XTROCK,

That does surprise me. I was under the impression that where ever the Yamaha XT600E was imported and sold it (rightly in my opinion), reached cult status among those who love BIG single cylinder motorcycles.

I know that in the USA it was never officially imported and that other big trail bikes like the Kawasaki KLR650 took over the same mantle.

For me there is no better BUDGET RTW bike than the venerable Yamaha XT600 (all models in the XT series including of course the 600cc E electric start model). It's simply put together, robust (crash proof) and above all bulletproof reliable. No other bike comes close, certainly not expensive German BMW's or highly strung KTM's.

A mate of mine has a KTM 600cc trail bike and he's always paying a shop to service it and change oil. Although he's a good home mechanic, there is much he can't do at home in the garage.

I want a cheap, robust, simple reliable nail and the Yamaha XT600E ticks all the boxes. You can use one to travel round the world or for commuting around London. The only place it struggles is on motorways and windy open roads. I never ride it faster than 70 MPH and it's happy cruising all day at 60MPH. Of course it's capable of the ton (just if the winds behind you).

A year or so back I did consider outing one of my XT600E's for a newer Yamaha XT660 Tenere. After riding one it became apparent to me almost immediately that the newer bike didn't really do anything any better than my XT600E. I really couldn't warrant spending another £5,000 on something so similar. I suppose what I'm trying to say is that a £1,600 XT600E gives you maximum "bang for buck". You really do get lots of bike for your money.

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Triumph Bonneville 800 (2004), Yamaha XT600E (1999), Honda XBR500 (1986).