The AMA has an article on the new G series bikes from BMW. All the specs are there and riding impressions. With 3 models that range from dirt to street, it should satisfy any of the thumper crowd. As usual with BMW, there is a price for admission…
On the dirt-to-asphalt spectrum, the G Series starts with the G 650 Xchallenge, which is still street-legal, but is the most off-road-capable with additional suspension travel and a 21-inch front wheel. Falling into the dual-sport range is the G 650 Xcountry, which BMW describes as the perfect bike for “wandering.” Finally, the G 650 Xmoto goes the street-legal Supermoto route by taking the same 652cc platform and ditching the spoked wheels for 17-inch street tires mounted on cast alloy wheels (see sidebar, right).
All the G Series bikes start with an improved version of the single-cylinder engine, designed by the Austrian firm, Rotax, that powers the current F650 line of BMWs. Like the original F650 that emerged in the late 1990s, the G Series BMWs are built in partnership with Aprilia.
The Rotax single always was more eager to rev than most 650-class thumpers, and that tendency has been enhanced in the new G Series with lighter engine components. BMW claims the engine produces 53 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 44 foot-pounds of torque at 5,250 rpm. Electronic engine management and fuel injection, along with a three-way catalytic converter and an oxygen sensor in the exhaust, enable the X bikes to meet strict European emissions standards.
The engine mates to a five-speed transmission and the rear wheel is driven by an O-ring chain. BMW shaft-drive purists will have to stick to the company’s R and K lines.
With prices in the 9-10,000.00 range, you have to really want one of these.
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