Desertexperience: disadvantages of XR650L/R, TT600, etc.

**cornepol** · #1 12 May 2004

Hi there,

Looking for the perfect desert bike (not a KTM!) that can carry hard luggage, 400 km reach, light weight, easy to maintain, aftermarket products (bigger tank, engine guard, panniers) that are easily available, etc.

Any one any experiences with the Honda XR650L or R, Yamaha TT in the desert. I'm especially interested in disadvantages. Do suzuki and kawasaki sell alternatives?

Any links to aftermarkter product sellers?

Thanx,
Corné

**ekaphoto** · #2 13 May 2004

I can't comment on the honda and yamaha products. I can recommend the Suzuki DRZ 400 for single person if you are doing a lot of off road riding. I like the water cooled feature, it keep the engine cooler and makes it more reliable. Just an option.

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John

**martync** · #3 17 May 2004

in my experience (which is not great) Ive found water cooled off road bikes to have more problems than air cooled.
They still over heat and if the rad gets a leak youre stuffed, they take longer to work on as you have the job of draining the coolant etc and many dirt bikes that are water cooled don't have thermostats so may runn too cold which is also a big problem. For simplicity I'd stick to honda and I'd go for an XR/XRL as there prooven and genrally last longer than any other make of bike