To downsize, or not

[cobblecrazy]

I have a problem....I'm sure there are those who would be happy enough to have this issue, but here it goes.

I have a BMW 1200 GS Adventure. I started out (with the Beemer line) with a used 650 Dakar, and upgraded to an barely used 1150 Adventure. A lot of miles (single and two up) followed.

I made the mistake of riding the new 1200 Adventure and found it to be every upgrade I had been looking to do. Luckily the $$ worked and I was able to do the upgrade. Well, you know what happened next...I started looking at the street models and found a nice used BMW RT1150. It was nice for my wife and I to take if we went on a street only trip, but I found I longed for the dual sport options.

Recently, I took a look at the BMW 650 XChallenge. I found out Touratech makes a set of smaller hard bags for the bike, and there are a few things to add without going crazy. Attached are a few pics from an Africa trip Touratech took to try out the new BMW 800 GS, and the other bike was the XChallenge.

I have a line on a new '07 XChallenge which would be a basic straight trade for my RT. It seems every time I trade off a bike I have regrets down the line.

I guess what I'm looking for is any feedback on those who have purchased the XChallenge to see what they're thoughts might be.

[cobblecrazy]

I guess I should add the fact I have a Sportsmobile. I can tow a motorcycle with a single folding motorcycle trailer I bought a few years ago, but I was interested in having a hitch mounted motorcycle rail, and there is no way I'm putting the 1200GS Adv up there (yes there is a 1000 lb rated one).

Here's our van...

[Sleeping Dog]

A great bike, but what do you want it for. As an adventure tourer it has some deficiencies, the seat will be a killer after a couple of hours, the alternator is only 280 watts, forget about heated grip and a vest, not to mention auxiliary lights and the gas tank is puny.

Except for the alternator, money can solve the others. Prior to buying my Dakar, I considered outfitting an X Challenge, but soon realized that I would have tied a lot of money up in modifications and the X still wouldn't be as good a long distance bike as the Dakar. Though it would be great off road.

Jim

[cobblecrazy]

A great bike, but what do you want it for. As an adventure tourer it has some deficiencies, the seat will be a killer after a couple of hours, the alternator is only 280 watts, forget about heated grip and a vest, not to mention auxiliary lights and the gas tank is puny.

Except for the alternator, money can solve the others. Prior to buying my Dakar, I considered outfitting an X Challenge, but soon realized that I would have tied a lot of money up in modifications and the X still wouldn't be as good a long distance bike as the Dakar. Though it would be great off road.

Jim

My 1200 Adv does everything for the long distances. I was looking for something to explore some of the more extreme single tracks and backcountry. I'll admit I've had my Adv down some trails I shouldn't have, and I'll still go offroading with it, but there's some places I just don't want to take the big bike.

I have always been a fan of the Dakar race bikes. I've noticed Touratech offers (or is soon to offer) some add ons to get it close to that look. I own my bikes so I don't have to think about payments. I was hoping to lay out a schedule for one, or two, add ons a year until it was finished.

[Christian P.]

Interesting dilemna as I am also just shopping for a bike right now...and the
R1200GS adventure is high on my list.

I would say keep the adventure and get a DRZ400 for these single tracks...you can get one for $4000, have fun for a while and sell it for the same price once you're done.

[MuddyMudskipper]

That's a tough one. It would depend on what you do more, long hauls or short spirited single tracks. I say get another bike like the DRZ and keep the big Bimmer.

[cobblecrazy]

Just wanted to make sure there's no misunderstanding. The GS Adv is going nowhere. It's spot in the garage is guaranteed. The RT is the one who's days may be numbered.

[HMR]

I was in a similar situation last year: GS and RT in the garage but wanted a smaller trail bike.

I looked at the X Challenge and it did nothing for me. I'm a HUGE BMW fan but found myself unimpressed with an unproven, non-groundbreaking, relatively expensive "dirt bike" with little aftermarket support. IMHO- the DRz is a better choice. If the Japanese bikes don't interest you, how about the KTM 690 (http://www.ktmusa.com/690-Enduro.68.20.html?&detailview=1&cHash=3ecc6f5f80)? That bike makes me drool.

BTW- I sold the RT but still haven't chosen a smaller bike. I'm KICKING myself for getting rid of the RT. Be careful!;)

[Hltoppr]

Don't downsize...keep them all...pick up a used DRZ/XRL/DR for some trail work...and save several thousand over the Xchallenge...for the difference you could find a cool airhead to add to the collection....

...not helping much, I know....:drool:

-H-

[cobblecrazy]

Don't downsize...keep them all...pick up a used DRZ/XRL/DR for some trail work...and save several thousand over the Xchallenge...for the difference you could find a cool airhead to add to the collection....

...not helping much, I know....:drool:

-H-

If only it were that easy...But then again I'd probably have one for rainy days, one for sunny days, yadda yadda yadda....You could see where this could go, and unfortunately so can my wife.

At this point I'm leaning toward trading in the RT for the XChallenge as its really no $$ out of my pocket. I've found about 5 items in the new '08 Touratech catalogue, and I've found a nice hitch mounted carrier for it to ride on the back of our Sportsmobile.

[cobblecrazy]

Well, now we have a twist....I was going over some of the articles on the XChallenge, and they all seemed to be associated with the new F800GS. I got to see one at the Long Beach motorcycle show, and I liked the look, but at the time I was not really looking for something new.

After tallying up the $$ for upgrades on the XChallenge I was about in the range of the 800, and I still would not have a place for a second person on the XChallenge.

I got a little more serious in looking and crunching the numbers. The 800 is about 70 lbs. heavier than the XChallenge, but thats also comparing the 2.5 gallon tank (w/reserve) to the 4.2 gallons on the 800. The weight is still within the limits of the hitch mounted tray. The 800 has the pegs for a second person, and the controls are exactly like by GS Adv so no figuring things out going back and forth on the bikes (the XChallenge is set up slightly different). The only thing I would have to get is a set of Touratech hard bags, but I would have to do that with the XChallenge anyway.

The RT is down at the local dealer on consignment and a deposit is forthcoming for the 800....

[Hltoppr]

Good choice! I'm kinda jealous...but I love my GS Adv. too much...

I expect to see pics as soon as you pick the 800 up!

-H-

[cobblecrazy]

RT sold within a day...:victory: Hold $$ officially put down on the F800GS.:roost:

[Redline]

You know I'm jealous too J, I would like a 800 to compliment my 1150!


RT sold within a day...:victory: Hold $$ officially put down on the F800GS.:roost:

[SOAZ]

I don't have experience with the adv touring bikes like the GS, but after having a motocross, enduro street biased, enduro dirt biased bikes I realize that there is just no way to have one do it all.
If you can afford it keep your larger GS and get a smaller gs or a smaller ktm or similar for different kinds of riding. :friday:
That's what I'll do when I figure out how to rig the lottery. :D


I have a problem....I'm sure there are those who would be happy enough to have this issue, but here it goes.

I have a BMW 1200 GS Adventure. I started out (with the Beemer line) with a used 650 Dakar, and upgraded to an barely used 1150 Adventure. A lot of miles (single and two up) followed.

I made the mistake of riding the new 1200 Adventure and found it to be every upgrade I had been looking to do. Luckily the $$ worked and I was able to do the upgrade. Well, you know what happened next...I started looking at the street models and found a nice used BMW RT1150. It was nice for my wife and I to take if we went on a street only trip, but I found I longed for the dual sport options.

Recently, I took a look at the BMW 650 XChallenge. I found out Touratech makes a set of smaller hard bags for the bike, and there are a few things to add without going crazy. Attached are a few pics from an Africa trip Touratech took to try out the new BMW 800 GS, and the other bike was the XChallenge.

I have a line on a new '07 XChallenge which would be a basic straight trade for my RT. It seems every time I trade off a bike I have regrets down the line.

I guess what I'm looking for is any feedback on those who have purchased the XChallenge to see what they're thoughts might be.

[cobblecrazy]

I would like to know what people think of this bike. Either in the "S" version, or the regular 990 Adventure. I rode one this afternoon, and I can definitely see the dirt bike heritage in the ride and design. Some other things I really liked was the simplicity of the design and the quality of the suspension.

Looking for input.

[cobblecrazy]

If life is anything its about change....There I was minding my own business and looking for a pair of boots when I came across something very interesting. It's not like I have not been looking at the KTMs, but this was an unintentional encounter.

I took a test ride on the KTM 990 Adventure...well, I rode the S version first. I rode the "regular" version second and I knew this was the way to go. The only difference was color and about 2" of travel.

In the end I made the decision to not wait for the 800GS as I really don't know what the ride would be like, and in the end I still have the 1200GS Adv for my Beemer fix. I could see the dirt bike heritage in the ride of the KTM, and the simplicity and quality appeared to be top notch.

I was able to walk out the door with the 990 KTM Adventure, crash bars, and the 35L boxes (they're Touratech w/a KTM logo) and frame for a really good price.

Here are the premilinary pictures.

[LandCruiserPhil]

The KTM Adventure is a very nice bike but Im curious what you feel you gained over the BMW? It the end you still have a 500+ pound bike.

[HMR]

The KTM Adventure is a very nice bike but Im curious what you feel you gained over the BMW? It the end you still have a 500+ pound bike.+1

As I mentioned elsewhere, I went from the KTM950 to the 1200GS. Owning a 990 and a 1200 seems redundant. The KTM is better on dirt but not THAT much better. IMO- The RT would've made for a better combo with the 990.:confused:

Regardless... CONGRATS on the new bike!

[cobblecrazy]

[QUOTE=HMR]+1

As I mentioned elsewhere, I went from the KTM950 to the 1200GS. Owning a 990 and a 1200 seems redundant. The KTM is better on dirt but not THAT much better. IMO- The RT would've made for a better combo with the 990.:confused: QUOTE=HMR]



My 1200 Adventure does most everything my RT did with the added ability to hit the dirt roads. Everytime we took the RT along on our trips I would always be wishing I brought the Adv instead.

The smaller bike was to put on the back of our Sportsmobile on a motorcycle tray. I am installing a class IV hitch for a sportbike carrier (600 lb capacity) so we can take it along.

[cobblecrazy]

The KTM Adventure is a very nice bike but Im curious what you feel you gained over the BMW? It the end you still have a 500+ pound bike.


The GS Adv was just too big (pounds and wide) to put up on the tray (see above).

Also I like the dirt bike heritage of the KTM for the purpose I was looking at which was smaller trails and something which was a little easier to throw around. The Beemer is still the best bike around for adventure touring, and now I think I have one for all occasions.

[cobblecrazy]

This is what I'm hoping it will look like in the end.

[cpg]

http://www.brainsweb.co.uk/uploads/the-wrong-bike.wmv

This guy has some good bike reviews.