G310GS GOES HARDCORE
UK firm transform BMW’s smallest GS into full-blown rally-raider
ABritish firm is quickly making a name for itself by transforming smaller adventure-style bikes into full-blown world conquerors – and this BMW G310GS on steroids is its latest offering.
Rally Raid Products of Wollaston, Northants, began making parts for bikes like Honda’s CB500X and KTM’s 690 Enduro.
“Ever since the CB500X we’ve seen a shift towards smaller, more manageable adventure bikes,” says RRP’s Adam Mitchinson. “But even that is tall and intimidating whereas the G310GS is small, lightweight and well priced.” After trying one of the first examples in the UK they decided that, while a good base, there was plenty of room for improvement. “The suspension was the first thing we tackled. We worked with Tractive, who’ve made a kit to respring and revalve the forks, while increasing travel. They also made a new rear shock, so it’s fully adjustable front and rear. “Cast wheels are no good offroad so we laced our own hubs to off-road rims with stainless spokes. Next, we worked with Scorpion to develop a new exhaust so it sounds nicer plus saves a couple of kilos. It’s fully legal and emissions compliant, too. We’ve replaced the screen, fitted bar risers, a fat bar with proper bash guards, added 12v outlets and a rack plate, too.”
Racing pedigree
To make sure the result performed as expected, Mitchinson took the finished bike racing where it held up well against more established competition. But it’s not just for off-road. “I’ve done a few four or five hour motorway stints and it copes really well,” says Adam. Of course all this comes at a cost. The suspension kit is £958, wheel conversion £990 and so on. But it does mean you could have a fullykitted out lightweight adventure bike for less than £8000.