BMW has taken things up a bit at the Intermot Motorcycle Show in Cologne, Germany, with the unveiling of four new models. Three of the brand new designs are the product of the German manufacturer’s latest model series, a lineup of 652cc single-cylinder designs. The most significant development at the Intermot show, at least as far as BMW is concerned, is the unveiling of its all-new G650X series.
Powered by a 652cc Single, the new designs represent the lightest-powered machines in the Beemer inventory. Although any kind of dirt-oriented Beemer grabs a lot of attention, the new 650 series won’t be one-dimensional, as there will three different versions available: a dirt-oriented enduro labeled the Xchallenge; a supermoto street machine dubbed the Xmoto; and a dual-sporty ride named the Xcountry.
A constant on all three versions is the single-cylinder powerplant, now claimed to be 4.5 lbs lighter than the earlier 650 engine. The liquid-cooled mill is claimed to crank out 53 horsepower at 7,000 rpm with torque performance peaking at 44 lb-ft at 5,250 rpm. The 650 thumping away in the heart of the new series was derived from the Single powering the F650GS models, but Motorrad engineers claim modifications to reduce weight and boost performance have upped the power numbers by almost 3 ponies. The juice squeezed out of the Single is delivered to the back wheel via an O-ring chain.
An aluminum radiator remains intact from the F650 design, as well as the gearbox. The stressed-member engine benefits from a lighter crankdrive while a balance shaft remains to ensure smoothness. Other components such as the alternator and starter cover are comprised of magnesium to further reduce weight. Meanwhile, a stainless steel exhaust system, equipped with an oxygen sensor and three-way catalytic converters, ensure the new designs exceed stringent Euro 3 standards.
All three 650s sport a bridge frame constructed out of tubular steel with cast aluminum sections to the side and an aluminum rear frame bolted on. An aluminum-alloy double swingarm rounds out the skeletal design. A 2.1-gallon fuel tank is positioned within the frame triangle beneath the seat, a carryover from the F650 design, and provides an operating range of 155 miles. Strong forged aluminum is used for the foot controls and the sidestands on the Xchallenge and Xmoto.
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