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opinions wanted: Xtz 660 opinions wanted: Xtz 660
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Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
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Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 16 Dec 2006
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opinions wanted: Xtz 660
Hi

I am thinking of buying an XTZ for commuting and if I like it then a longer trip. The ones I'm looking at are the earlier models.

are they more reliable than the old xt 600?
comfortable cruzing speed? 90mph without reving the balls off it?
fuel capacitty/range? mileage from full tank
off/on road manners?
crash proof?
capable or not 2 up for a few days ?

and finally what should I be paying 2nd hand prices (parkers don't go back far enough)

cheers
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  #2  
Old 16 Dec 2006
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Location: Australian-traveling the World
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xtz660
I borrowed one of these to do the border run here in Aust.this year two up over 4 days 3000klm.I would not recomend them,they are top heavy,hopeless power and realy thirsty,the tank is to small for any serious touring and the rear shocker needs attention.Ive also had friends own them and they say similar things.Buy a DR650 suzuki
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  #3  
Old 18 Jan 2007
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Cool DR 650 Vs XT 660
Hi there,
I just joined the forum but own an XTZ660 Tenere' I live in NZ so use it for some distances on a regular basis. Seat is 'firm' and it did take a little getting used to, as it is a high bike, (owned a VN1500C beforehand). Moved to a city so the XTZ made sense for traffic carving. Fuel economy? I get about 200miles to a tankful at 60ish MPH. can be a lil side wind susceptable, but for distances? cant see a DR650 will be any better, same motor as a 650 Freewind, no real major power difference between DR/XT in my opinion. The Freewind is more cumfy, so maybe would be the better option, or a good used BMW650. Over hills? Well I ride up the Rimatuka Mountain road a bit, it's a single 660cc, dont expect miracles, but it does the job nicely. Most 'hills' it will deal with in top gear (solo) as long as you keep above 45-50mph.
GrayWolf
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  #4  
Old 18 Jan 2007
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Thumbs up love em
sounds to me like a dr infiltraitor has snuck into the party....

mate, i love my xtz 660.. very durable, excellent commuter, and with some small mods to the seat made for a nice rtw bike.

i put down 30000kms on my tenere fully loaded with my lady on board and the old girl didnt miss a beat.....extremely reliable bikes.

i think the dr dude is trying for a wind up.... keep trying ......
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  #5  
Old 19 Jan 2007
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Hi
I have been driving the 660 for a few years now, from Norway to the Black sea, cross Europe, all around. I find the bike very reliable and strong, also with two people on it. Once you learn to handle the extra weight, it becomes a fun bike to. I crossed Latin America with an XT 600, also very durable and fun, and of course lighter.

All in all I find the 660 better for overland crossings. I will put it to the test in Africa and The Sahara in about a month.


Cheers
Haakon
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  #6  
Old 27 Jan 2007
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Thumbs up XTZ for sure
Hi,

I owned also an 1998 XTZ and I loved the way it drives, very smooth, nice long wheelbase, stable, comfortable, brakes are okay, watercooled.

I also did build up a few and sold some, I think they are very good. It`s a good thing to change the timing chain by 50-60000 km. Otherwise no problems.

For the long road I would take one. For my playing around here I stick to my XT600Kickstart (3TB).

But if we go in June up to Kenya, I think I will do it on an XTZ 660

regards

Thomas
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