2009 BMW G 650 X Challenge vs 2011 Yamaha XT660R

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles

Differences only

2009 BMW G 650 X Challenge

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine

Single cylinder, four-stroke

Power

N/A

Top Speed

165.0 km/h / 102.5 mph

Weight

343.9 pounds

2011 Yamaha XT660R

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine

Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valve

Power

33.8 kW / 48 hp @ 6000 rpm

Top Speed

164.7 km/h / 102.3 mph

Weight

181 kg / 421 lbs

Full Specifications

Differs Same

General
Year	-	2011
Make Model	-	Yamaha XT660R
Dimensions
Seat Height	930 mm / 36.6 in.	865mm / 34.1 in
Wheelbase	1,500 mm / 59.1 in.	1505 mm / 59.3 in
Ground Clearance	-	210 mm / 8.3 in
Height	1,915 mm / 75.4 in.	1230 mm / 48.4 in
Length	2,205 mm / 86.8 in.	2240 mm / 88.1 in
Width	-	845 mm / 33.2 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight	144 kg / 317.5 lbs	172 kg / 379.2 lbs
Fuel Capacity	9.50 litres / 2.51 gallons	15 Litres / 3.3 US gal
Oil Capacity	-	2.9 Litres / 0.19 quarts
Wet Weight	156.0 kg / 343.9 lbs	181 kg / 421 lbs
Performance
Top Speed	165.0 km/h / 102.5 mph	164.7 km/h / 102.3 mph
Max Power	-	33.8 kW / 48 hp @ 6000 rpm
Max Torque	60.00 Nm (6.1 kgf-m or 44.3 ft.lbs) @ 5250	58.4 Nm / 5.7 kgf-m @ 5250 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio	0.3631 HP/kg	-
Standing Start ¼ Mile	-	14.2 sec
Engine
CO2	83.5 CO	-
Bore x Stroke (mm)	100.0 x 83.0 mm	-
Bore x Stroke (in,)	3.9 x 3.3 inches	-
Displacement (ci)	39.79 cubic inches	-
Engine Type	Single cylinder, four-stroke	-
Displacement (cc)	652.00 cc	-
Displacement	-	659 cc/ 40.2 cu-in
Engine Detail	-	Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valve
Fuel System	Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection / BMW engine management, twin spark ignition	-
Bore x Stroke	-	100 x 84 mm
Compression Ratio	11.5:1	10.0: 1
Cooling System	-	Liquid cooled
Exhaust	Euro 3	-
Fuel Consumption	3.60 litres/100 km (27.8 km/l or 65.34 mpg)	23 km/lit
Fuel Induction	-	Fuel injection, 44 mm throttle body
Fuel Reserve	2.00 litres / 0.53 gallons	-
Ignition	-	TCI
Lubrication	-	Dry sump
Starter	-	Electric
Drivetrain
Clutch	Multiple-disc clutch in oil bath, mechanically operated	Wet, multiple-disc coil spring
Final Drive	Chain	Chain
Gearbox	5-speed	-
Transmission / Drive	-	5 Speed
Chassis
Frame Type	Bridge-type steel section frame with bolted-on cast aluminium side elements, bolted-on aluminium rear section	Steel tubular diamond frame with dual tank rails
Suspension - Front	Upside-down front fork, Ø 45 mm, rebound and compression damping adjustable	43 mm Telescopic forks,
Suspension - Rear	Cast aluminium dual swing arm, Air Damping System, spring pre-load and damping continuously variable by air pressure	Oscillating arm standard Monocross. 200mm wheel travel
Rake	27.5°	27.0°
Trail	118 mm / 4.6 in.	107 mm / 4.2 in
Wheel Travel - Front	270 mm / 10.6 in.	225 mm / 8.8 in
Wheel Travel - Rear	270 mm / 10.6 in.	200 mm / 7.9 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front	Single disc. Optional ABS	Single 298mm disc 2 piston caliper
Brakes - Rear	Single disc. Optional ABS	Single 245mm disc 1 piston caliper
Tyres - Front	90/90-21	90/90- 21
Tyres - Rear	140/80-18	130/80-17

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2009 BMW G 650 X Challenge and the 2011 Yamaha XT660R are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2009 BMW G 650 X Challenge - Advantages

More rear wheel travel: 270 mm vs 200 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
More front wheel travel: 270 mm vs 225 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2011 Yamaha XT660R - Advantages

Lower seat height: 865mm vs 930 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.

2009 BMW G 650 X Challenge vs 2011 Yamaha XT660R - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2009 BMW G 650 X Challenge and 2011 Yamaha XT660R?

The 2009 BMW G 650 X Challenge uses Single cylinder, four-stroke, while the 2011 Yamaha XT660R is powered by Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valve.

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2009 BMW G 650 X Challenge or the 2011 Yamaha XT660R?

The 2011 Yamaha XT660R has the lower seat at 865mm, making it more accessible. The 2009 BMW G 650 X Challenge sits higher at 930 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.

Which should I buy, the 2009 BMW G 650 X Challenge or the 2011 Yamaha XT660R?

Both are strong choices. The 2009 BMW G 650 X Challenge has the edge in higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel, while the 2011 Yamaha XT660R stands out for lower seat height and liquid cooling. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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