• Serious trail bike a first for BMW.
  • Light-weight, fast, with agile handling.
  • Delivers BMW technology and innovation to a new market.

BMW dishes the dirt with an all-new hard-core off-road bike, it's very first single focus machine of this type in more than 80 years of two-wheel action.

The new G 650 Xchallenge (pronounced "cross challenge") is aimed at drawing yet more young riders to the BMW Motorrad family. It makes its Australian debut at the Melbourne International Motor Show on 2 March 2007.

Following on from the massive success of the new F 800 parallel twins as well as the sporty K 1200 S and K 1200 R machines launched in the past two years, BMW now has an off-road machine capable of giving Australian riders a real thrill.

Equipped in line with the BMW philosophy of industry-leading innovation, technical expertise and striking good looks, the G 650 Xchallenge also delivers typically sporty BMW riding.

Weighing in at a mere 144 kg dry or 156 kg ready to ride, the G 650 Xchallenge will be easy to ride through the many thousands of twisting and undulating tracks that cross-cross Australia.

While the new G 650 is an exciting point for young riders to enter the BMW world, the machine is not an entry-level dirt bike in the conventional sense, since many mass-market dirt machines are available with much smaller and (less powerful) engines.

The new BMW G 650 Xchallenge delivers a new era in sheer riding pleasure for those who enjoy the thrill of trail riding in the great outdoors. Of course the G 650 is a dream to ride on bitumen as well.

Power comes from the proven and much admired four-valve, single-cylinder engine previously seen in the F 650 models. In the G 650, the engine has been further revised and refined to deliver maximum output of 39 kW at 7,000 rpm and 60 Nm of torque at 5,250 rpm.

Superior reliability, riding refinement, economy, and environmental friendliness have been enhanced to an even higher standard than ever before.

The dynamic power delivery from the four-valve engine is possible thanks to the lighter crankdrive and many detail modifications. The rear wheel is driven by an O-ring chain.

Using a bridge-type tubular frame made of steel with cast aluminium side sections, and a bolted-on aluminium rear subframe, the G 650 also features a rear swing arm made of cast light alloy.

At the front there are sturdy upside down forks while the rear suspension does without a conventional steel spring and in place has an air shock similar in concept to that fitted to the BMW HP2 Enduro.

This particularly elaborate air damping system ensures perfect positioning on the machine as well as delivering impressive control even in the worst possible conditions.

The front wheel is a 21- inch item while the rear uses an 18-incher. Stopping on dirt from high speed is no laughing matter so the G 650 Xchallenge has a double piston front calliper on a single disc measuring 300 mm.

Unique to the single-cylinder dirt bike market is the optional availability of BMW's light and compact two-channel ABS for greater braking safety. BMW has engineered the ABS to suit the Xchallenge, allowing it to be deactivated when the rider is enjoying some particularly adventurous off-road riding.

As with all BMW motorcycles, there is a high level of standard equipment offered, as well as a wide choice of factory or dealer fit options, as befits a premium product.

Key features of the new G 650 Xchallenge at a glance include:

  • Sporty and exciting design, lightweight features.
  • Fast-revving single-cylinder power producing 39 kW at 7,000 rpm, 60 Nm at
    5,250 rpm.
  • Anti-friction bearings for crankshaft, lighter alternator.
  • DOHC valve drive with cup tappets and four valves.
  • Liquid cooling with an alloy radiator.
  • Electronic BMS-C II engine management with intake manifold injection and dual ignition.
  • Stainless-steel exhaust system with three-way catalytic converter and oxygen sensor.
  • Dry sump lubrication with the oil tank positioned appropriately for an ideal centre of gravity.
  • Close-ratio five-speed gearbox with secondary chain drive.
  • High-quality running gear components, aluminium attachments.
  • Torsionally-rigid tubular bridge frame with bolted-on aluminium sub frame.
  • Stable upside-down telescopic fork, fixed-position tube of 45 mm diameter.
  • Light and highly stable two-unit cast-aluminium swing arm.
  • Low unladen weight.
  • Oversize aluminium handlebar.
  • Foot brake and gearshift levers made of forged aluminium.
  • Fuel tank positioned beneath the seat for an ideal centre of gravity, with good access to the filler pipe.
  • High-performance brake system with on-demand ABS as an option.
  • Large range of accessories and optional features.

The BMW G 650 Xchallenge will go on sale in Australia in March, priced at $14,350. All models will be delivered in Aura White with a Blue seat.

For further press/media information contact:
Alexander Corne
Communications and Specialist Media Manager
BMW Group Australia
Phone: 03 9264 4150
Fax: 03 9562 2799
Mobile: 0439 568 819
Email: alexander.corne@bmw.com.au