Feedback on new XT660 please
 

With a heavy heart im beginning to face the reality that my old 34l is unlikely to survive another continental crossing and so Im looking to replace the old steed.

Im of the old school that believes bikes should be purely mechanical things that can be fixed with a few basic tools on the side of teh road in Sudan if necessary -so things like fuel injection worry me. As does the new trend in bikes and cars that almost look rugged, but actually cant manage more off roading than a pavement mount. And what of my hard luggage that is sure to bend the frame of a lesser machine? So what id really like to hear is weather anyone has done any hard riding, like trans Africa, on the new bike and how it went and what if any modifications were necessary.

Thanks, in anticipation,


Jim

Take an old XTZ660 Ténéré!
With only a few mods it will do the job. That is : new model voltage regulator with cooling fins, and suspension job. And check the battery mounting rubber, they tend to wear through within about 12 years.

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Fred, XTZ660, Holland.

Thanks Fred
I dont think we get the 660 in SA. Any idea where to find a picture? Does it also have a 27L tank?
J

It has a 22 litre tank and will give you at least 20 kms/l. when travelling. Probably 23 if you set the carbs right and have a good [read K&N] air filter.
I'll send you pics of the 660 by email.
I think there is one for sale in Cape Town. I'll check and let you know.

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Fred, XTZ660, Holland.

Cool!
Thanks Fred

Jim SFC

Tell you what. Buy my 1980 XT 500 so i can get a new XT660R, and ill tell you all about it?! :)

Ja im also desperate for any useful info on the new XT660R!!

Please guys someone must know if its any good??

Thanx

Dex

I posted this on another XT660 question, but it is worth considering:

If you look at the picture below of the new XT660, the exhaust pipes are very exposed, so a protection bash plate, if you can get one would be a good idea.

http://www.yamaha-motor.co.uk/includ....html?modelnam e=XT660R&img=/Images/2005_XT660R_Photo_05_tcm46-50958.JPG.

If you look at the old XT600E, the exhaust and sump are much more protected:

http://www.motoservices-uk.co.uk/new...e-good-pic.jpg

Hi,

Try - www.xt660.com

There are also links there to after market parts and owners gripes/praises.

May be of some help.



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Scoobie Doo

Borrowed one from the local Yamaha dealer yesterday. No off road but on paved roads: very light and responsive. Handlebars feel very close as if on you lap so you feel like going over them when had stopping. Very sharp/immediate on corners.

First impression on looks: fantatic weekend toy but not robust enoughfor any serious loaded offroad work. Guess that's why it's been included in with the latest supermoto fad for every yuppie.

As i thought. Surely it would pay Yamaha to bring back the Tenere?

Scoobie Doo
That's the so-called street or supermoto version (XT660X). The dual sport or so-called adventure version (XT660R) looks more useful, although it still has exposed under-slung pipes
and is a bit pretty. I think it would otherwise be quite adequately robust, however. I'm toying with giving it a try myself.
Neil.

XT660R owner review.
 

I bought my first an XT660 in 2012, it was a 2009 model. It was also a motard, the Xt660X. It was my pride & joy and the sexiest XT in existance

They are talking about the old 660, the thread/topic is 15yrs old & Jim has not logged in in 4yrs.

Mezo.

Don’t fear electronics
 

Hi Jim

I would not let fuel injection be a concern. I have been racing rally cars, off road buggies and bikes since FI became a thing. Cant ever recall an issue with any FI system.

As a mechanic it was very very rare to see FI electrics screw up. Injectors yes, fuel pumps yes, but rarely the electronics. They rarely just stop, but tell you with decreased efficiency and power of some time.

My ‘08 GSA has all the electrics and in 370’000kms it has thrown up a few errors on the GS911. FI not one of them.

Just my exp. Others may have other exp. I wonder what the experience on here is of FI or other electronics screwing up? (Welding on the frame not counted LOL)

Have fun.

XTR, open your own thread, you posted on one that is 15 years old.


My main concern RTW with EFI would be that dead battery = no party, EFI cant be push started, needs 12V to work, that said, not many bikes left with a battery-less magneto ign and kicker these days and yet people do RTW on them and get to be back home...


if you go EFI, I would recommend using a filter funnel when topping up on places with suspect gasoline. EFI doesnt like dirt or water, a filter funnel slows down re-topping but in certain areas will be worth its weight in gold.