XT600/660 Why not the U.S. & Canada ?
 

Can anyone provide some insight as to why this awesome bike was dropped from import to North America ? my bike, a 1999 Austrian XT600E was never imported after 1995. the XT350 was dropped in 2001, as of 2009 it seems the only XT available in Canada or the U.S. is the XT225. I can't imagine how such a bulletproof and fun bike can be unavailable in such a huge motorcycle market.

I have often wondered that one myself. Certainly a good question...

I understand that the Yank's widely accept that the Kawasaki KLR650 and the Honda XR650's was the Yamaha XT6 that they never got. Both those bikes are top notch but I would say the XT6 will beat both in nearly all areas.

Go Figure!
 

I have also wondered the same thing? I have had many many dual purpose bikes over the last 26 or so years of ridin and right now I have an old 86Xt 600. This bike is hands down a better machine than my 90 Dr 650 and my friends 04 KLR 650. The KLR would be a better mount for a cross country trip but for any else gimme the 23 year old 60 pds lighter XT. In my opinion for the most part so called big bore Jap dual sports imported to Canada have not really changed that much since my old XT was born. KTM seemed to have a good leg up on the competition. Many people in the past here in certain parts of Canada have taken the XR650R and and CRF450 and got them road plated for a more dirt oriented and lighter approach to things but the govnt is cracking down on this now. If I could only change one thing about my Xt is that I would give it an electric leg, cuz it sure is a B@#$% to get running after swamping it or flippin it over in the bush. I'm told the 650 was only imported to Canada for 86-88? I stumbled apon this one for a steal and everyone I know that has one, hangs on to them for lack of anything better that suits their needs for the same price.
Just my 2 cents.
Rod