Which bike? Beginner off-road, experienced on-road. BMW X Challenge vs Honda CRF250L

[nzspokes]

Nice KDX200 for sale on here. Learn how to ride off road for not much at all.

[Maha]

I understand the R1200GSA go ok of the beaten track.

[Gremlin]

I understand the R1200GSA go ok of the beaten track.

95k on the clock and still going too. Unfortunately, he'd be lucky to get it off the side stand, probably couldn't get his feet down when it was upright and no chance in the rough stuff...

I think it's awesome tho!

[Waihou Thumper]

Say no more....
You just ride it and when you get to your destination,
You feel invigorated....
It performs like a road bike and can handle to tough stuff like a trail bike, albeit a big bugger!

[Zapf]

How tall are you? The X-Challenge has a really high seat which is not going to be fun for an offroad n00b unless you are 6'4"+ It does win points for being one of the lighter 650 class machines though.

Went and sat on a WR250R, balls of my foot can touch the ground. and on a CRF250L I am flat footed.

What is the better ergo?

[Devil]

He's already had plenty of my advice. No, due to size, he can't get a GSA That said (and it's not for everyone) I did learn adv riding on my 1200GSA. It was OK for me, but then it's still mostly "roads". Show the bike some sand and it usually gets tired (well, that's my excuse)

Piffletits! He's a taller than me and I didn't have major troubles on the GSA hehe. But yes, something manageable is good.

I will get in touch next week, away this weekend.

ps: What are you, his PA? hah

[Gremlin]

ps: What are you, his PA? hah

Everything short of owner/director. Depends who I'm talking to as to which title I get to use

[Ocean1]

Which bike would you choose?

Which one is easier to pick up?

That's it really.

[pampa]

my 2 cents

Note: I own XChallenge

the Challenge seat is one of the highest or the highest of all adventure bikes (whatever CC around), with lower seat is better but still high. Of course ground clearance is really good. If you stand as you are supposed then is not such a big deal (most of the time ). At 1.83 I barely reach ground.

The bike is reasonable light (144kg), very well balanced. Has very good fuel economy, it does about same distance on one a tank than Ktm 690 with 3 less lts of fuel.

I'm not going to compare with other bikes except Dakar which I owned previously, its waaay better. Right away after switching I felt more comfortable tackling nastier terrain.

Good luck its fun

[calfinm]

Another wr250r vote here. Mines been packed and ridden for week plus trips and then ridden around woodhill when the ktms been sidelined. But I guess it depends what sort of off road skills your looking to learn . That crf is a cheap start price as long as its capable, haven't ridden one myself .

[Zapf]

my 2 cents

Note: I own XChallenge

the Challenge seat is one of the highest or the highest of all adventure bikes (whatever CC around), with lower seat is better but still high. Of course ground clearance is really good. If you stand as you are supposed then is not such a big deal (most of the time ). At 1.83 I barely reach ground.

The bike is reasonable light (144kg), very well balanced. Has very good fuel economy, it does about same distance on one a tank than Ktm 690 with 3 less lts of fuel.

I'm not going to compare with other bikes except Dakar which I owned previously, its waaay better. Right away after switching I felt more comfortable tackling nastier terrain.

Good luck its fun

Thanks,
Please tell me, if the rear suspension is connected via linkage so it can be lowered via dog bone. Or directly mounted?

I am thinking if it is able to be lowered if I had to. I am 1.78.

When you say you barely reach ground, we talking about flat footing or ball of foot? I found today I am able to have ball of foot on ground on a WR250R which is suppose to have the same seat hight as the XChallange. I can't find one to seat on in Auckland hence all the questions.

Its way better than Dakar?

Any ownership issues? parts / servicing / etc?

Cheers
Zapf

[pampa]

Its directly mounted (on top of swingarm) much like Ktm PDS system.

With original shock ball or tip of both legs, with coil shock its better (note the shock is still standard size I didn't want to compromise suspension efficiency besides at this stage I got used to height)

Its better than F650 Dakar in the sense that is:
* lighter (significantly)
* has bit more power 3HP extra (plus weight advantage) (6HP more on new Sertao)
* much better suspension from factory
* higher ground clearance
while still being reasonable on motorway

Ownership
* most engine parts are common with Funduro, GS650 and G650 which is current model
* bearings and that are common items can be bought easily
* non standard items are swingarm, wheels, hubs, rear sprocket.
** Rear sprocket is available on few brands (chain and front sprocket are not problem, no more than any other bike that is )
** Rims are relatively soft only an issue if you ride really hard
* 10,000K service intervals are nice and spaced (I follow BMW schedule of changing fluids once a year)
* Disc brake rotor have bought aftermarkets at reasonable price and very good quality. (Pads are pretty common on a few bikes)
* Lights are standard too most of them can be bought on Repco, and indicators are common to few brands

I do most service myself and don't find it expensive. There are exceptions on some original items are expensive and take a while to get here but have found alternatives most of the time.

Hope this gives you an idea, happy to answer any other question if I can

Thanks,
Please tell me, if the rear suspension is connected via linkage so it can be lowered via dog bone. Or directly mounted?

I am thinking if it is able to be lowered if I had to. I am 1.78.

When you say you barely reach ground, we talking about flat footing or ball of foot? I found today I am able to have ball of foot on ground on a WR250R which is suppose to have the same seat hight as the XChallange. I can't find one to seat on in Auckland hence all the questions.

Its way better than Dakar?

Any ownership issues? parts / servicing / etc?

Cheers
Zapf

[nzspokes]

Another thought is to hire a bike at Thundercross park and do the trail rides there. Good way to learn. I would pop out for that.

[pete-blen]

Thanks,

I am thinking if it is able to be lowered if I had to. I am 1.78.

When you say you barely reach ground, we talking about flat footing or ball of foot? I found today I am able to have ball of foot on ground on a WR250R which is suppose to have the same seat hight as the XChallange. I can't find one to seat on in Auckland hence all the questions.



Cheers
Zapf

A over looked point.......
As far as seat hight goes the bike should sink around 1/3 of its suspesion travel when
you are on the bike..
A bike with 300mm of travel the seat should be around 100mm
lower with rider weight on the bike....
Have the sags set correctly.... which may require respringing...

[Gremlin]

Another thought is to hire a bike at Thundercross park and do the trail rides there. Good way to learn. I would pop out for that.

He was due out with Broxy at Woodhill around midday today... haven't heard from him