As some will know the 800 is going back to bumw. That story has been done to death now and I’m looking to the future.
I have had lots of ideas. Too many ideas in some ways. I want a touring bike but I also want an adventure bike. I want a light bike but I also want a large fuel tank. There really is no perfect compromise but there are options that come close.
It’s no secret that I think a lot of the top brass at bumw UK are arrogant tossers. Of course getting away from these individuals there is no escaping the fact that bumw make some nice bikes. Or should I say in the case of my potential next choice, Aprilia in Italy make some nice bikes.
Yes that is right. I am considering purchasing a used X series BMW. I have tried the Xcountry and it was just OK for me. The Xchallenge is too tall for my 5′ 7″ stature but the Xmoto is just right. It’s a rude boy of a motorbike.
This time last year I had one as loaner while my bike was in for a service. It was a lot of fun. Nowhere near as comfortable as the 800 but man that thing was light!
With a few simple mods I reckon I could have myself quite the adventure bike. So folks watch this space.
5 responses so far ↓
1 jc // Apr 30, 2010 at 05:47
great videos! We are thinking the opposite: I have a Xmoto and looking for a 800GS and found your site with video search. Xmoto is a great bike, but I just wish 1. it has maybe 10 more hp and 2. a bigger tank. If they put the 800 engine in the 650 frame, that would be a winner for me. Loved the power of 800GS, but really did not like the size and weight. After seeing your plan, I might keep my Xmoto:) Either way, good luck.
2 Jonathan // Apr 30, 2010 at 14:23
Jc, that is interesting to know! What I love about the 800 is the engine for the most part. Off road it is a little snatchy and this is not helped by the weight of the 800. I’ve looked at the Tenere but that is the same weight as the 800 but with a smaller engine. What lets the xmoto down is the small fuel tank but that can be adapted. For me weight is now the key thing. The places I want to go do not require masses of horsepower and so inspired by Walter Colebatch’s xchallenge on Sibirsky Extreme I’m thinking an adapated xmoto could be the way to go.
It will ultimately come down to the xmoto or xt660 whether it is an adapted r, z or x. I do believe I could make a tenere lighter or turn the R into a rally raid bike. With the 800 I reckon you could shave off perhaps 10kg by changing the stock exhaust and the wheels to excel rims and hubs.
Of course an 800 engine inside an xmoto frame would be very interesting
Thanks for commenting
3 jc // May 1, 2010 at 18:38
Yeah, I saw the Xchallenge conversion you had in one of the videos. sweet. I loved the Yamaha, but they don’t have it here in the States and I did not know it’s a heavy boy. Was hoping it would compete with Xmoto in spec since they are the same cc. I do mostly highway, but am really inspired by all you guys adv tours. The 800 long wheelbase and 17″ front felt slow in steering in my test ride. and I also absolutely HATE the right hand turn signal, coupled with the snatchy engine, making negotiating city traffic a workout, at least in my test ride. One thing you need to consider with Xmoto is it’s valve service interval is only 6K miles, that’s 4 visit to the stealer for me a year. I assume you put high miles on your bike too. so that’s a hidden cost they lied to me when I bought the bike. I’m also waiting for Ducati Multistrata 800 if they come next year. On paper, that would be a perfect bike.
4 Jonathan // May 1, 2010 at 20:51
JC,
The front wheel on the 800 is actually 21″ which would explain that uncertain feel when steering. It’s certainly not as lively as the xmoto.
The turn signals become second nature with time but the horn you will never get used to. So many times I have hit the turn signal when wanting the horn or hit the horn when pulling a tight turn and it then hits the tank bag.
That’s interesting to note about the valve service but then again not dissimilar to the KTM’s. I do indeed put high miles on the bike. It will be two years old at the end of may and I’ve put 35000 miles on it
Look out for the Aprilia 750. Certainly the Multistrada 1200 is too plasticky to be a true off-roader. Those LED turn signals would be destroyed on the first drop.
I was impressed by what this lady did with here Tenere.
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=512589
I think with her weight reductions she made up for the shortcomings of the stock model.
5 Sam // May 1, 2010 at 20:55
http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=228518 – saw this and thought of you….
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