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Discussion in 'Thumpers' started by kujo411, Feb 22, 2017.

kujo411, Feb 22, 2017 #1
kujo411 WR250r
Joined: Sep 20, 2006 Oddometer: 145 Location: Denver, CO
Howdy y'all. I'm thinking of purchasing a 2007 abs X Challenge with 7,300mi. Asking price $5,100. I'm currently running a well farkled wr250r but just had a kid and want something a little more road worthy with ABS. Not into orange bikes. This bike seems like a good fit for my riding style. Any reliability issues that should give me pause? Thanks in advance!
#1 CoatsEast likes this.
Bitingdog, Feb 22, 2017 #2
Bitingdog That's not my dog
Joined: Apr 3, 2015 Oddometer: 25,907 Location: The bad side of the PNW
kujo411 said: ↑
Howdy y'all. I'm thinking of purchasing a 2007 abs X Challenge with 7,300mi. Asking price $5,100. I'm currently running a well farkled wr250r but just had a kid and want something a little more road worthy with ABS. Not into orange bikes. This bike seems like a good fit for my riding style. Any reliability issues that should give me pause? Thanks in advance!Click to expand...
Can't buy cush hub rubbers anymore, which will turn it into a $5100 piece of motorcycle shaped sculpture at some point. Rear air shock is NFG, so you'll need to spend a $1000 for an aftermarket conventional shock (so a $6100 piece of sculpture once cush hub rubbers are shot) My good friend had one for a year. Never really "gelled" with the bike off-pavement. He sold it and bought a 2010 KTM 690. Had that for seven years now and couldn't be happier. These X-Challenge bikes were neat, but a total sales flop. Therefore BMW does not support them with replacement parts. It's an orphan, so you'll be on your own. Can't help but think that there are better ABS equipped street bike options available. There are definitely better dual-sport options available too. You own a better dual-sport already
#2
kujo411, Feb 22, 2017 #3
kujo411 WR250r
Joined: Sep 20, 2006 Oddometer: 145 Location: Denver, CO
I just found a dude on here selling some cush rubbers for these bikes. I'll definitely invest in a spare set if I pull the trigger. Other thoughts?
#3
Kilmern, Feb 22, 2017 #4
Kilmern Been here awhile
Joined: Jun 5, 2015 Oddometer: 114 Location: Knoxville
Bitingdog said: ↑
Can't buy cush hub rubbers anymore, which will turn it into a $5100 piece of motorcycle shaped sculpture at some point. Rear air shock is NFG, so you'll need to spend a $1000 for an aftermarket conventional shock (so a $6100 piece of sculpture once cush hub rubbers are shot) My good friend had one for a year. Never really "gelled" with the bike off-pavement. He sold it and bought a 2010 KTM 690. Had that for seven years now and couldn't be happier. These X-Challenge bikes were neat, but a total sales flop. Therefore BMW does not support them with replacement parts. It's an orphan, so you'll be on your own. Can't help but think that there are better ABS equipped street bike options available. There are definitely better dual-sport options available too. You own a better dual-sport alreadyClick to expand...
Cush rubbers are available. http://advrider.com/index.php?threa...sh-drive-rubbers.1174573/page-6#post-31605967 kujo411 said: ↑
Howdy y'all. I'm thinking of purchasing a 2007 abs X Challenge with 7,300mi. Asking price $5,100. I'm currently running a well farkled wr250r but just had a kid and want something a little more road worthy with ABS. Not into orange bikes. This bike seems like a good fit for my riding style. Any reliability issues that should give me pause? Thanks in advance!Click to expand...
I love mine and it's been pretty much bulletproof so far.
#4
Bitingdog, Feb 22, 2017 #5
Bitingdog That's not my dog
Joined: Apr 3, 2015 Oddometer: 25,907 Location: The bad side of the PNW
Kilmern said: ↑
Cush rubbers are available. http://advrider.com/index.php?threa...sh-drive-rubbers.1174573/page-6#post-31605967 I love mine and it's been pretty much bulletproof so far.Click to expand...
I thought that the second batch was spoken for? Here's the thing: if his cush rubbers go out two years from now, he can't simply order some online... Instead a large group needs to commission a factory to build a batch of them. That's one hell of an undertaking. There aren't many people with Nathan's determination, organization, or generosity. Just sayin'
#5
shrederscott, Feb 22, 2017 #6
shrederscott Long timer
Joined: Mar 19, 2014 Oddometer: 3,218 Location: denver
kujo411 said: ↑
IOther thoughts?Click to expand...
As stated.....biggest negative .... this is an orphan bike that sold in small numbers to begin with and it is getting old .... what limited support there is will only continue to decline for this bike. If your good with that .... then why not ?.....well ....... there is that $ 5,100 seems high for a 10 year old orphan bike. I would keep the wr250r .... you got a new kid..... you need Uber reliable. ..low / easy maintenance .... low operating cost....The BMW will NOT provide you any of those things.
#6 kv and seasider like this.
Butters, Feb 22, 2017 #7
Butters Kwyjibo
Joined: Oct 10, 2008 Oddometer: 15,831 Location: NoVA
How many of these posters have any experience with an X-Challenge?? Not saying that invalidates their opinions, but I am hearing stuff that really seems to be closer to hyperbole than reality. Worn cush rubbers will make a bike worthless?? Worst case, it will make it ride a little uncomfortable - then you put pieces of inner tube to shim the rubbers and you are good to go (if you don't just buy the replacements currently available). Also note, most people haven't had an issue with their cush rubbers wearing even after 20+k miles. The X uses the same engine found in the F650 and virtually the same as found on the G650 and Husky Terra/Strada. It is as close to a bullet proof engine as you will find and parts for it will be available for awhile. Numerous other parts cross reference to other bikes. That said, other parts don't and will eventually be unavailable or hard to find (cush rubbers for instance). If that comes up, you will have to improvise. The aftermarket was actually fairly decent for such a short run, but it is drying up rapidly. So any farkles not found on the bike, you may want to buy sooner rather than later or be prepared to mod something to fit. I have had my bike since new and put almost 20K on it. The only time it left me stranded was shortly after I bought it because the POS Exide battery failed. This was a known issue/recall and the dealer didn't have the replacement Yuasa battery in stock. It was an Exide issue, not really a BMW issue. The bad batteries are a big reason the X bikes got a bad rep early on. BMWs early solution of replacing the Exides with other Exides didn't help. But once people went to Yuasas or other batteries, it was a non-issue. Some X bikes had fueling/cold stalling issues. Most of these issues were cured with new batteries or cleaning the IAC (easy). A handful seemed to have more stubborn issues. A test ride on the target bike should let you know if it has any driveability issues. The air shock actually isn't a bad shock. But it does have unusual characteristics. It unloads under heavy braking causing ABS to kick in a bit early. When you take you weight off the seat, the seat returns to full extension which is only an issue for short guys like me. Many people are happy with the air shock and accept its idiosyncrasies. I was really happy switching to a $650 Hyperpro. There is a reason the 10 year old bike you are looking at is priced at $5100, even though the new price fell to $5995 at the end. It is a great bike and most owners really like the fuel injection, added power, lower weight compared to the other 650cc competitors. When I bought mine, I was riding a DRZ400 and shopping for a DR650. I am not brand loyal by any means. But when the price fell to $6000, it just seemed like a screaming deal. I have never once regretted the purchase. I have owned several other bikes and they have come and gone while I have owned my X. The X, for me, is a keeper. It strikes the perfect balance between performance and reliability. Others may lean toward a KTM690 or a DR650 and I won't say they are wrong. But if the balance works for you, nothing should scare you away from the purchase. Really the only downside to owning an X is the aftermarket. But you can ask yourself what you would want to add that isn't available. Your choices may be limited, but there are still solutions to most things (racks, extra fuel). Other things like shocks, skid plates, etc are pretty much as widely available now as they ever were.
#7 Puck059, Thylo, flying.moto and 7 others like this.
crash a-ron, Feb 22, 2017 #8
crash a-ron mmm...burnt steel Supporter
Joined: Jan 11, 2006 Oddometer: 431 Location: The Great Pacific Northwet
I'd say don't listen to a couple of grumpy folks that are unhappy about the XChallenge. Look to the hundreds of pages of folks excited about them or the hundreds of pages of ride reports from folks that love them! It is a great bike that has a few flaws. Most bikes do. The flaws are well documented, and most are easily solved. None of the flaws are about engine longevity unlike some other males. Most XCH still around have already had most flaws dealt with too. I've seen a few examples with over 100k without major problems. Show me one 690 like that! Service parts should be around for a long time, so I wouldn't even begin to worry about that. I look at it like a modern Xr650L. Not the fastest, sleekest, or lightest, but fun to ride, reliable, and predictable. The BMW 650 power plant is really well built and understressed. I love mine...
#8
dirtsurfer, Feb 23, 2017 #9
dirtsurfer Hapless airhead rescuer, Adventourer
Joined: May 11, 2006 Oddometer: 5,703 Location: In the garage
I owned one and had a series of problems with it. I found it an adequte bike to ride anf spent lots on adventurising it. Iloved it in principle. Not as powerful as an LC 4 or XR 650 but more than the others. The rotax engine would last for a long time if looked after. After trailering it home the 4th time, I called it quits. Wheel bearings collapsed Battery died on the road Rad fan seized. This took a while to detect because it shares a fuse with the fuel pump. Sprag clutch disintegrated Scattering metal through out the motor resulting in a buggered flywheel position sensor. I replaced the rear shock but it only highlights front end inadequacies. Many have done complete suspension upgrades. I must say I got mine second hand and it must have had a very hard life before I got it Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk
#9 CoatsEast likes this.
Meriden, Feb 23, 2017 #10
Meriden Yea whatever
Joined: Oct 26, 2010 Oddometer: 1,914 Location: In the garden behind the dacha
From a 33K mile perspective, it's a pretty good bike. Good enough to wear it out rather than trade it. Not the best trail bike; I've got a KTM 300 for that. Not the best street bike, I've got an RT for that. If I had to keep just one, it would be the X. It's heavy by many standards. Mine is 363 pounds geared up with extra gas, tools, spares, snacks, water and the other general crap I carry when riding in the desert. I'd guess the 690 will come in about the same when fueled and loaded. Bikes like the KLR, DR and XR will be heavier. In deep sand and rocks it will quickly separate the bad rider from the adequate and the skilled. Stuff that broke that shouldn't have: Pinion on the clutch and the ignition switch. Both can be repaired in the field. Every other problem was abuse or neglect. No cush rubber problem as of 30K miles and I expect I could work out a solution even if they were not available. Beyond that I can't add much to Butter's comments above other than to say it has bad fuel range that can be addressed and you should read the X Challenge Index thread to see what the owners are beefing about. So in summation... Is it perfect: no Will it go 100K miles: maybe if properly maintained Are parts available: with a few exceptions, yes Can it be ridden on the Interstates and single track: yes Is there adequate community support: yes Sailors have what they call "the dingy test" for buying a boat. Recognizing that all boats have their good and bad qualities, most are adequate for the coastal sailor. So buy the boat that you want to see anchored in the harbor when you are in your dingy rowing out to go for a sail. In other words, if you really like the X, buy it regardless of what others say. If a different model speaks to you, then that is the one to buy. m
#10 billyballer, flying.moto, CoatsEast and 1 other person like this.
kujo411, Feb 23, 2017 #11
kujo411 WR250r
Joined: Sep 20, 2006 Oddometer: 145 Location: Denver, CO
Awesome advice guys! Must say this model really does speak to me. Never been a fan of the f650 but this thing looks like it would put a big grin on my face. ABS is important to me too (mainly why I'm switching out my wr). I talked to the guy about it and he seems very honest and stand up. Doesn't sound like this bike has any issues to speak of and it doesn't sound abused. Since my wife will only let me keep one bike I need it to be a swiss army knife and this seems to fit the bill. I may just pick up some parts here and there that sound like known issues so I can keep her going as long as possible.
#11 flying.moto likes this.
Max Kool, Feb 23, 2017 #12
Max Kool Xtankteam™
Joined: Jan 19, 2004 Oddometer: 5,097 Location: Los Angeles
In my humble experience, the XChallenge is a fun bike. I had one and I loved it. Could ride it all day and always gave me a big grin. But it has a few quirks. BMW saved left and right on things that could easily have been better. Rims, front suspension, an airfilter that let dust in leading to premature ring wear, that weird air bladder (either you like it, or you don't, I didn't), and ughhh the fact they don't stock cush rubbers anymore is plain ignorant. Still, you can have a lot of fun with it. It's like a modern DR650SE. However, you wrote they are asking $5100, is that correct? Wow, the seller must have been smoking something really good. This bike was introduced in 2007, but late 2009 BMW North America was selling them new around $5900.... (just to get rid of them). I would never pay more than $3500-4000, and even then it really needs to be pristine. my $0.02
#12
MacMan, Feb 23, 2017 #13
MacMan Been here awhile
Joined: Jun 21, 2007 Oddometer: 944 Location: Outer NW Melbourne
We had one and I'm glad it's gone. Ultimately, my partner was not sufficiently interested in off road touring to retain it. She rode it about 5 times in the 18 months we owned it. Albeit a generally reliable mechanical platform, ours was not a trouble free 18 months. Most of all, I found it stodgy to ride compared to my 640 Enduro. Great torque, but way less throttle response, heavier flywheel, heavy clutch, clunky gearbox and rudimentary suspension even with an aftermarket shock fitted. I'll take the vibes of the 640 every day with a smile instead. That bike makes me smile every time I ride it. It feels alive and willing. The G existed - an underwhelming, overly complicated bike that promised much and delivered bugger all. There were aspects of the execution that I appreciated, but the rest left a pretty bitter taste in my mouth. A great example of what's not good about BMW these days.
#13 CoatsEast likes this.
2WheelTraveler, Nov 12, 2017 #14
2WheelTraveler backinthesaddleagain Supporter
Joined: May 29, 2013 Oddometer: 618 Location: Tahoe
To each his own. Personally this bike fits me quite well. Just picked one up this summer. Rode to Oregon with a friend, he on a highly modified 690, to Oregon. Did 500 miles on pavement up and dirt back. We swapped bikes for parts of the trip. The X is definitely better on pavement, and I don't think gives up much if anything on dirt. In the end he preferred his and I mine. My only gripe is range, but I'm going to fix that soon. I hope to run mine into the ground. As insurance towards a long life I did get a set of Cush Rubbers that I am storing for the inevitable, and am looking for X's that are being parted out.
#14 flying.moto and Kiharaikido like this.
GF-kam, Feb 18, 2019 #15
GF-kam Long timer Supporter
Joined: Aug 19, 2013 Oddometer: 3,876 Location: Great Falls, Virginia, USA
Butters said: ↑
How many of these posters have any experience with an X-Challenge?? Not saying that invalidates their opinions, but I am hearing stuff that really seems to be closer to hyperbole than reality. Worn cush rubbers will make a bike worthless?? Worst case, it will make it ride a little uncomfortable - then you put pieces of inner tube to shim the rubbers and you are good to go (if you don't just buy the replacements currently available). Also note, most people haven't had an issue with their cush rubbers wearing even after 20+k miles. The X uses the same engine found in the F650 and virtually the same as found on the G650 and Husky Terra/Strada. It is as close to a bullet proof engine as you will find and parts for it will be available for awhile. Numerous other parts cross reference to other bikes. That said, other parts don't and will eventually be unavailable or hard to find (cush rubbers for instance). If that comes up, you will have to improvise. The aftermarket was actually fairly decent for such a short run, but it is drying up rapidly. So any farkles not found on the bike, you may want to buy sooner rather than later or be prepared to mod something to fit. I have had my bike since new and put almost 20K on it. The only time it left me stranded was shortly after I bought it because the POS Exide battery failed. This was a known issue/recall and the dealer didn't have the replacement Yuasa battery in stock. It was an Exide issue, not really a BMW issue. The bad batteries are a big reason the X bikes got a bad rep early on. BMWs early solution of replacing the Exides with other Exides didn't help. But once people went to Yuasas or other batteries, it was a non-issue. Some X bikes had fueling/cold stalling issues. Most of these issues were cured with new batteries or cleaning the IAC (easy). A handful seemed to have more stubborn issues. A test ride on the target bike should let you know if it has any driveability issues. The air shock actually isn't a bad shock. But it does have unusual characteristics. It unloads under heavy braking causing ABS to kick in a bit early. When you take you weight off the seat, the seat returns to full extension which is only an issue for short guys like me. Many people are happy with the air shock and accept its idiosyncrasies. I was really happy switching to a $650 Hyperpro. There is a reason the 10 year old bike you are looking at is priced at $5100, even though the new price fell to $5995 at the end. It is a great bike and most owners really like the fuel injection, added power, lower weight compared to the other 650cc competitors. When I bought mine, I was riding a DRZ400 and shopping for a DR650. I am not brand loyal by any means. But when the price fell to $6000, it just seemed like a screaming deal. I have never once regretted the purchase. I have owned several other bikes and they have come and gone while I have owned my X. The X, for me, is a keeper. It strikes the perfect balance between performance and reliability. Others may lean toward a KTM690 or a DR650 and I won't say they are wrong. But if the balance works for you, nothing should scare you away from the purchase. Really the only downside to owning an X is the aftermarket. But you can ask yourself what you would want to add that isn't available. Your choices may be limited, but there are still solutions to most things (racks, extra fuel). Other things like shocks, skid plates, etc are pretty much as widely available now as they ever were.Click to expand...
Hi Butters, I stumbled on your post when Googling the BMW G650 X-challenge. I stumbled on the bike through another thread. Would be ideal for what I am looking for. Lighter than my 2012 BMW F800GS ( 550+ lb. with all the panniers, crash bars, etc. ). Long service intervals. Descent range on stock tank. Do you know if the G650 X-challenge is same engine and features of the SWM Superdual X https://swmmotorcycles.com.au/superdual-x/ Looks like after BMW and KTM acquired Husqvarna, they left a plant in Italy which evolved into SWM. From what I can tell the SWM 650 uses the same Husky TE630 engine. Just wondering if I am better off looking at SWM vs. looking at a 10 year old bike with limited access to parts. I too have a 2010 Yamaha WR250R. Love all the characteristics of the bike. Only thing is it could use more power to make it more street worth with full load when interconnecting to trail head. Thanks. Kam
#15
FMR650, May 24, 2019 #16
FMR650 Versys 650
Joined: Apr 24, 2019 Oddometer: 23 Location: Michigan
I'm no expert, but I've spent 100's of hours lurking here and there and doing google research and looking at bikes trying to find my next ride. I just looked at a husky TR650 today and also a X-Challenge. I recently have been in contact with a importer and a regional distributor for the incoming SWM superduals. This is my take. When BMW owned Husky it seems they basically took the Rotax 650 and reworked it for better HP etc. and planted it in a chassis that is very similar to the TE630. The BMW X bikes I feel are a perfect blend of the previous Husky bikes and the bomb proof BMW 650 engine. The SWM bikes look to be a nice blend of the BMW owned huskys and the italian husky TE610 engine. SWM probably went this route because they're using the Italy Husky factory. I contacted the regional dealer about putting a deposit on an incoming SWM but backed out after thinking about putting money into a 1st year bike with a dealer over 3 hours away. I still haven't made my mind up over the X-challenge or the Husky yet...that's another thread. I don't have the resources and time to put money on the SWM yet, but I wish I did, it looks dang near perfect. Kam, if you do some research you'll find at cafehusky forum they'll answer some questions on the engine for the SWM bikes. Just from looking, the SWM looks like they basically planted the older Husky 600 engine in the TR650 body. A lot of the parts look similar. I kind of hope there will be some common parts between the two and some aftermarket parts will come to the original 2013 Husky TRs
#16
wvuhoops, May 29, 2019 #17
wvuhoops Been here awhile
Joined: Apr 2, 2018 Oddometer: 108 Location: wv
Kam Give us a call at Gearhead Junction in Pearisburg Va, we are a SWM dealer located in Southwestern VA. Currently we have two 500rs SWMs on our showroom floor, and are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our fist 650 superdual, should be here in a week or so. We have been demo riding /dual sport touring the 500s, sold the first one hours after uncrating, super pumped on the performance of the 500, and the MSRP on all the SWMs is unreal . Give us a call if you have any questions. Thanks for your time Derek Service Manager Gearhead Moto Tours/Gearhead Junction 540 787 5050 gearheadjunction@gmail.com check us out on Facebook as well

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