Trying to decide on a first bike. BMW G310R ?

2Shae

Sorry for starting a thread that has happened here over and over again.

I am currently looking around to pick my first bike. I got my Learner Permit (A) last week and will be doing my IBT training soon.

Between looking at used / new bikes this caught my eye
http://www.bmw-motorrad.ie/bikes/roadster/bmw-g-310-r/?section=Explore

Anyone tried one of these yet?

I am 6ft and 114KG. So something that takes my weight comfortably.

Still trying to figure out bike styles etc. No mopeds / scooters.
Preferably something that can take a storage to transport my laptop bag

Primary use: Commuting from Swords to inner city

arybvtcw0eolkf

Well my initial thoughts is that at 6' and 114kg ~ when you're wearing your biking gear you're gonna look a lot heavier again, that the bike is going to look very small under you.

Have you considered going secondhand and a larger frame than the BMW?.

listermint

I've never seen nor sat on one myself id recommend sitting on one in the shop

galwaytt

Well the 310 has missed it's launch date multiple times and is now on a 'it'll be ready when it's ready' basis....they actually have no idea.

CB500X would be worth looking at if it can be A2. Ditto Kawasaki Er6 Versys

frozenfrozen

You can stick enough storage for a laptop on any bike out there so don't limit your search to something that comes with panniers

for your first bike on the A license you really have a massive choice.

any of the naked 600s, 650 twins etc.

But you need to get a bike that is over 595cc and over 50KW in power so you can do your full test on it. that rules out the BMW G310R which as far as I'm aware is a little bike pitched for the A2 license which would not be suitable for you.


After you do your IBT you will have a much better idea of what bike you want anyway

The Cuban

Yamaha MT-07 is being marketed as a starter bike. Quiet powerful though, yet I think you`ll need it given that you are over 6ft and 114kg.

2Shae

Thanks guys. Please recommend keep recommending brands and models!
Bikes are all new to me and im still figuring out the lingo.

I had the same worry about my size.
yet Bikers I know have been telling me to not to go too big with my first bike. ( i was looking at used bmw gt 800's which may be a little too much for a first bike )

My friends keeps joking that I should buy a chopper as it would suit my look (shaved head, large beard, broad shoulders)
My big worry is Ive never really seen bikers my size and worried im going to stick out a little

gerrowadat

GT or ST would be grand as a first bike, it's no bigger or different to throw around than the 600s or 650s described above. If you're in test riding bemmers anyway have a go of the F800GT, rides grand and loads of space. Same for the F800GS if that's your bag.

Ayrtonf7

2Shae wrote: »

MY big worry is Ive never really seen bikers my size and worried im going to stick out a little

We come in all shapes and sizes so I wouldnt worry :pac:

I'm 6'3" and rode a GZ125 for a year as my first motorcycle.

Personally I love the CB500x, great looking bike, nice size to start on and should suit your height. I'd recommend checking out a few bike shops and sitting on a handful of bikes! Way more beneficial than any google search.

mjsc1970

The OP's primary use for this bike is to commute from Swords to Dublin Inner City. That's about 20mile round trip. Half that journey is 10 minutes on a motorway or the old airport road being a 60k speed limit in to Santry. Then 50km limit all the way from there in traffic.

I do this journey every day on a 650 GS for last 11 years. My bike has no grunt in it yet I never would see the need to use all of its 50bhp. Ever. For this journey. A 250cc or this new 310 (now I'm interested in this me self) would be grand.

arybvtcw0eolkf

Ok there's a few mentions of a Honda CB500X here.. I'd over looked that one.

Its a bloody fantastic bike. In fact a mate of mine bought one last year, rode it through Ireland, Europe and is presently somewhere along the west coast of Africa on it.

Here's some photos, and if you're wondering about luggage carrying capacity, have no doubts after these photos!.

This is it when he bought it first, it doesn't come equipt with these knobbly tires as standard.



And here's the bike somewhere down the west coast of Africa (fully loaded)



So far the only problem he's experienced is replacing the front wheel bearings.

Ideal as a commuter and tourer.

I'm the OP's weight and slightly taller. I've rode this CB500X and its perfect.