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27 May 2010
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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.
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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.
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28 May 2010
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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!
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28 May 2010
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Join Date: May 2010
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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. |
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28 May 2010
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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.
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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.
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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.
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28 May 2010
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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
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1 Jun 2010
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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!
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1 Jun 2010
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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.
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1 Jun 2010
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That mural is in Gate,Ok. All the buildings are painted like that.
pretty Cool!
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1 Jun 2010
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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. |
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9 Jun 2010
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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!
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14 Jun 2010
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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
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14 Jun 2010
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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
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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!
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17 Jun 2010
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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?
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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
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17 Jun 2010
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: California
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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!
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18 Jun 2010
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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
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Cheers. That's interesting. Does it have heaps of added stuff on it? Like pillion pegs etc?
What made you change over?
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