Maybe in the UK, Not quite sure if you've been out of Europe lately or seen how many DR650's are around, North America, Australia and most of Asia still get to buy new DR650's

Maybe out of the box the XT had slightly better suspension than the DR, but both bikes need suspension work for an RTW.

Ive ridden a couple of old XT's in the UK and owned a few Yamahas in my time, the XT600 airbox is possibly the worst designed POS Ive seen on what is supposed to be a 'Trail' bike, using a very small flat car type paper air filter in a highly restrictive airbox. At higher altitudes the XT dies with a lack of air getting to the carbs.

The XT is water cooled and heavier, but doesn't produce any more power than the DR, the XT wheels are steel and are not very tough.

Im not talking 'Kak"

I can also buy a brand new DR650 in Canada for 3500 GBP, spend about 500 GBP on suspension upgrades, a new seat and a jet kit for the carb and end up with a far better bike than an XT. I think 4000 GBP for a well sorted BRAND NEW bike is damn good value - and so do lots of other people.

The range of aftermarket parts for the DR is also huge, so if you want to turn the DR into a 790 fire breathing supermoto with fuel injection you can, if you wish to turn it into a great overlander you can, with great products from Keintech and Procycle.

Obviously the XT600 is well out of production, if we want to compare like for like, the new XT660 produces more power with its fuel injected engine and in stock trim is a better bike than the stock DR. I think its safe to say if you looking for a NEW bike and are in Europe/Russia buy the XT660 or even better the XT660Z, elsewhere the DR650 rules. If you are in Australia/NZ then you get to choose either!!!

Anyway, I see the OP has managed to pick up an XT600, enjoy!.

__________________
Cheers
Grif

'11 KTM 450 EXC
'09 Suzuki DR650
'00 Discovery Series 2 V8
'95 Defender 90 300 Tdi Overlander
http://gipperstravels.blogspot.ca