How to improve xtz660 (old) off road ability
 

I have a 3aj which is great off road. On road i'd like a bit more smoothness and power. Can an xtz660 with its more refined engine be made as good (or better) off road as a 3aj ? Would new forks and shock? Save a bit of weight with a lighter exhaust? Would that do the trick or is more needed?

Any thoughts?

Hi

I have an xtz660 -92. My mods so far is to replace the very heavy exhaust for a much lighter produro in stainless, and pulling the snorkel. The bike sounds nicer and breaths easier. Plug is right colour with this mod. New fork springs seem to be a very good investment. Otherwise I think it handles great onroad or offroad.

Cheers
Chris

I have just purchased an 96 XTZ 660 with 22000km on the clock in very good condition. Previously I owned an Africa Twin, but with today traffic, moto accidents and police on the road, I'm every day more off road. XTZ is beeter off road than AT just so much as it is worse on the road but this is just waht I need.

The first thing I did to improove off road capability is to change the handelbar with one "more normal", because the original is at least for me very strange curved. I also raised it up for 2,5cm and put on some Acerbis handguards. Then I've put on off road tyres (Mitas E09), remove the rubbers on the pads and remove the pads for the passenger.

Things to do are also to change the silencer and I have just ordered some WP progressive springs for front forks. That is it for me. It will be ready for Tunisian desert.