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Old 19 Apr 2009
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X challeneg Head gasket

Looking t buying a new x challenge. the bike has had a head gasket replaced as it was leaking water into the oil. is this a common problemfound so far or is this a serious problem even though it was fixed under warrnty?
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Old 20 Apr 2009
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John, i've got an XCH and have had no problems, the engine is the same as the F650 GS and there are plenty of those around, including my wifes which is on 12k mls, trouble free.
Try Adventure Rider Motorcycle Forum and look under thumpers, there is a massive amount of info, about 4.5 thousand threads !!
Guessing I would say that it has been ridden with no water in it, maybe it has boiled over and continued to be ridden or the water pump failed and ridden.

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Old 20 Apr 2009
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If it is the same waterpump and gasket set up as the 93-08 F650's it's common enough. The waterpump seals fail, it gets hot and the head gaskets go. I had to ride mine out of North Africa which additionally warped the head and scrapped the engine.

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Old 20 Apr 2009
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Same pump and seals as the GS, as long as you keep an eye on the weep hole you should be OK, you can expect it to last about 25k mls from info posted elsewhere.
It seems that in most cases, when the head gasket has blown it was a direct result of riding with failed pump seals.

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Old 20 Apr 2009
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well best just stay clear of a know damaged engine and keep eye out for another bike
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