Hi Trix,
The bike is great for the vertically challenged, my bike is factory lowered but it has a load rating well below the standard bike.I think this was the main cause of my problem with the rear shock which packed it in at 6200 klms.There are a range of other potential problems with the bike, rear wheel bearings being one. Perhaps the 2010 model might be worth a look at. Get onto UKgsers website and checkout what they have to say about the new model.
While the bike is great on the open road, its a bugger to get up and down the very narrow streets in towns, especially with panniers. You realy have to heave it around at times.
Regards John

Not abandoned any ideas yet as really just starting out on the plans....
On that basis the xt does 45mpg and the BMW around 60-70 i guess speeds and roads make a difference and also the XT purchase price will be far less ummmmm more thinking........

Uk Thailand
 

Hi Trix, My reason for the XT was its very rugged reputation along with its simple mechanics, no fuel injection, no water cooling, no pipes, water pumps, no raidiators,no electronics,weight and of course purchase price. I bought an 03 with 3000 miles on for £1300. An acerbis tank will give you a 250 plus range at 100kph with panniers and because the models been around a while you can pickup second hand tanks, luggage racks, pannier racks etc. Not sure how big the bmw tank is and the range, BMW weight ?.

Regards jimmy

Main concern with the XT is getting the ride height down but ive found a site that does a 65mm lowering kit for xt660r which would bring the seat height down to 810mm and being as it has a slim seat i think this would be ok. The lower price is a big factor as I need a his and hers, so with a bit of searching id proberbly get two XT's for the price of the BMW. (still looking at the older xt600e as well)

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The choice between XT and BMW,,,,
Well there is no choice.
XT every time.
The BMW is fine if you have regular back up, and technicians, and ECU analysers, but in the real world, it's just you on your own that need to sort it to fix.
XT for the win.

'vette

Hi Trix, Good advice from Jimmy46 and UK-vette. You can't beat the KIS principle, Keep it Simple. As I said in my pm the bikes great for us shorties BUT it needs backup, if anything go's wrong they are a bugger to get sorted.The bike is great in the US, Europe and Oz but once away from a dealer you are realy on your own. If you can sort out your seat height problem with a Jap bike go for it.
Best of luck John.
Hope this won't start another BMW/ Jap bike fight.