In my 35 years of riding ADV and Off Road, I still think its the best bike out there even when comparing new models, there's nothing even in 2024 that compares to it
Had my xcountry now for almost 3 years. Still loving it. Yeah, it has its niggles but mechanically, it's been bullet proof. What makes these x bikes so nice, is the light weight.
I had an X-Challenge for a couple of years and really liked it, but was not really riding off road and using it for its purpose. I see several at different events here in Germany and they seem to do very well.
I have one of these bikes also. Not a lot of info on the g650x-challenge out there, so I imagine many owners will make it here eventually. I really enjoy the bike. I rode it from MN to MA (1300 miles) on a trip, and have kept it in Massachusetts. The bike is a little big for tight trails out in New England, but the best solution to me is ride this one where it fits. It does appear to be the best blend of power, agility, durability, and value out there. It is a shame that BMW gave up on it. I'd like to find a little brother g450x to go along with this big guy.
If you can't find this bike try to find the 2012 to 2016 g 650 gs Sertao . The seat is a lot more comfortable ,you get a extra gallon of gas , heated grips standard , abs on/off button standard , a external rear shock adjustment knob so you can adjust the suspension while riding . The rear frame can hold pannier's and center cargo . The Sertao can go anywhere the x can go but can go farther and in more comfort .
Congrats. Have a great time with it. Please check out the tours I offer in case you are ever in this part of the country and w8sh to explore. Cheers. Nik
Was a BMW tech when these things came up.Gave me an Xmoto to ride about.Great engines, especially when you tune them correctly.The air shock is not that good.Easy to work on.Paint flakes off in time,but they were trully good bikes.Hardly see them now
Thank you for review 👍 I am confused now, to take g650 as yours or KTM 390 Adventure? Could you compare both or recommend one of them for the long trips with 50/50 highway/dirt? Thank you
Out of interest, how would you rate the G650X smaller brother, the G450X, let say rate it for the same use case as the 650's? I remember back in the day quite a number of people picked the DRZ400 for touring over the DR650 cause of the better suspension. What I didn't like of the DRZ was the loud exhaust from factory.
I don't personally have experience with the 450x but I did own and have reviewed the drz. You can find that review in the playlist where I answer if it's a serious ADV touring bike. Highway performance is important too.
The 450X is a completely different thing. It was a racing oriented bike, with some of its core aspects being experimental. Some of the pros of its time had a very hard time adjusting their style, while others had some surprise rally victories. Interesting bike, but I wouldn't recommend it for your average dual sport use.
Suspsension is not the same between the 3. whats crazy is they were all made the same year but I'm assuming didnt sell so the extras were sold as 08 and 09 models
engine wise, it is a very smooth 650 compared to its peers (701/690) but keep in mind it's one of the tallest bikes ever built, especially with the default enduro seat.
Just my opinion but I think overal best dual sport is still DR650, you can make it suit your needs it best. If need more power then XR650R but it needs some mods like e-start, but not mandatory. Also KLR is good pick or XR650L.
Thanks for that input. I have owned and reviewed all the bikes you mentioned and agree with you, but the xr has a seat height of 39 inches which was simply too tall for me. They all need a bigger tank upgrade save for the klr but the klr is too heavy.
@@pegasusmotorcycletours I love DR, but its too low for me stock. XR650R is perfect, but lacking e-start in hard situations can turn it horrible situations. Also exotic bikes like xr650r and that bmw can be problem compared to dr and klr. Gen 1 klr is a bit lighter but still heavy.
I am surprised that your bike still has the air shock. Air shocks are sensitive to internal temp. They tend to heat up during a ride, that changes the sag and ride.
Hi. I'm afraid it's too tall. The seat heigh won't allow you to reach the ground. I'm 1.72. The g650gs has a lower seat height. Everything that looks like a dirt bike will have more ground clearance and therefore a taller seat height
@nickabrahall1412 I hear nothing but love from the owners about the 701. I myself.rode the ltm 790 and absitely love it. 690 was a bit too buzzy for my taste. I reviewed the 790 as well.
That HP2 Enduro.....saddest BMW bike they made...sad in that fact that they made so few of them. I mean saying "few" is also an overstatement....the number they made almost seems like an accident. And sooo pretty
If BMW stops manufacturing this motorcycle it was for a reason. This bike seat is awful compared with the GS, KLR or XR. Availability of body parts? Motor good.
The reason is completely unrelated to the bike's performance / quality in its intended purpose. BMW's target group was never into lighter enduro / trail bikes, and the bike was too expensive to pull sales from other brands (its MSRP was $14.5k adjusted for inflation)
X-Challenge riders united! 😊
I hope you found the review accurate.
What a bike! I just traded my beloved 2012 Tiger 800XC straight across for a tricked out 07. Couldn't be happier.
Much lighter and more agile experience I'm sure. Enjoy!
In my 35 years of riding ADV and Off Road, I still think its the best bike out there even when comparing new models, there's nothing even in 2024 that compares to it
Thanks for sharing. Perhaps the husq 701 pr the ktm 690 compares.
@@mfthedronepoet9745 Yep, only the 690 and the AJP PR7 and maaaybe the CCM GP450
ITS FINALLY HERE. thank you cousin. i hope you get some cool bikes to reveiw next. \
Thanks for your patience. And for the invite. I'll keep you in mind next time I pay a visit up there.
Had my xcountry now for almost 3 years. Still loving it.
Yeah, it has its niggles but mechanically, it's been bullet proof.
What makes these x bikes so nice, is the light weight.
I agree on all counts.
Great review. Such a shame BMW discontinued these bikes. I have a 2009 XCountry 11,000km so far, Love it.
Thanks for watching. It is a shame indeed.
Thanks for the comprehensive details on this model.
Cheers. Nik
I'm happy owner of one! Last 2 years it had some mechanical problems so I'm not trusting it 100% anymore. It's still such an amazing bike!
Awesome to hear. Cheers. Nik
I had an X-Challenge for a couple of years and really liked it, but was not really riding off road and using it for its purpose. I see several at different events here in Germany and they seem to do very well.
Bmw has their manuals gs trophy but would not allow this bike to compete. Figgures.
Absolutely fantastic review, thinking of buying a 2008’s , thanks for all the info!
Good luck. Cheers.
I have one of these bikes also. Not a lot of info on the g650x-challenge out there, so I imagine many owners will make it here eventually. I really enjoy the bike. I rode it from MN to MA (1300 miles) on a trip, and have kept it in Massachusetts.
The bike is a little big for tight trails out in New England, but the best solution to me is ride this one where it fits. It does appear to be the best blend of power, agility, durability, and value out there. It is a shame that BMW gave up on it.
I'd like to find a little brother g450x to go along with this big guy.
Good luck woth your search. I've never seen the 450 in person.
If you can't find this bike try to find the 2012 to 2016 g 650 gs Sertao . The seat is a lot more comfortable ,you get a extra gallon of gas , heated grips standard , abs on/off button standard , a external rear shock adjustment knob so you can adjust the suspension while riding . The rear frame can hold pannier's and center cargo . The Sertao can go anywhere the x can go but can go farther and in more comfort .
Thanks for sharing. I owned and ha e reviewed the sertao here. Agreed on all fronts.
Cool bike, had to make a decision last year and took Sertao instead, amazing bike so far.
Great decision overall. I would have probably done the same.
I have this motorcycle, it’s beautiful bike !!!. I am excited !!
Great to hear it. Cheers.
Put nitrogen in the rear shock to make the pressure consistent.
Great tip, I haven't though of that.
@fastkw2496 the problem is that it's inconsistent due to temperature from hard use of the shock and changes in weather...nitrogen still does that
Great video. I've just bought one ❤
Congrats. Have a great time with it. Please check out the tours I offer in case you are ever in this part of the country and w8sh to explore. Cheers. Nik
Loved thw video, only proper one about this bike out there
Thanks for the support.
Was a BMW tech when these things came up.Gave me an Xmoto to ride about.Great engines, especially when you tune them correctly.The air shock is not that good.Easy to work on.Paint flakes off in time,but they were trully good bikes.Hardly see them now
I bought onetow weeks ago. Ots not too much power, but enough for trail excursions!
Precisely. Congratulations
Thank you for review 👍 I am confused now, to take g650 as yours or KTM 390 Adventure?
Could you compare both or recommend one of them for the long trips with 50/50 highway/dirt?
Thank you
I'd go with the gs. It's more bike and rarer. KTM is having issues with responding to a valve problem albeit in the 790
Great video! I own one since two years.
Where do I find that tool kit?
I believe it was SW motech, maybe tourstech
Out of interest, how would you rate the G650X smaller brother, the G450X, let say rate it for the same use case as the 650's? I remember back in the day quite a number of people picked the DRZ400 for touring over the DR650 cause of the better suspension. What I didn't like of the DRZ was the loud exhaust from factory.
I don't personally have experience with the 450x but I did own and have reviewed the drz. You can find that review in the playlist where I answer if it's a serious ADV touring bike. Highway performance is important too.
The 450X is a completely different thing. It was a racing oriented bike, with some of its core aspects being experimental. Some of the pros of its time had a very hard time adjusting their style, while others had some surprise rally victories. Interesting bike, but I wouldn't recommend it for your average dual sport use.
He say "servus", i liked Video. Im a simple man.
Glad to have you
Suspsension is not the same between the 3. whats crazy is they were all made the same year but I'm assuming didnt sell so the extras were sold as 08 and 09 models
Thanks for that info. Cheers. Nik
Is it an easy bike to ride for a beginner?
Yes it is.
engine wise, it is a very smooth 650 compared to its peers (701/690) but keep in mind it's one of the tallest bikes ever built, especially with the default enduro seat.
Will you make a video for xcountry also?
I've been looking and looking but they rarely come online.
Amazing bike….. love mine…. Xmoto also a great fun ride
I've never seen one in person. Shame they are so rare.
Totally but they do crop up regularly….👍👍
Just my opinion but I think overal best dual sport is still DR650, you can make it suit your needs it best. If need more power then XR650R but it needs some mods like e-start, but not mandatory. Also KLR is good pick or XR650L.
Thanks for that input. I have owned and reviewed all the bikes you mentioned and agree with you, but the xr has a seat height of 39 inches which was simply too tall for me. They all need a bigger tank upgrade save for the klr but the klr is too heavy.
@@pegasusmotorcycletours I love DR, but its too low for me stock. XR650R is perfect, but lacking e-start in hard situations can turn it horrible situations. Also exotic bikes like xr650r and that bmw can be problem compared to dr and klr. Gen 1 klr is a bit lighter but still heavy.
Is there a difference between this and the Dakar?
Yes. Many differences. I've reviewed my Sertao (newer version of the Dakar). Check it out in the playlist.
I am surprised that your bike still has the air shock. Air shocks are sensitive to internal temp. They tend to heat up during a ride, that changes the sag and ride.
si se logran consguir las piezas de la moto?
Si. Por aquí es bastante común.
Hello
For small people what do you think of this bike, I'm 1,68.
Hi. I'm afraid it's too tall. The seat heigh won't allow you to reach the ground. I'm 1.72. The g650gs has a lower seat height. Everything that looks like a dirt bike will have more ground clearance and therefore a taller seat height
Too bad it's so tall.
Do you prefer the Sertao to a Yamaha XT 660 R?@@pegasusmotorcycletours
Too early for the market. If CF Moto made it today it would be hailed as The Unicorn
Great point!
@@pegasusmotorcycletours I wanted one for a long time but now have to make do with a blinged out 701 😜
P.s. great content keep it up 👍
@nickabrahall1412 I hear nothing but love from the owners about the 701. I myself.rode the ltm 790 and absitely love it. 690 was a bit too buzzy for my taste. I reviewed the 790 as well.
That HP2 Enduro.....saddest BMW bike they made...sad in that fact that they made so few of them. I mean saying "few" is also an overstatement....the number they made almost seems like an accident.
And sooo pretty
It was a unique bike to behold bit for the money today there are better options available since that segment has really exploded.
If BMW stops manufacturing this motorcycle it was for a reason. This bike seat is awful compared with the GS, KLR or XR. Availability of body parts? Motor good.
I found my klr seat worse actually. I think they stopped making it to be able to sell the 700, 800 and 1200 respectively.
The reason is completely unrelated to the bike's performance / quality in its intended purpose. BMW's target group was never into lighter enduro / trail bikes, and the bike was too expensive to pull sales from other brands (its MSRP was $14.5k adjusted for inflation)