Home › Forums › General Discussion › Privateer to Ride BMW 650 Xchallenge on the Dakar
-
AuthorPosts
-
A German privateer is taking on the mighty Dakar Rally in January on a BMW G650 Xchallenge-based rally bike built by Touratech. 😎Experienced competitors will tell you that it's not the actual riding that is so difficult, but more the long-distances that have to be covered, the concentration and energy required and the necessity to keep the bike in top condition." 😮The BMW G650 Xchallenge will be fitted with Öhlins suspension and new Wirth fork springs. It will need bigger radiators to cope with the massive temperature variations encountered.It will have stronger front and rear wheels, an additional 16-litre front fuel tank, a Rallye fairing and cockpit with special instruments, and an engine protection system with water reservoir. Further protection for the frame will be incorporated, as will Xenon lights, handlebar risers and a Remus exhaust system. I am walking a lot and also doing triathlon training such as swimming, cycling and running. Keeping energy levels high on the rally is vital, especially when you are doing your own machine preparation in the evenings after a day's riding. A rear shot of the bike This is another reason why I am pleased to be riding the BMW, as there shouldn't be too much to do on the G 650 Xchallenge - unlike the KTM I was riding in 2006, which required quite a bit of maintenance. I don't want to be changing the oil and adjusting the valves every evening, so with the BMW it should just be a case of checking and repairing if necessary." Guido is looking forwards to the challenges of the Dakar and doesn't mind putting up with all the different conditions he will encounter: 😀 "I like to ride on the rocky sections as much as in the sand. These terrain changes and the scenery are what I like as well as the lengths of the stages. The first time I did the Dakar, my goal was to finish in the top 50, but this time, it is already hard enough the way it is, so my overall objective is just to arrive at the finish line safely!" 😉
How about a link?
Alex, one might hazard a guess that Tharon got this off http://www.worldofbmw.com
Thanks Garry, I was too lazy to search. I would prefer if people supplied links to articles that aren't their own. See you soon.
I also wish for that! 😮 And so the English version is loaded now……………… 😡http://www.bmw-motorrad.co.za/bikes/news/default.asp?Id=853
The bike looks really good. [img width=700 height=829]http://www.f650.de/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1480[/img]
A few BMW'S for the 2008 Dakar…..http://www.dakar.com/2008/DAK/RIDERS/us/r3_8-engages.html
Looks like KTM is in with a fair chance, considering that they have a couple more bikes in it than BMW. Does BMW have a works team in it? They should.
Anonymous
Inactive06/01/2008 at 5:00 amPost count: 34Seems to be a little understatement there , KTM have a couple more bikes entered than BMW, but good to see the selection of manufactures bikes entered
Guest06/01/2008 at 5:31 amPost count: 2134Seems to be a little understatement there , KTM have a couple more bikes entered than BMW, but good to see the selection of manufactures bikes entered
No they don't as the Dakar has been canceled this year. 😀
Lisbon, Friday the 4th of January 2008A.S.O. cancels the 2008 edition of the Dakar rallyAfter different exchanges with the French government - in particular the Ministry for Foreign Affairs - , and based on their firm recommendations, the organisers of the Dakar have taken the decision to cancel the 2008 edition of the rally, scheduled from the 5th to the 20th of January between Lisbon and Senegal’s capital.Based on the current international political tension and the murder of four French tourists last 24th of December linked to a branch of Al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb, but also and mainly the direct threats launched directly against the race by terrorist organisations, no other decision but the cancellation of the sporting event could be taken by A.S.O.A.S.O.’s first responsibility is to guarantee the safety of all: that of the populations in the countries visited, of the amateur and professional competitors, of the technical assistance personnel, of the journalists, partners and rally collaborators. A.S.O. therefore reaffirms that the choice of security is not, has never been and will never be a subject of compromise at the heart of the Dakar rally.A.S.O. condemns the terrorist menace that annihilates a year of hard work, engagement and passion for all the participants and the different actors of the world’s biggest off-road rally. Aware of the huge frustration, especially in Portugal, Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal, and beyond the general disappointment and the huge economical consequences in terms of direct and indirect repercussions for the countries visited, A.S.O. will continue to defend the major values of great sporting events and will carry on its engagement for a durable development through the Actions Dakar, started 5 years ago in sub-Saharan Africa with SOS Sahel International.The Dakar is a symbol and nothing can destroy symbols. The cancellation of the 2008 edition does not endanger the future of the Dakar. To offer, for 2009 a new adventure to all the off-road rally passionate is a challenge that A.S.O. will take on in the months to come, faithful to its engagement and its passion for sports. 😡 😡 😡 😡
-
AuthorPosts
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.