Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Ride Tales, Trip Reports and Stories > Ride Tales
X Challenge Shocker! X Challenge Shocker!
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Ride Tales Post your ride reports for a weekend ride or around the world. Please make the first words of the title WHERE the ride is. Please do NOT just post a link to your site. For a link, see Get a Link.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10 Dec 2008
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
X Challenge Shocker!
Not really a ride report .... more of a test ride report.
:r ofl:
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!
Last edited by mollydog; 21 Mar 2009 at 20:55.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10 Dec 2008
Mony 63's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Sofia,Bulgaria
Posts: 117
X challenge
Thanks for the useful test

Now I'm happy I decide a few months ago to buy 690 Enduro whith the 63 HP compared to Xchallenge.

What about the 690 enduro?Did you test already?

Regards,

Simon
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 10 Dec 2008
MikeS's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
Glad you stuck with the DR650 Patrick. It's a great all-round bike as I'm sure the thief that recently stole mine will tell you...(I'm still adding to the the list of extremely painful things I'm going to do to this guy if I find him!!)
__________________
Mike


www.singapore-scotland.blogspot.com
www.argentina-alaska.blogspot.com
My little Vid: India/Pakistan

BMW R1150GS
Suzuki DR650 SE: Ride it like ya stole it. Oh, somebody just did...
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 10 Dec 2008
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Good luck!
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!
Last edited by mollydog; 21 Mar 2009 at 20:57.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 10 Dec 2008
MikeS's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
Actually I'll be sticking to my trusty old GS1150 for now, currently its on 100,000miles. Can't see me doing too much off road stuff here unfortunately though I really loved doing it and would like to do more. You just can't go off road on your bike in Scotland as generally all the land is privately owned and you'd need permission first, very dull... I'd love to live somewhere a) warmer and b) where I could actually go off road..

Here, its mostly idiotic kids who steal dirt bikes (they used a bolt cutter on my chain and presumably put it in a van) and then ride them about the wastelands near their housing estates and ultimately set them them on fire- ah, good old Britain, eh? I feel so proud...

Yeah, some the the kind folk we stayed with in the US and Canada even had left their doors open for us arriving- that just wouldn't happen here unfortunately!


Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
At least you've go the insurance pay out ....so you get a new bike out of the deal .... or at least some cash? (I hope?)

We in the US are shocked at all the bike theft in the UK. Nothing like that
happens here .... we just get lots of shoot outs, bank robberies and home invasions.

Only the HD guys and flashy new sport bike guys need be careful. I can leave my DR out all night in San Francisco, untouched. The cops broke up a bike theft ring in San Fran a few years back, discovered about 20 bikes in a warehouse. Guess what? One guy was a Brit, the other from Ireland!
Easy pickins over here I guess .... but really, no money in it.

Good luck! What bike are you considering next?

Patrick
__________________
Mike


www.singapore-scotland.blogspot.com
www.argentina-alaska.blogspot.com
My little Vid: India/Pakistan

BMW R1150GS
Suzuki DR650 SE: Ride it like ya stole it. Oh, somebody just did...
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 11 Dec 2008
Mony 63's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Sofia,Bulgaria
Posts: 117
690 E
Patrick,

Thanks for reply.

Since I bought(last june) the 690 Enduro,I did just only 3,000 kms,but let say 2,000 kms of them off-road.By my opinion the bike is very reliable,very easy handled and very,very powerful(imediately changed the exhaust).Like a dual sport bike I can recomend you this one.

Wish you a Adventurous 2009 and to find the cheapest 690!

Cheers,

Simon
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 11 Dec 2008
Mony 63's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Sofia,Bulgaria
Posts: 117
off-road
Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeS View Post
Actually I'll be sticking to my trusty old GS1150 for now, currently its on 100,000miles. Can't see me doing too much off road stuff here unfortunately though I really loved doing it and would like to do more. You just can't go off road on your bike in Scotland as generally all the land is privately owned and you'd need permission first, very dull... I'd love to live somewhere a) warmer and b) where I could actually go off road..
Mike,

Great blog's Argentina/Alaska and Singapore/UK

Be welcome....come and live here in Bulgaria....still not off-road restrictions,you can easily go where you want...... from the west part of BG to the east part(black sea) through the mountains(from april to late october),really off-road paradise.
A lot of british came already.
Sorry for the stealed bike.

Cheers,

Simon
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 11 Dec 2008
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
Confused
Sometimes I get confused, it’s not because Mollydog doesn’t want to buy the G650X (neither do I).


Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
The first shocker came just lifting the thing off the side stand. Feckin' ell! This is a heavy bastard! No, I mean really really heavy!
You have tested this bike earlier, but obviously without this “shock”, how can that be?

Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
I stab the clutch and it barely comes up and power won't hold it up. So I figure "...Ok, so the power is up in the rev band." Nope. You can rev the nuts off it and no go. I mean this thing was slow!
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
But the power .... it was the power I really noticed. My DR650 really was faster than the X Challenge. More power everywhere. How can that be?
Okay, so you think it was slow, but I seem to remember:

Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
Good power, light steering, smooth power, good handling. Overall, pretty impressive.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog aka Django Loco on AdvRider
The Euro bikes are very sexy and snappy and obviously have more power and cache than any of the current Jap offerings but for longer rides there are better travel bikes, IMO.
Quote is from here:
ADVrider - View Single Post - Best for Light Touring? TE610, 650X, 690E?



I like this one:
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog aka Django Loco on AdvRider
There is no question the Euro bikes are a Class Act all the way. Beautiful bikes and a blast to ride. They are no doubt way better off road than the Japanese Dual sports. As you've said "... not in the same league".
Quote is from here:
ADVrider - View Single Post - Best for Light Touring? TE610, 650X, 690E?

I’m not sure what to believe. Well I know what to believe about the G650X, but not about this thread.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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
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
G650X Challenge mcgiggle BMW Tech 40 23 Feb 2010 02:56
Saudi Challenge redsnapper Middle East 10 3 Aug 2009 07:10
XT350 shocker Tcuttter Yamaha Tech 1 15 Oct 2008 02:30
R1100GS Shocker Dicky BMW Tech 4 27 Mar 2003 03:30

 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 08:43.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top