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Title: Xchallenge BMW anyone got one? Post by: GFoz on January 09, 2009, 04,51:15 AM Has anyone got an Xchallenge?
Are they popular in Australia? Are they too heavy for single track? Title: Re: Xchallenge BMW anyone got one? Post by: Mat R on January 09, 2009, 09,25:23 AM Has anyone got an Xchallenge? There are a few getting about but don't know anyone with one. Are they popular in Australia? The 450's are most popular here for trail riding. The G650X could be used but is more aimed at the adventure ride going more dirt than tar. Aus has the biggest 450 market outside the US. Out of the 4500 new bergs being built 500 got allocated to Aus. Are they too heavy for single track? I would think so, open forest track would be good for them though. Title: Re: Xchallenge BMW anyone got one? Post by: chrism on January 09, 2009, 09,51:23 AM There was one on Al's ride that I went on. There was a lot of ST and it seemed to go pretty well. Probably mainly because of the rider, it would of been pretty heavy though.
Title: Re: Xchallenge BMW anyone got one? Post by: GFoz on January 12, 2009, 01,39:36 PM Ive had many race/enduro bikes but I now want something with less maintanence and want to do more road work say Melbourne to Sydney a couple of times a year.
Would really like two bikes but not possible yet. I own an 07 WRF450 but thinking of a DRZ400E or the Xchallenge for my Australian adventures. Trailriding every other weekend but some commuting. What do you think? Title: Re: Xchallenge BMW anyone got one? Post by: Ken R on January 12, 2009, 10,26:42 PM G'Day GFoz
Now don't tell too many people but Oz and especially Victoria has the best accessable trailriding in the world. I have seen a modified BMW flat twin (750cc I think) being ridden on trails. Back then this guy was younger, fitter and full of confidence. He got around OK but with a huge amount of physical effort. He has gone thru the TT350 then 300cc 2/stroke etc phase and now rides KTM 640. His rides are now more long distance touring orientated with some rough stuff thrown in for excitement. What I am saying is the choice is yours depending on your physique and ability. I have just looked at the Xchallenge specs and at 145 kg dry its a heavy bike that would be better suited to open trails and road work. The DRZ would be lighter and better suited to open trails and tighter stuff. Either way it's all available down under. Enjoy!! Title: Re: Xchallenge BMW anyone got one? Post by: GFoz on January 13, 2009, 03,02:30 PM What is the trailriding in Victoria like?
Mostly Open trails ie Fire Roads Or Mostly Single track In the Uk a 250 is often the bike of choice due to technical single track but 450s seem to be the bike of choice in Oz is this because of trails being more open going? Do people ride/like 250s in Oz? I have a WRF450 but no good for longer road work. Any other bike recomendations for both on/off road? Not knowing the riding makes it difficult to make choices of bikes. May have to get a cheap second hand bike first and check things out before getting a bike to keep. Title: Re: Xchallenge BMW anyone got one? Post by: Brad on January 13, 2009, 08,30:55 PM Gfoz,
Most people either set a bike up for road or trail, there are some exceptions for dual sport road/trail riding. Most common bike's are in the 400 and 200cc sizes. This is a personal preferance, the 250's are better in the tight stuff but the 450's are better on the long stuff and desert riding. The three most common bikes ar Honda, Yamaha and KTM. There are lots of others as well depends on what you like! Brad Title: Re: Xchallenge BMW anyone got one? Post by: Ken R on January 13, 2009, 09,03:49 PM G'Day Gfoz
450 is the go in Oz. Well set up with competent rider will do twisty and open trails with ease. Gearing on a 5 speed box will limit your cruising speed to 80/90 kmh. Get a good Euro bike with 6 gears and you are ready for twisty thru to cruising at 100/110 on standard gearing. There are also a lot of guys having fun with 500cc plus machines. A lot of club rides will have open thru to twisty all in the one day so setting a bike up for road or trail would not be a good idea, an all round set up is the go. Rental trail bikes are available in Oz for you to have a look around. Gfoz - Just Do It!!! |