XT600/660 or XR400?

[butchdiamond]

Everyone has been very helpful to a newbie like me so far, but now I have another question.

I have canned the idea of shipping my TTR250 from NZ to UK and I plan on buying a bigger bike when I get there.

I have a mate who is an XT man through and through and sings their praises, apparently I can't go wrong. Although I have great respect for this guy, I have been considering a smaller bike because of weight and fuel economy.
:confused1:
I like the look of the XR400. I have heard heaps about Honda's famous reliability and I have waded through various threads on the HUBB in regard to both the XT and XR (plus various other models besides).

I was wondering if anyone had any experience with both bikes and had a preference. I am not the lightest of people (95kgs) but I will be taking minimal luggage and am not interested in highway flying - 70-80mph will be more than enough speed for me!

Cost is an issue too, 2000GBP is about my lot, although I could strech it out a bit for the "Perfect Machine"! I've found that XR400's seem dearer even though they are smaller than the bigger XT - is that normal, or am I looking in the wrong place?

I need something simple, reliable (I'm no mechanic), tough and economical - I know the perfect bike doesn't exist, but something must come close!

Any info on these bikes would be greatly appreciated.

Butch

[maxwell123455]

For £2000 your gonna need to be looking everywhere to find a good low milage bike as the TTR is very rare to find at that price, the XR400 is mostly used in enduros over here so most have done alot of hard low miles + ive read many reports about the seat being thin and sore + its and enduro bike so needs regular oil changes.

The XT600 can be had cheaply but you have to look around as they get snapped up quickly. The Xt660 is only really new (04 being the youngest) so would be of average condition but the motor is builtproof and it water cooled which keeps things simplier and is easier on the oil. It is alot heavier but can still do most off roading/trail riding but needs to be planned.

What type of riding over here are you looking to do?? or where abouts are you looking to travel to?

[DavePortugal]

XRs make great ovelanders. Check out this one with E start -
Honda XR400 XR 400 ELECTRIC START overland dakar tenere on eBay, also, Honda, Motorcycles Scooters, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 28-Apr-08 22:00:00 BST)

I wouldn't worry that they may have been in enduros, most have probably been used for greenlaning but perhaps avoid something in Supermoto guise. With the right gearing they will cruise happily at 70mph, 1000km oil changes are a good idea but they could go twice that and more without a problem. There's also no radiator to worry about in the event of a fall. The seat is hard (although softer than most modern enduro bikes) but there's loads of options for more comfortable replacements.

[butchdiamond]

I'm planning to go through Europe to North Africa for a start and then maybe in Asia.

I saw that awesome XR400 on ebay and I have contacted the seller - although it's a little over budget it seems good enough to be worth the stretch. I won't be in UK until July though so maybe it'll be gone.

Thanks for your input so far.

Butch

[maxwell123455]

seeing as you are going for that long a trip i think you might want to consider something with a more comfy seat or at leat you will need to by an air hawk or something.

I know the XT660R's seat after about 3 days riding got to be annoying even with a home made inflating seat. But that was 3 days non stop riding really. (500miles average speed around 20mph in wales)

Ive heard the Xt600 seat is very comfy but you have to think about the extent of the off roading your planning on doing. I know the XT60R will do off roading but only to a certain extent and i take it the XT600 is the same.