2009 BMW G650 XCOUNTRY
Radical. Lightweight. Purist. These are the words BMW use to describe the X-Country in their brochure. The BMW G650 X-Country certainly is lightweight, with a dry weight of only 148kg (325 pounds), and I suppose you COULD say it is “purist” with its retro 70’s scrambler styling. This is after all what a motorcycle is supposed to look like isn’t it? Certainly if you had to ask a non-motorcyclist to imagine a motorcycle in his or her head, they would probably conjure up an image pretty similar to the X-Country, or perhaps a Triumph Bonneville and certainly a few Harley images. Personally I like it and I DO think it is purist.
The BMW G650 X-Country is part of a new range introduced by BMW in 2007 and includes the X-Country, the G650 X-moto and the G650 X- Challenge. All three use a similar chassis tailored to each model’s distinctive needs. It is however the Xcountry that we’re dealing with here and BMW describe it as “an all-purpose, go-anywhere bike for the 21st century”, and I have to say I agree. The 2009 G650 X-Country is a revised version, featuring a lower seat height of 805mm (38inches) and a new colour scheme. Lowering the seat height was a good move on their part as the X-Country is a popular choice and a good choice for novice riders as well as lady riders who require a bit more bend in the leg to inspire confidence. Don’t get me wrong though, the G650 Xcountry is not just for novice and lady riders, experienced bikers will have an absolute blast on it!
As a day to day commuter it is absolutely perfect and very hard to beat. Its lightness, small dimensions and punchy engine make it an absolute pleasure to live with. The engine is the updated and uprated 652cc water-cooled version of the engine used in the BMW 650 GS. Power is up by 3HP to 53HP (39KW) and torque is rated at 60nm (44.25 foot pounds) at 5250 rpm. Combine these figures with a dry weight of just 148kg (325 pounds) and you have the makings of a really fun little bike. The responsiveness of the motor is incredible, crack the throttle open at 80km/h (50 mph) in top gear and she rockets forward in the blink of eye. The same applies at 120km/h (75mph). For those interested, BMW claim a top speed of 170km/h (106,25mph) which is more than adequate for what the bike was intended for. To put things in perspective regarding the performance of the G650 X-Country, it weighs 29,2kg (65,7lb) less than a 650 GS and has 3 more HP than a 650GS. In my opinion these figures are significant and make the X-Country one of the most underrated bikes out there. Granted it doesn’t have a screen like the GS does, but that is easily solved. Some would also say that the GS has a better quality feel to it in terms of switch gear etc. and I tend to agree with them, but the 650 Xcountry more than makes up for it in character and “fun factor”.
Fuel economy
Light weight has other benefits too, for example fuel consumption figures are extremely impressive. Before fitting a Wunderlich screen and 39 litre Shad top box, the bike consistently returned figures of 25Km/Litre (4L/100km, 59.4USMpg, 70.3 Imperial Mpg). After fitting the screen and top box in mixed conditions the bike easily returns figures of 27km/litre (3.7L/100km, 64 USmpg, 76 Imperial Mpg ), which in this day and age is to be taken seriously. The bike has a small fuel tank of just 9.5 litres (2,5 gallons), but given its low fuel consumption, it still has a handy range. I find the low fuel warning light comes on about 175 to 180km (109 to 112 miles) after fill up with 3 litres remaining in reserve. In other words 175 to 180 km on 6,5 litres of fuel with 3 litres left in reserve. Very impressive! The fuel tank is not where one might expect, but rather under the seat and down the right hand side of the motorcycle. This gives the X-Country a low centre of gravity, which contributes to the excellent handling characteristics. The dummy fuel tank houses the air filter and battery.
As I said earlier, BMW describe the G650 X-Country as an all-purpose, go-anywhere motorcycle. It is a street scrambler with on-off road tyres and relatively long travel suspension. The Xcountry is fitted with 100/90 S 19” tyres upfront and 130/80 S 17” at the rear. The riding position is upright and comfortable and it has a typical BMW feel about it. Like all BMWs, it is extremely easy to ride and an excellent handler. Fantastic lean angles can be achieved, and on more than one occasion, I scraped my foot on the road surface. On a curvy mountain road, a well ridden G650 X-Country would easily embarrass an average superbike rider, of that I have no doubt. The lack of a screen is certainly a factor on longer highway trips, but that is easily solved with numerous aftermarket screens available. See the image of the Wunderlich screen below. Numerous aftermarket extras are available, including engine crash bars.
Extras
The bike has a 5-speed transmission and a rather clunky gear change which is a little disappointing. The gears however are evenly spaced. Braking is provided by a single 300mm (12”)disk with double-piston floating calliper upfront and a 240mm (10.6”) disk with single piston floating calliper at the rear. Needless to say braking is decent and very confidence inspiring especially with optional ABS fitted. The ABS can be switched off when riding on dirt roads if you wish. Instrumentation is fairly basic and includes an odometer, two trip meters a volt meter and a clock. Very disappointingly there is no fuel gauge, but rather only a low fuel warning light.
In conclusion the BMW G650 X-Country is a fantastic, fun, confidence inspiring motorcycle, ideal for someone looking for a decent quality daily commuter and weekend trail runner. It has really zippy performance and is extremely economical. What more could you ask for?
Positive points:
Peppy performance
Comfortable riding position
Real fun factor
Agile handling
Comfortable riding position
Real fun factor
Agile handling
Low fuel consumption
Negative points:
No screen
No Fuel gauge
Clunky gear changeStalling problem
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