[ARBOLMANO]

I used to be in the flavor of own one for long time. Many years I had a restored 1977 Airhead. Then my wife insisted I modernized to ABS brakes in 2012. Once I rode a modern boxer, I pretty much abandoned the the very nice Airhead. Everything superior in terms of riding experience. Maintenance was not as simple and required some new tech to learn and tools to buy. Warranty and dealer support became important with the increase in technology. Totally worth it as the riding experience was indeed superior. But very hard to swallow, my 2012 1200RT was very first time I purchased a new unit Of any kind. Spending sooo much money. But technology marches on. The bike from 2012 is not as sweet as 2022 requiring upgrades if you want the best experience. And making used purchases problematic.
I‘m still trying to figure what’s best but I currently see trading in the 310 when warranty up for an electric bike of comparable specs. That bike is on the Horizon but nor here yet.But I’d call that another upgrade to keep up with technology. Its Probably the best time in History to own a motorbike. Just keep getting better and better.

On techno bikes especially first iterations I think it wise to remain in warranty. Parts are expensive as is labor. By the time you reach the end of BMW warrant it’s time for new version. I think that’s their strategy with long warrant.

 

[ARBOLMANO]

It’s going to be hard to top the new trans alp. Just like the CRF 300 eclipsed the 310. But if there is market desire, you can bet BMW will try. The idea behind the parallel twins was lighter but they just got bloated and bloated until not too different than boxers and nearly as pricey!
Heck, I can see a re do of the 310 IF IF IF sales were outstanding……400cc/60hp, 300lbs dyno suspension, turbo? Or other way, 40hp 125cc weighing 220lbs…..It’s a wonderful world.

 

[ARBOLMANO]

One the big mystery’s like Bigfoot I reckon. They started with a lightish boxer in the Airhead. That first GS wasn’t big just tall. But the market runs the show. Ha! Just back from the weed store on my Van Van. A whole different unit there, make me giggle that VV.

 

[ARBOLMANO]

If you can pull it off, three bikes is the sweet spot. I ran that for years. But one gets caught up in the crazy maintenance wheel, expense and not putting sufficient hour on one unit. For me the 310GS comes closest to doing it all reasonably well. Really nice to have room in garage rather than tripping over the other two I’m not riding at moment. I’m with Jerry G, if something comes up that works better for me, I’ll get it (hopefully an electric).

 

[ARBOLMANO]

There’s just nothing like lots and lots power and proper space to use it.

 

[ARBOLMANO]

So reviving old post, this isn’t the one I thought but close. I recently had some education on expenses and dual sport capabilities. On a ride and came across a couple of new KTM 500 enduros, Wow so superior to my RR equipped 310 in the dirt. Impossible to get a 310 to the same level of performance but with say $4000 (I forgot what Jerry spent) you can get close.
So I was thinking, why would anyone spend like $10,000 to have an “ok” dirt bike. Then I asked how much the KTM costs…More than $10k and that’s base, and there’s always additions. Hmm that sure makes the 310 looking better. Then both KTM riders and my friend on an 890 KTM all said they really found their bikes to be a drag to ride on the street. Something the 310 excels at Stock even. Actually, on tarmac I could keep pace with the 890 as his top speed was less than mine due to gearing!
So hug your 310 and don’t be afraid to put some money into it if your want to venture off the beaten path. The 310 may well be the best of both worlds available.

 

[ARBOLMANO]

Yeah I was amazed too, low gearing with near 100hp, he can accelerate. Like 40” seat height
he estimates like $20k in it, 35mpg so though he can carry 4 gallons of fuel I think I have more range. I wouldn’t even want to ride it, I know myself better. But he’s been an expert rider for years. Trying to ride easy on account his back. Slowing down so I can keep up is the concept. Like a govener. Frustrating for him but works, you’ll meet him at Death Valley.
So you’ve got less money in your bIke than the comparable KTM 500 and it’s better on road. If slightly less off road.
I wouldn’t compare with the 390KTM as out the box BMW better off road. Comparable on road.
I‘d say that’s a win for the team. and if it self destructs you’ve already got all the bits to set up another.

 

[ARBOLMANO]

Why can’t you trust your bike? That’s crazy. Airheads are far more likely to let you down under the same conditions, if you could get there at all. Forget what you’ve “heard”. Run it and forget about it. If your the lucky person to get .01% failed unit, then sell the replacement with farkles installed. You had a great experience, move on.
Buy the Honda they tend to think things through better than some, less apt to be cuttting edge like BMW. It’s one of those things it’s silly to fret on while under warranty.
Certainly a unit I’d be concerned buying used right now, not at all in a few years when continues to be statistically a very dependable unit.
My concern is that DLC might be the “holy grail” of the auto/cycle industry. A product that performs amazing for a specified period then self destructs. General Motors perfected this strategy in the late 1970s. Thus once warrant out you need a new car. The Germans were slower to take up the mantle and the Japanese could not bear to participate in making shoddy stuff. The World has seen the results and over the decades we have what we have.
We already are of the use it and toss philosophy on so many things I could see a “holy grail” fitting right in there. Particulary on at a time where really a three year old bike could be outdated, in need of tires etc, the consumers gonna like that cause the “price is right”.
So I myself will wait and see and ride worry free, worry on things I can affect.
I find it hard to believe BMW would have a big “cover up” if TVS was having issues with the tech. Mostly because self destruct on large enough scale is a Federal Safety Issue as non running whist at flow is hazardous and folks are quick to file and organize in these internet daze. And last read BMW was expanding production with TVS not something they would do if things were smelling lIke bad curry.

 

[ARBOLMANO]

Myth motor. Are you serious? I laughed so hard. Drum rear brake. Ever ride wet drum brakes off road? Try running todays ethanol on a carbed air cooled unit, I have. Especially if built performance.
Honda XR650L eat that unit for breakfast on all fronts except cost.

 

[ARBOLMANO]

Enjoy a fantastic bike, don’t worry on potential issues! For sure move on if disaster strikes. So many alternatives both retro and new. Not better but different. And God knows whats coming down the pipe but that’s it But it will be better of course. Many prognostic types were blown by BMW’s call to produce an attractive priced motorbike, not like old BMW

 

[ARBOLMANO]

It really is an insane value bike! With some really cool ideas applied. My offroad partners last week all dug how the exhaust is placed and high intake. The value so good, it is conceivable to drop another $3000? and boost displacement and horsepower to like 50? I forget. Probably more like $5000 but you get my point. Or go nitrous oxside and buy another when it blows up. Limited bike sure, it’s only 313cc and only costs $6000. Awesome.