Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
V-Strom or XT660 R V-Strom or XT660 R
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
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 11 Feb 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: London
Posts: 249
V-Strom or XT660 R
Narrowed the choice down now really to V-Strom or an XT660.

Places near me are being arsey with test rides though because im still 33 bhp'ed for another 6 months or so, just really want the bike now to get some miles under my belt.

Really intimidated by the V-Strom's weight and sheer size (650cc version). I feel its abit of a beast.

On the other hand don't really like the XT660 R build quality and feel it might lack the grunt i want for motorway miles/fairing for day2day London commuter use. The V-Strom might be ahandful in traffic aswell.

Im almost a little scared of dropping the v-strom and dropping it.

Im crossing North Africa (won't be off off road but more gravel pistes etc) on the bike, followed by Eygpt, Jordan, Syria, Iran, Pakistan, India, Nepal, KKH and home.

Give me some insight!
__________________
Thanks
Joe
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11 Feb 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Troy,Oregon,USA
Posts: 8
I cannot give you a comparison as I have no experience with the XT. I do, however, have a v-strom 650. I live on dirt road, in a semi-reomte area in Oregon in the U.S., about 50 miles to the nearest grocer. The wee handles the gravel and dirt roads here with relative ease, the weight does not seem to become an issue except in mud or sand, and even then the bike is managable.

My African experience is confined to Kenya and Tanzania, and I think the bike would be fine there. During the rains I would make sure my route did not require too much dirt riding, but I wouldn't hesitate to take the v-strom.

In traffic the v-strom is quite a nice choice.

Just my thoughts


Ben
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12 Feb 2007
Robbert's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Gent, Belgium
Posts: 523
Fuel injection and African fuel?
I've heard a lot of great things about the V-strom, but I'm a bit unsure about how the fuel injection will deal with African grade petrol.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12 Feb 2007
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Powys, Cymru, U.K.
Posts: 94
[QUOTE=mollydog]Very good point Robbert.

In fact the fuel injected Vstrom is actually better with poor fuel. The Fuel injection sensors adjust the timing to deal with low octane fuel. The XT660
with a carb can't do this.


The XT660 R, to which this thread relates, has a fuel injection system.
Mine suffered no problems with low-grade African fuel. There are loads of accessories for it - decent bash plate, centre stand, pannier frames etc.
It regularly achieves 60+mpg, is comfortable and will do 100+mph. It's also light enough to pick up again when you drop it. The plastics are soft and bendy so do not break easily. An excellent bike.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 13 Feb 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: London
Posts: 249
Went and bought an XT660 today. Rode nice, was very light and looks a doddle to pootle round on and filter traffic with.

Thanks
Joe
__________________
Thanks
Joe
Reply With Quote
Reply

« 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
XT660 Service Interval? JoeSheffer Which Bike? 1 25 Sep 2006 02:09
V strom ? alan hopkins Which Bike? 4 9 Jul 2006 04:16
xt660 wheels shark173 Yamaha Tech 1 12 Feb 2006 04:23
xt660 tenere manual WANTED! jj TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 3 12 Jan 2006 07:15
Yamaha XT660 radrob North America 0 20 Aug 2005 03:22

 
 

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 02:09.

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