Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
F650 or XT engine? F650 or XT engine?
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 Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
Page 2 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 28 Apr 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout View Post
Interesting how the complimentary statements of fact about the F650GS, including for example Nigels' last post, end up anywhere but in the BMW tech forum.
I guess we are all too busy riding the Wee Beemers to be too bothered about spreading the good news! Anyway, that will just push up the second hand prices!
Didn't the BMWOC tell you, the F650 isn't real. It's a fake Aprillia.

I guess that just confused those of us that actually use/used 'em. Turned out we were right though, lots of chain drive BM's without sticky out cylinders and dual stereo systems about these days

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 28 Apr 2008
kentfallen's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Bexhill, East Sussex, England, UK
Posts: 673
You Know you want the XT...
I guess I'm a little biased but I would go for the XT over the BMW any day. The engine is simple, well put together and spares are available throughout the world. It will do everything asked of it save for high speed motorway work (70 MPH +). That said it's quite happy plodding along at 60 MPH all day without a problem (providing you can put up with the vibration which you will find on any thumper).

Iv'e stated this loads of times lately - I have recently procured a nice MINT low mileage 2000 model XT600E (5,000 miles) for only £1,600. That certainly represents good value for money when you take into account it's capabilities. I challenge you to find a similar low mileage mint condition BMW for less than £3,000. You won't find one it's that simple. You're better off saving some money and spending it on a good quality riding suit.

Stay safe.
__________________
Triumph Bonneville 800 (2004), Yamaha XT600E (1999), Honda XBR500 (1986).
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 28 Apr 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Wink Hard facts about the Rotax engine
This guy is probably very happy with his 28000 miles at up to 90 MPG:-

The Statistics Fuel

I have yet to see any statistics to match these for consistent fuel economy, and these are in the real world - no test riders produced these.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 28 Apr 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Isle of Wight
Posts: 198
it's a YAM, all the way
TTRE – TTR - XT - what’s good is, reliability, unbelievable toughness, simplicity for self maintenance

I’ve got the TTRE, I’ve only had it for about 8 weeks, and it’s been 8 of the most fun weeks I’ve had on two wheels. When I asked my friend about the bike he just laughed and said “Shaun, how long have I had it? Can I kill it? It just goes on and on

Providing you don’t neglect her the Yam is BULLET PROOF, having said that, I’ve known people who have neglected them, and they still don’t die.

If I was planning an RTW, which I am, I couldn’t comprehend anything else. I’ve had 5 yams and ONE word always stands out, reliability.

Shaun
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 29 Apr 2008
Matt Cartney's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
Quote:
Originally Posted by ukiceman View Post

Providing you don’t neglect her the Yam is BULLET PROOF, having said that, I’ve known people who have neglected them, and they still don’t die.

If I was planning an RTW, which I am, I couldn’t comprehend anything else. I’ve had 5 yams and ONE word always stands out, reliability.

Shaun
Got to agree with this. I've had times on trips when I've not been as assiduous as I might regarding servicing, and crashed the bike several times and not a murmer of complaint. There's nothing quite as nice after a 30 foot sliding crash into the back of a van in the rain to pick yourself and the bike up and, despite some minor cosmetic damage (to both of us!), press the starter and hear that reliable old lump fire up first time and to realise, whatever the abuse you dish out to the poor old girl, your Yamaha will always get you home.

Matt
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com

http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/

*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 29 Apr 2008
Contributing Member
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Isle of Man
Posts: 15
Well geuss I have answered my own question -kinda knew what I might buy - 2005 Yam TT600RE purchased today! Just wonder if any of you TT600RE boys are going to the HU UK meeting - might be able to pick up a few tips on modifying to RTW bike.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 29 Apr 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Isle of Wight
Posts: 198
cool
Quote:
Originally Posted by paultol View Post
Well geuss I have answered my own question -kinda knew what I might buy - 2005 Yam TT600RE purchased today! Just wonder if any of you TT600RE boys are going to the HU UK meeting - might be able to pick up a few tips on modifying to RTW bike.
Hey Hey, well done mate I was wondering today while having my day off, and working on my TTRE if you’d made your mind up yet! I’m going to the HU meeting
Last edited by ukiceman; 29 Apr 2008 at 21:39.
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 29 Apr 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Calgary AB
Posts: 1,028
Talking
Congrats. Take it out for a week with the ideas you have now and test it out. You'll find out real quick what works and what doesn't.

If you would have gone for the F you wouldn't have had that problem though. Heaps of ideas around and maintenance info.
__________________
Tacos Tyring Travels.com
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 30 Apr 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Thumbs up
Quote:
Originally Posted by paultol View Post
Well geuss I have answered my own question -kinda knew what I might buy - 2005 Yam TT600RE purchased today! Just wonder if any of you TT600RE boys are going to the HU UK meeting - might be able to pick up a few tips on modifying to RTW bike.

Congrats Paul, it's always a great time when you get another bike!
Do a search back in the HUBB (for TT600R or TTR600) and you will find quite a few posts about the bike, including the various mods for travelling - there are quite a few.
You can ignore any threads that I started: they are all about problems, but I had a lemon TTR.

ps leigh and bikerfromsark have some good information about the TTR going long distance.
__________________
Dave
Last edited by Walkabout; 30 Apr 2008 at 00:50. Reason: ps added
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 1 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Thumbs up Highish miles bike - no big deal
Just for the record, post number 6 in this thread has a casual reference to getting in some miles:-

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...to-japan-34722
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 2 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
Need a source in Peru/Bolivia/Chile for a 2001 BMW F650 engine chain. gatogato BMW Tech 6 26 Jan 2008 02:24
Engine swap TT600 or XT600E Engine into old XT600 2KF? Doable? Martynbiker Yamaha Tech 2 17 Dec 2007 06:44
F650 GS vs F650 GS Dakar whats the difference funklab Which Bike? 10 1 Mar 2006 04:27
F650 gearbox bearings stuffed & engine in bits Smellybiker BMW Tech 2 2 Apr 2004 21:31
F650 Engine Number Location Dr Nick BMW Tech 1 20 Aug 2001 07:39

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

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 14:01.

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