Rally Raid BMW GS310 v Honda CB500X

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.

[LibertyEver]

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.

[TheAnden]

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

[GeezerWheels]

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

[davejhlomax]

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.

[piotrdzwiniel]

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.

[johnroethel]

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!!

[osimnod]

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!

[brianmorse]

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

[tomkitchen]

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

[julianceballos]

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

[tommeytommey]

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!

[fellmonkey]

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

[williamcushion]

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

[harrolddejong]

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

[coasternut]

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

[johnw]

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 !

[fazerjohn]

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

[johnswanson]

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.

[mixflip]

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

[PennsylvaniaDualSport]

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!