Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
BMW F650GS or Yamaha XTX660 BMW F650GS or Yamaha XTX660
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 Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10 Dec 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Ireland
Posts: 7
BMW F650GS or Yamaha XTX660
Hi All
I am planning to travel south America for 1 month next October, finishing in Texas, my budget at the moment will buy me a 2001 BMW F650GS with 20,000 miles or 2005 Yamaha XTX660 with 2,000 miles which is more suitable for the journey, my final destination is Hong Kong as much over land as possible.
Thanks
Simon
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10 Dec 2010
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Aus. Qld. Mackay
Posts: 474
Which Bike
I own a F650gs (2005) and also a F650gs twin (2009) the later I am riding thru Africa. So this leads me to your ? It's a no brainer ride the XT660, I am not anti BMW as I said I own 2. The clearance and the weight would be the deciding factor for me. The XT660 wins both hands down.
Cheers
Paul
__________________
....rather Die Living.....than Live Dying !
www.globetrekkers.net.au
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 10 Dec 2010
T.REX63's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Atlanta, GA / USA
Posts: 295
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kennedy Simon View Post
Hi All
...my budget at the moment will buy me a 2001 BMW F650GS with 20,000 miles or 2005 Yamaha XTX660 with 2,000 miles ...
I used to own a '06 Dakar. The bike was nothing but great. However, as previous poster, just based on the mileage alone, I'd go with the Yamaha as well for that kind of trip.
__________________
Thomas

"Hey, ...I'm just ridin' shotgun"
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 10 Dec 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Aussie expat in Switzerland half way RTW
Posts: 611
I suspect that spare parts for the XT would be much cheaper as well.
__________________
TurboCharger + Francois (our BMW R1200gs) '07
www.riding2up.net, blog.riding2up.net
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 10 Dec 2010
MikeS's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
Hang on, are you planning to go from S America to Texas in 1 month?? You must have meant 10. Took me a month to cross Mexico alone.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kennedy Simon View Post
Hi All
I am planning to travel south America for 1 month next October, finishing in Texas
__________________
Mike


www.singapore-scotland.blogspot.com
www.argentina-alaska.blogspot.com
My little Vid: India/Pakistan

BMW R1150GS
Suzuki DR650 SE: Ride it like ya stole it. Oh, somebody just did...
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 11 Dec 2010
Nigel Marx's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 798
Thumbs up
We have had 100+ travelers pass thru our place in the last 10 years. A lot had F650s of various types, and a lot have had XT600/XT660s. The XTs had a lot less problems (a lot!). I'd go with the Yamaha.

And I own and ride an F650GS.....

Cheers bloke

Nigel in NZ
__________________
The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 11 Dec 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Calgary AB
Posts: 1,028
I reckon mileage doesn't really come into it. The F is more comfortable out the box but you need to know it or things will creep up to you which is where most of the complaints come from. The XT is very popular with the local SA market, so I'd go with that basis to the XT.

I'd get a large tank, screen and airhawk seat. Or get it reshaped. Very easy to do. Glue some foam and grind of the bits with a sanding disk that you don't want shaping it to suit you comfort.

I own and love my F Dakar BTW.
__________________
Tacos Tyring Travels.com
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 11 Dec 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: I S T
Posts: 655
S.a.
Was in Brazil few weeks ago.

I have had F650 and now have XT600 E and looked around carefully which brands are around.

Very few F650s and many many XTs.
So parts and technical assistance can be cheaper and widely found.

I would go with XT...
__________________
"where the traveller goes, nobody knows ! "
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 11 Dec 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Between London & Singapore
Posts: 153
Xt all the way!
+1 for the XT.

We're currently half way through our RTW on a couple of 07 XT660R's and can't fault them. THey haven't missed a beat in 25,000 tough kms despite numerous drops, high altitude, heat, cold, water and being hit by a cab. WE got them used with just 5k miles on the clock for £2500 each.

We've ridden with a few people along the way who were riding Bm 650's and all have had problems of various sorts.

It's an absolute no brainer for me.
__________________
www.motoventurers.com
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 15 Dec 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Ireland
Posts: 7
Thanks
Thanks All for your Help, after your advice i went with the Yamaha €2,900 with modified Exhaust pipes, Off in 10 months Time, now i just need a plan.
Thanks again
Simon
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 15 Dec 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: North Lakes - UK
Posts: 159
XT660X ??? Are you sure ? You are aware that this is a SuperMoto with 17inch wheels ?


Tell me you just got a little confused and it's a R..... or a Z...
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 3 Jan 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Ireland
Posts: 7
A F@&k
Hi Yes you are correct, you are the first person to notice, I am learning fast,
the bike is great but this 17" is a bit of a problem, I have posted some questions on the net re road conditions in Argentina but as far as i can see most people are running a 21" front not sure about back, I race a supermoto and find it more stable in the forest than xtx on the road, the front fork looks like it will take a 21 no problem but back forks dont look like they will allow bigger than 17" I'm not sure what to do, do you have any suggestions,
Thanks
Simon
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 3 Jan 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Calgary AB
Posts: 1,028
No real need for 21" in South America on the usual routes. Most off road is gravel road. Sandy bits on the Altiplano.
__________________
Tacos Tyring Travels.com
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 4 Jan 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: North Lakes - UK
Posts: 159
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kennedy Simon View Post
do you have any suggestions,

I know someone has converted the front end on a R to take the 17" wheels, but not sure about the other way (X to an R). I'm not that familiar with the X & R models (I have the Z), but the best place to find out what you need to do is to pop over to XT660.com and have a look around, or ask the guys over there - you will get a definative answer.

Then again, I've seen the X take on forest tracks and rocky lanes here in the Lakes without any problems at all that some good riding can't cope with.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 10 Jan 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: mackay nth queensland australia
Posts: 2
We have just completed a ride from Cairo to Nairobi, and did it on 2010 f650 gs BMW'S and had no problem. We went up to the highest point in ethiopa, through the shocking stretch from Moyale to Marsibit ,and the bikes performed fantastically. we had no probs with fuel anywhere in Egypt, Sudan,Eithiopa,Kenya. when Chris at JungleJjunction in Niarobi serviced them he was very impressed, even though he said that they would not have been the bike of his choice.
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« 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
2010 xtx660 tenere' suspension TDMalcolm Yamaha Tech 10 10 May 2010 13:03
RTW - 2-up on a F650GS BlackBeast Which Bike? 23 14 Oct 2007 15:49
BMW F650GS vs KTM 640 LC Adventure Dizzie Which Bike? 13 15 Feb 2004 15:32
F650GS wanted Crash Dummy Bike Swap or Rent 0 4 Mar 2003 02:51

 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

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.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

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 travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

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!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



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 12:39.

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