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Yamaha XT660R or Honda Dominator Yamaha XT660R or Honda Dominator
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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.
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  #1  
Old 17 Dec 2008
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
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Yamaha XT660R or Honda Dominator
OOOOO now this is a tough one.

I've finally rounded down my choice for a new travel bike to these two little beauties. I'm determined not to spend more than £2,000 and these are available at that price with some bargaining (the dommy definately)

The XT660 is going to cost £2000, where I can get a nice dommy for £1200.

Both have similar accessories available, both have similar seats, similar quality, similar mpg...

I've never owned these bike but i know a few very satisfied dommy owners..

The bike is going to be a "do everything" bike.. Commuting & trips over the continent.

They both have pretty crappy fuel ranges, both seem to potter along at the same speed and offer the same comfort...

So.... Please discuss and share your thoughts to help me with the coin toss !
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Old 17 Dec 2008
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xt660R
Evening Ted,

I brought the xt after looking for a do it all type of bike. Had it a few months and really like it, lots of bits and bobs avalible for it, I am looking at getting a standard tank made larger to give me better range.

Done a couple of short trips on it, Brecon to Bournemouth and found the ride really good.

Cheers,

colin.

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Old 18 Dec 2008
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Hi Collin..

Can I ask what kind of cruising speed its comfortable at. My XT600E was really unhappy over 66mph. I want to be able to tour at 80mph without over revving the engine and still have a bit more to overtake trucks etc.

Hows the seat holding out for you ???

Ted


Quote:
Originally Posted by wishfull traveller View Post
Evening Ted,
I brought the xt after looking for a do it all type of bike. Had it a few months and really like it, lots of bits and bobs avalible for it, I am looking at getting a standard tank made larger to give me better range.
Done a couple of short trips on it, Brecon to Bournemouth and found the ride really good.
Cheers,
colin.
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Old 18 Dec 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tedmagnum View Post
Hi Collin..

Can I ask what kind of cruising speed its comfortable at. My XT600E was really unhappy over 66mph. I want to be able to tour at 80mph without over revving the engine and still have a bit more to overtake trucks etc.

Hows the seat holding out for you ???

Ted
No big single, loaded with luggage, will tour / cruise comfortably at 80mph & still have power in reserve for a decent overtake. At 80mph on such bikes, your fuel consumption (& possibly oil consumption too?) will be on the high side, not good if you're still using the stock fuel tank. A mnore realistic cruising speed would be 65-70mph.

If you insist on 80mph cruising speeds, then you need a 650cc+ twin but not sure what you'll get for your budget apart from older AT or TA?

A KTM 640 Adventure may suit your needs but for £2,000, it will definitely be an older, higher mileage bike.
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Old 18 Dec 2008
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Steve has just beaten me to it there! Yes i'd second what he has just said especially regarding fuel and oil consumption at those speeds.Maybe a KLE500 might suit better for the money if you REALLY need to belt along at that speed? Or just go a bit slower and save time by not having to fill up with fuel so often....
Incidentally,the Dominator is well known for having a horribly uncomfortable seat(i speak from experience),although Acerbis do list a bigger tank for some models to improve range.Aim to be getting about 50mpg max without thrashing it to death(60-65ish cruising).The older ones have both electric and kickstart which could be handy if the battery goes flat.
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Old 18 Dec 2008
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Acerbis XR600 tank might fit a Dommie with a few mods, might need the XR seat also unless Acerbis make a Dommie specific tank.

Airhawk will sort out seat comfort woes.

If you get a later e-start only bike, worth checking to see how easy it is to retrofit the kickstart from the earlier bikes? It's an easy & common conversion on e-start only DRZ400's but on older DR600/650, it means a complete strip down for instance.
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