|
Yamaha XT660R as a tourer...opinions?
OK, I'm considering going for a smaller engined machine for a bit of leisurely touring with perhaps a tiny bit of off-roading/greenlaning.
What do folk think of the XT660R...any one travelled far on one? The lack of a kick start is a bit frustrating...not sure if it's possible to bump start a fuel-injected bike? On a test ride I thought this little single seemed reasonably comfortable and powerful. Not sure how it copes fully ladened with all the camping stuff though? |
I don't know if a fuel injected bike can be bump started. Interesting quesiton. Here's hoping for a reply from someone more knowledagble in such matters.
As for the touring question: I think there was a thread about this at a previous date. The problem seems to be that the model is still fairly new and so, not many have had the chance to test it thoroughly. But if you believe the Yamaha sales pitch "the authentic go anywhere, do anything, motorcycle", they seem to believe that the XT660R will take over where the XT600 left off. Only time will tell if this will be the case. I am in the preperation stages of my trans africa trip starting in November. To me, it is a choice between the BMW F650GS and the Yamaha XT660R. The BMW costs about 33% more than the Yamaha (at least in Denmark where I live). Personally, I am not convinced that the extra cost reflects it's performance and durability over the Yamaha's. If Yamaha can give you a 5 year warranty (which they do), it does give you a hint of how durable they believe it is. I am unaware if BMW gives the same warranty. Having said all that, I am not discounting the F650GS option just yet. It does seem to do the job, and several touring agencies swear by them. And even the staunchest opponent to BMW have to admit that they look darn good :). I digress...back to the Yamaha... My main worry (goes for both the Yam and the BMW) is the fuel injection. Since I personally will be traveling in areas where petrol quality will be questionable, hyper modern bikes fuel system is somewhat of a worry to me. I don't know if this is an issue to you. Just tossing a ball here. My conclusion (conclusion=guessing): Seeing as the XT660R comes from a company who has had so much success with the XT600 can't have gone all wrong. Dare I guess that much of the "this works" technology from the XT600 has gone into the XT660R? And then added a few improvements to an allready widely accepted success. Also, complemening the engine with an extra 60 ccm perhaps gives it that extra "umph" that is needed to carry yourself/paniers/extra fuel/tent and packs for a long trip. Eventhough the F650GS is not entirely out of the picture yet, Yamaha does seem to be my personal favorite at the moment. So if you want to trust my guesswork/conjecture/selfinvented logic, I'd say go for it. Or, you can wait untill May 2008 where I should be returning from my Africa trip and I'll be able to give my oppinion more based on facts and experience :). |
My XT600E which is similar to the 660 but older and smaller engined and with carbs (and therefore presumably less powerful) copes well with even the enormous amount of crap I load on it. A recent trip I took to Morocco and Iran I took what can only be described as a ridiculous weight (there was an ice axe and crampons in there for some of the time, that'll give you an idea what a rolling gear store I was!). Bouncing around on Moroccan pistes and Turkish roads didn't seem to do the subframe any harm either.
To sum up, assuming the 660 has similar reliability and quality to the 600 then it's going to be great for the type of stuff you mention. The only major 'oops' Yamaha seem to have made is to run the pipes under the sump, but I'm guessing you can get a bash plate for them. Have no idea about the injector/push starting thing though! Matt :) |
Xt660r
Bump starting not a problem i have had to do it a few times until yamaha sent me a replacement under warranty.
Only had mine a couple of months but am well impressed, taking mine to Iceland in July. Check out .: XT660.com - The #1 XT660 Resource :. a great site to research your dilema. |
I am thinking of buying one too.
I think it's a pretty good bike as long as you don't want to go offroad. The pipes running under the engine is a big minus for offroading. But there is a 2in1 exhaust system that would change this (off-the-road in Germany sells them). Additionally, the tank could be bigger in my opinion. But if you stay away from remote areas that shouldn't be a problem. |
If it help's.
I have moved from a large bike to the nice and small XT660R. I fitted a set of my old panniers useing a new set of rack's from TT. TT also make a very good full size engine guard,at about £120 and for the size of it ,it seems to be good value,and the part's arrived in less than a week. I have taken the bike off road with a pillion and it does the job well. I have also been getting 70mpg 2 up and loaded,so 70+ should be doable solo. With a 5lt jerry can on the back,that would give me a range of 300 mile's or so. And there is still a few pre registered one's for sale at £3200 !!!! |
Taking the plunge
OK...having had a test ride and weighing the pros and cons of big bike vs little bike and XT660R vs all the others I'm going to go for it and plump for the XT.
I'll add some feedback here as I kit the bike up and following my 3 week exploration of Scandinavia. Thanks to all who provided comments here :thumbup1: |
The XT660 isn't really a development of the XT600, it’s a whole new bike, so any comparisons on that level are like comparing an XT660 to a KTM Adventurer, however, I believe it is (XT660) a bloody good bike from a company that understands how to build reliable and practical motorcycles, at a fair price. It’s on my list of bike to consider after my XT600 gets pensioned off – a while yet.
As for touring on a single, I believe it’s the way to go, there is enough power to propel yourself and all you luggage along at a reasonable rate in safety, whilst not being too heavy to pickup when you drop it and you will at some point. Have a look at the problems people have with the bigger bikes and there more complex systems. In this month Bike magazine there is an interesting article about riding to Timbuktu; complains about the bigger bikes being too heavy and breaking down amazed me. For my two pence worth, I would buy one and then give loads of money to Metal Mule to kit it out. They make really solid kit from panniers (which I have) to sump guards and exhaust systems. Check out Bike High – they have nothing but praise for both the XT660 and the Metal Mule equipment – they even raced their touring bike in the Himalayan Rally and won their class. Happy Trails. |
My view so far...
Hi there,
I bought an XT660R recently and will be starting on a RTW in 2008 on it. Im currently equipping the bike. So far here is my rundown... ...the bike is ridilled with fueling problems which yamaha have not been able to cure (apparently not even on the 2007 models). The main problem is the fueling which is very surgey and causes the bike to cut out at low speeds. XT660.com has a number of fixes for this although none seem top be perfect or absoloute without shelling out or major modidfications. I'm currently considering a power commander to cure these problems, all the other cures involve lots of cutting of snorkels etc. which isnt such a wise move in the desert. Do try XT660.com; there are some good techies on there. I would be well aware of this before buying one, no one seems to have found a complete cure. Its pissing me off quite alot, but liveable with. Apart from that my only dilemna is the pipes. I dont know whether to just get some new pipes without the cats in them (The xt has these in their pipes) or get a 2-into-1 to aid ground clearance. Im not going to be doing off off road, but the consensus seems to be that its a wise move. If this is the case i will probably buy the offtheroad.de kit. The problem with a 2-into-1 is that noone seems able to equip the 660r with both a 2-into-1 pipe and engine bars. For me engine bars were a must as i expect to drop the bike lots Apart from that im very happy, and a fabulous little bike. I paid 2700 quid for mine with 2000 miles on the clock a few months ago a couple years old. Was minters and in great condition. Here is my list of expected changes to the bike before the trip: Yamaha Hand Protectors Pipes (To remove Cat convertor) Engine Bars Uprate Fork Springs/rear spring (Currently fork is very soft) Bash Guard Renthal Bars (Current bars are very cheap and bendy) Panniers/Rack tkc 80 tyres rallye footpegs folding gear lever Large Screen (Get bashed about at the moment on the highway at 80mph or so) GPS mount That little lot should get me going. Thanks Joe (Leaving March 2008) |
At present...commuting (and probably riding like a pratt) i find i actually only get about 50mpg. Saying that this week i'm going to try and behave myself and see what i can push it to.
|
Minarelli
One thing that scared me off XT660, besides low exhaust and relatively high weight, was the fact that the engine is not made by Yamaha but Minarelli (Italy). Entire bike is made by MBK in France, not Yamaha.
|
Xt660
Excellent machine and will take anyone anywhere for any amount of time. 2 guys used these to go to the highest altitude a bike has been ridden (in india), they rode there from the UK, attempted the climb and achived it then rode home.
best mods are micron exhaust (doesnt go under engine) I want one, where can they be purchased for £3500? when Ive looked there more like £6000 |
I've had my XT660 R for nearly 2 years now. Its longest journey was down through Africa. No Problems at all even with dodgy petrol.
Bump-starting a fuel injected bike is no problem, but it does need a bit of power in the battery to make the electronics work. Mine has always given between 70 and 80 miles to the gallon, except in W.Africa where it dropped to the low 50s. Loads of extras available - centre stand from SW Motech and another company, panniers & frames from SW Motech, Touratech & Metal Mule, sump guards, crash bars, taller screen, rear carrier etc all out there. 2 into 1 exhaust from www.offtheroad.de or Metal Mule, silencers from Carbon Can Company, Akropovic, Scorpion etc, etc. It could sometimes do with a larger fuel tank. Off The Road make one, but I believe it is made from glass-fibre and costs €800! I used a 5L fuel can on the back of the bike. The tank holds 15 litres and the red warning light comes on with 5 litres remaining. I always expect the red light to come on at about 150 miles, meaning I have up to 75 miles in reserve! Loads of parts are available on UK eBay. For me, there's no other bike out there that I would rather have. It is cheap to buy (new on eBay for £3,200), cheap to run, easy to service and maintain with loads of extras available oh, and it's quite comfortable too. I have not experienced surging on mine, but it is due to go in for a replacement throttle switch under warranty. Go get, and enjoy.......... |
Quote:
Dazzer |
Nice review
Thanks for that great review oldbaldrick. I was propably going to go for that bike anyway, but it was nice to see a post from someone with "hands on" testing. Especially under rugged conditions that you have no doubt experienced during your trip through Africa.
The low clearence due to the pipes is still a minor worry (very minor) to me. Did you equip a 2 in 1 or did you just trust the bashplate to do it's job? (Your post is not clear if you fitted one or just related where you could buy it) What about shocks? Did you fit something extra sturdy ones or just go with the ones the factory fitted? Thanks again for an excellent post. |
I still have the original front pipes on mine, that go under the engine. Crap idea really, but alternatives are available.
Don't bother with the Yamaha bash plate. It's for looks only and has no strength to it. Several makes are available. I got mine off eBay and I'm not sure of its origin. It does work with SW Motech engine bars and centre stand. It's a dodgy combination and not all parts will work with others of a different make, if you see what I mean,as they can get in the way of each other. I'm not overly worried about reduced ground clearance caused by the pipes. This bike does Euro-Touring, Welsh bog-trotting and African Adventures without any major drama. Suspension front & rear is standard. Considering a shorter (longer?) dog-bone link for the rear, to raise it a bit, as a bit more ground clearance can't hurt. Any problem with surging can be reduced by altering the mixture via the buttons on the speedo/console. You can't do anything like that with an F650. It's the nearest dealer for you. You can buy one of these brand-new for £3,200 and chuck anything up to maybe £1,500 at it with all the extras you can think of. It'll still be considerably cheaper than even a basic F650 or 640 Adventure! The engine is made by Minarelli and the bike by MBK of France, who are a subsiduary of Yamaha Moto France. |
xt660
Hi, i noticed a reference to a very readable site in one of the replies to your query. Just to reiterate it, it's www(dot)bikehigh(dot)com , one of the participants - Damon l'Anson - is a long-time bike mechanic-turned-Journo and a (staff?) writer for Bike mag in the UK, so i guess he knows his onions (or should that be xt's, ho, ho). The bike went down a storm, by all accounts! Enjoy...
|
Buttons
Quote:
What control do you have over the mixture via the buttons? - please tell me more; truly this is hi-tech stuff! I checked the webpages for DK in Stoke on Trent and you are spot on; they were advertising one a few days ago for £3199. Cheers, Dave |
Dave,
Have a look at .: XT660.com - The #1 XT660 Resource :. or ::.Yam-xt.com.:: Home Page ::.Yamaha XT660X & XT660R Website and Forum. Both very good UK sites with loads of info. It's possible to alter the fuelling via the 2 buttons on the dash. Full details on xt660.com. By adjusting things here, it's possible to reduce the (alleged) surging, or popping on the over-run. A Power Commander is another (expensive) solution for those who think they have a surging problem. |
Xt660r
I recently had a go on a new one as I thought an XT660R would be just the bike but now after a test ride will not purchase, no matter how cheap. The surging and general fuelling gives the bike an awful feeling.
How can they get it so wrong? |
Thanks Oldbaldrick - interesting stuff changing those buttons (I see the authors state that newish bikes could lose warranty cover however).
Pottsy, I don't take much notice of what the journalists say about bikes - for instance, they aren't prepared to rock any boats when the advertising income is at stake. In the case of the bikehigh website, they were given or loaned the bikes by Yamaha (from memory) - therefore, I take their reporting on the bikes with a large dose of scepticism (it is a nice way of making a living however, got to give them that!!). Dave |
This thread has lured me into putting up my first post :)
I had a XT660X for a few months recently and did a lot of research into the fueling snatchiness. Mine had some Arrow pipes on (with baffles removed). I ended up fitting the stage 2 kit (basically 2 air filters) and removed the snorkel. I also ordered a mod from a chap in Oz (details on XT660.com) to richen the mixture - the dash controls don't really make it richer (which is what is needed), so the mod is a variable resistor which alters the air pressure and temp sensor readings to fool the bike into giving more fuel. The end result was nowhere near as smooth as, say a sportsbike, but it was WAAYYY better than standard and I was happy to live with it. The alternative (a PC3 & dyno time) would have been far more expensive. |
fuelling on XTZ660
i still want to know if anyone tried a power comander and if it actually works to cure the snatchiness?
Also the bike has a lambda sensor so leaded fuel will destroy it - is therer a known fix for this other than removing the sensor (which will essentially wreck the fuelling system anyway). If these two problems can be cured then I will buy - money in pocket burning hole! |
Martync
As for the surging problems on the XT660 I can vouch that these problems have been solved at least on the '07 model. I have not had any problems...at all! And everything on the bike is stock issue. No powercommander, no mixture fiddling, no snorkle blinding...nothing. Admittedly, I've only had the bike for a little over a month. But as I've understood it, the surging issue is detectable from the get go, and not a growing problem that creeps up on you as the bike ages. So, since I don't have the problem now, I don't think I ever will. So with that in mind, I'd say go for it. The lambda probe issue is another story. If you plan to take your bike into areas with leaded fuel, you will have to deal with this. This weekend I am doing some testing on my '07 model and disconnecting the lambda to see what it does to the fuel consumption. Logically it should rise. But how much, is the question. I've been told in another thread, that BMW's with lambda probes do not noticably consume more fuel, albeit logically it should shave off a few miles per gallon. I mean, the lambda was put there for a reason and not for its good looks :). I'm guessing/hoping it will be more or less the same for the Yamaha. Guess I will know more after this weekend. I'll be sure to let you know. |
I became curious about the replacement cost of the probe:-
Just Lambda NTK, Suppliers of NTK lambda sensors by post.. Seems you would pay out about £75, at discount pricing supposedly, to replace the Lambda probe - I surmise that it is needed for MOT (UK), CT (FR) or whatever it is called in DK, routine vehicle testing. Dave |
Small update.
I've disconnected the lambda. The engine error light did not come on (yay :thumbup1: ). Took it for a short spin and I can't realy notice a difference. The ECU seems to be handling things nicely. Since the lambda apparently does it's work at steady throttle positions I'll propably need to take it out on open roads before I can be certain. But so far, things are looking good. |
Final update
I've taken the bike for a 150 km spin. No apparent difference except approx 1km less per liter. The bike ran flawlessly as always.
It seems that the ECU is handling the missing lambda excellently. I'm quite pleased with this test which means that I can remove it from the pipe (and plug it) and install it back again when un-leaded fuel becomes readily available again. Or just throw caution to the wind and replace it when I get back. I was convinced before, but even more so now, that my XT660R '07 will do nicely on my Africa trip. I am quite pleased with the ease with which this snag was overcome. Will however still need to fit catalyst free cans if I want to avoid burning my catalysts off in my stock ones. Still debating this issue with myself. Martync, I personally cannot see any lambda issues left to solve. As for the surging/cutouts, I have never experienced it on my '07 model. If I were you, I'd go for it. It's a great bike. |
As a few other people have said go on to the XT660.com forum and you will find everything you need to know about trying to solve the surgin wows. I had a test ride on an 06 one around a car park the other day (19 not allow out on the open road beggers) and it was snatchy but i think once you get out on the open road a bit more and i get used to the different throttle/clutch control i could tame it a bit. Also there is alot of fiddling to be done because of all these electronics with the fuelling to get it to suit my type of riding style.
|
Wrappin' it up...
Thought I'd finish off my own thread with a few comments about the XT660R which I bought for my tour around Scandinavia earlier this year.
I went for the 660cc as my partner was just buying an F650GS and I wanted us to have similar grunt. I had an enjoyable 3 weeks riding across Denmark, up through Sweden, into the Arctic Circle and back down through Norway on a mix of motorways, A roads, B roads and tracks. It rained nearly non stop and I piled the bike high with all my camping stuff, veggie food etc :mchappy: I fitted hand protectors, sat nav, tank bag, 12v socket and H&B panniers and a little bracket on the front for my tent. I did mostly 200 - 300km days (which in Norway can translate to 6 hours in the saddle!). The bike was reliable (when I remembered to look after the chain! I've since fitted a Scottoiler which I swear by) and pretty comfortable given it's little seat. It took all sorts of punishment and saw me up (and down) the 'Trolls Ladder'...scary. The brakes are a little wimpy but were fine except for trying to bring my overladen bike to a complete halt on some of the steeper Norwegian mountains...I missed a few photo opportunities because I couldn't stop in time for the pull in place :eek3: . The bike does suffer a little surging at low speeds but you learn to adapt your riding style (and slip the clutch) to accommodate. Handling was good and the XT handled the mix of on and off road well...especially as Norwegian roads can sometimes be a bit of both! In summary...a fun, hardy, comfortable, reliable work horse which is cheap to buy, cheap to maintain and does the job. Requires a few extras (I recommend a centre stand if you're going to have to change your own tyres/fix punctures) but a good starting point for your adventure...and the 2008 model looks even nicer :clap: . |
This thread has made me question my enthusiasm for the upcoming ZT660Z.
Sorry if this is kinda OT.. but with the new Tenere coming out.. what's the better option. an XT66R with MetalMule/Touratech etc bashguards, screen, panniers, etc or a Tenere.. i.e. DIY spec it yourself vs a pre-built mini trailie Tenere seems great but looking at the spec, it's heavier, less ground clearance, less suspension travel and more expensive. It'll still need a bash plate, hand guards and a bunch of extras anyway. I see it being upgraded from an Xt660R only in terms of brakes and fuel capacity...have I missed something? Cheers Kev |
Hi Kev, personally I think that the new Tènèrè has a better look (OK, this is not very important maybe), it should have better protection from wind, more powerful brakes, and MORE ground clearance. Some people of the Italian Tènèrè Club went to an informal presentation at Yamaha Italy and they were told that the front suspension travel will be 230 mm instead of the declared 210 mm (but this is little more than a rumour). In addition, you have a 22 litre tank. Not bad.
On the other hand, it will be more expensive and heavier, but with an aftermarket exhaust you can save 10 kilos and maybe more (of course you can do the same with the XT R and it will always be lighter). Ciao Fran |
Competition is increasing and improves the bloodstock
Quote:
I suspect we are all missing the real comparison of the 660X with any other bike until we see it in the flesh - should be right next to the 660R at the NEC pretty soon!! They both have to compete with the Aprilia Pegaso 660 as well of course. |
ADV kev
i dont think your missing any thing. At the moment i have the XT660R, which is a good bike but you will need to spend time and money on moding it up to do off roading, spend even more time and money if you also want to include touring inthere. But as you have said the new tenere is just the same, the bashplate looks like paper, the panniers would need changed, you will need hand guards, etc etc but you have to do this to near any bike for off roading. even the BMW people have to do certain mods to a standard bike!!!! Anyway i think if you have time and money to spend get the XT660R before you go on the trip, spend time with it, use it on daily commutes, get used to the bike then start moding it up with certain bits and bobs. (you dont have to go the same route as everyone else, why not try soft panniers, or even home made alu panniers) But if you just want a bike that you only need to spend a few months on before you go on a trip and spend less on mods then go for the XT660Z tenere. |
XT660R round the world
Hi
I and my brother finished a round the world tour in august on our xt660r. The bikes were ideal for our trip and we strongly recommend them as good all round travel bikes. You can read about our trip, bikes etch. on our website Round the world - 2007 - XT660R - Ferðalagið sjálft er ævintýrið! and Round The World - sverrirt.blog.is. The Yamaha xt660z tenere looks great, we will consider this bike in the future. :scooter: Einar |
Does anyone know what the GFK tank from off the road is made from ?
My impression is its similiar to Glass Fibre, others say Plastic and some Carbon Fibre. I have not had a suitable reply from manufacturer. If anyone has one please let me know. How tough is it ? Thanks. On the Web I found this.....is a Nylon 6 (Polyamide 6) plastic material with filler: Glass bead, 20 %; Glass fiber reinforcement, 10 %.......... correct ?? |
The offtheroad large tank is silly expensive. One of the guys from the . : XT660.com The #1 xt660 resource : . | The #1 xt660X, xt660R and xt660Z Tenere resource forum is touring africa and got one but has had a few problems with leaks, fittings, pumps etc etc Acerbis have told us they are going to make one for us for christmas but christmas has been and gone and no one has heard of anything from them, even after many emails. They said it was going to be in and around £200-£250
From my knowledge the offtheroad one is made from carbon moulded (as they told one of our forum member got told) so carbon fibre then. |
Thanks for the response, believed it was some kind of composite. TT used to use a similiar material and had problems with delamination.
Dont think Acerbis will make one, it was in conjuction with Metal Mule and after speaking to one of their guys it seems unlikely now the Tenere has been launched. |
I saw a letter from acerbis that they said they would build one if there was enought interest in it. Thing is most of the people who are doing a longer jounery than there normal commute said they would buy one if it was was around £200. So acerbis said yes we will make one for christmas, but as true as most big manufacturers are they leave the little people out.
|
I have just bought a 2004 XT660R earlier this month and I have to say I love it. It took a bit of getting used too at first but now that I have gotten used to the rev and gear range I am able to flick it around the bends like a supermoto! I am planning a trip around parts of Europe this summer and I am looking for luggage suggestions. Has anyone any pics they could post up here of their bike loaded up. I am thinking soft luggage to keep costs low. Any advice appreciated,
Sambo :thumbup1: |
I think you can go overland on a XT660R
Alot of people aren't sure if the Yamaha XT660R is capable as an adventure machine. I think it is, and so do these people I found on the net
earth-roamers.blogspot.com They should answer most of the Questions |
Quote:
lots of vibration? |
Quote:
Im taking my 660R on longer tours, and it performs outstanding on gravel and smaller roads. |
Quote:
shame it couldnt hold its smoothness up to 120 kmph but as a bonus my favourite roads are backroads and this is where i expect this bike to shine |
| All times are GMT +1. The time now is 11:57. |