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11 Feb 2021
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Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 658
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Good things come to those who wait. Brilliant replies. I guess I can make do with the originals to bridge me over to getting something better.
I was not aware of the voltage regulator issue - thanks for the heads up!
I am aware of the seat issue and will have something done about it.
The kev mod seems like an inexpensive and easy fix. I will ride and see - aybe the stock is good enough. If not, I now know there is a work arround to get richer fuel.
As for innertubes - there are benefits. I'm ok with innertubes and they give me peace of mind when having to depressurize while riding in remote places, where tearing a tyre or breaking a rim can get you into heaps of trouble. Then again - tubeless rims and a spare tube in the luggage, with some rim tape, etc - would be preferable. If the bike was newish, I would have gone your route, but I can't justify the expense to convert to rimless on such an old cheap bike.
I'll probably change out the exhaust, if only for the weight savings.
Once agian - thank you all for your input!
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11 Feb 2021
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Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Milan, Italy
Posts: 627
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yep good inputs and glad to be proved wrong.
in my 9 years here i think i ever saw a handfull of posts on the 660, ditto for posts from our two friendly helpers.
just look at the list of topics in this XT section, 6 in the last two months....
no complaints, its something i noticed also in a few other specific vintage models forums i am in, interest and activity with 25-30 or more years old bikes is dwindling. Water cooled bikes? Thats way to modern for me!
I do actually have just one, with your motor.... its powered by an XTZ660 highly tuned 700cc unit in a TZ250 GP bike frame, 75hp on 110 kg, used it for a couple of season of Supermono racing.
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12 Feb 2021
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Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,166
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I didn't convert to rimless, though the profile of the rim looks like it would take it. In reality the deep profile just adds to the difficulty of getting tyres off and on.
Puncture in the rear tyre just before sunset.
It was a lot darker than the photo shows, so despite not having a tent with me, I slept beside the bike under a cedar tree. Just as I got the wheel out the next morning, a local rocked up in a Mercedes and offered to take it into town to be mended. He returned 90 minutes later and wouldn't take any money. #kindnessofstrangers
Even with the benefit of a centre stand, refitting the rear wheel if you are by yourself is a real pain in the åss due to the spacers each side that need to be fitted at the same time. I took to carrying in my took kit a thick twig that was just long enough to go through the left spacer, the axle hole and the right spacer. Then, sitting on the ground behind the bike, offer the wheel and twig assembly up to the swinging arm and use one of your feet to keep the wheel at the right height whilst gently introducing the axle which at the same time pushes the twig out of the other side.
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
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Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
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What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
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Lots more comments here!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
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New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
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