Girls test ride XChallenge and R1200 GS - 21 June 2007
Larger-sized motorcycles are not always the first choice of bike when learning to ride off road, although two girls of a smaller stature who recently attended an Off Road Skills course begged to differ.

Jenny Wright who rides a KTM Super Duke on the road is only 5-foot 4.5-inchs in height. Jenny completed the Level One course last year and decided that she would prefer to ride the XChallenge on the Level Two course.

“I’ve only ridden off road three times since doing the Level One course on a small dirt bike. When I decided to do the Level Two course I chose the XChallenge because it looks more like an off road motorcycle.

“Then when I had the opportunity to ride it, I loved it. It just fits so well. When I was in the standing position, I was so comfortable. It was THE most comfortable bike I have ridden off road.”

Fellow female motorcyclist, Nina Joce recently completed the Level One course on a XChallenge but also test rode the BMW R1200 GS while on the course.

“This is the second time I’ve done the course. The first time I did it on a F650 GS but this time I chose the XChallenge. I actually found it better than the F650 GS because it is lighter, the footpegs are wider and it’s easier to pick up. The XChallenge just seems to enjoy itself on gravel, which makes you more confident when riding it. It made the couple of days on the course just brilliant.”

At 5-foot 8-inches in height, Nina also took the opportunity of test riding the R1200 GS on the course as she rides a R1200 GS on the road.

“I’ve recently changed my road bike from a F650 GS to a R1200 GS and have only been out on my new bike four or five times so I thought it would be a good idea to try it out on the course. It is larger (but not taller) than the XChallenge, but it is an awesome machine. Power wise it was brilliant… it is smooth to ride.

“The instruction I had on the course has made me more confident on my own bike. Like when you take the bike off the stand before getting on the bike and using the balance point. I feel more comfortable and confident with my riding. I had my best ride yet on the 1200 the other day. Even when we rode on a pebble car park I was okay, because I knew what to do.”

The new XChallenge is BMW’s off road oriented 650cc motorcycle and has a standard seat height of 930mm.

Off Road Skills is running a Women’s Only Off Road Skills course on 9-10 July followed by a Brecon Beacons Adventure on 11 July. Click here for more information.

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