BMW G650X Challenge Thread Index

thanks for the insight.
so it would be safe to say the X is as reliable as a 650gs but lighter and more fun when it need be? probably more of a pain in bad/cold weather as well. :)

did the update change the character of the engine a lot compared to the gs version?

next on the list is finding one and test riding it

If by bad weather you mean lack of rain/wind protector, these Parabrisas guys in Argentina have made great and affordable Dakar style screen for it, http://www.parabrisascurtain.com/shop/g-650-x-challenge-90234-dakar-pay.htm

When geared with XCountry style bigger 16 teeth front sprocket, bike starts to pull in 5th gear from 100km/h speeds, thus making highway speeds easier.

German Jungbluth Sitzbänke saddle upholstery is also recommended, original seat is not very comfortable: http://www.motorrad-sitzbaenke.de/

Thanks for the tip JJmead, I might have to try the JB weld stuff. I ordered and installed all the little parts I thought might be failing, but after working on the bike tonight after work, I'm back at stage one. The thermostat housing doesn't fit flush with the housing groove for some reason... and coolant just comes pouring down when I fill it. This doesn't even seem to be a break of any sort, just a bad fit - or just me being stupid. I feel like a chimp trying to fit the square peg in a round hole, frustrated!

<a href="http://imgur.com/revfKEi"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/revfKEi.jpg" alt="" title="Hosted by imgur.com" /></a>
In the picture, where the arrow points, mine doesn't seem to be flush like that, no matter how hard I push, or if I try without the thermostat holder.

I just changed my sprockets from the original 15/47 to 13/49.
I'm using bike mostly off road, so I don't really care about the speed. This new ratio should give me better control off road in slow speed.
Will test drive it this weekend on the Mojavie desert - hope it was worth it.
BJ

Turns out, the O-ring on the thermostat housing needed replacing, and to install said housing, it needs to have its tab lined up with the groove on the radiator, and pushed hard until the rubber o-ring pops into place. At this point, the groove and tab are flush, and only at that point can the metal clamp be put in place.

Hopefully posting this helps out the next noob with a similar issue.

Thanks for everyone who helped me on this, and all the contributors to this forum!

Just picked up a well farkled G650, but I was wondering if anybody had a service manual I want to know the ins and outs of this bike and having a legit service manual would make life a lot easier.

As far as my new moto:

ABS, Pivot Pegs, Passenger Pegs, BMW Handguards, Laminar Lip Windscreen, Remus Exhaust, SW Motec Rear Rack, Touratech 6.6 Gallon Tank, Heated Grips, BMW Headlight Guard, Extended Brake Pedal, Rich's Custom Seat.

Can't wait to tear up some back country.

Just buy the service DVD from BMW.

I have done this before. Your top speed is now 65 mph and you can crawl over anything.

I would buy the DVD but in regards to factory service manuals I like being able to use one without having to boot up a computer to do. Plus having something tactile to drag around the garage with me or anywhere else for that matter helps.

You have a printer? Load dvd, advance dvd to specific job, print pages required, file pages in folder, in a few years you have a complete service manual in print.....

I just replaced my X-Challenge wheels with a new set from Woody. I believe the old ones were original with the bike (~8500 miles) and appear to be in good shape. They have Dunlop Rally Raid D908 tires mounted on both wheels, with at least half of the tread life left.

I haven't posted them in the Flea Market or Craigslist yet and wanted to give the X-Challenge crowd first dibs. I can e-mail or text some photos upon request.

$800 shipped from the Northern Va. area.

I also have the stock seat and fork springs available. Best offer on those.


Michael

USELESS without pics...

Let's see em'..

Attempt #1:

I think they want the Woodys Wheel Porn, Mike.

Wait, that didn't sound right . . .

...yes, wheel porn please! And any other build details you care to throw around. It's one of the MANY items on my mod list.

As requested, Woody's wheel porn (Excel A60 with new OEM hubs; K60 Scout rear and TKC 80 front):

Wow, nice looking wheels MG! What was the $$ damage for the whole set (wheels, hubs, tires) if you don't mind me asking? Did you have the rims sealed too?

I didn't request sealed rims, and I didn't see it on the invoice, so I'm assuming they're not. I'm running the tires with tubes.

Here's the itemized breakdown:

Front rim - 231.99
Rear rim - 233.95
7-175ga stainless steel spokes & nipples - 254.16
OEM hubs - 341.75 each
Labor - 222.00

Tires were about $300 total including the tubes.

You can also get the same rims and spokes superlaced to your existing hubs, current tires mounted and balanced for under $900 if you happen to be local like me.... two day turnaround over the blah Denver winter. These guys ( Woody's ) are pretty damn fine people. Very very noticeable ride quality difference.

Thanks for taking the time to post details and pics MG!

One of these days....