OK, I'm considering going for a smaller engined machine for a bit of leisurely touring with perhaps a tiny bit of off-roading/greenlaning.

What do folk think of the XT660R...any one travelled far on one?

The lack of a kick start is a bit frustrating...not sure if it's possible to bump start a fuel-injected bike? On a test ride I thought this little single seemed reasonably comfortable and powerful. Not sure how it copes fully ladened with all the camping stuff though?

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greencat

I don't know if a fuel injected bike can be bump started. Interesting quesiton. Here's hoping for a reply from someone more knowledagble in such matters.

As for the touring question: I think there was a thread about this at a previous date. The problem seems to be that the model is still fairly new and so, not many have had the chance to test it thoroughly. But if you believe the Yamaha sales pitch "the authentic go anywhere, do anything, motorcycle", they seem to believe that the XT660R will take over where the XT600 left off. Only time will tell if this will be the case.

I am in the preperation stages of my trans africa trip starting in November. To me, it is a choice between the BMW F650GS and the Yamaha XT660R. The BMW costs about 33% more than the Yamaha (at least in Denmark where I live). Personally, I am not convinced that the extra cost reflects it's performance and durability over the Yamaha's. If Yamaha can give you a 5 year warranty (which they do), it does give you a hint of how durable they believe it is. I am unaware if BMW gives the same warranty. Having said all that, I am not discounting the F650GS option just yet. It does seem to do the job, and several touring agencies swear by them. And even the staunchest opponent to BMW have to admit that they look darn good . I digress...back to the Yamaha...

My main worry (goes for both the Yam and the BMW) is the fuel injection. Since I personally will be traveling in areas where petrol quality will be questionable, hyper modern bikes fuel system is somewhat of a worry to me. I don't know if this is an issue to you. Just tossing a ball here.

My conclusion (conclusion=guessing): Seeing as the XT660R comes from a company who has had so much success with the XT600 can't have gone all wrong. Dare I guess that much of the "this works" technology from the XT600 has gone into the XT660R? And then added a few improvements to an allready widely accepted success. Also, complemening the engine with an extra 60 ccm perhaps gives it that extra "umph" that is needed to carry yourself/paniers/extra fuel/tent and packs for a long trip.

Eventhough the F650GS is not entirely out of the picture yet, Yamaha does seem to be my personal favorite at the moment. So if you want to trust my guesswork/conjecture/selfinvented logic, I'd say go for it.

Or, you can wait untill May 2008 where I should be returning from my Africa trip and I'll be able to give my oppinion more based on facts and experience .

My XT600E which is similar to the 660 but older and smaller engined and with carbs (and therefore presumably less powerful) copes well with even the enormous amount of crap I load on it. A recent trip I took to Morocco and Iran I took what can only be described as a ridiculous weight (there was an ice axe and crampons in there for some of the time, that'll give you an idea what a rolling gear store I was!). Bouncing around on Moroccan pistes and Turkish roads didn't seem to do the subframe any harm either.

To sum up, assuming the 660 has similar reliability and quality to the 600 then it's going to be great for the type of stuff you mention. The only major 'oops' Yamaha seem to have made is to run the pipes under the sump, but I'm guessing you can get a bash plate for them.

Have no idea about the injector/push starting thing though!

Matt

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*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!

Bump starting not a problem i have had to do it a few times until yamaha sent me a replacement under warranty.
Only had mine a couple of months but am well impressed, taking mine to Iceland in July.
Check out .: XT660.com - The #1 XT660 Resource :. a great site to research your dilema.

I am thinking of buying one too.

I think it's a pretty good bike as long as you don't want to go offroad. The pipes running under the engine is a big minus for offroading. But there is a 2in1 exhaust system that would change this (off-the-road in Germany sells them).

Additionally, the tank could be bigger in my opinion. But if you stay away from remote areas that shouldn't be a problem.

If it help's.
I have moved from a large bike to the nice and small XT660R.
I fitted a set of my old panniers useing a new set of rack's from TT.
TT also make a very good full size engine guard,at about £120 and for the size of it ,it seems to be good value,and the part's arrived in less than a week.
I have taken the bike off road with a pillion and it does the job well.
I have also been getting 70mpg 2 up and loaded,so 70+ should be doable solo.
With a 5lt jerry can on the back,that would give me a range of 300 mile's or so.
And there is still a few pre registered one's for sale at £3200 !!!!