- First ever BMW Trail bike.
- Lightweight design.
- Powerful engine.
- Unique Air Damping System.
The new BMW G 650 Xchallenge has arrived and it is designed for
trail riders who want an exciting, lightweight and high-performance
machine complete with BMW quality and durability.
The new machine is the first of its kind from BMW, although it
is powered by a version of a very familiar, race-proven
single-cylinder multi-valve fuel-injected engine fitted with a
catalytic converter.
As with all BMW Motorrad engines, the 652 cc motor is
exceptionally frugal, using just 3.6 litres per 100 km/h at a
constant 90 km/h, producing 39 kW of power at 7,000 rpm and an
impressive 60 Nm of torque at 5,250 rpm.
The BMW G 650 Xchallenge (pronounced "cross-challenge") will run
from 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and has a top speed well in excess
of 165 km/h (where conditions permit).
Drive from the engine reaches the rear wheel via an O-ring chain
connected to a five-speed synchromesh gearbox, fed via a
mechanically operated multiplate clutch residing in an oil
bath.
A bridge-type tubular steel frame has bolted die-cast aluminium
side sections and an alloy rear frame, while the front suspension
consists of upside down telescopic forks of 45 mm diameter,
adjustable for compression and rebound.
At the rear, convention has been replaced with BMW innovation,
with the BMW Motorrad Air Damping System allowing infinitely
adjustable settings for pre-load and damping attached to a die-cast
aluminium swing arm. The system also saves around 2 kg compared
with conventional systems.
Benefits of the BMW Motorrad Air Damping System are: excellent
all round performance, an operating range of between 80-120 psi,
two stage damping adjustment, on-board spirit level for very basic
set up, and the ability to release pressure in very small amounts.
A pump is clipped under the blue seat along with some useful
tools.
Travel is a suitably lengthy 270 mm for both front and rear
suspension. The front wheel is a spoked 21-inch item and the rear
an 18-inch spoked unit, both of which carry wave pattern discs. At
the front there is a double piston floating calliper on the 300 mm
disc, while the rear has a 240 mm diameter discs and single piston
floating calliper.
BMW's latest anti-lock brake system is available as an option,
and can be deactivated for use on unsealed surfaces.
The BMW G 650 Xchallenge features high-quality details such as
anodised rims, fork stabilisers, gear and brake levers, and forged
aluminium rear suspension components.
Its unconventional suspension strut pivot and swing-arm mount
and premium chassis components are also unique to BMW and the
market category in which the G 650 Xchallenge will compete.
BMW has concentrated on ensuring the G 650 Xchallenge is as
light as possible, and at 156 kg fully fuelled and ready to ride
(144 kg dry), the designer's brief has been adhered to.
A 9.5 litre tank gives an impressive theoretical riding distance
in excess of 200 km when brimmed with premium unleaded fuel.
Installed under the rider's seat it helps to lower the centre of
gravity and enhance handling control and weight distribution.
The machine is 2,205 mm long, 875 mm wide including mirrors and
1,470 high to the top of the mirrors. When static, wheelbase is
1,500 mm. There is a 950 mm standard seat height but a low seat is
available as an option. The steering head angle is 61.5 degrees,
and the steering angle is 40 degrees left and right.
Further owner benefits include long service intervals (10,000 km),
low maintenance costs, a long lifetime and an excellent resale
value proposition.
The BMW G 650 Xchallenge is on sale now in Australia priced from
$14,350 plus on road costs. ABS is available at $1,265.
Pricing in New Zealand is NZ$17,095. The ABS option is
$1,508.
For further press/media information contact:
Alexander Corne
Communications and Specialist Media Manager
BMW Group Australia
Phone: 03 9264 4150
Fax: 03 9562 2799
Mobile: 0439 568 819
Email: alexander.corne@bmw.com.au