Rode a BMW G650X today...

[Kermit]

It was breif ride, but, would be an ok dual sport bike. The rear airshock gets really stiff when it heats up. Feels like a completely diffrent shock, after some flogging. A regular coilover should cure that.

Motor is smooth, but, the bike is really heavy for a 650 dirt bike...350 lbs. But, even at that weight it was flickable(ish)

A couple quirky things, rear brake reservoir is mounted to the cylinder head. Rear brake over heats. Exhaust runs extremely close to the oil tank, and one of the raditor hoses. Heat sheild and header wrap should help.

Riding position feels odd, pegs feel low and back. I am used to riding race bikes, so, I think on long hauls, it should be ok.

Overall , it isn't a bad bike, with some money thrown at the suspension it should do better in the rough stuff, but, for the money I think there are more options out there for large bore dirt bike.

[HiLift Jack]

I am trying to love this bike so I can take advantage of the 1.9% financing but after years on the Dakar 650, it is not different enough to jump on. Huge sellers remorse on that one. Here I am loading up on the ferry to Newfoundland. Looks like I need a larger bike or should leave some of this load at home.


http://beemertwins.smugmug.com/photos/34005579-M-1.jpg



Ride on.

[Kermit]

New Foundland is on the list, looks beautiful.

[HiLift Jack]

my photos at beemertwins.smugmug.com in the newfy folder.


http://beemertwins.smugmug.com/photos/34005860-M.jpg

[Kermit]

my photos at beemertwins.smugmug.com in the newfy folder.





Thank you, in about 6 months I am going to be in the market for a big bike.

I tend to bleed orange, but, time will tell.

Do I need to get to New Foundland!

[flux]

Those rear air shocks are proving problematic for some folks. I personally know of 2 people who blew them out.

I think the upcoming 450 BMW is making will render this bike useless personally. Same horsepower as the 650 with less weight...hmmm....

The 800GS sure is nice though.

[MuddyMudskipper]

I was out at the Red Mountain desert race about four months back and there was a BMW dealer from Orange County that had a couple of the 650X's entered. The bikes faired well but they had removed the air suspension on both bikes and replaced them with conventional Ohlins set ups. I think that the air suspension is something that even the dealer knows will be problematic for any sort of bumpy off highway stuff. Not only does it get rid of the complicated (hey its German) air suspension but I'd imagine there is some sort of weight savings.

Air Suspension vs. Ohlins (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=281576)

GS650X Threadfest (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=172350)

[Kermit]

The one I rode, did get an Ohlins shock, my friend who is racing it, says it did improve the ride, but, it is still too soft, needs a revalve. I was getting ready to throw my leg over it again, but, we were on a group ride, and ran out of time. They are racing it. He did the Parker race this past weekend. I haven't spoke to him yet, I don't know how it went.

He lost his partner to a broken collar bone, he had to Iron Man the race.

There isn't too much "BMW" on that bike anyway, engines are Rotax, and the frames are made in the Aprillia factory.

[MuddyMudskipper]

The one I rode, did get an Ohlins shock, my friend who is racing it, says it did improve the ride, but, it is still too soft, needs a revalve. I was getting ready to throw my leg over it again, but, we were on a group ride, and ran out of time. They are racing it. He did the Parker race this past weekend. I haven't spoke to him yet, I don't know how it went.


In one of the links I posted above I read that the Ohlins shock set up uses a spring that is specific to the owner of the bike's riding style, weight, etc... That may have been a factor in the spongy feel.

[Kermit]

Yeah, it is just valved wrong, it is an easy fix. The bike is going to be raced, they only got the new shock a week before the race, not enough time to revalve and test...so he just raced it that way.

I am sure he rather be on their new 450, they are just not here yet. The 650X is the closest thing BMW has for right now for a race machine.

It's a great dual sport bike...just a wee bit heavy (350lbs.) to do desert races. Better than nothing...;)

[MuddyMudskipper]

:iagree: The 650X's are indeed a tad heavy for the desert stuff.

The one thing that kinda scares me about the 450X is how the motor sits exposed. Unconventional in a very BMW way, but I would think that the motor would get worked if it were to bash into a rock.

[Kermit]

The one thing that kinda scares me about the 450X is how the motor sits exposed. Unconventional in a very BMW way, but I would think that the motor would get worked if it were to bash into a rock.

Seeing how much my skidplate on my 300 takes abuse, that would scare me too. Too bad the new KTM 690 is the same way. :( (Progress...I guess) I have crushed the engine cradle on past bikes, even with a skidplate (cases still intact though)...I would think that would be certain doom, for the BMW 450 and the KTM 690 engine case. Time will tell.

We ride stuff like this...:D

http://inlinethumb07.webshots.com/34246/2933398470093498191S425x425Q85.jpg

[MuddyMudskipper]

Seeing how much my skidplate on my 300 takes abuse, that would scare me too. Too bad the new KTM 690 is the same way. :( (Progress...I guess) I have crushed the engine cradle on past bikes, even with a skidplate (cases still intact though)...I would think that would be certain doom, for the BMW 450 and the KTM 690 engine case. Time will tell.

I forgot that the 690 is a little Ducati-esque with the trellis frame and "hanging" motor orientation. Yeah I'm not sure the engine guard/skid plate would do much more than provide a wider surface area for the engine to get bashed. I'd be lying if I said that it would be on my mind.


We ride stuff like this...:D

http://inlinethumb07.webshots.com/34246/2933398470093498191S425x425Q85.jpg

So you ride like all of my friends ride. I'm the only fool of the bunch that has a catankerous ADV bike. :hehe: :hehe: :hehe:

[Kermit]

I'm the only fool of the bunch that has a catankerous ADV bike. :hehe: :hehe: :hehe:


I am saving for one of those big bikes, probably be the KTM 990 Adventure, so I can ride two up...other wise, the girlfriend would be pissed! She wants to go along. If it wasn't for that, I would get a 640.

I have a 2008 KTM 300XC, she has a KX 100, for the single track...the 990 will be a good addition for the long distance exploring.

[MuddyMudskipper]

I am saving for one of those big bikes, probably be the KTM 990 Adventure, so I can ride two up...other wise, the girlfriend would be pissed! She wants to go along. If it wasn't for that, I would get a 640.

I have a 2008 KTM 300XC, she has a KX 100, for the single track...the 990 will be a good addition for the long distance exploring.

My friend has a 990ADV and he loves it. He and the wife take sopme trips on it but typically its just him. The 990 is a GREAT highway cruiser too.

I've ridden two up on the 640 and it wasn't bad at all. While not as cozy as The Big Orange (or Blue or Black) my passenger never once complained. The only thing I wish is that The Little Orange had a six speed as the LC4 seems to yearn for one more up kick at highway speed.

In the dirt the 640 is great.

[Kermit]

In the dirt the 640 is great.

I rode one for a weekend, nice machine. Trust me, I want one! There was one in Vegas, for only $5K, I thought of flying up there, then try to ride dirt roads all the way back to Tucson. Just have to be a little patient and wait for the 990 ADV. I think with all the gear, the 990 will be a better choice. I even thought of getting a Super Enduro, but, I think the lack of wind protection will get old.

I had a Honda 919 at one time, great little naked bike...long trips kinda blew....blew me all over the place, wore me out. I can only take about 12-14 hours of riding on that bike....be plum tuckered, from all of the wind turbulance.

[MuddyMudskipper]

The 640 is definitely a tall bike and the wind will chuck me around a bunch. The fairing (if you want to all it that) is pretty useless. It directs the wind straight towards the bottom of my helmet visor which REALLY sucks. I think I'm going to get one of those Touratech universal clip-on windscreen visors which should help a bit.

I'm working on starting a build thread here in the Portal on my bike. There don't really seem to be any so I figured what the hell.


I had a Honda 919 at one time, great little naked bike...long trips kinda blew....blew me all over the place, wore me out. I can only take about 12-14 hours of riding on that bike....be plum tuckered, from all of the wind turbulance.

Funny you should mention that. I have a Street Triple 675 on the way.

Good thing this is your thread 'cause this is a mean hijack.

[Kermit]

Hijack is half the fun...

Here ya go, my buddy Todd on the the 650, fiddling with the LOCKING gas cap, at the pit at the Parker 250 last weekend, he came in 8th, not too bad going up against 450's. They are going to pull the tumblers, so it doesn't lock anymore.

ADV Rider thread...on the race...http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=288181

http://rickf.smugmug.com/photos/240609318-M.jpg


The 919 taught me a few things...absolute blast in the twisties, miserable in town...(traffic annoying...can't keep hand out of the throttle)...will go 150 mph geared right...a wee bit twitchy at 150 though...:D. Want a bike to do high mileage trips...get one with fairings.

Speed Triple....oooh...nice!

My old 919...damn that was a fun bike!

http://inlinethumb44.webshots.com/39019/2403285130093498191S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2403285130093498191tHQmFa)




I'm working on starting a build thread here in the Portal on my bike. There don't really seem to be any so I figured what the hell.



Good we some bike builds.

[MuddyMudskipper]

Hijack is half the fun...Here ya go, my buddy Todd on the the 650, fiddling with the LOCKING gas cap, at the pit at the Parker 250 last weekend, he came in 8th, not too bad going up against 450's. They are going to pull the tumblers, so it doesn't lock anymore.

NICE! What dealer do your friends work for? I'm thinking they are the same folks I saw at the Red Mountain Desert Race.


The 919 taught me a few things...absolute blast in the twisties, miserable in town...(traffic annoying...can't keep hand out of the throttle)...will go 150 mph geared right...a wee bit twitchy at 150 though...:D. Want a bike to do high mileage trips...get one with fairings.

Luckily for me I don't live in the basin so I don't get to experience the traffic that LA is famous for. There are lots of twisty roads out here and I'm about 10 minutes away from Angeles Crest so I can avoid the crush of humanity easily. I've ridden full faired bikes (999R Replica, 996S, SV650S) and nakeds (K1200R, Monster) and I've always liked the nakeds better. Ergos are more my style plus nakeds are more hooligan and less duder. I live in a helmet mohawk, bike nutz squiddy kind of town so I'd much rather be disassociated with the stop light Antron Brown's if I can help it. The Sheriffs tend to leave the non-sport bike types alone.


My old 919...damn that was a fun bike!

I used to work with a guy that had a 919 and I thought that it was a damn sweet bike. He used to ride it everyday to and from work from Acton, CA to Orange County and he said it was a blast. He regretted having to sell it but with a new child it was the 919 or his bagger H/D. REALLY good looking.

[Kermit]

NICE! What dealer do your friends work for? I'm thinking they are the same folks I saw at the Red Mountain Desert Race.


The dealership is Iron Horse here in Tucson, I don't know them too well. They wanted to go racing and Todd's name came up. I never really had any interest in the BMW's, I think I have only been in the shop once. We are a bunch of enduro/desert racers and riders. So the big beemer is something new. Kinda laughed at first..."you're gonna race what!?"...but after seeing it and riding it. I guess there is some hope.

A couple of the Iron Horse mechanics, just joined our dirt bike club, haven't had the chance to ride with them yet.



Luckily for me I don't live in the basin so I don't get to experience the traffic that LA is famous for. There are lots of twisty roads out here and I'm about 10 minutes away from Angeles Crest so I can avoid the crush of humanity easily. I've ridden full faired bikes (999R Replica, 996S, SV650S) and nakeds (K1200R, Monster) and I've always liked the nakeds better. Ergos are more my style plus nakeds are more hooligan and less duder. I live in a helmet mohawk, bike nutz squiddy kind of town so I'd much rather be disassociated with the stop light Antron Brown's if I can help it. The Sheriffs tend to leave the non-sport bike types alone.



I can get out of Tucson pretty quick, we have some good twisties close by. I did buy the bike thinking I would save on gas riding back and forth to work. Traffic is just annoying on that thing. Me being me, wanted to carve in and out of traffic. It was either be put in jail or die. So I went back to dirt only riding...can get the same thrill going down some gnarly waterfall, that you get on a hooligan bike going 130.

I would love to have a Speed Triple or that 990 Super Duke, sitting in my driveway...but, I know myself too well. I would get into such trouble with one of those. I even thought of building up a SuperMoto, to run around town and race...I can see it now, up on the side walk, sliding around corners, jumping down stairs...(I am too much of a hooligan to own such things, need to stay away from the streets and keep to the back country).... I really like to explore, so an ADV bike will fit that need, heck of alot cheaper than outfitting a rig with four wheels...instead of a roof top tent, I am looking for the smallest two person tent I can find, to shove in a side box. ;)

[MuddyMudskipper]

The dealership is Iron Horse here in Tucson, I don't know them too well. They wanted to go racing and Todd's name came up. I never really had any interest in the BMW's, I think I have only been in the shop once. We are a bunch of enduro/desert racers and riders. So the big beemer is something new. Kinda laughed at first..."you're gonna race what!?"...but after seeing it and riding it. I guess there is some hope.

A couple of the Iron Horse mechanics, just joined our dirt bike club, haven't had the chance to ride with them yet.

Oh I see. I guess more than one dealer is getting out there and flogging the new 650X.


I can get out of Tucson pretty quick, we have some good twisties close by. I did buy the bike thinking I would save on gas riding back and forth to work. Traffic is just annoying on that thing. Me being me, wanted to carve in and out of traffic. It was either be put in jail or die. So I went back to dirt only riding...can get the same thrill going down some gnarly waterfall, that you get on a hooligan bike going 130.

That seems to be a common theme with dirt-to-street guys except the rocks and trees are made of moving steel.


I would love to have a Speed Triple or that 990 Super Duke, sitting in my driveway...but, I know myself too well. I would get into such trouble with one of those. I even thought of building up a SuperMoto, to run around town and race...I can see it now, up on the side walk, sliding around corners, jumping down stairs...(I am too much of a hooligan to own such things, need to stay away from the streets and keep to the back country)....

Did a KTM rider demo over the summer and got butt time on the 690SM and the Super Duke....VERY sweet bikes. In the end I wanted to go Brit for the street bike. I am noticing that a lot of the dirt guys are going to SuperMoto for their street rides. I was driving to my sister's house a while back and there was a guy that works at the In-N-Out nearby doing a MEAN powerslide RH turn so I get your Hooligan-phobia.


I really like to explore, so an ADV bike will fit that need, heck of alot cheaper than outfitting a rig with four wheels...instead of a roof top tent, I am looking for the smallest two person tent I can find, to shove in a side box. ;)

I think we see eye-to-eye on this one!

[Kermit]

That seems to be a common theme with dirt-to-street guys except the rocks and trees are made of moving steel.



Yeah, the rocks and trees, don't talk on their cell phones, while drinking a mocha latte frappe, yelling at the kids in the back seat...

[MuddyMudskipper]

Yeah, the rocks and trees, don't talk on their cell phones, while drinking a mocha latte frappe, yelling at the kids in the back seat...
:hehe: :hehe: :hehe: