2007 BMW Xchallenge Photo Gallery

2007 BMW Xchallenge.

2007 BMW G650 Xchallenge.

Even though it’s big, the new Beemer is capable of some technical riding.

Based largely off the F650GS models, the new Xchallenge has an established history of durability and competence, but the new upgrades are BMW’s answer for increased performance and off-road ability.

If you want only the cholla for company, this bike might be for you.

The Xchallenge is still a bit bulky and has some suspension issues we’d like to see addressed before it becomes a true enduro in our book. But, as a street-legal dirt bike, it can still offer a ton of performance whether the terrain is brown or black.

The headlight assembly is shared by the Xmoto, but the Xcountry uses a different lighting approach.

The right-side, under-seat fuel tank requires that the bike is resting on its sidestand in order to refuel.

As you can see, the bodywork and bulbous exhaust can are susceptible to crash damage. The Xcountry has much less of a radiator shroud, but the muffler is still in harm’s way.

The Xchallenge is sure to draw onlookers wherever you ride.

BMW has done a great job of perking up the motor and turning it into something that works terrific for dirt and street riders.

The Xchallenge, even with only 2.5 gallons, was able to spend a long time alone in the desert thanks to fuel economy in the 50 mpg range.

Excessive pounding of off-road riding led to several broken license plate holders. We had the same problem on the HP2.

Desert terrain is well-suited to 650 Singles.

The Xchallenge uses wave rotors, but the Xcountry makes due with an equally powerful set of standard discs. Both machines are available with ABS.

The Air Damping shock is the Xchallenge’s weakest link. It works better on this bike than the enormous HP2, but German engineers still have a lot of work to do in order to see performance similar to traditional oil/spring units.

Getting the bike to turn isn’t nearly as easy as hauling ass in a straight line, despite fairly aggressive steering geometry.

Charging single-track isn’t what this bike is best at, but it will get you into a lot tighter places than anything else BMW is currently offering.

The 652cc motor easily spins the rear wheel which makes for a fun time on smooth fire roads.

Compression adjustments are made on the left fork while rebound is handled on the right.

The Xchallenge manages to retain some form of that signature front fender.

The riding position is comfortable while standing. Because of the ultra-hard seat, you’ll be doing a lot of that.

This snaking footpath is part of a deadly four-day hike used regularly by illegal immigrants. Empty water bottles and discarded clothing made for sadly-interesting trailside debris.

The hardest part of being an editor – Hilde tries to pick which bike he wants to abuse for the day.