X Challenge - any good?

[steve g]

Anyone got one yet?
Looking for feedback, good or bad.
Im considering getting one, as BM have just announced free 12mths insurance on the new 650 range.

Thanks

Steve G

 

[Loiq]

tried one good fun but too tall for me the one I tried was blue and white whatever that one is.

 

[smiler]

hi i tried one on the bmw offroad course, had it for two days and it was awesome. the foot pegs are brilliant off road, no aches or pains. will do anything you want it to. i'm 5'8 in height and a girl,hope that doesn't put you off LOL. have fun

 

[steve g]

Smiler, thanks for that. I live approx 15mls from Walter arena (offroad school) and had a close look & chat with Simon the first weekend they were in use. As you rightly say the saddle height is high, though ok for me. Spoken to Bath Rd BM today who can get a non ABS in 10 days Hmmmmm..
Thanks
Steve G

 

[max'n'indy]

Hello Steve,

I've had a X challenge since they came out and have loved ever min riding it, its very forgiving off road and makes getting muddy seem very easy! I use it now and again for commutting (round trip of about 50 miles.. with a few of those off road!)
The engine is full of grunt and sounds lovely when opened up.
That all said.. I've missed the boxer engine so I've decided I'm after a HP2 so the X challenge is on the market.
Drop me a PM if your interested or if you would just like any more info or a chat about owning one, I've had a fantastic time on mine and am slightly addicted to off roading now!!

You won't regret owning one, good luck with what ever you decide.

Cheers

Richard

 

[The Other PaulG]

That very high seat height immediately gets a bit better as you sit on it and compress the air shock a bit.

You just need a bit of commitment to throw your leg over in the first place!

Wish could justify one as a second bike...

PG

 

[Captain GSA]

I thought about having a second bike for 'dirty weekends also, I too really have to justify the purchase- had considered it but now waiting for the new 450 next year. I think if you want one that does both on and off then the X Challenge is going to be better and less focused than the 450 which will be more like a proper off roader with the Husky influence no doubt. Was funny riding it straight after getting off my 12GSA. It was like a kids bike at first.

 

[steve g]

Peter,
Cant seem to find a link to your email address, any thoughts?

Rgds

Steve

 

[steve g]

Sorry, RICHARD cant find a link to your email, any thoughts?

Rgds

Steve

 

[Robbo1200ADV]

just did the BMW offroad skills on one and it is fantastic it goes anywhere and is much easier to control than the GS12's tho they are great fun too!!

 

[max'n'indy]

Sorry, RICHARD cant find a link to your email, any thoughts?

Rgds

Steve

Hello Steve,

I'm having problems getting to my e mails for some reason at the mo.. not that clever when it comes to computers! My mobile no is 07989 456452 or let me have yours and I can give you a call.

Cheers

Richard

 

[mrTickle]

The X-challenge is probably the best dual purpose out there. It's a little heavy but it'll easily handle green lanes and depending on your pace, the odd enduro.

One thing worth mentioning is the plastics. For some reason they use black plastics painted white. Even light off road use will have the paint flaking off leaving the bike looking rather tatty. The X-challenge is also fairly expensive - you can probably get a mint XR400 & DRZ400 for the same price.

It is a nice bike though and I wouldn't mind one

 

[Captain GSA]

Your avatar has given me a head acheor have I had too much of something

That black plastic painted thing is a clever move by BMW is it not??? ££££ in replacing them. Smart move. Best cover them up with that clear stuff of stickers as soon as.....

 

[Phil Clarke]

Or better still, remove the paint using caustic soda and end up with a matt black bike!

 

[Captain Pugwash]

The X-challenge is probably the best dual purpose out there. It's a little heavy but it'll easily handle green lanes and depending on your pace, the odd enduro.

Possibly not for long !!!!


KTM are launching the 690 Hard Enduro next month,which will most likley blow the X Challenge away.

Similar weight,but with nearly 20% more power !!!.

See here for a few more details.