Well, I finally did it....
- Thread starter FurthurOnTheFly
- Start date
goodtimes
Expedition Poseur
You may pay a premium for the BMW name, but it comes with a few other benefits, like better fuel economy (I averaged pretty close to 70mpg for the western half of the TAT on my 650GS -- yes, I said 70mpg -- fully loaded & in the dirt). A much smoother engine that also puts out ~52hp (vs ~36hp on the KLR). It also only needs half of the service that the KLR does (6,000 mile service interval compared to KLRs 3,000 mile interval), has a higher resale value (used 650GSs sell for as much as a new KLR) . . .
:ylsmoke:
Of course, one should always remember that even a hoopty of a bike is more fun than walking . . . :bike_rider:
MarcFJ60
Adventurer
Being the owner of an XChallenge, I'm a bit biased. But I wouldn't dismiss the XCountry. I think you'll find the vast majority of electrical issues to be related to the battery recall(s). If you do get one, make sure it has a Yuasa battery, not the Exide. The first recall just replaced the Exide with another Exide. (Exide is generally not a bad battery brand, but this particular model had issues).
I think there are still reports here and there of other issues, but most of the electrical related stuff is because of the defective batteries.
I bought my XChallenge as an upgrade to the DRZ. It has been everything I expected out of it. The XCountry is a very similar bike to the XChallenge. Sort of a cross between SM and Dual Sport. The XCountry is not European made. I believe it is made primarily in China, but to BMW specs. The best part about it is the fuel injection - I'm done with carbs. I'm not sure the exact weight of the XCountry, but I would venture it is about 50 lbs lighter and has 20HP more than a KLR and still gets better mileage. I think it uses the same small fuel tank as the XChallenge which gets about 150 miles.
I think there are still reports here and there of other issues, but most of the electrical related stuff is because of the defective batteries.
I bought my XChallenge as an upgrade to the DRZ. It has been everything I expected out of it. The XCountry is a very similar bike to the XChallenge. Sort of a cross between SM and Dual Sport. The XCountry is not European made. I believe it is made primarily in China, but to BMW specs. The best part about it is the fuel injection - I'm done with carbs. I'm not sure the exact weight of the XCountry, but I would venture it is about 50 lbs lighter and has 20HP more than a KLR and still gets better mileage. I think it uses the same small fuel tank as the XChallenge which gets about 150 miles.
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FurthurOnTheFly
Glamping Society
From what I can gather the engine in the G650X models is assembled in China with the rest coming from Germany. Its a bummer, but all of the new models are like that I believe, except maybe the 1200 Adventure so what can you do?
And I just wanted to say this whole process has my nervous system completely shot and all I can think about is motorcycles. Even while sleeping!
And I just wanted to say this whole process has my nervous system completely shot and all I can think about is motorcycles. Even while sleeping!
goodtimes
Expedition Poseur
Unfortunately, it's an addiction. The only thing to do is buy more motorcycles. Sorry, there is no cure.
:bike_rider:
Oni
Adventurer
I'll second what Marc said. I am also an X-Challenge owner, no problems except replacing the rear fender under warranty. It got sucked up in the rear wheel.
The Rotax motor (basically the same as in the Dakar) is said to be pretty bulletproof. No carb worries, can go up and down in altitude with no problems, there seems to be pretty good aftermarket stuff for it. May be better for you than a dual sport as you plan to be 95% street. As you will see in the thread, lots of people take theirs off road too if you decide to venture into the dirt.
Lots of threads about it on ADVrider. Here's a good one:
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=290240 Thread starts off a little slow, but some good info and neat pics.
The Rotax motor (basically the same as in the Dakar) is said to be pretty bulletproof. No carb worries, can go up and down in altitude with no problems, there seems to be pretty good aftermarket stuff for it. May be better for you than a dual sport as you plan to be 95% street. As you will see in the thread, lots of people take theirs off road too if you decide to venture into the dirt.
Lots of threads about it on ADVrider. Here's a good one:
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=290240 Thread starts off a little slow, but some good info and neat pics.
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FurthurOnTheFly
Glamping Society
Well right now I'm milling over a 09 XCountry with 2600 miles for $6250. KBB says closer to 6900 but I'm not sure how reliable that is. The few I've seen for sale are around the 6500-6900 range as well.
Decisions, decisions........
Decisions, decisions........
MarcFJ60
Adventurer
I really don't have any idea about the XCountry market, but it sounds steep to me. I bought my XChallenge brand new for $5995 last July. For $6000 you could buy a nice used XChallenge and have enough left over to get some supermoto wheels (or vice versa if you by the Xmoto).
The three year warranty is nice on the BMWs. I hope not to use it (except that battery), but it's nice knowing it is there. Lots of great choices in the 650 class (including twins like the wee strom).
The three year warranty is nice on the BMWs. I hope not to use it (except that battery), but it's nice knowing it is there. Lots of great choices in the 650 class (including twins like the wee strom).
FurthurOnTheFly
Glamping Society
So far I've looked around craigslist, other dealers, cycle trader, these forums and adv and so far I can find:
-2 for sale by owner asking $6700+; both of which are out of state so shipping to me would be at least $500
-2 new for sale locally one listed @ $8900 and one @ $9000+ if I recall
-1 listed @ same dealer as this used one, new, @ $7500, however thats already including the $1500 off promo right now so add in all the fees and I'm back over $8k
I'd like to think this is too much as well, however what I'm finding in the current small market is telling me otherwise.
-2 for sale by owner asking $6700+; both of which are out of state so shipping to me would be at least $500
-2 new for sale locally one listed @ $8900 and one @ $9000+ if I recall
-1 listed @ same dealer as this used one, new, @ $7500, however thats already including the $1500 off promo right now so add in all the fees and I'm back over $8k
I'd like to think this is too much as well, however what I'm finding in the current small market is telling me otherwise.
FurthurOnTheFly
Glamping Society
Ya I'm not interested much in the vstrom I think it's kinda ugly 
I'm just going to bide my time here. I've got my own loan so I'll just have to wait and see what come up in the next few weeks.
I'm just going to bide my time here. I've got my own loan so I'll just have to wait and see what come up in the next few weeks.
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Rexsname
Explorer
I'm still torn about what bike I want 'when I grow up'. I think I want a Gs or RT BMW but I am not sure about the maintainence or if I 'deserve' one yet. On the other hand I don't want to settle for a lesser bike and then have to do it all over again when I am good enough for the BMW. My Father-in-Law jokes that BMW stands for "Bring More Wallet" but it might be that the BMW is just not his style. (He's a Harley guy) I am still enjoying my little bike but it seems to get smaller every time I ride it. I will keep it untill Carrie learns to ride and then we will decide what to do.
Have fun!
REX
Have fun!
REX
FurthurOnTheFly
Glamping Society
Maintenance is something I'm concerned about. Although this bike still has lots left on its warranty, we've had enough German cars in the garage to understand what it can cost to get something fixed. I'm a little freaked out because the guy Josh bought his Dakar from said the scheduled service at the dealer was around $600! :Wow1:
Cypher
Full Time Traveler
Wow! I just saw this thread! Congrats to both you and Josh for passing, that is awesome...
I would also love to have a dual sport but it just wouldn't work with my current plans. In fact, I have a good friend who is considering selling his two dual sports (he is now into cruisers). I honestly have no idea what they are but I do know this guys keeps everything of his in super crazy good condition. He just mentioned this to me about two weeks ago and said he will give the "good friend hook-up" price to anyone I send his way. If you are interested I will get the info from him for the two bikes and let you know.
Good luck! :sombrero:
I would also love to have a dual sport but it just wouldn't work with my current plans. In fact, I have a good friend who is considering selling his two dual sports (he is now into cruisers). I honestly have no idea what they are but I do know this guys keeps everything of his in super crazy good condition. He just mentioned this to me about two weeks ago and said he will give the "good friend hook-up" price to anyone I send his way. If you are interested I will get the info from him for the two bikes and let you know.
Good luck! :sombrero:
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