Yamaha xt660 Z or R?

[Zero]

Anyone got anything good to say from experience about the Z (Tenere) or the R (Enduro?) I've ridden a few BIG SINGLES in my time, but never ones with a throttle. Wink.

I've got some money saved up and still trying to decide on a trip to the states to see the salt flats racing or a trip blasting around Europe.

Do I need a dual-sport bike?

No

It's just to make the journey out of Glasgow and its Zilov-gap sized potholes in one piece.
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'01 Suzuki GZ125 - scrapped
'91 Kawasaki GT550 - given away
'95 Honda VRX400 / '08 Yamaha XT660R - current bikes

[G]

I don't quite see why you'd want either?

They are very heavy for the underpowered lump.

I wouldn't really call either a 'dual sport', more a 'no sport' .

Ok, when compared to the 650GS single it offers pretty similar specs - but that's not a bike I'd choose for anything specifically really.

Sure, you can ride off-road on either; but then I could on my zx9 too and that was probably lighter .

If I was getting a bike at that kind of weight, ideally I'd go for a KTM950/990 or a F800GS, slightly heavier maybe, but a good bit more relaxed engine.
Even consider a KTM950 enduro if I actually wanted off-road.

If I wanted an actual big 'dual sport' bike I'd go for a 950 enduro if I wasn't going for a GSXR1000 with dirt tyres .

Otherwise, for a real 'dual sport', I'd be looking at the usual G650X-Challenge, 690enduro and TE610.

[Zero]

I hadn't even considered the three bikes you mention at the end there, I'll have a look at those too. Thanks!
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'01 Suzuki GZ125 - scrapped
'91 Kawasaki GT550 - given away
'95 Honda VRX400 / '08 Yamaha XT660R - current bikes

[Supermoto_Fan]

The 660 has something stupid like 48bhp from standard, and weighs a massive amount, couldn't think of anything worse when undertaking massive distances, why do you want a big single?
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Yamaha MT-09 - Triple powerrrr

[Zero]

Most of the time it'll be used to getting to work, and the torque puts a massive grin on my face.

I love the noise they make.

I don't mind spending my life changing up and down the gearbox either.
____________________
'01 Suzuki GZ125 - scrapped
'91 Kawasaki GT550 - given away
'95 Honda VRX400 / '08 Yamaha XT660R - current bikes

[Zero]

I forgot to say that I've ridden the Tenere and enjoyed it quite a bit.

It doesn't have to be the (on paper) perfect bike for my needs either. I've ridden my 33bhp slightly cruisery UJM through floods, fords, and green lanes. Had a few longer trips on it too, one was around 400 miles in one day and I still enjoyed every minute of it.

Just wanted to see what people thought of them, looks like we can all agree on heavy and underpowered though!?
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'01 Suzuki GZ125 - scrapped
'91 Kawasaki GT550 - given away
'95 Honda VRX400 / '08 Yamaha XT660R - current bikes

[Supermoto_Fan]

They do sound raw with twin akrapovics, not alot to replace if its dropped or lowsided either! Good luck on picking it up though!
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Yamaha MT-09 - Triple powerrrr

[G]

[Zero]

Yeah I was thinking that...

Being able to drop it is good, and I could get my GT550 (200+ kg) back up easily enough when it went down, but that was on solid ground.
____________________
'01 Suzuki GZ125 - scrapped
'91 Kawasaki GT550 - given away
'95 Honda VRX400 / '08 Yamaha XT660R - current bikes

[Zero]

[G]

Gear a sports 600 and you'll also get aggressive power delivery .

However, what you'll find is that people are more likely to use the 'correct' gear on a low geared bike, while on a bigger bike people will often chuck it in to top. On my GSXR I'd often go along in top gear - so geared for a smidge under 200mph probably, but at 30-40mph. It still pulled ok at that, though 'smoothly' rather than aggressively.

Both from the lower gearing forcing you to be in the correct gear and the lack of power/jerkiness when at low speed in a high gear; the single often does 'feel' more aggressive.

The G650X-Challenge should feel a good bit more aggressive than the XTZ, thanks to more power and a good bit less weight.

Remember that these bikes hold their weight higher up, which can make it harder to pick up for the same weight.

I've taken my 690 enduro on a hare and hounds race and done ok - wouldn't like to try that on the XTZ.

[Zero]

Haha you won't need anymore Karma but I'm sending it anyway.

Thanks for explaining the gearing like that, its probably something I should know by now but that made it nice and clear


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'01 Suzuki GZ125 - scrapped
'91 Kawasaki GT550 - given away
'95 Honda VRX400 / '08 Yamaha XT660R - current bikes

[G]

No worries.

Are you planning to actually use the bike for off-road?
If so, what experience do you have off-road?

Certainly look at one of the lighter ones if so.

[Stewie]

If your looking for a Duel sport single with good power delivery, another one to concider, is the Aprilia Strada or its brother the Pegaso trail

I do think that G has a good point about the gearing, I ride a Blackbird which has all the tuque that you could possibly need in any gear, but if I try to that on my 650 single, its not going to do the internals any favours .

I would be looking at the 950 / 990 you can blast around Europe and still get in the mud. .

[Zero]

[G]

Depending on your timescales, I'd be tempted to get a cheaper competition enduro bike in the short term - the low weight makes it a lot easier to learn the basics, which can then be transferred to bigger bikes.

Saying that, my first proper off-road experience was on a DR600 supermoto with tyres that weren't legal for road use, nevermind enough tread for off-road!

[P.]

Big single with lots of kg does lose its fun fast.

I had a TTR600, basically the XT600 lump in a different guise with SM wheels. Was great, downgeared it was "fun" to the point it was no longer practical.

Definitely would consider a 690 for something fun and usable.