 |
|
27 May 2010
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Calgary AB
Posts: 1,032
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by AliBaba
When it comes to weight and subframes there is not much gain in using aluminum.
A steel-subframe typically weighs 5-6 kg so it's not much to save. It's also "impossible" to get alu welded in the third world.
|
I disagree. That's a massive saving for a single item. In fact, I've stripped so many single items off my bike that together it came over 30 kg. Granted, some stuff you need on there, but there are alternative that can half (or more) the weight of the original.
I agree with the field repair though, which is what's giving me doubt about building one. On the other hand. If KTM make a subframe out of a fuel tank, heaps of people load up their Xc with hard luggage and even DRZ owners take hard luggage, there has to be said something about using it regardless.
Also, there are other methods of repair other than welding.
|
27 May 2010
|
 |
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: California
Posts: 501
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bigdon
I never get the mileage claimed by others  may have a wrist problem!
I got about 38-40 on my KLR,DR riding loaded on trips.I always run 70 +gps and only check mpg when running tank to tank.
On my only trip with the x ,so far, it got 50 mpg on the highway. I did the math on one tank while out in the boonies and got 60 mpg.
It looks like the x will get about 20% better fuel mileage.
I will report back! |
Love to hear it. Nice looking bikes! 
I'm surprised at your poor mileage on your (former?) DR. You must be a fast guy on all those fabulous Texas twisty roads  (I've ridden across Texas ... twice ..  ) Or maybe those lovely Texas head winds?
If you've followed the big ADV DR650 thread (35,000 posts, 4 million views) you can see the fuel averages of the hundreds of respondents. Very few get 40 or lower. Most who do have somehow mucked up the jetting or air box mods or both. I'd guess you're running rich, not breathing right? Very common mistake.
Any way, no matter. Lets see how your XC works over the long haul.
 Have a safe ride!
|
27 May 2010
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Barcelona
Posts: 9
|
|
EXACTLY how I would set up my bike...
Sounds like 40mpg on the DR vs. 60mpg on the XC is 50% better, not 20%...
Curious to hear more about the r/p on the clutch...
So far, looks like a little better choice than the 690.
D
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bigdon
I have owned a highly farkled KLR, A DR 650 with all the mods, and now an Xchallenge.
I have taken the Xchallenge from a fairly light and powerful fun bike to a not so light off road adventure bike. It cost a lot more to get it adventurized than either the KLR or DR but I think it will be worth it.
It has gobs more power and much much better brakes!
I get about 38 mpg on the KLR or DR. The X gets at least 50.
We are doing the Oklahoma and New Mexico parts of the Trans American Trail starting tomorrow. I am leaving the shiny boxes home and running Andy Strapz Bags. I just bought the boxes for the racks and steel subframe. I look to have a great time on this bike.
If the bike lets me down I will report back. |
__________________
Seriously, a nutless monkey can do your job.
|
28 May 2010
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by tmotten
I disagree. That's a massive saving for a single item. In fact, I've stripped so many single items off my bike that together it came over 30 kg. Granted, some stuff you need on there, but there are alternative that can half (or more) the weight of the original.
|
Yes, it might be massive saving for a single item but I guess it depends on your priorities and how/where you use the bike. A cracked subframe in the middle of nowhere is not fun, luckily I have never experienced it myself but I have seen it.
Personally I would have brought the subframe to a mirror, removed all my clothes before I looked in the mirror and asked "dear mirror on the wall where should I remove weight".
It's a win-win situation, if you decrease body-weight you also decrease subframe-stress. 
Quote:
Originally Posted by tmotten
I agree with the field repair though, which is what's giving me doubt about building one. On the other hand. If KTM make a subframe out of a fuel tank, heaps of people load up their Xc with hard luggage and even DRZ owners take hard luggage, there has to be said something about using it regardless.
Also, there are other methods of repair other than welding.
|
Of curiosity do you have an example of a permanent reparation of a broken alu-pipe without welding?
I'm not saying that's impossible to build a decent alu-subframe I'm just a bit worried to use alu on stressed parts on a travel-bike.
|
28 May 2010
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Bucks, UK
Posts: 642
|
|
|
The rack and pinion problem was a snapped tooth on the rack AND pinion. I don't think they both happened at the same time. Firstly the clutch lever became very heavy and notchy, I believe that was the tooth snapping on the rack and about a 1000 miles later when I pulled the lever in there was a horrible crunch which I think was the pinion tooth breaking, after this I had no clutch.
The parts were replaced including a new clutch casing, FOC at BMW Athens.
A guy in the states had the same problem (posted on ADV, not sure where thou).
HTH
Pete
__________________
Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand 2016
Buenos Aires to NYC 2012-2013: www.facebook.com/curryhunt
India and back 2009-2010:
|
1 Jun 2010
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: North East Texas
Posts: 58
|
|
Survived 1671 miles of Texas ,Oklahoma,New Mexico, and Colorado roads over the long weekend. The X Challenge did great.
The fuel mileage was better than the DR 650 that was I was riding with. We were riding fast ,to and from and the wind was high. One tank I filled up 5.5 US gallons @ 244 miles for about 44mpg. The DR 650 used one gallon more for 37 mpg.
The wind and hills did not affect the performance of the x near as bad as it did the DR.
I am not dissing the DR. I loved it until the x came along.
When I returned home, I weighed the X with all my gear. I was a little surprised at the weight.
She weighed 460 lbs and needed 3 gallons of gas to be full. 481 lbs!
|
1 Jun 2010
|
|
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: California
Posts: 501
|
|
That's great to hear Don. Sounds like a great ride! I honestly think your buddies' DR650 is not jetted quite right. Probably too rich for CO's high altitude? Even hammering it off road I'm still getting about 44 MPG on my DR. Close to 50 MPG on normal highway riding.
I love your set up, very tidy and not overloaded. You guys must have had some long riding days. I like that mural in the bg.
|
1 Jun 2010
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: North East Texas
Posts: 58
|
|
That mural is in Gate,Ok. All the buildings are painted like that.
pretty Cool!
|
1 Jun 2010
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Calgary AB
Posts: 1,032
|
|
Nothing will be a permanent fix without welding, but neither would it be with an other materials. Drill and bolt would be the obvious fix to get you somewhere where the is a TIG. Dave Lambeth told me once that any airport should have one to repair ali planes. Not sure if this is true.
Don't want to state the obvious, but working on our personal weight is an ongoing battle. More like maintenance than mods.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AliBaba
Yes, it might be massive saving for a single item but I guess it depends on your priorities and how/where you use the bike. A cracked subframe in the middle of nowhere is not fun, luckily I have never experienced it myself but I have seen it.
Personally I would have brought the subframe to a mirror, removed all my clothes before I looked in the mirror and asked "dear mirror on the wall where should I remove weight".
It's a win-win situation, if you decrease body-weight you also decrease subframe-stress.
Of curiosity do you have an example of a permanent reparation of a broken alu-pipe without welding?
I'm not saying that's impossible to build a decent alu-subframe I'm just a bit worried to use alu on stressed parts on a travel-bike. |
|
9 Jun 2010
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: North East Texas
Posts: 58
|
|
If anyone is interested I have a R/R going here
Hot Chicks of the Eastern TAT - Page 5 - ADVrider
The XChallenge part starts at post #71
The bike did great! I think it will be a winner for a long time!
Wide open country with very few people. Just perfect!
|
14 Jun 2010
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Posts: 51
|
|
|
Mounting Soft Panniers.
Hi there,
could you show me how you mounted the Andy Strapz on the XC? i did something wrong and the muffler melted the tiny velcro straps.
Rode from Brisbane to Melbourne and had to check it every two minutes.
Thanks,
FR
|
14 Jun 2010
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: North East Texas
Posts: 58
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Falcon Rust
Hi there,
could you show me how you mounted the Andy Strapz on the XC? i did something wrong and the muffler melted the tiny velcro straps.
Rode from Brisbane to Melbourne and had to check it every two minutes.
Thanks,
FR
|
I don't have any pictures to show the mounting. I could take some if you need them.
I have the Touratech Pannier rack on my bike. I just throw the bags over the rack and use a pair of Roc Straps to secure them.
The Andy Strapz have a small velcro type strap on the back to keep the bags from sliding forward. I hook that through my tt large rear rack on both sides.
The long straps from front to back, I just wrap around the luggage frame. It does not really do anything.
I have not had any melting problems yet, but you need to be very careful not to let anything touch the exhaust pipe!
|
17 Jun 2010
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by tmotten
Yeah, sorry. Saw it in with their pannier frame.
Do you know what the weight of the steel subframe vs. the aluminium is?
|
Just swapped them ... the steel is about 4.5 kgs ... will check the aluminium ... am guessing about 2.5. It uses thicker square tubing than the steel one
|
17 Jun 2010
|
|
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: California
Posts: 501
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bigdon
If anyone is interested I have a R/R going here
Hot Chicks of the Eastern TAT - Page 5 - ADVrider
The XChallenge part starts at post #71
The bike did great! I think it will be a winner for a long time!
Wide open country with very few people. Just perfect! |
Nice report!
I knew there was something I liked about you Don! Your Pooch!
I've got a couple myself! Wiener Dog fans unite!
This thread's got a bit off on a X Chal rant. What about the KLR?
No takers? Doing the TAT is one thing .... but riding to Tierra Del Fuego ... and back, I'd sooner have the KLR any day. (or my DR650)
Which did OK in this company
And here too! funny, we did have a KLR, lots of KTM's but NO XChal's!
|
17 Jun 2010
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Calgary AB
Posts: 1,032
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by colebatch
Just swapped them ... the steel is about 4.5 kgs ... will check the aluminium ... am guessing about 2.5. It uses thicker square tubing than the steel one
|
Cheers. That's interesting. Does it have heaps of added stuff on it? Like pillion pegs etc?
What made you change over?
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
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.
"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™ 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!
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.
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.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
