Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > BMW Tech
BMW Tech BMW Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to BMW riders only.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 3 Nov 2008
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Bucks, UK
Posts: 642
G650X Challenge

Does anybody have any experiance of these bikes, I have been using the wifes F650GS and really don't like it so was thinking about the G650X now that I know I can get a 20 litre tank for it but was wondering how tuned/reliable the motor is and if it shares any parts like levers etc with the GS ?
__________________
Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand 2016
Buenos Aires to NYC 2012-2013: www.facebook.com/curryhunt
India and back 2009-2010:
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 3 Nov 2008
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,078
It's a fairly bullet-proof engine. Si Pavey is riding a G650 XChallenge-based bike in the 2009 Dakar with no engine modifications.

The G650 is nothing like the F650 single. Much more fun, though it needs work to make it suitable as a dual touring/trail bike. Some comments I wrote earlier.

There's some threads with pics on AdvRider showing how people have used it for touring bike. Also the 450/650 forum on UKGSer.

Tim
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live,"
Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 4 Nov 2008
Ian Ian is offline
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: UK
Posts: 443
I think that with a few mods the XChallenge would make a great overland bike for trips with a large amount of off-tarmac going - relatively lightweight and smooth (for a single) and strong motor. Weak points? All resolvable with enough £££: fuel range springs to mind. Talking of springs, is the air shock OK? Wheel rims: seen a few pics of badly dented ones. Gear lever?: see advrider. Last but probably most important for me: reminds me of the early G/S....which I always wanted....
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 4 Nov 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: California
Posts: 866
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ian View Post
Talking of springs, is the air shock OK? Wheel rims: seen a few pics of badly dented ones. Gear lever?: see advrider. Last but probably most important for me: reminds me of the early G/S....which I always wanted....
Anyone who races one has swapped the air shock for a coil...

The dented rims could just be due to it being a heavy bike, hitting stuff hard...

Si Pavey bent/broke his gear lever on the Transoriental, but that was sort of a freak incident...

I'd say it would be a great bike for modifying into an extreme terrain overlander - as you say, you can get a big tank for them now, bash plates etc.

I'd certainly be tempted by one (at the right price) - I understand BMW UK have just knocked £1000 off the rrp, but that's still not enough really when you consider how much you'd have to spend prepping it, especially if you factor in the price of the tank and the shock, and perhaps replacing the huge exhaust with something lighter...

So I bought a new Tenere which has everything fitted already...

xxx
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 4 Nov 2008
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Bucks, UK
Posts: 642
Going for a test ride today so I'll keep you guys posted, a good friend of mine works at the BMW dealer and they have a couple of secondhand bikes in stock with less than 2K on the clock on 07 plates and I think he will let me have one with no warranty/sold as seen for a smidge of £3K, 20L tank comes in at £500 rrp so I'll see if he can cut me some discount on that as well.
I think the ali subframe will need beefing up but this is no problem again because an even better friend runs his own specialist welding/fabrication business and will do any mods to my bikes for a or two
__________________
Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand 2016
Buenos Aires to NYC 2012-2013: www.facebook.com/curryhunt
India and back 2009-2010:
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 4 Nov 2008
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Bucks, UK
Posts: 642
Sold to the man in the pointy hat 1400 mls, year old, thown in a pair of handguards and the OE tyres which are new ( got knobblies on at the mo) He's going to get me the best deal he can on the tank, so just got to go get it dirty.
__________________
Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand 2016
Buenos Aires to NYC 2012-2013: www.facebook.com/curryhunt
India and back 2009-2010:
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 5 Nov 2008
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Bucks, UK
Posts: 642
Touratech do pannier frames for the X Challenge and show it with their Zega boxes mounted to the OE subframe and knowing TT I'm sure they would offer a beefed up subframe if it was need but I'm going to have my bud have a look at doing it anyway ( he'll do it for £0 ) I weight in at 12 st with all my riding gear on and the X Challenge has an optional pillion setup so I would assume me being fairly light it will cope with me and a couple of ali boxes
__________________
Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand 2016
Buenos Aires to NYC 2012-2013: www.facebook.com/curryhunt
India and back 2009-2010:
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 5 Nov 2008
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
Quote:
Originally Posted by mcgiggle View Post
I have been using the wifes F650GS and really don't like it so was thinking about the G650X
What exactly didn’t you like? I ask because personally I find the F650GS better then the G650X for touring, but not offroad.

Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
I would like to hear about how the rear sub frame's are holding up and what can be done to "beef" the sub frame up a bit.
The subframe ias in aluminum and sure looks week. It’s bolted to the frame so it possible to make something stronger (in steel), but it will cost.
I haven’t seen alternatives – yet.


Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
Most of the experienced engineer types (and long time riders) are suspicious of the Air Bladder rear suspension, saying after a 1000 miles of rough going it will fail. It felt GOOD when I rode the bike!
The air bladder works nice if it’s set up correctly. It also has a wider loadrange then a conventional springbased system.

I think it’s more likely that an air bladder fails then a conventional shock. When PG Lundmark and his crew went from Cape North to Cape Aghulas in 44 days with two HP2s the only technical problem they had was a broken air bladder.
If the air bladder brakes you are stranded….
There are alternatives to the air bladder.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 5 Nov 2008
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Bucks, UK
Posts: 642
Alibaba, The seat to foot peg distance doesn't suit my lanky legs, I don't like sitting "in" a bike and it's all a bit soft I like my bikes to be a bit sharper, I can see were you are coming from and I agree with you that the F would make a better tourer but will probably only be doing 150 mls a day until we get to Turkey and then half that from there into Iran,Paki,India so a super comfy tourer I can live without plus I'll enjoy it more over here. Our trip is planned to take 8 months UK-India-UK so were not looking at banging out 500ml days, if we were the XCH would not of been on my list it would have been a F650 Dakar
__________________
Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand 2016
Buenos Aires to NYC 2012-2013: www.facebook.com/curryhunt
India and back 2009-2010:
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 5 Nov 2008
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
I see your point about the F650GS.

The subframe should have a good chance to make it to India and back!

If you want to know which parts that are shared between the models you can check here: RealOEM.com Online BMW Parts Catalog
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 5 Nov 2008
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Bucks, UK
Posts: 642
Thanks for the link, i've been looking for something like that for a couple of weeks
__________________
Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand 2016
Buenos Aires to NYC 2012-2013: www.facebook.com/curryhunt
India and back 2009-2010:
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 11 Dec 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Ireland
Posts: 5
Might help.....

XChallenge modifications. - ::. UKGS'er.com .::
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 11 Dec 2008
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: British Columbia
Posts: 246
Xchallenge seat

You might be able to fit the seat off the G650Country. I tried that on at the dealer, and it is well shaped for touring. I think the subframes are the same.....
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 12 Jan 2010
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ian View Post
I think that with a few mods the XChallenge would make a great overland bike for trips with a large amount of off-tarmac going - relatively lightweight and smooth (for a single) and strong motor. Weak points? All resolvable with enough £££: fuel range springs to mind. Talking of springs, is the air shock OK? Wheel rims: seen a few pics of badly dented ones. Gear lever?: see advrider. Last but probably most important for me: reminds me of the early G/S....which I always wanted....
Pretty much sums it up. Great engine, fuel injected, great economy, runs on 76 octane fuel, no maintenance required apart from oil and filter every 10k km.

Fuel range ... buy an additional tank.

Gear lever ... change it to a steel F650 single lever.

Quote:
Originally Posted by JMo (& piglet) View Post
Anyone who races one has swapped the air shock for a coil...

The dented rims could just be due to it being a heavy bike, hitting stuff hard...

I'd say it would be a great bike for modifying into an extreme terrain overlander - as you say, you can get a big tank for them now, bash plates etc.
Coil over shock works very well with the bike. I went for Hyperpro, but understand Wilbers and Ohlins also do them.

Rims were nowhere near as bad as some of the complaining out there would imply. They are good enough for challenging adventure biking. And the wheels are a lot sturdier than G650 Dakar wheels / rims.

And yes you can get all the aftermarket touring bits for them.

Quote:
Originally Posted by JMo (& piglet) View Post
So I bought a new Tenere which has everything fitted already...
Well yes, its 50 kgs heavier and uses 20% more fuel, but if you are into that ...



I put 50,000 km on mine last year, about half of that was off road. A lot more detail on prepping my X-Challenge is here:
RTW X-Challenge Adventurization

Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 12 Jan 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: California
Posts: 866
Quote:
Originally Posted by colebatch View Post
Well yes, its 50 kgs heavier and uses 20% more fuel, but if you are into that ...
Yeah yeah - don't get me started Walt' x

Oh, ok then - steel subframe (that is actually the main frame), decent pillion provision, comfy seat, luggage capacity, 23 litre tank, fairing & screen, twin headlights, twin front discs, cush-drive rear hub, and an engine that is every bit as frugal as the G650...

Basically everything that you've fitted to yours, as standard... and it's 30Kg more, not 50Kg... and have you weighed yours will all those extra bits on?

I'm just saying there are other bikes out there that will do the same job...

Jen xx

ps. changing that front sprocket then... how long? x

pps. I love Walt, I love his bike, and I love what he's done with it and on it - he knows this is gentle ribbing x
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Saudi Challenge redsnapper Middle East 10 3 Aug 2009 06:10
Baltic ice road challenge lidel 4 wheel Overland Travel 29 19 Sep 2008 09:56
Mediterranean Challenge ozzee Route Planning 6 21 Dec 2007 11:59
Great African GS Challenge gsworkshop Motorcycle Events around the world 14 28 Feb 2007 17:04

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 01:56.