The G650X Trials in Tucson Three of a Kind By Erik A.Landrum #107532 (June Owners News)

June 7, 2007 Page 1 of 6    123456Tech Specs

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It's a safe bet you're a motorcycle enthusiast. I know I certainly am. Oh, but it goes way beyond that for me. Motorcycling is my passion and a real spiritual experience every time I ride. Imagine my delight at the opportunity to spend a few days in Tucson, Arizona test riding the latest in BMW Motorrad's goal of having a bike for everyone. Not only did I meet many good people who would become friends by the end of the week, I also met a family of three new bikes that would only further fuel my passion for riding.

These bikes are the G650X-series of BMW Motorrad motorcycles, which are all new in 2007. The X-series includes the G 650Xmoto (street moto), the G 650Xchallenge (hard enduro), and the G 650Xcountry (scrambler). These motorcycles are not intended to be successors to the existing F650GS. Additionally, these new models each have their own unique styling and personalities.

Let's take a look at what the three members of the new X series family share with each other:

• Inspired design - each model has its own unique sporty design. You certainly won't have any trouble distinguishing one from the other. The styling choices are well selected and appropriate to each model. The Xmoto has an athletic, nimble appearance. The Xchallenge has a strong, minimalist look. The Xcountry boasts a sophisticated yet traditional stance.
• Low dry weight - 324 lbs. for the Xmoto; 318 lbs. for the Xchallenge; 326 lbs. for the Xcountry.
• Engine - strong, single cylinder 652cc making 53 bhp @ 7,000 rpm and 44 lb/ft of torque at 5,250 rpm. This engine differs from that of the F650GS in that the centrifugal mass at the alternator was reduced, the air box and exhaust system were redesigned and the engine management system was tuned differently. The result: a three horsepower increase with much more direct response.
• Chain drive - I know you're probably thinking, "but this is a BMW." Remember, these bikes fill new segments for BMW. Trust the engineers; they know what works best for these applications.
• Mass centralization combined with low center of gravity - placing all the heavy goods such as the fuel tank, oil tank, battery, etc. in the concentrated area beneath the seat and very close to the engine and rear shock mass allows for quick, agile handling. Carrying all that weight low and center also makes the bikes feel much lighter.
• Attention to detail and quality of components - evident throughout standard and accessory parts. The examples are too plentiful to cover completely but include suspension components dedicated to the individual models, Magura handle bars, Brembo brakes, white turn signals, and LED taillights. Also, how many manufacturers use forged aluminum shift and rear brake levers? BMW even uses forged aluminum side stands (Xchallenge and Xmoto only). Eloxy-plated aluminum components, (a super hard coating) preserves the finish on items like the frame and swing arm as like new. The bikes come standard with stainless steel brake lines. BMW even modified the swing arm mounting point. The swing arm now pivots exclusively on the main frame, not on the engine block and is positioned close to the countershaft sprocket. Not only does this allow faster drive train response but requires less slack in the drive chain. The few accessory parts I saw were beautifully machined.
• Reliability combined with low maintenance - "the devil" as they say, "is in the details." Little things make all the difference. Things like less chain slack result in longer life expectancy from sprockets, chain guides, chains, even engine cases (thrown chains can cost you big). You'll probably be adjusting the chain slack less often also. BMW calls for service intervals on these motorcycles as seldom as every 6,000 miles. I would opt for more frequent service, and why not? Oil and filters are cheap and access to the oil tank, oil filter and air filter are a piece of cake. Just don't overfill the oil tank and remember to only check for proper level after the engine has been properly warmed up (remember it's a dry sump).
• Available ABS - which can be switched off. This new two-channel ABS from Bosch is the same featured on F800S/ST and the R1200S. This system is compact (weighs just 3.3 lbs.) and the rider feels only very slight pulse effect in the brake lever and pedal. Switching the system off is easy by pushing and holding the ABS button for several seconds after turning the key on but before starting the engine. The red ABS light on the dash will remain lit to remind the rider the system has been deactivated. The system will also reset to the on position once the ignition is switched off, then back on.
• Environmentally friendly - the X-series are 50 state emissions certified. They also outperform the strict EU3 emission standard. Even though the fuel tank is a small 2.5 gallon capacity, BMW claims a range of more than 155 miles per tank full. The all-new stainless steel exhaust system comes complete with an oxygen sensor and three-way catalytic converter to compliment the BMW BMS-C 11 electronic engine control system. The dual ignition system even features model-specific control maps tailored to the various motorcycle concepts.

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Page 1 of 6    123456Tech Specs