Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Warning XT660R and leaded fuel. Warning XT660R and leaded fuel.
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 30 Jun 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Denmark
Posts: 140
Warning XT660R and leaded fuel.
Just found out (despite my dealers assurance of otherwise) that the Yamaha XT660R '07 with lambda probes, cannot run on leaded fuel.

Models prior to '07 should be able to run with no problems.

A "fix" is being researched and I'll let people know in the XT forum. Just a heads up in case you were considering purchasing a brand new '07 model for your overland trip.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10 Jul 2007
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Powys, Cymru, U.K.
Posts: 94
Just to confirm......

My '04 XT660R went for many a good mile in Africa using only leaded petrol. That's all there was at times.
It is still going strong, but these earlier models do not have a lambda sensor, as the later ones do.
If planning a trip where there is likely to be no unleaded, get yourself a model before the '07.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 10 Jul 2007
Nomadic1's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Sheffield, UK
Posts: 102
Should've bought a beemer
__________________

Visit my space here
See my photos here
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 11 Jul 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Denmark
Posts: 140
Nomadic; yeah, if you want to spend %33 more on your purchase, I'd say buy a beemer too.

The mods needed on my '07 to enable it to deal with leaded (ex-stalling the lambda probe) will run me approx. 3-400 dollars.

Buying a beemer instead would have cost me $5000 more than the price of the XT. And $7200 if I bought the dakar model (danish prices and taxes).

You do the math .
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12 Jul 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
As time passes my view that old style simple bikes are better suited to rtw travel becomes more entrenched.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 13 Jul 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Denmark
Posts: 140
I'm inclined to agree, oldbmw. Simpler solutions for a simpler time.

But let's not get carried away here and disqualify bikes purely because a lambda probe is fitted and because they benefit from newer technologies. In time, old style simple bikes, will be unable to actually do a RTW as unleaded fuel becomes the standard in remote places (like Africa where I am going). The world moves, and we must move with it.

I do agree that a RTW or a cross Africa trip calls for a more practical approach, rather than a mindless adoration of everything "new and improved". I'll be the first to admit that buying a brand new "state of the art" machinery and believing it would not clash with third world technology, was/is a bit a naive of me. Hindsight is 20/20 as we all know.

Having said that, the Yam xt660r is a lot more than a problem lambda sensor. Which, again, is a fixable problem. It is a great bike and I am still happy with my choice. And as I've understood it, so is oldbaldric.

My thread was meant as a warning to those who were about to embark on a similar trip on a '07 model, but being unaware that the lambda would be a problem. Not as a disqualification of the bike in general.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 15 Jul 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 3
Costly!
Quote:
Originally Posted by McThor View Post
Nomadic; yeah, if you want to spend %33 more on your purchase, I'd say buy a beemer too.

The mods needed on my '07 to enable it to deal with leaded (ex-stalling the lambda probe) will run me approx. 3-400 dollars.

Buying a beemer instead would have cost me $5000 more than the price of the XT. And $7200 if I bought the dakar model (danish prices and taxes).

You do the math .
Not exactly cheap!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 24 Aug 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: IPSWICH, UK
Posts: 8
Its just the valve guides that made it so you cant use unleaded (the material there made from wasnt as hard as the phospor bronze used now so relyed on the lead deposits not to recess). my 1960 enfield can even be converted easily enough for a few quid to unleaded as with any older bike (not that id ever dare a rtw on that ole beast lol)!
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
XT660 - fuel tolerance (and big tanks) andybee Yamaha Tech 3 8 Jul 2005 18:44

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
New York: October 9-12 NEW!
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

2026 Confirmed Dates:
(get your holidays booked!)

Virginia: April 23-26
Queensland: May 1-4
CanWest: July 9-12

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 23:37.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top