago, now have Yamaha 1200 Super Tenere but it’s going soon, traded it in for a new Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro. Which I collect on the 1st March. My wife doesn’t ride anymore so I don’t need 1200cc. The BHP is about the same but weight is down by around 65kg or 10 stone in old money.

 

[Gazuk]

I would like a smaller and lighter bike than the gsa but every time I look into the 900cc category it always seem to compromise on the two up ability (and payload). But, having just ridden the g310r two up i'm beginning to think people are too critical on two up ability of smaller cc bikes. I do need a 200+kg payload though. I do travel 2 up with panniers and top box .

Buy, I am now keen to try the r1250r

 

[EuroTrotters]

I love bikes, just other road users scare the crap out of me. `Ive not been on a Motorbike for 30 years

Your so brave

 

[glenn2926]

I love bikes, just other road users scare the crap out of me. `Ive not been on a Motorbike for 30 years

Your so brave

I certainly understand your trepidation re road riding. I just ride like they’re all literally trying to kill me and look after myself accordingly. It’s surprising how often this approach is proven to be the correct one. They are great fun though. Definitely the best way to travel. As the old saying goes cars move people, motorcycles move the soul.

 

[EuroTrotters]

I certainly understand your trepidation re road riding. I just ride like they’re all literally trying to kill me and look after myself accordingly. It’s surprising how often this approach is proven to be the correct one. They are great fun though. Definitely the best way to travel. As the old saying goes cars move people, motorcycles move the soul.

It was the car overtaking on double whites head on towards me that was the last straw. Very close shave. No airbag suits back in the day.

Though I’ve not ruled out an MP3 for very local trips

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[daveclare]

Nice MH and bike to go in it.

This time last year we were in the same position. Looking for the ideal MH to carry the two of us and a two wheeled vehicle. The old Tracer 900 wouldn't fit (neither will the new XR BM) so we went for the Vespa 300 GTS. With the 56 litre top box and underseat compartment we've managed to fit in many French baguettes, Tartes tropeziane and bottles of wine. When we stop, both full face helmets and clothing go in nicely. Leaving us to parade around in T shirts and shorts.

Fully laden with Vespa, us and 200 litres of water, we've still got 450kgs space for all of the French/Spanish delicacies to bring home.

Whilst it's great to get around on bicycles, the ability to carry a bike or scooter (if you want to) gives you more freedom to get around imho.

 

[Roger S]

I had a R1200GS a while ago, now have Yamaha 1200 Super Tenere but it’s going soon, traded it in for a new Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro. Which I collect on the 1st March. My wife doesn’t ride anymore so I don’t need 1200cc. The BHP is about the same but weight is down by around 65kg or 10 stone in old money.

I booght a Tiger 900 GT Pro in september, it is the best bike i have ever riden, its feels so light and sprightley fantastic fun. I assume you went for green ?

 

[glenn2926]

I booght a Tiger 900 GT Pro in september, it is the best bike i have ever riden, its feels so light and sprightley fantastic fun. I assume you went for green ?

No I went for the white one. I’ve never had a white bike. Speced it with black aluminium luggage.
I took out the GT Pro and as you say it’s a fantastic bike. I have had adventure bikes for a few years now and the Rally Pro with spoked wheels, slightly longer suspension, 21” front just seemed to tick all the boxes for me.
Just need to order a sat nav mount for my Garmin and wait for 1st March to come around.
They are great to ride, so much lighter than my S10 with about the same power. Loved the Tplane triple. Slightly vibey but pulls like mad. I’ve just to get used to chain maintenance again but always found looking after the Chain on my Blackbird quite therapeutic.

 

[dazandandrea]

I dont miss the chain at all , riding all year round ive always found them a pita.
Each to their own as usual.
Just wish i could take the GSA with us in the van.

 

[Roger S]

Excellent in white, I have got out of the chain maintenance routine, I have bought an oiler so that will help somewhat.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy mine

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[Gazuk]

I was tempted by the tiger 850 sport. Quite like the idea of less electrical gizmos to go wrong (and the price)

 

[scotzsue]

We love our KTM had a 690 now have a 790 both fitted in the MIzar garage and passed the weighbridge test when we were fully loaded. not tried a 390 so can’t speak for the pegs but both the 690 and 790 are fine for short ar**d me even with a dodgy hip.
Hope you have loads of fun with the bike and motorhome.

 

[Roger20]

I would like a smaller and lighter bike than the gsa but every time I look into the 900cc category it always seem to compromise on the two up ability (and payload). But, having just ridden the g310r two up i'm beginning to think people are too critical on two up ability of smaller cc bikes. I do need a 200+kg payload though. I do travel 2 up with panniers and top box .

Buy, I am now keen to try the r1250r

I have a R1250R which replaced an Africa Twin and it's a fantastic do-it-all bike - comfy, torque, sportier handling than the semi-faired SE and with the sports screen unless you are motorway cruising for hours wind protection is very good.

However towing it with a trailer, loading was never going to be easy so I have recently got a Himalayan as well. This was originally with the intention of mainly using it for touring abroad. However, despite rarely riding in winter now I've done over 1000 miles since November and I'm beginning to wonder whether the BM will become the second bike when spring finally arrives. Despite only 24 bhp it's a wonderful package and really brings a smile and I'm even thinking of joining the TRF again when the weather gets a bit warmer. Reading forums it's probably not surprising how many big bike owners find that their Himmie becomes the go-to ride. Definitely worth a test ride and despite the budget suspension it's surprisingly comfortable and handles really well.

 

[Gazuk]

I can see the G310R being my go to bike small smaller journeys, but for day trips and longer (and any two up tours) the GSA will always be the one to be on.

The thing is, its a big, tall and heavy bike and I will never be doing 'adventure' journeys so I'm thinking of a smaller bike, but it still has to be the go to 2 up bike. The GSA is tricky to get on (with dodgy hips) and very heavy to move around when loaded. I do like the big screen for wind protection but I don't do many motorways/autobarns or hours in the sandle in one go so I reckon a R1250R may be ok.

I also think the Roadster riding positon is more engaging than the adventure position when on fun roads.

The GSA is now 5 years old and 34K miles so I am tempted to get a newer bike.

 

[Roger20]

My mate has the 1250 GS Adventure and with dodgy knees now and 268 kgs he's beginning to find manoeuvring it a bit of a handful. With the R1250R it's a very comfortable riding position and easy to put both feet flat when stopped but if you are much over 6 feet tall then it could be a bit cramped compared to a GS.

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[daveclare]

I tried out the black and yellow edition GS with the big tank. With it full it was very heavy. I get what you both say about the GS weight.
In the end I went for the 'little' F900XR. It's only done 100 miles since June, because we've mainly been using the Vespa. Clare says it's the comfiest and least painful of all my two wheelers.
Whilst I've seen a sat nav 82, on the German autobahn, two up with shopping aboard! You can't beat a bike for acceleration.