![]() Because ABS is not recommended in the dirt or on the track, the system is easily deactivated with the touch of a button. A spate of controlled, very hard lock-ups designed to activate the ABS resulted in positive stops with a surprisingly light pulse compared to some of the earlier units. ![]() On the cutting edge, this impressive Bosch system, which only adds an extra 3.3 pounds, is also available on the new 800cc F series and the sporty R1200S. Mileage attained under different riding conditions should be thoroughly analyzed before venturing too far off the beaten path.īMW has long been a proponent of ABS, and it will be offered on the X Series as an option. For those interested in traveling long stretches, the fuel capacity may be a bit low but, according to BMW, the bikes should have a range of up to 155 miles. This lightweight plastic cell holds 2.5 gallons and that weight helps lower the center of gravity. Another neat touch in the chassis department is the location of the fuel tank beneath the seat. Because of this, the cast-aluminum swingarm can be placed much closer to the countershaft sprocket, resulting in less slack in the drive chain, and thus a quicker drivetrain response. Targeting frame materials results in significant weight savings and allows for a design in which the swingarm pivot point rests entirely in the frame and free of the motor. This lightweight unit uses steel and aluminum sections tailor-made to bear the load requirements at particular points. The ChassisĪlong with the engine, all three X variations share the same steel-bridge tubular frame. Thanks to the precision combustion resulting from that, and the liquid cooling, and an all-new stainless-steel exhaust sporting an oxygen sensor and three-way catalytic converter, the X Series bikes not only run great, they also surpass the strict EU3 emission standards. Engine management is taken care of by the BMW BMS-CII electronic engine control, a system handling fuel injection and the dual-ignition components, and individually mapped to each model's intended use. Pounding out a claimed 53hp and 44 ft/lbs of torque at 5200rpm, there's plenty of stump-pulling oomph down low and more than enough zing to flirt with triple digits up top. Smooth power delivery has never been an issue with this 650cc single originally engineered for the Funduro models of the early nineties. The Austrian-built Rotax mill is shared by all three models and works impressively across the board. Down the road, there's no doubt that a RT or LT is a worthy destination but now, with these brand-new options, the entire journey can start on a BMW too. The great thing is, all three are tagged with MSRPs under ten grand. So, to bridge this gap and lure a new following, BMW has lowered the bottom line with the introduction of the X Series.Īll three are based around the tried and true 650cc Rotax single that powers the more conservative F models, and they flaunt a healthy dose of attitude and excitement. And while recent models like the K1200R, K1200S, and R1200S certainly push performance boundaries and carry loads of sex appeal, they also come with a premium price tag, which puts them out of reach for many younger buyers still working their way up the financial ladder. With the average Beemerphile checking in at nearly fifty years of age, the company decided the line needed an infusion of new blood, and several hip, sporty models wearing the white and blue badge have hit the streets, with Gen-X consumers squarely in the crosshairs. But as company research reveals, the base is beginning to show touches of gray. The Motor Works has always gone to great lengths to maintain good relations with their exceptionally loyal customer base and that has been a sound strategy indeed. Not long thereafter, BMW trotted out these single-cylinder models - the G 650 Xchallenge, Xmoto, and Xcountry (the X stands for 'cross') - in the Arizona desert for a bunch of us rider/writers to give them a little go 'round. ![]() And when I looked over the preview models of BMW's new G series at the International Motorcycle Shows this past winter, my formerly pierced ears perked up a bit upon hearing just what this new line has to offer. Now granted, I'm old enough to have a kid in college, I own a home, and I just traded up from charcoal to gas, but my inner punk-kid still has a say in things. And although understated competence still generates some appeal, the cool contingent wants more pizzazz from today's fast-paced market, and they won't look twice at anything that smacks of argyles and elbow patches. 11 min read It wasn't so long ago that a BMW was considered your father's motorcycle, conservatively styled, quiet, and a little square - the tweed jacket of the motorcycle world.
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