Using an X Challenge for the daily commute.

[sippingdiesel]

I’ve had the bike for over a year and used it mostly for greenlining but for the last 4 weeks it’s become my daily ride. I’ve got a 70 mile rural commute of mixed B roads and country lanes and it’s spot on. A few things I have noticed is that the air shock needs topping up every 500 miles, is this normal?! I think I will replace it with a conventional one just so that I know where I am with it, one less thing to worry about! Is Hyperpro the way to go?

The range, I get on average 115miles before the light comes on, how much further will it go on reserve?! I could do with a comfortable 180 mile range so I think a small aux tank is on the cards, it has got pannier frames on it so I’m sure I can lash something up.

Also does anyone know where to get some replacement graphics for it (at sensible prices), It only has decals on one side at the moment!

 

[FERRET]

With a 15 tooth front and standard rear sprocket I have obtained 156 miles from mine then it came to a total stop, I have regularly obtained circa 130 with the light on before refuelling, for about £90 you can get a rotopax container and bracket which you would be able to attach to your rear carrier, you would hav to manually fill your tank with this extra, another optionis an acerbic auxillary similar to that MICKY on here has fitted to his x country but I am not sure of the price of those.

 

[GFJ]

I used to use mine commute 20 miles each way, rural a roads. Fitted a screen, heated grips and hand guards, spot on.

Light came on approx 110 miles, so filled up every 3 days on 120 miles. Commonly run it to 135 miles with no problems, and I've had upto 148 miles and still had a litre left in it when I came to fuel it. It does seem to depend upon what riding you're doing mind; high speed dual carriageway used to drink fuel.

Never had leakage problems on my airshock, so does sound iffy. Pressure may alter between hot and cold temps though, I.e. before and after use??

People seem to go for hyperpro, ohlins or wilbers. I've just bought a bike with a wilbers 642, but its rock hard and not set up correctly for me yet.

I also have a set of hyperpro springs to go in the front. They also do a shock for the rear.

Finding a shock 2nd hand may be your best bet, but they don't come up often. I have a spare air shock you can borrow if needed in the interim.

Gareth

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

I have seen over 150 miles on a 14/47 gearing on rural roads and still had nearly 1/2 litre left

Yesterday I filled up at 115 miles (light on) on 15/47 (stock XChallenge) and only got 7.5 litres in, so 2 litres left and at 16 miles/litre - you can easily get to 150's

 

[Zorro]

140 miles with standard gearing and still fumes left in the tank for a few miles... I have never used it for commuting though, all B roads, trails.
If you plan to keep the bike long term, I recommend the X-tank. It is expensive (£350 ish) but brilliant.
I find the air shock pressures varies with ambient temperatures; but stable apart form that
What seat have you got for commuting? The standard one is pretty solid... I use the low seat which I find a bit softer but would want something softer if commuting.
Great bike!

 

[Packer]

Xtank from Hotrod welding in the Netherlands

I believe that they hook up to the main tank vent so as you use fuel the auxilliary fuel is transferred into the main tank. Not cheap but some people rate them very highly for aggressive long distance off roading.

 

[Chris S]

increase fuel range

I love my X tank but if you can't afford it, consider adapting a Rotopax or similar (at pannier height) to use the same, seamless fuel transfer system. Add fuel line from the bottom of the auxiliary can to the main tank vent as Packer mentions, by pulling off the OE black hose and attach your (clear) hose. No pumps or manual roadside decanting. Ingenious!

Ch

 

[sippingdiesel]

Thanks for the replies, interesting to see what other people get to the tank,
Ferret, good shout on the rotopax and acerbis containers, I may be able to squeeze one inside the pannier frame with good clearance.
GFJ, good point between hot and cold, I always notice it softer first thing in the morn and my garage is pretty cold all year round, cheers for the airshock offer but I think I will bite the bullet and go Hyperpro.
Zorro, For commuting I’ve just been using the standard seat and a lowered seat in recent weeks, I’m rarely on it for longer than an hour and it seems ok, I’ve had bikes with far worse seats!
Chris S cheers for the pic of the tank plumbed into the breather, seems very simple