XChallenge

[GADGET]

Have recently bought an XC, nearly crippled myself riding it back from the West Country to Norfolk, hence the seat has already been sent off to Tony Archer for some extra padding. Being a stranger to the 650 singles I am questioning if they are a good DIY proposition in respect of servicing? I`m normally OK with a set of spanners. If so what is the usual source of information Workshop manual wise?
Depending on how it works out with the seat mod may even look at longer trips on this though I can see carrying luggage and the small fuel tank is going to be a major issue. Fuel consumption is a bonus, 72mpg riding it home! john

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Enjoy it

 

[GADGET]

Thanks JB, I can see you enjoy yours, despite the lure of Orange. What are your thoughts on sorting out some sort of luggage carrying, I`m 13 stone, so perhaps not quite the usual tosser size, even so I don't want to overload the alloy rear end!

 

[Gaz]

I've bought these frames

http://www.dbzproducts.com/gallery.htm

and will use them with Cargo Endurance soft panniers for a week on the trails in France. Will let you know how it goes,

G

 

[GADGET]

Gaz, Would be interested in seeing a picture of the frames fitted, have PM'd you my email address.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

I'm tossing up between...............

HB luggage racks and Wolfman Explorer Panniers c£400, but totally waterproof and can carry up to 4 litres of extra fuel, in 4 Sigg bottles - plus frames are easily detachable, with QD system

Dirtbagz and Racks c£210, not waterproof, racks are less obtrusive etc

 

[GADGET]

JB
Would that be this?
http://www.hepco-becker.de/anbauanleitungen/650650.0001.pdf

 

[Budge]

Hi
Try adventure-spec.com, they have those saddle bags which look good and believe will fit the X Challenge - no racks and take from bike to bike!
cheers

 

[Timpo]

Gaz, Would be interested in seeing a picture of the frames fitted, have PM'd you my email address.

Yes gaz, post the pic here..... I am intreeeqweed (sp).....

 

[Timpo]

Hi
Try adventure-spec.com, they have those saddle bags which look good and believe will fit the X Challenge - no racks and take from bike to bike!
cheers

Which ones are they......

Timpo.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

JB
Would that be this?
http://www.hepco-becker.de/anbauanleitungen/650650.0001.pdf

The very same

In conjunction with these http://www.wolfmanluggage.com/Expedition/expd_dry_saddle_bags.html...............note the fuel bottles

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Hi
Try adventure-spec.com, they have those saddle bags which look good and believe will fit the X Challenge - no racks and take from bike to bike!
cheers

The problem, I would expect to find with the Giant Loop (if I bought one), would be getting your legover the bike, with the airshock and a near 40" seat height (at rest)...................hence the side panniers

 

[GADGET]

The extra fuel bottles would cerainly be a much cheaper option than the larger fuel tanks on offer

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

The extra fuel bottles would cerainly be a much cheaper option than the larger fuel tanks on offer

You can opt for 1-4 (1 litre) bottles to carry petrol/water/stove fuel, as you wish

So 4 litres of petrol would increase your range by 40% on the standard tank, enough in reserve for 180 miles

 

[Gaz]

Note immaculate sticky-back plastic work.

 

[GADGET]

Rack

Would be nice if this racked fitted the Xchallenge:

http://www.wolfmanluggage.com/InstructionSheets/racks_pdf/BMW_650_single_Rack_Install.pdf

 

[Budge]

The problem, I would expect to find with the Giant Loop (if I bought one), would be getting your legover the bike, with the airshock and a near 40" seat height (at rest)...................hence the side panniers


My Technique - leave bike on sidestand and then with one swif(tish) movement step up on one footpeg, leg over seat and sort of flop onto the seat, without stressing the sidestand too much!!: then kick up side stand before racing offD

 

[Losttheplot]

The problem, I would expect to find with the Giant Loop (if I bought one), would be getting your legover the bike, with the airshock and a near 40" seat height (at rest)...................hence the side panniers

The good thing about the loop bags is you have a bit of artistic license as to where you mount them. You can always site them back a bit of you wanted a bit more room to swing your leg over.

I don't think i had to many problems with mine in france last year, though i'm sure pinkytiff will remind me of those "shit my legs aren't long enough" moments

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Would be nice if this racked fitted the Xchallenge:

http://www.wolfmanluggage.com/InstructionSheets/racks_pdf/BMW_650_single_Rack_Install.pdf

It so would

Or they made some..............................I've asked, but no-go

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

My Technique - leave bike on sidestand and then with one swif(tish) movement step up on one footpeg, leg over seat and sort of flop onto the seat, without stressing the sidestand too much!!: then kick up side stand before racing offD

I'm reluctant to do that, however it's more of a problem when dismounting, because you can't put the sidestand down, because the airshock extends when you take your weight off the seat/pegs and the bike tips over towards the right and has you off