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XT600 or XT660 XT600 or XT660
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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.
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  #1  
Old 30 May 2009
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Question XT600 or XT660
Hi,
i'm looking for advice as to which one would be the best basis to build a travel bike. Aircooled versus water cooling? I am planning a trip from GB to South Africa so any help would be much appreciated.
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  #2  
Old 30 May 2009
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Hi

Try both if you havent done yet. In my opinion the 660 is much more bike than the 600. The watercooled engine aswell as the aircooled one are said to be almost bulletproof so that probably won´t be any problem. I like the handling and riding position better on the 660, a bit heavier but stable..

Chris
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Old 30 May 2009
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Hi, i own a Xt600E (02) and a Xt660Z(08). i find the 660 to be a far better road bike in every way and it can cruise at 85mph while the 600 doesn't like to cruise over 70mph. Off road the 660 is surprisingly good on rough trails but when things get really rough you want to be on the lighter 600 every time.
i would choose the 660. Cheers Andy
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  #4  
Old 2 Jun 2009
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Hi
thanks for your views,
I have tried both and think the 660 is the one
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  #5  
Old 3 Jun 2009
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I had an XT660R for a year and had to sell it because of the vibration. After 10 miles, my hands went dead. My XT600 isn't half as bad (this one just loosens my fillings). Maybe I've just got used to it, but it was a big issue for me at the time.

Also, the 660 had terrible snatchy fuelling off-idle, which made wet roundabouts a nightmare. Solvable with a PCIII, apparently, but I never went down that route. That was an 05 bike - I'm told they fixed it on later models.
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Old 7 Jun 2009
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Early 660's had a bit of a dodgy injection map. I think there was an update for the later models. (I know that was the case on the X model anyway).

My 03 600E was vibey and didnt like to go over 65mpg. It WAS bullet proof though, very reliable and never complained about the abuse and crashes

The 660R is based on the same engine and is also proved to be very reliable. The fuel injection also gives great economy and the extra cubes will really be nice on the road with better cruising speed.

The only downside I can think of on the 660R is the exposed downpipes ! Get a good guard.

If I were to chose again, id go for the 660R but if you have the cash, the new 660Z Tenere is the way to go
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Old 7 Jun 2009
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Don´t forget to have a look at the old xtz660 tenere. A lot of bike for little money. Not much different mechanically except for carbs insted of injection. Same as xt600. Here in sweden you can find nice ones for as little as £1300.
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Old 7 Jun 2009
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The thing I most like on the 660 is the engine outside appearance! It has that look of a hightech engine like the Honda CR450F engine! SWEET!

But one thing is for sure...I'd never change from my '90 600 to the 660!

LONG LIVE THE 600 lol


Vando
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