Spotted this on AdvRider, courtesy of some work done by Thanas, from Holland...............makes some interesting reading and slightly tips it, towards the XChallenge - especially when you factor in the huge gulf in price between the 2 bikes
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I currently have a Suzuki DR 650 and really like it, but I was already looking for something more better. I started of with a long list of thumpers i was considering.<o
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BMW G 650 X Challenge<o
BMW G 650 X Moto<o
Husqvarna TE 630<o
Husqvarna SM 630<o
KTM 690 SMC<o
KTM 690 Enduro (R)<o
Suzuki DR-Z 400 SM<o
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I try to ride as much off-road as possible, but at most that will be 50% on-road / 50% off-road. I also use the bike to commute and for weekend trips, vacations etc. Therefore I need a good all-rounder. Hence the choice for the Suzuki DR 650 SE with the 19/17 wheels with TKC80.<o
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A week ago i went for a ride with two locals I met through the internet. They were on some serious machinery, Husaberg FE 450 and KTM 520 EXC. And i showed up with my Suzuki DR 650 SE with 19/17 rims with TKC80's. I was ably to follow them anywhere, but that was the sign i really shouldn't go for a Supermoto, It would have been impossible to follow them with the same speed on the off-road sections. Deep sand, mud etc.<o
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So that narrowed it down to:<o
BMW G 650 X Challenge<o
Husqvarna TE 630<o
KTM 690 Enduro (R)<o
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After some research, it was soon clear the Husqvarna is an awesome machine, but almost unavailable in the Netherlands. And a 4000 km (2500 mile) service interval is NOT cool. I ride a lot and that could mean a service every 3 months, sometimes even earlier.<o
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So it got narrowed down to 2 bikes:<o
BMW G 650 X Challenge<o
KTM 690 Enduro (R)<o
Well actually 3, because there is a bit of difference between the 690 Enduro and the Enduro R.<o
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Being an automotive engineer, i like technical specs. Therefore i did some further research on the bikes.<o
The decisive criteria for me are:<o
Front suspension travel (more = better)<o
BMW: 270 mm (10.6”)<o
KTM R: 275 mm (10.8”)<o
KTM: 250 mm (9.8”)<o
Rear suspension travel (more = better)<o
BMW: 270 mm (10.6”)<o
KTM R: 275 mm (10.8”)<o
KTM: 250 mm (9.8”)<o
Maximum torque (more = better, I’d rather have high torque than high hp)<o
BMW: 60 Nm (44.3 lbs/ft)<o
KTM: 65 Nm (47.9 lbs/ft)<o
Rev’s at maximum torque (lower = better, no use in having high torque at high revs)<o
BMW: 5250 rpm<o
KTM: 6550 rpm<o
Wet weight (less = better, fully fueled and ready to rock)<o
BMW: 157 kg (346 lbs)<o
KTM: 148 kg (326 lbs)<o
Fuel consumption<o
BMW: approx. 25 km/L (59 mpg)<o
KTM: approx. 20 km/L (47 mpg)<o
Fuel range<o
BMW: approx. 238 km (148 miles)<o
KTM: approx 240 km (149 miles)<o
Service interval<o
BMW: 10.000 km (6214 miles)<o
KTM 7.500 km (4660 miles)<o
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Based on these, there is a slight advantage for the BMW X Challenge for me. Despite the fact the KTM would be expected to win. It has 10 extra hp, and weighs some 8.8 kg (19.4 lbs) less. And its orange!<o
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One thing that I keep seeing when I search for threads comparing the two is, the KTM has a 6 speed transmission. So I looked at the specs and what I found is there is no real advantage for the 6 speed. Important for off-road is a short 1st gear for tight trails, and a long top gear for improved riding at highway speeds with lower rpms.<o
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With stock gearing and tires, maximum speed in first gear.<o
BMW 7500 rpm - 57 km/h (36 mph)<o
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KTM 7750 rpm - 60 km/h (38 mph)<o
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120 km/h (75 mph) in top gear<o
BMW @ 4986 rpm (fifth)<o
KTM @ 5350 rpm (sixth)<o
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And all other gears are pretty comparable, the BMW’s gear are all slightly taller than the KTM’s gears. Second is almost the same, third is between third and fourth of the KTM, same with fourth gear and as you can see, fifth of the BMW is taller than sixth of the KTM. At race pace on the track, the 6 speed of the KTM would win, but in the real world, with a slower rider (ME), the BMW’s gearing is better.<o
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As far as availability goes, the KTM and BMW are both very rare in the Netherlands, but my neighbor, Germany, as plenty to offer. Prices for the BMW better than the KTM, so some more points to the BMW.<o
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I think they both look great and they both appeal to me emotionally, but I’m a rational guy and like specifications. At this point the BMW has the edge for me, but who knows…..<o
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Greeting,<o
Thanas<o
