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BMW G650X Country

HotRod Welding

3/14/2014

4 Comments

 
Licking my wounds from the somewhat off-target success of the seat, I decide to fix the distance of the XC.  For this, I contact HotRod Welding out of the Netherlands.  He's a small shop, but again a master of his craft. 

The product that really lights my fire took at paltry 120 gas mileage range and extended it to a true ADV bike. The Xtra Tank (which is 35mm wider and still fits the racks) adds 2.6 gallons to the OEM 2.1 gallons.   At 70MPG, that gives a range approx 300 miles.
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The nice part about this tank is that you don't have to do any permanent modification to plumb it.  You just connect it to the overflow valve of the main tank, and it empties into the main tank via suction.

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Now the bad news about suction.  It seems that a good portion of the OEM gas tank caps leak like a sieve.  Thus, they don't keep a suction.  Touratech was carrying a $150 gas cap.  While it was modern marvel of billeted aluminum, they don't make (nor guarantee them either).  However, thus far (knocks on wood) it's worked like a champ.
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The bane of my existence is paying for shipping.  So, since a box is coming across the Atlantic, mind as well come with some pannier racks too!  The nice part about the racks is it comes with an integrated top plate that you can run with or without the side racks.



My two minor complaints are the racks are far more functional than aesthetically pleasing (but hey we are Adventure riders right?).  Secondly, I like to use my rear pegs to stretch out backwards on long slabbing trips.  These racks use the rear pegs for support, which is probably the only way you'd get away with them. It is noted that this rack will only fit the XCs with a steel subframe (2009s).

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My last bit of 'free' shipping from HotRod was the protection bits.  The XC exposed at the bottom of the where the footpegs and motor mount.  We've had limited success with the ears.  I have 2 pairs, and straighten out the bend carnage once year or so.  I'll need to grab some photos of these.



4 Comments
Kam (GF-kam)
7/22/2015 12:04:58 am

Hi gang ( Hi D ),

I was Googling the "spench" things we were discussing and came across your website. Wow! So, much good information. I had no idea of the possibilities, these highly specialized mods, and some unique modification by fabricators. Very cool!

I sent an email to David regarding some solutions for beefing up my 2011 F650GS Twin. I know we discussed Race Tech linear springs vs. progressive and emulator kit. I had not thought about Ohlin type cartridge. I did not know you could adjust your preload and damping on the fly without have to dig into the fork internals. Nice.

Love the XCountry mods. Very nice multi use designs. Especially the skid plate and tool box combo.

I head for the Rockies tomorrow. Unfortunately no time to do any more mods. It will have to wait till I get back. I'll either brake my Wilbers or know what I really need in the next suspension setup.

....cheers,
Kam

Reply
Jay link
1/2/2016 09:43:56 pm

You just connect it to the overflow valve of the main tank, and it empties into the main tank via suction.

Reply
BlastoffADV
1/5/2016 01:27:03 pm

Hi Jay,

Yes, you are correct. No modifications to the main OEM tank are required. If you ever want to return the bike to stock, it just unmount the HotRod Welding tank, and put the hoses back.

Reply
Beth H
7/6/2020 10:19:56 pm

Hey nice blog! I have the same set up. I love it but just lost the cap on the highway. Can you send me the info on yours? Make and model?

Reply



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