Tomcycles New Xchallenge BMW G650 2008 3 Years, 20k and counting

[tomcycle]

Tom did you put loctite on the threads of the mirror on the left. The wind and vibration will turn the left one loose. and after a bit of time you will what to throw the $$m thing away.
I will be waiting for your return to see if it worked better for you.

Ron

Yup Im a loctite type of guy "BLUE"

I have only ridden it arount the home here and had no problems. But time will tell. So far I find the mount nice and the mirror of superior quality. My unit had the mount that uses the stock BMW mounts. Maybe the BMW engine is a little smoother ?

TT

 

[tomcycle]

Just got the Bimmer back from what will be its last service before the warranty is finished, Its been 3 years and the bike has been pretty darn reliable. After 20,000kms the intake valves were just out of spec on the tight side. They repaired the turn signal switch and the ignition switch. This service cost me 154.00 total. Pacific did not make any money of service on this machine, it just did not need to go into the shop

Finally I do have a problem with a sqweeky air shock? Im at the last month of the 3 year warranty, will have to see what BMW decides. The shock seems to work fine, it just sounds like my wallet when I open it up:spl:

Also just mounted my new Giant Loop bags, very nice and cant wait to see how they perform in Baja

Pictures to follow tomorrow

Tom

 

[McNutt]

Your BMW has an air shock? Why would a moto come with a air shock. Weight saving? Wouldn't a coil shock give a better ride.
It's been my experience with MTB air shocks that squeaks are not good.
Just got one shock back from service. Over a period of a few rides the shock was puking oil from the main seal. Not that much but enough to notice. I knew then the seal was blown. After most of the lubricating oil was lost, there would be a high pitched squeak on every compression. A little oil remains in there, but if you let it go, the remaining oil will dry up and ruin your shock.

 

[tomcycle]

Your BMW has an air shock? Why would a moto come with a air shock. Weight saving? Wouldn't a coil shock give a better ride.
It's been my experience with MTB air shocks that squeaks are not good.
Other the main seal is blown or the is not enough lubricating oil in the main chamber.

Im not an engineer and have no idea what the BMW engineers were thinking of when the made this shock/spring in one. I do know it provides a super smooth ride on any surface. As many riders who have been out with me know, the back suspension hooks up nice and at the end of any long day or days Im not beat up, always ready to go. I can see the shortcomings of this type of a shock/spring for racing, but I dont race. The only two bikes that I know that use this set up it the X Challenge and the HP2 and niether of them are in production any longer

 

[McNutt]

Tom, I edited my post above. In MTB, coils give a better ride. Better small bump compliance. On a 30# bike, a 1# coil spring can make the bike noticeably heavier to some. A air shock has more that can go wrong with it. Coil is more reliable. If your air shock squeaks on some compressions the seal needs replacing. The shock will still seem to work properly.

 

[tomcycle]

Tom, I edited my post above. In MTB, coils give a better ride. Better small bump compliance. On a 30# bike, a 1# coil spring can make the bike noticeably heavier to some. A air shock has more that can go wrong with it. Coil is more reliable. If your air shock squeaks on some compressions the seal needs replacing. The shock will still seem to work properly.

I leave for Baja in a few day, it would really suck if the shock fails while on this trip:gaah:
I agree with you that a spring and shock would be a more reliable set up, at least if it fails your still riding, I understand if the air shock fails I end up with a cruiser:help Maybe I better take along a big rubber block

Tom

 

[McNutt]

I guess the odds are long of finding a used shock, with the same size length and stroke for use as a back up in a few days? Or have info on one you can get sent to you down there if you need it. If its any comfort, when my shock blew just before xmas they said just ride it over the holidays and bring it in after new years. Extended use with no lubricating oil can cause damage though.

 

[tomcycle]

I guess the odds are long of finding a used shock, with the same size length and stroke for use as a back up in a few days? Or have info on one you can get sent to you down there if you need it. If its any comfort, when my shock blew just before xmas they said just ride it over the holidays and bring it in after new years. Extended use with no lubricating oil can cause damage though.

My good neighbour, friend and fellow rider who just came back from Baja riding his G450. He has a low mile G650 with a good shock that he is willing to loan me for the trip:woohoo:
Did I mention that I am lucky?

Tom

 

[McNutt]

Awesome. Have fun. We were drooling over the beamers at the Mo Show

 

[tomcycle]

Getting Ready for Baja Feb 2011

Getting Ready for Baja Feb 2011

Just mounted the Giant Loop Coyote Bags on the bike from Dave at MOD also one of DSBC Sponsors http://www.motooverland.com/index.htm

Nice tight fit despite the aux fuel tank




Note I used Roc Straps to mount the Giant Loop bags to the front, the BMW does not allow a lot of mounting points with the gas tank below the seat. The Rok Straps also from another of DSBC sponsors www.wanderingwomen09.com , will allow quick access to the aux fuel and gas tank, less than 5 second to expose the tanks





Nice shot showing both the Coyote Bag and Tank Bag. In past years I have not been a big fan of Tank Bags off road, but the sales guys convinced me to try it again. Note the steep rake of the bag where it sits in front of the rider, I doesnt seem to get in my way while standing on the pegs, so it just might work nicely for the camera and Spot



The Giant Loop Coyote are nice and large more than enough room for everything I will need for a two week trip in Baja


Lots of room for the aux tank one one side and lots of clearance for the exhaust pipe




Nice tight fit and build quality

Cant wait to see how it all performs in Baja

 

[Mad Max]

Nice bag Tom:tup: .I may be wrong but from the one photo it looks like the back of the aluminum rack may cut your two straps that hold the Coyote to the tail rack. Sanding it or little rubber hose with a slot cut in it and slipped over the sharp edge as a softener would stop any cutting of straps from happening.

Have a good trip,

Max

 

[franhoser]

nice bag tom can also me a solution and remedy to monkey butt.

 

[tomcycle]

Air Shock

Air Shock

Seems my Air Shock is not working properly, very squeeky and now I am a little worried:spl:\

The dealer sez he is going to do what he can but we are 4 days two departure for two weeks in Baja. So I am going to borrow a shock from Guy R's bike (Thanks Guy) so I can ride with no worries

 

[McNutt]

Two weeks after getting my mtb air shock back from service, it "blew" halfway through a ride today. Had to pump air into it every 10 minutes to finish the ride. I know they are less reliable than coils but this is ridiculous.

 

[McNutt]

Seems my Air Shock is not working properly, very squeeky and now I am a little worried:spl:\

Didnt we cover this already?

 

[tomcycle]

:ted:Old age kicking in and Im repeating myself

 

[tomcycle]

Just got the word back from BMW, the squeeky air shock is not covered by the 3 year warranty

Shocks are only covered for 7500 kms and at 20k I guess Im a bit over

If I spent the 30 seconds to read the Warranty papers I would have known that. Anyhow they are concerned and will be getting back to me if they can help out.

I always wondered why anyone would sell me a bike with a warranty anyhow:ted:

mmmmmmmmmmm..........I wonder how this bike would handle with a real shock and a spring:cross: time to surf the internet and find out whats out there. Anyone know of any aftermarket solutions for me (other than buying a new bike)

TT

 

[offworlder]

Tom,

I too have researched (suspension) options for the G650X at great length, as the air shock is (more often than not) a source of contention, and most eventually replace it, as this is a great bike, and firmer, controllable suspension (read: a rear rebound damping adjustment thats more than "soft" or "hard", with preload adjustment) will make it even better ! I'm considering starting with the HyperPro front springs, which should alleviate the diving (when front braking). But I digress, hence the (recommended) rear shock replacement options are as follows:
- HyperPro (http://www.hyperpro.com/index.asp?page=rearshocks): use the pop-up at bottom to choose the g650x, and you'll get the "SP-BM06-SSA007 BMW | G 650 X CHALLENGE | 650 cc SPRING KIT"
- Ohlins (http://www.touratech-usa.com/Store/PN-049-0230/Ohlins-shock-absorber-BMW-G650X-Xchallenge): available through Touratech
- Wilburs: (http://www.wunderlich-sportouring.com/shop/category.asp?page=6&catid=68&sortby=name), number of options, available through Wunderlich

PS: plenty of threads on ADV rider regarding this: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=335086, http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=287347, etc...
PS2: I may have a spare airshock if you're interested in staying bouncy...

 

[tomcycle]

Tom,

I too have researched (suspension) options for the G650X at great length, as the air shock is (more often than not) a source of contention, and most eventually replace it, as this is a great bike, and firmer, controllable suspension (read: a rear rebound damping adjustment thats more than "soft" or "hard", with preload adjustment) will make it even better ! I'm considering starting with the HyperPro front springs, which should alleviate the diving (when front braking). But I digress, hence the (recommended) rear shock replacement options are as follows:
- HyperPro (http://www.hyperpro.com/index.asp?page=rearshocks): use the pop-up at bottom to choose the g650x, and you'll get the "SP-BM06-SSA007 BMW | G 650 X CHALLENGE | 650 cc SPRING KIT"
- Ohlins (http://www.touratech-usa.com/Store/PN-049-0230/Ohlins-shock-absorber-BMW-G650X-Xchallenge): available through Touratech
- Wilburs: (http://www.wunderlich-sportouring.com/shop/category.asp?page=6&catid=68&sortby=name), number of options, available through Wunderlich

PS: plenty of threads on ADV rider regarding this: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=335086, http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=287347, etc...
PS2: I may have a spare airshock if you're interested in staying bouncy...

For this trip I will have to stick with the air shock, we will have to get together when I get back and talk about shocks

Thanks for the links

Tom

 

[Fbomb]

"Pacific did not make any money of service on this machine, it just did not need to go into the shop"
Tom[/QUOTE]

The chickens are coming home to roost, Tom. Pacific must have read your post and saw the opportunity