[LiquidCool]

I went to a motorcycle show and didn't get around to posting about it until now. They only had the G310R and not the GS model which was a bit disappointing, but at least the R model will give me a general idea of how I'll fit on the GS.

As far as ergonomics go, my 5 foot 6 frame managed to balance on the balls of my feet comfortably and could probably flat foot it if the bike wasn't mounted onto those center racks with no give. It prevented the bike from sinking a bit under my weight. My knees fit perfectly against the tank grooves so nothing was poking me in odd places.

Managed to test out the rear passenger seat too and it feels fine, won't know how my butt will fair after a long ride but for a short time it felt fine. It should arrive around July or August of this year in Canada, maybe sooner if what the dealers are saying is true. As for the GS, they said some time around August or September. That means it'll arrive at the end of riding season so I probably won't get one until next spring or summer.

 

[JACoH]

Sounds like we fit about the same on the bike. Now I wish there wasn't so much publicity about these bikes because I'm not sure if I can wait that long for my new ride.

 

[bmwrider]

Glad to see that your experience is consistent with what these adv bikes are meant to accomplish, one being to fit shorter riders like yourself.
I remember the days when most good adv bikes were much higher up rendering it impossible for anyone under 5'10.

Have you tried any other bikes from BMW, G650 by any chance?

 

[LiquidCool]

Didn't really try other bikes in the BMW lineup aside from the larger GS models they had.

Sounds like we fit about the same on the bike. Now I wish there wasn't so much publicity about these bikes because I'm not sure if I can wait that long for my new ride.

But if there weren't any publicity, we'd be getting extremely antsy with the lack of information like I am right now with the G310 GS. :grin2: At least this way potential buyers have a chance to sit on them before putting in an order, or maybe even change the mind of people who were thinking of other brands and just happened to sit on the g310r.

 

[Sidewinder]

Great that you fit on there well, have you thought of giving the dealer a call to place an order ??

 

[JACoH]

I won't put a deposit down if the real ETA is next winter. By that time, the other bike on my radar might be available. The Husqvarna Svartpilen that uses the KTM motor.

 

[EvryDayRide]

From what LiquidCool said, both G310 models will be on sale some time this year so you should be able to get what you want before next winter.

 

[Sidewinder]

That's gonna be a tough one.. Why do you want the G310 GS over the Husqvarna ?

 

[LiquidCool]

JACoH is thinking of either getting the Husqvarna Svartpilen or the G310R, not the GS. down to what you need the bike for and what you want out of it. Ferrying around an extra person now and then? BMW is better, but the Husqvarna looks a bit more maneuverable with how tiny it is.

 

[JACoH]

I really like the avant garde looks of the Husqvarna, but the negative is the KTM engine. Even the KTM dealer told me it is really fiddly (overheating -control with super coolant, less than stellar fueling-fix with a $300 power commander, notchy shifting, expensive valve adjustments because of labor to get to them.
But, I don't mind fiddling too much, I am retired. I assume the BMW will be fiddle free, just ride it.
The G310GS might be too tall, don't know yet, but I would consider it too.
I never ride with a passenger, usually toss the rear pegs and bolt a small utility bag to the back of the seat.

 

[SlickRick]

Didn't know KTM engines came with all those issues. That's a pretty upsetting thing to hear especially if it's coming from the dealership themselves. Fiddling could be that something you want to keep busy though if you're a get in there and fix it kinda guy?

 

[bmwrider]

Didn't know KTM engines came with all those issues. That's a pretty upsetting thing to hear especially if it's coming from the dealership themselves. Fiddling could be that something you want to keep busy though if you're a get in there and fix it kinda guy?

now that might explain for the lack of KTM's on the road.

KTM always has a strong presence at shows but on the street I personally haven't seen anything, neither has anyone I know. You would think that after all these years something would come up.

 

[LiquidCool]

KTM is more known for their off-road motorcycles than on road, so you probably won't see toop many of them unless you go to a dirt rally of some kind. I'd prefer a bike that doesn't need too much maintenance and care from me, especially in the engine area so the BMW G310 GS is a better option in terms of reliability. Just need to see how high it sits and if I can reach the ground. Just not experienced enough to balance on one leg only all the time.

 

[Sidewinder]

Maybe with the new 390 duke we may be seeing them more often on the streets though.

 

[LiquidCool]

With the way my knees were rubbing against the tank, those tank pads you stick on may be needed if you don't want to scratch it with your pants. So the G310R has an unladen seat height of 785 mm and I should be able to flat foot on it. The GS' seat height is higher at 835 mm and it has a larger inner thigh curve. Think I'll still be able to flat foot on it?

 

[Sidewinder]

Well... what are your measurements?

 

[LiquidCool]

5 foot 6, but I have no idea what my inseam is. With the 50 mm difference, the Gs model is only around 2 inches higher than the R model which means I should be able to easily balance on it even if I'm not flat footing.

 

[SlickRick]

For someone like me, 2 inches would make the world of a difference lol. But once you'll be good to balance even on the balls of your feet you should be alright.

 

[LiquidCool]

I think it's a matter of practicing balancing on the balls of your feet or just one leg instead of two at stops.

Never ridden as a passenger before so this is more a question to those who have. Do your legs get tired sitting pillion? I was able to test out the pillion seat and it felt fine for a few minutes even though my legs weren't bent at a comfortable 90 degree angle.

 

[Arwen]

Sitting pillion you can get stiff legs, as you are less likely/able to move them due to not wanting to put off the rider by unbalancing the bike.

2 inches in hieght can be a lot for us short legged people. However if the weight is distributed well, it can be easy to keep a bike balanced at a stop with only the ball of one foot.