XChallenge or XCountry??

[JohnnyBoxer]

I have a XChallenge, which I've had for 3 years and I enjoy it.................however I keep looking at black XCountry's and wonder if that might be a better bike for a dualsport role?

I think my main reasons are it's a bit lower (although i'm 6'2) and a lower front mudguard/better seat and there is more options for screens perhaps

What does the collective think?..................happy to hear input from XCountry owners

 

[Flipfly]

I have a XChallenge, which I've had for 3 years and I enjoy it.................however I keep looking at black XCountry's and wonder if that might be a better bike for a dualsport role?

I think my main reasons are it's a bit lower (although i'm 6'2) and a lower front mudguard/better seat and there is more options for screens perhaps

What does the collective think?..................happy to hear input from XCountry owners

I like the Xchalleng, but I do think that it is more single purpose than BMW's previous Dakar.

Personally if I was looking for true dul sport, look at the Dak. I don't think the Xcountry would be any better than the Xchallenge as the seat is still uncomfortable and there is no screen.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

I like the Xchalleng, but I do think that it is more single purpose than BMW's previous Dakar.

Personally if I was looking for true dul sport, look at the Dak. I don't think the Xcountry would be any better than the Xchallenge as the seat is still uncomfortable and there is no screen.

True...............but I've 2 Dakars and they were a lot heavier than the G Series, hence thinking the XCountry was more akin to a Dakar, especially with a Wunderlich screen and maybe a better seat....................but 40kgs lighter

 

[Losttheplot]

Whats the score with the new g650gs then? is it any lighter than the old dak?

Looks fantastic value for what it is!

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Whats the score with the new g650gs then? is it any lighter than the old dak?

Looks fantastic value for what it is!

Same, I think and cast wheels

 

[Hustler]

Same, I think and cast wheels

193kg, wet, according to TBM this month.

 

[Deleted account 231002001]

I think an Xcountry would be too small for you JB.

 

[cornish]

I sold my x-challenge, which I really liked, because I was more road orientated, and recently bought an x-country. I am much happier with it chiefly because of the front and rear suspension, the forks and the seat. It's much better on the roads, and probably a sight worse off the road, as you'd pretty much expect. I'm real pleased with it and expect to keep it for some time.
It's pretty much horses for courses I suppose.

 

[Timolgra]

Same, I think and cast wheels

But you're already saying you want a more duel sport bike so doubt whether cast wheels would be an issue, mind you BMW are penny pinching these days.

Anyway, no problems with this Tiger on cast wheels a few years ago

 

[Bilko]

Hi John, Micky's the one you should be talking to. How much do you want for the X challenge? PM me
Malc

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Hi John, Micky's the one you should be talking to. How much do you want for the X challenge? PM me
Malc

I would ask him, but perhaps he's pissed in Germany this week

 

[powroll]

18 months

Own the X Country and I am very contented with it as an all rounder.Its the 2007 model so I think its a little taller than the new one but at 5'10" and with the bikes light and low centre even on toes it allways feels easy to manage at low speeds and through traffic.Took it to Bavaria and back no problem with a temporary PUIG screen that kept a reasonable amount of blast down and even my bony ass coped on the standard seat all the way home.
I still think its a blast to ride (moreso with revised gearing and better breathing), and wouldnt swap it for anything currently.Even after trying the F800 for four days and sitting on the new G650 at the new Bracknell dealership this weekend its still my favourite as an all rounder thats within my budget and cost of ownership.
Surprises me theres not more people shouting about it really.
P.S Great to see a new dealership closer to Reading and was impressed generally, will be returning for a service upgrade later in the year.

 

[Gaz]

JB - for the type of lanes you seem to do on your solo days out in Yorks then the XCountry would be fine.
Just forget about doing the more extreme stuff in Wales

 

[rossi]

Keep the Xch and get a set of Xco wheels. Perhaps invest in a comfy seat as well.

I have a set (which are not getting used at the moment but I really should put them back on because I'm not doing much off road work). With the tourances fitted to the smaller/wider rims I have had the back wheel off the ground on the way into corners. It is a blast to ride and tyres last longer too.

 

[coyotedave]

Hi John, having not rode the Xchallenge i can not say which would be best. But i imangine the type of tracks you do the XCountry would be ok. As you no i am quite keen on doing some green laning on my XCountry so how about a day out so we can try the bikes out.
I work shifts, so may be able to do a weekday ride.
Give me a call or drop me a pm.

Dave.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Hi John, having not rode the Xchallenge i can not say which would be best. But i imangine the type of tracks you do the XCountry would be ok. As you no i am quite keen on doing some green laning on my XCountry so how about a day out so we can try the bikes out.
I work shifts, so may be able to do a weekday ride.
Give me a call or drop me a pm.

Dave.

PM me your number

 

[Micky]

I would ask him, but perhaps he's pissed in Germany this week

Just popped my head up above the radar

You'll need to try one JB, but don't get rid of your XChallenge until you're absolutely sure.

The XCountry is certainly as comfortable as the old F650GS, certainly has a better engine, is most certainly more frugal and yet has better performance

The XCountry has better off road potential than I have, but then so too has a Gold Wing

The XCountry is most certainly better quality than the old F650GS's ... but then you know that

 

[Micky]

Anyway ... I thought this would be more your style JB

 

[Piggers]

I currently own an X Country and at 6' tall I would say that with the standard seat you may struggle at 6' 2". The problem is that the standard seat has a ledge about half way along it that stops those with longer legs sitting a bit further back. If you could change the seat one that is smooth throughout its length then I think that you would be fine.
As others have said try and get a test ride on one first. I have just ordered a tallish not too expensive fly screen to try and fit on mine for a Portugal trip at the end of May, i'll let you know how I get on.

Cheers,

Piggers

 

[ARMA]

I'm over 6 foot tall and ride an X-country. It's a great allround bike with the same issues as the challenge (tiny tank, weak subframe). There is not much choice in screens but universal ones fit ok although the headlight is smaller than most, it's the same one from the HP2 enduro. Suspension is a weakness and I've swapped mine out at the back for a wilbers, looking at hyperpro progressive for the front. Fitted a gel seat too so we're talking about £500 to make it decent. Now the seat as standard is not good but it has far more potential than a challenge seat which is awful. I've used mine for some green lane and offroad use, sometimes two up and it handles it ok. It's a great allrounder and even though it has the issues the challenge it has it's also endowed with the benefits of a top notch engine and management system. Factor in the cost of swapping out the suspension, seat and whatever else you need and it's a great bike. Not sure I'd swap a challenge for it unless you're finding yourself mostly on road. I spend my time on the roads, weekends offroad when i can and it works well for that.