I reckon you might be right

I've seen several for $6000 US or even a bit less.


Colebatch:

I wasn't so much worried about F.I., more typical BMW probs we hear about with their other models like: batts/electrics, bearing failures and stuff. Good to hear you made it with minor problems.

I didn't realize that BMW was thinking of bring the X Challenge back :mchappy:
I think it would a very smart move. I've ridden the new F650 single (or is it G or what? anyway, the "new" single that is a 650 .... not the twin) I was a bit unimpressed. Heavier than a KLR, DR, or XR Honda. But the X Challenge just looks right to me.

Must be a "challenge" (no pun intended_ to hang all your soft bags on. That's why I asked about weight. Whatever you did it all looks tidy and very well laid out. Nice job! Will read up on the links you provided, thanks.

Mc D

The "new" G650GS is just the old "F650GS" brought back into production, but with the more zippy 53hp version of the engine that the X-Challenge introduced. They had to change the name because the old name is now taken. Its still 30 kgs too heavy though and the seating position on this and the old F650GS / Dakar is too cramped up. The X is much more comfortable in terms of overall positioning, but the stock seat is a killer.

As for my G650X, there is a comprehensive write up on the prep here if it helps: X-Challenge Adventurization

And I did go thru a pair of front wheel bearings, and 2 sets of headset bearings, but that's par for the BMW course considering the distance and terrain - I wouldnt call it mechanical failure - just normal wear and tear. I don't consider that unexpected and was carrying the bearings with me.

You're kidding. You reckon that's acceptable? How many k's did you get out of them, and how many for the guys you rode with.

How is it to change the SHB on the Xc? It's easy on the Dakar, but the YZ front end (and I hear a lot of KTM's) need hydraulic presses which concerns me a bit for a RTW bike.

Did you ride some hwy k's on the Dakar on your trip to compare? If so, how was it if you were to consider doing more of those than the technical stuff. Although that Dakar was bog standard I guess which it shouldn't be really. Can't stop dreaming about a Xc RTW bike for myself as I progressively get better on the trails, but just love my current one for versatility based on my current balance. Just hate chucking my DRZ E on the bitumen for sections on longer adventure rides.
Can always keep dreaming off course.

I never changed em. But it cant be tough. Sure one set was changed by a good team off road mechanics in Russia, but the other time was by a lone semi-hack mechanic in Almaty. I left him the bike and a list of things to do and spare parts and went to the pub. If one guy with no specialised tools can do it in suburban Almaty, I am sure it can be done anywhere.

I got 20,000 km out of that particular set of head bearings fitted in Almaty, but importantly about 13,000 km of that was off road. Terry only did about 4000 km off road. Tony did about 10,000 km off road. I don't know if either had to change their headset bearings after the trip. I know its not great mileage from the head bearings, but it wasnt an issue for me as I was prepared for it. I dont know why I was prepared for it, but I was smart enough to take a set of head bearings with me.

I rode one around South America (F650 GS) a few years back. I cant think of anything it is better at than the X-Challenge, and as I said, its much more "cramped up" especially for the legs. Its not better on the highway. The XC has the same motor (slightly beefier actually) and less weight. I guess you could say the Dakar has a Tacho, a beefier alternator and bigger stock fuel tank. And its more suited to those shorter of leg. The X is a tall bike so that makes it tougher for the shorter gentleman.

The best part about the old Dakar was the engine. But the X has a better version of the same engine.... and 35 kgs less basic weight (179kgs vs 144 kgs), same brakes, better wheels, better ground clearance, better off road geometry, ... etc.

Well latest rumour I am hearing now is they wont be firing up the production line anymore. :( :funmeterno:

Walter,

As the de facto X-Ch expert, do you know how much the engine weighs?

And is there any difference to a 2007 X-Country engine?

Cheers,
Lukas

i dont know the weight mate ... but all the G650X bikes have the same 53hp version of the Rotax 654 engine.

I did find these two conflicting answers for a previous incarnation of the same engine on the F650.com site ...

"The motor along with the carbs weighs something like 85 lbs" (38kg)

"The motor, with carbs attached, ... weighs about 97 pounds" (44kg)

... how much does the versys engine weigh?

Thanks for that. I actually got a tip from Erik, he showed me this diagram:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...icture1-12.jpg

I was hoping that this might be the shipping weight, but since the figure for the oil is spot on without packaging it might actually be this heavy. I should get a dual spark engine to test fit this week so I'll weigh that one as well.

Still hope that somebody will confirm that the 400W alternator fits (if necessary with the R/R, the stock 270W is not enough for me either.

X-Country
 

Why aren't X-Countrys very popular, they do not import them here to Australia any more, have they stopped making them. I thought they would be a good bike for the ladies, being cosiderably lighter than the F650gs.
But it appears they just did not take off !!!!! I was looking at one for my wife but I feared parts would become hard to come by.

Thanks
Paul

Thats odd Lucas, when i use the same source to check the G650GS engine, the same 53 hp engine but with the 400W generator built by Loncin, is somehow 4 kgs lighter???

I expected it to be 100 grams or so heavier ...

So dont trust the figures .... weigh the engine and report back :)

http://www.maxbmwmotorcycles.com/fic...png?v=12272009

11007714097 BLACK ENGINE (650CCM) 103.81 lbs