Yamaha XT 660

[Jayy]

https://upload.ecvv.com/upload/Product/200801/C2008319121748435345_2007_Yamaha_XT_660X.jpg

Opinions on one of these? I've been looking at the KTM Dukes but this has caught my eye recently as well. I need to sort out my next bike in the next 2 weeks so it's almost decision time.

Anyone got/owned one?

[Paxovasa]

I have the predecessor and I like it XT600E (2003).
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Suzuki GSF600 K3 (in the fastest colour, black).

[Frost]

Engine isn't the best and they are quite heavy, but reliable and look good. There are plenty of options out there, if possible try them all before making a decision.

[hellkat]

Yeah I like the look of the older ones better, but if that one was the only choice, I'd have one

hellkat
luvs trail bikes for the road
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Not nearly as interesting in real life.

[Nyarlathotep]

I have the "R" version - same bike but longer travel suspension, larger wheels and worse brakes.
It's a very good bike - great fun on back roads. Also reliable and easy to service (much easier than the KTMs).

Downsides? A bit heavy for this sort of bike (though not a problem unless planning to go off-road), and not much fun over about 75mph. Oh, and my wife tried pillion on it ONCE. Can't get her on again! She is spoiled by the VFR though.

[Jayy]

I prefer the look of the KTM but they're all miles away and I can't be arsed travelling 100 miles to go see one. I'm not too fussed on using it off road, will be the odd occassion if at all. I just want something fun to ride around, I don't do long trips and I don't commute, usually only go out for a few hours at a time on the bike. I really want a supermoto but it depends what's around at the time. I don't want to be stuck without a bike for weeks, ideally want to sell mine and get one straight away.

I love the VTR 1000 SP1 too, I know it's a sports bike but I fancy something loud and torquey. Even considered Aprilia RSV 1000s but put off by the reliability of Aprilias on the whole. If I remember rightly, a few people on here said the RSVs were pretty reliable. I also have a need for something with twin exhausts haha.

[Hazylogic]

They are meant to be a bit gutless for their size/weight - or so I understand from the way G Harps on.

No doubt he will be hear shortly, praising baby jesus, telling you the xt is the devil, and that the lord loves ktms. hallelujah!

[Hazylogic]

Does anyone know what tyres they are?

[Clanger]

I must admit, it's one I considered for the road...but keep getting told going from a v-twin to a single, I'd find it a bit sluggish. And possible not as good for touring. Not that I go trekking about on two wheels as much as I used to. It hurts too much!
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter won't mind - Dr. Seuss

[J D]

Having ridden an Xt and G's ktm 690 i would choose ktm anyday. The xt Just feels gutless really compared to the ktm.

Me on the Xt :

https://img405.imageshack.us/img405/2871/p1030903w.jpg
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m0l0t0v wrote: Chris, just so you know, JD is a nutter

[Jayy]

So you would deffo go for the KTM over the XT given the choice?

[J D]

In your case where its going to be used just for fun and not commuting then yes. But thats only because i dont have a clue about ktm service/runing costs ect.
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m0l0t0v wrote: Chris, just so you know, JD is a nutter

[Nyarlathotep]

[moto]

[Irezumi aka Reuben]

Suspension is squidgy, engine is gutless for it's size.

DRZ400sm is as fast and a lot more fun andbetter handling, let alone a KTBOOM.
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Pictorgraphicalfantastical

[G]

The XT is a low powered commuter. Could always whip the plastics off your zx6, stick some big bars and a restricter on .
What it does have is 6000 mile service intervals as opposed to 3000 on the KTM. For 'fun' the KTM makes a lot more sense - lighter, better brakes and suspension, more power and a bit more midrange - well, it's not massively torquey, but it's going to have as much 'go' at say 2/3rds revs that the yamaha has at full revs (been riding my new toy on Wednesday now that IS 'torquey'!).

[Jayy]

[G]

Beta rev3 - despite my noob skills, even in 3rd it would chug up a silly steep hills, at least 2 in 1, maybe near 3 in 1 I reckon (and yes, that is the right way around) and just keep on going up at low revs - of course using 'technique' you should get the speed up at the bottom etc, but the bike seems to be a decent chunk beyond my skill levels .

Anyway, my personal opinion has always been the XTs are a waste of time - if I have a low power bike (and I do enjoy them), I want something in return - ie lower weight. Paying lots of money for a low power bike that's still heavy doesn't seem a great idea.

If you want the 6000 mile service intervals, I reckon the BMW G650 is well worth a look - also from what I remember it had a fairly 'punchy' feel to the engine. Only five gears, but the ratios were actually wider than on the KTM.

[Jayy]

I do keep coming back to the KTMs, been looking at the XT 660 & them Yamaha FMX 650s.

Think it's gotta be a KTM or not bother, don't wanna get another bike and look at it thinking hmm, not keen on it.

What generally needs doing every 3,000 miles with the KTMs? Is it costly?

[G]

Every 6000 it's a valve check, which is nastier - every 3000 it's just basic oil, filters etc.
Despite your reluctance, I think the BMW is a good bike to consider.

It's probably not the right model (this one is half way between supermoto and trail), but this is presumably not to far from you BMW X-Country if you wanted to blag a test ride.

[hmmmnz]

[G]

[Paxovasa]

[Spit-Fire]

whats your budget jay?
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they say the good die young... i say we just live faster

[Jayy]

At the minute, £2,500 but I can stretch to about £3,000 if needed.