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Yamaha XT660R as a tourer...opinions? Yamaha XT660R as a tourer...opinions?
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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



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  #31  
Old 13 Nov 2007
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Hi Kev, personally I think that the new Tènèrè has a better look (OK, this is not very important maybe), it should have better protection from wind, more powerful brakes, and MORE ground clearance. Some people of the Italian Tènèrè Club went to an informal presentation at Yamaha Italy and they were told that the front suspension travel will be 230 mm instead of the declared 210 mm (but this is little more than a rumour). In addition, you have a 22 litre tank. Not bad.

On the other hand, it will be more expensive and heavier, but with an aftermarket exhaust you can save 10 kilos and maybe more (of course you can do the same with the XT R and it will always be lighter).

Ciao

Fran
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  #32  
Old 13 Nov 2007
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Wink Competition is increasing and improves the bloodstock
Quote:
Originally Posted by ADVKev View Post
have I missed something?

Cheers
Kev
Hi,
I suspect we are all missing the real comparison of the 660X with any other bike until we see it in the flesh - should be right next to the 660R at the NEC pretty soon!!

They both have to compete with the Aprilia Pegaso 660 as well of course.
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Dave
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  #33  
Old 19 Nov 2007
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ADV kev

i dont think your missing any thing. At the moment i have the XT660R, which is a good bike but you will need to spend time and money on moding it up to do off roading, spend even more time and money if you also want to include touring inthere. But as you have said the new tenere is just the same, the bashplate looks like paper, the panniers would need changed, you will need hand guards, etc etc but you have to do this to near any bike for off roading. even the BMW people have to do certain mods to a standard bike!!!!

Anyway i think if you have time and money to spend get the XT660R before you go on the trip, spend time with it, use it on daily commutes, get used to the bike then start moding it up with certain bits and bobs. (you dont have to go the same route as everyone else, why not try soft panniers, or even home made alu panniers) But if you just want a bike that you only need to spend a few months on before you go on a trip and spend less on mods then go for the XT660Z tenere.
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  #34  
Old 20 Dec 2007
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XT660R round the world
Hi

I and my brother finished a round the world tour in august on our xt660r. The bikes were ideal for our trip and we strongly recommend them as good all round travel bikes. You can read about our trip, bikes etch. on our website Round the world - 2007 - XT660R - Ferðalagið sjálft er ævintýrið! and Round The World - sverrirt.blog.is.

The Yamaha xt660z tenere looks great, we will consider this bike in the future.



Einar
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  #35  
Old 15 Jan 2008
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Does anyone know what the GFK tank from off the road is made from ?

My impression is its similiar to Glass Fibre, others say Plastic and some Carbon Fibre. I have not had a suitable reply from manufacturer. If anyone has one please let me know.

How tough is it ?

Thanks.

On the Web I found this.....is a Nylon 6 (Polyamide 6) plastic material with filler: Glass bead, 20 %; Glass fiber reinforcement, 10 %.......... correct ??
Last edited by DarrenM; 15 Jan 2008 at 23:18.
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  #36  
Old 16 Jan 2008
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The offtheroad large tank is silly expensive. One of the guys from the . : XT660.com The #1 xt660 resource : . | The #1 xt660X, xt660R and xt660Z Tenere resource forum is touring africa and got one but has had a few problems with leaks, fittings, pumps etc etc Acerbis have told us they are going to make one for us for christmas but christmas has been and gone and no one has heard of anything from them, even after many emails. They said it was going to be in and around £200-£250

From my knowledge the offtheroad one is made from carbon moulded (as they told one of our forum member got told) so carbon fibre then.
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  #37  
Old 17 Jan 2008
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Thanks for the response, believed it was some kind of composite. TT used to use a similiar material and had problems with delamination.

Dont think Acerbis will make one, it was in conjuction with Metal Mule and after speaking to one of their guys it seems unlikely now the Tenere has been launched.
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  #38  
Old 17 Jan 2008
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I saw a letter from acerbis that they said they would build one if there was enought interest in it. Thing is most of the people who are doing a longer jounery than there normal commute said they would buy one if it was was around £200. So acerbis said yes we will make one for christmas, but as true as most big manufacturers are they leave the little people out.
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  #39  
Old 24 Mar 2009
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I have just bought a 2004 XT660R earlier this month and I have to say I love it. It took a bit of getting used too at first but now that I have gotten used to the rev and gear range I am able to flick it around the bends like a supermoto! I am planning a trip around parts of Europe this summer and I am looking for luggage suggestions. Has anyone any pics they could post up here of their bike loaded up. I am thinking soft luggage to keep costs low. Any advice appreciated,

Sambo
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  #40  
Old 26 Nov 2013
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I think you can go overland on a XT660R
Alot of people aren't sure if the Yamaha XT660R is capable as an adventure machine. I think it is, and so do these people I found on the net
earth-roamers.blogspot.com
They should answer most of the Questions
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  #41  
Old 31 Dec 2014
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Quote:
Originally Posted by samboleary View Post
I have just bought a 2004 XT660R earlier this month and I have to say I love it. It took a bit of getting used too at first but now that I have gotten used to the rev and gear range I am able to flick it around the bends like a supermoto! I am planning a trip around parts of Europe this summer and I am looking for luggage suggestions. Has anyone any pics they could post up here of their bike loaded up. I am thinking soft luggage to keep costs low. Any advice appreciated,

Sambo
how is the xt660 at speeds of 70-80mph

lots of vibration?
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  #42  
Old 31 Dec 2014
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Quote:
Originally Posted by anruari View Post
how is the xt660 at speeds of 70-80mph

lots of vibration?
With stock gearning and TKC80/K60 Scout tires my comfort cruise speed is about 100km/h. Can do thay speed all day. Vibrations and higer rev starts coming at about 110-120 km/h. It can do 140 km/h for shorter periods as well, but revs to high to be comfortable.

Im taking my 660R on longer tours, and it performs outstanding on gravel and smaller roads.
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  #43  
Old 31 Dec 2014
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Quote:
Originally Posted by k1322 View Post
With stock gearning and TKC80/K60 Scout tires my comfort cruise speed is about 100km/h. Can do thay speed all day. Vibrations and higer rev starts coming at about 110-120 km/h. It can do 140 km/h for shorter periods as well, but revs to high to be comfortable.

Im taking my 660R on longer tours, and it performs outstanding on gravel and smaller roads.
that tended to be what i had expected ....

shame it couldnt hold its smoothness up to 120 kmph

but as a bonus my favourite roads are backroads and this is where i expect this bike to shine
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