XT660, Suitable?

[DMNTD]

I'm having a serious reconsider of my riding of late and have been thinking of going the adventure way so I can get to see "the real" NZ(imo).
With working where I do obviously I can get a deal on a Yamaha(Triumph or Duc) so have been thinking about a XT660.
Your opinions please....but do bare in mind that I'm a complete 100% n00b at this side of things.

Cheers

[insane1]

you getting one stock or one thats had some money spent on it .pm yellowdog he"s just got a trumpy .

[FJRider]

Are your legs long enough to ride it. And we are ALL noobs, thats why/how we need to get experience. If you like the bike, can afford it, who are we to argue ???

[DMNTD]

Are your legs long enough to ride it. And we are ALL noobs, thats why/how we need to get experience. If you like the bike, can afford it, who are we to argue ???

I'm 6ft and down to a stealth 95kgs atm so I don't think it would be an issue. Have ridden our XTX660 demo with no issues but obviously on the road.
Re the n00b part...I've never done any motor cross/dirt riding of any description on a 2 wheeler.
Just after opinions

[limbimtimwim]

I'm going to sell my DR-Z400SM in the near future (Like put it on Trademe on Monday or Tuesday). It'll be so cheap you won't have to sell anything...

[marks]

just my 2c

The XT is some 30kg heavier than a dr650 and 3-4k dearer (less for you).

The XT is a better bike on road (very comfortable) and a worse bike off road. I brought an xt660x (since sold) and in hindsight I would have been better off from an adventure riding point of view with something like a dr650.

It all comes down to if you are happy just riding gravel and tar seal or if you end up always wondering "I wonder if I can just get up/down there what is around the corner...".

[tri boy]

Go for it D:Punk: You won't regret it.
The Xt660R might be a bit more suited to gravel than the X model, but Marks didn't have any drama's leaving me behind on last years Motu ride.:angry:
Hell, almost any bike will do light adv rides, (kanny's Volty, Rosies Sherpa, Xer's Cb250RS etc), but a more dedicated bike like a XT, TTR, KTM640/690, will have bubbling.
As for hardcore adv dudes..........:rofl:
We get upset if our stuffed Quail n Chateau d plonk is a bit poorly presented.

[sinfull]

I'm having a serious reconsider of my riding of late and have been thinking of going the adventure way so I can get to see "the real" NZ(imo).
With working where I do obviously I can get a deal on a Yamaha(Triumph or Duc) so have been thinking about a XT660.
Your opinions please....but do bare in mind that I'm a complete 100% n00b at this side of things.

Cheers

Ditto to the real NZ , been looking at the off road side myself !

And only limited exp. with trail riding !

Sooooo many routes through NZ that the road bikes cant look at !

[DMNTD]

Cheers for your opinions thus far. Apart from that fact that I can get a deal on a XT it's also that I'd be keen on doing some kms on it therefore the smaller cc's may not suit.
Keep the opinions flowing :niceone:

[jrandom]

:killingme

<img src="http://i27.tinypic.com/2rw3trb.jpg"/>

I'm sorry, is there an echo in here?

[NordieBoy]

As for hardcore adv dudes..........:rofl:
We get upset if our stuffed Quail n Chateau d plonk is a bit poorly presented.

It's gateau and the wine in (expensive) paper cups :D

[fridayflash]

I'm having a serious reconsider of my riding of late and have been thinking of going the adventure way so I can get to see "the real" NZ(imo).
With working where I do obviously I can get a deal on a Yamaha(Triumph or Duc) so have been thinking about a XT660.
Your opinions please....but do bare in mind that I'm a complete 100% n00b at this side of things.

Cheers
go for it!!! i divide my motorcycling time equaly between road
and dirt and get a lot of kicks out of both, if your unsure buy a 250cc trailbike road legal,such as ttr,xt or wr 250 and do a few trailrides and backroad exploring,and organised adventure rides to gain confidence
and youl be able to make a more informed decision about what sort
of bigger trailie you might want;)

[DMNTD]

go for it!!! i divide my motorcycling time equaly between road...

Oh don't get me wrong,I'll still have my ZX14 and would buy a track bike too :devil2:

[Quasievil]

Well mate, I cant get into the road scene anymore, just to hard, fast and dangerous and cop pressure everywhere, whats the point, the track yes the road NOPE

For me ideal day is having a quick squizz at a map, ie middle of nowhere and seeing how to get somewhere without hitting tarseal, its not always possible but what a hoot I find myself in some real out of the way places I didnt even know existed...great fun
And I take the billy the primus and some lunch and save it for a sweet spot, and yes its very heart warming and is a great day adventure, every time.
If you want come to Hamilton and take the KLR out for the day.

Oh and KLR is a better pic (I reckon) 430 kms in a tank and lots of wind rain protection and $9k DONE !!

[Quasievil]

Flag the Ducati to, you want a 21 inch front wheel, higher centrifugal forces for keeping it upright in the gravel, 19 inch minimum dude

[Taz]

Get the XT. Hit the back roads and you'll love it. I put 40,000kms on my XT alot of those in the middle of nowhere and went places I never knew existed. The Waikaremoana road in the snow is one of my fondest memories. Don't worry about the weight, it's not like your going to ride motocross on the thing and the extra comfort and handling on the road will make up for it.

Here's a pic taken by clint on the day.

[marks]

XT's can enjoy the dirt....

http://webcoda.com/images/bike/PICT0480.jpg

[Taz]

Cool pic marks!

[Frodo]

I have a Pegaso trail with essentially the same motor. As said earlier, more weight and more power than a DR650 means it is more road oriented, but fine in the gravel. There are some fuelling issues thanks to Euro emissions requirements. I had significant issues with my Pegaso, but these were well sorted with a Power Commander and my bike now runs sweet. I know with the very latest Pegasos fitted with a lambda probe there are some issues with getting the Power Commander sorted. You should check with www.XT660.com.

Cheers

[Goblin]

Whatever you do get, make sure you get some HotGrips!! Having warm hands on those beautiful crisp, frosty mornings is not being a soft cock. :sunny:

[tri boy]

I sense the makings of another Newbies overnighter at "The Bach".
The weekend is worth it for Kanny's cooking alone.<_<

[Coyote]

I'm going to sell my DR-Z400SM in the near future (Like put it on Trademe on Monday or Tuesday). It'll be so cheap you won't have to sell anything...
Why are you selling it?

[Quasievil]

Whatever you do get, make sure you get some HotGrips!! Having warm hands on those beautiful crisp, frosty mornings is not being a soft cock. :sunny:


:yawn:Mmmmm I think I will call him a soft cock anyway

[DMNTD]

Whatever you do get, make sure you get some HotGrips!! Having warm hands on those beautiful crisp, frosty mornings is not being a soft cock. :sunny:
LOL! Have had them on my last 4 bikes and strangely enough have a new spare pair in the garage now :innocent:


:yawn:Mmmmm I think I will call him a soft cock anyway
Mate...you're sadly ill-equipped to make me hard...sorry

[Bass]

Chris, just do it.
The best motorcycling decision I ever made was to buy an adventure bike. I never realised how much of NZ I had missed until I did. Anything that is moderately capable in the gravel will do. I bought a DR 650 and it has proved to be very much the right decision for me, considering that I am posting this from Darwin, having done about 7500 km of Oz so far with about another 14,000 to go. However we spent a lot of money upgrading the bikes for this trip. It will not be wasted when we get home, but the mods are not necessary to still have huge fun in NZ.
The adventure crowd are a breed apart as well - helpful and hospitable to huge degree. When something goes wrong, they all pitch in to sort it out.

[deanohit]

The adventure crowd are a breed apart as well - helpful and hospitable to huge degree. When something goes wrong, they all pitch in to sort it out.
I've found them to be more relaxed as well. Nothing is a problem.:niceone:
Puncture? Fixed and on the road again.
Needing a breather? They'll stop for 5 mins and have a chat instead of blasting off.
Interesting looking gravel turn off? They're off leading the way! :headbang:

Also most of the adventure riders I've ridden with so far are happy at 90-110 on seal and 40-80 on the gravel.
Makes for a nice pace for me instead of playing catch up all day.:bleh:

[doc]

I'm 6ft and down to a stealth 95kgs

If you are fat enough to crush the rear hub of a MV :gob:. Maybe some gym work first or maybe mountain biking until you can get in shape.:dodge:

[pampa]

I was on the same arena as u are, with a few months difference ... last year bought a f650 gs dakar my experience off road was minimal never on a real off road bike, so even when some may say the bike is heavy an underpowered (50hp doesn't look all that underpowered for me tho ...) it did it's job and make me realise how much fun it is. Learn a lot about how to handle the bike when mere force cannot do the job and manage to go to quite a few places around the Wellington area.

Have fun :headbang:

Pampa

[pete376403]

Oh and KLR is a better pic (I reckon) 430 kms in a tank and lots of wind rain protection and $9k DONE !!

+1 on the KLR. Did the Brass last week, in fast company - R1, GSXR750, Bandit 1200, KTM950, BMW1200. So what if they all pissed off down the straights at 180? I don't think I was more than 5 minutes behind at stops. Plus I got to go quite a few places the others apart from the KTM couldn't go (There was also an 1100 Yamaha cruiser with a Watsonian sidecar that did the dirt tracks with us)
Couple of pics of Thompsons Road.

[Kornholio]

I'm 6ft and down to a stealth 95kgs atm so I don't think it would be an issue. Have ridden our XTX660 demo with no issues but obviously on the road.
Re the n00b part...I've never done any motor cross/dirt riding of any description on a 2 wheeler.
Just after opinions

Opinions.... stay home and play Xbox au :p


Oh don't get me wrong,I'll still have my ZX14 and would buy a track bike too :devil2:


Who's ZX14?


:yawn:Mmmmm I think I will call him a soft cock anyway

that is his middle name you know........ ;)

[limbimtimwim]

In addition to my encouragement to buy my DR-Z400SM, I fully endorse your idea to go off the beaten track.

It's awesome and you'll love it. I know I do! Good times await you! Small front wheels dance a bit in the gravel, but are nice on the road. I suspect the XT is quite a heavy bike for learning how to off road on. But if you are are a strong fella (Unlike me) then you'll be okay,

Motorcycling, as you probably know, mostly your headspace and not the machinery. Having said that, a chunky tyre is good when the road the road isn't dry.

[Kornholio]

, a chunky tyre is good when the road the road isn't dry.

So it matches the rider then :bleh:

[Crisis management]

Go for it Chris, it's motorcycling at its most basic and most enjoyable. Just be sure of what you are expecting to get into, I bought the DR650 thinking I could use it for trail bike rides as well and unfortunately with my skill level that was expecting a bit much....
Any of the dual purpose bikes are great on gravel and easy trails / farm track stuff which is most of the publicly accessible stuff but if you want off-road riding buy a cheap trail bike as well (trying to keep your fleet to it's maximum capacity....no need to thank me)
You'll be surprised at the other 80% of new zealand you discover out there.

[OV Lander]

I'm having a serious reconsider of my riding of late and have been thinking of going the adventure way so I can get to see "the real" NZ(imo).
With working where I do obviously I can get a deal on a Yamaha(Triumph or Duc) so have been thinking about a XT660.
Your opinions please....but do bare in mind that I'm a complete 100% n00b at this side of things.

Cheers

Was were you are now, but 12 months ago. Had my heart set on a Dakar with grand overseas plans for another couple of years time (still in train). Bought the Dakar - and love it! Awesome bike, as would be the XT.

However, had a couple of close calls and a coupe of drops as I started to learn the skills (still heaps to learn and still working out better to deal with slippery surfaces etc), but man - to drop your pride joy is never a happy day.

Looking back, I should possible have bought an aged trail back. Thrashed it, dropped, and thrown myself in the mud without fear of costly repair whilst learning.... ....and then upgraded with confidence.

Do want to worry about damage, or learn new skills?

My 2c.

[agricon]

I bought my XT660R last year and have no regrets at all. Its at home on the open road as well as on the loose stuff. I would recommend it! :-)

[Qkchk]

Hahaha they all come over to the dark side once they get a FEEL for the force!


Drop the XT660 whale and go for either a DRZ400 or a cheap as chips DR650! Be prepared to be frustrated by the 120kph max road speed on the DRZ but it would be a better offroader than the DR. If you plan to ride to Wellington like us silly bastards instead of sticking it on a trailer, then the DR650 is still shits and giggles. If you must buy a Yahama, then a WR450 wouldnt be a bad choice. Ask Merv as he has one.

If I can do the CCA on the 650, S U R E L Y you would be able too? :Pokey:

Who needs tarmac to have fun anyway?

[limbimtimwim]

If you plan to ride to Wellington like us silly bastards instead of sticking it on a trailer, then the DR650 is still shits and giggles.I rode my DR-ZSM to Auckland in a day from Wellington, no problem.

I rode it around some South Island gravel for nearly 2 weeks. That wasn't a problem either. See: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=67649

Mr DMNTD, I can also vouch for the surprisingly good BMW F650GS. Sure it may conjure up images of boring farts with the european bike superiority complex, but it is a good bike that will give you a big surprise at how good it is at pretty much anything.

[bigfish]

I bought my XT660R last year and have no regrets at all. Its at home on the open road as well as on the loose stuff. I would recommend it! :-)
Blue ones are faster than Orange ones !!!

[agricon]

Blue ones are faster than Orange ones !!!

Thats only because i was making the hole in the air for you!! Anyway mines currently Orange AND Blue!

[bigfish]

Thats only because i was making the hole in the air for you!! Anyway mines currently Orange AND Blue!
Cheers for Licourice Allsorts.Anyway they are both great regardlas of colour.

[emaN]

i got an XT600 for sale bro - it's Doc's old bike (not Doc from KB... Doc from the UK)

[Kornholio]

i got an XT600 for sale bro - it's Doc's old bike (not Doc from KB... Doc from the UK)

Put some training wheels on it and give it to Lucia (Lu-chee-ahh) for her birthday bro :baby:

[toebug]

If you are fat enough to crush the rear hub of a MV :gob:. Maybe some gym work first or maybe mountain biking until you can get in shape.:dodge:

LOL:clap:, if it happens on an XT you might ACTUALLY be able to pick it up and chuck it in the river!!

Damn, you do get bored fast dont you DMNTD one? Working in the bike shop must be bloody torture, all those new bikes in there that you havent owned yet!

[Kornholio]

Damn, you do get bored fast dont you DMNTD one? Working in the bike shop must be bloody torture, all those new bikes in there that you havent owned yet!

He's probably already diddled the work computer so they all in his name anyway :whistle:

[Quasievil]

I rode my DR-ZSM to Auckland in a day from Wellington, no problem.



And you know every gas station in between :yes:

Get a KLR one gas stop only :wari:

[toebug]

He's probably already diddled the work computer so they all in his name anyway :whistle:

As long as thats all he's diddled!


And you know every gas station in between :yes:

Get a KLR one gas stop only :wari:
The man cant buy a kawaka when working at a Yamaha shop! How does that look as a salesman? Although I really dont think blue is his colour, do you?

[DMNTD]

Well it looks like after all the humming and farting about I may just have to go for the 1098S(fully kitted) after all as the deal I was offered today by Ducati Australia and my boss is just TOO good to turn down plus the boss has offered me a WR250 to borrow any time I feel the need to try out some bush bashing etc
I guess things could be worse huh? :wari:

[marks]

Well it looks like after all the humming and farting about I may just have to go for the 1098S(fully kitted) after all as the deal I was offered today by Ducati Australia and my boss is just TOO good to turn down plus the boss has offered me a WR250 to borrow any time I feel the need to try out some bush bashing etc
I guess things could be worse huh? :wari:

we've just lost all our respect for you

[Qkchk]

Well it looks like after all the humming and farting about I may just have to go for the 1098S(fully kitted) after all as the deal I was offered today by Ducati Australia and my boss is just TOO good to turn down plus the boss has offered me a WR250 to borrow any time I feel the need to try out some bush bashing etc
I guess things could be worse huh? :wari:

Pussy :finger:


+10charc

[DMNTD]

we've just lost all our respect for you
LOL! I shall cry myself to sleep every night :drool:



Pussy...
Yeah I must be huh...it's a raw deal when I can have a wicked track bike AND something to learn adventure riding on. :rolleyes:

[Colapop]

I'll look after the Duc while you go bush....

[tri boy]

Take the 1098 bush.
Lighter than the scrambler, and got more power to climb hills.
How bout it? Well, are ya gunna, punk?
(best Dirty Harry rip off i can muster on a Sat morn).

[Kornholio]

Well it looks like after all the humming and farting about I may just have to go for the 1098S(fully kitted)

Nice, just remember to hang onto it long enough for the boys to see (Actually has it got a pillion seat as Fish may need a ride :Pokey:)

[Beem02]

+1 on the KLR. Did the Brass last week, in fast company - R1, GSXR750, Bandit 1200, KTM950, BMW1200. So what if they all pissed off down the straights at 180? I don't think I was more than 5 minutes behind at stops. Plus I got to go quite a few places the others apart from the KTM couldn't go (There was also an 1100 Yamaha cruiser with a Watsonian sidecar that did the dirt tracks with us)
Couple of pics of Thompsons Road.

Good Pics Pete - Here's a couple more on Thompson Gorge Rd
The Brass trip was great as always, but not as cold as we're used to.
Cheers BM

[RedKLR650]

Good Pics Pete - Here's a couple more on Thompson Gorge Rd The Brass trip was great as always, but not as cold as we're used to. Cheers BM

Is that Quasi's KLR in the photos, and if so, has he used pelican cases for panniers ? :niceone:

Cheers, Stu

[OV Lander]

Take the 1098 bush.

Seen the "R1 Enduro" clip on YouTube?

[cooneyr]

Is that Quasi's KLR in the photos, and if so, has he used pelican cases for panniers ? :niceone:

Cheers, Stu

I'm thinking its pete376403 KLR - have a look at this post (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=1597247&postcount=29).

[toebug]

Well it looks like after all the humming and farting about I may just have to go for the 1098S(fully kitted) after all as the deal I was offered today by Ducati Australia and my boss is just TOO good to turn down plus the boss has offered me a WR250 to borrow any time I feel the need to try out some bush bashing etc
I guess things could be worse huh? :wari:

I thought thats what you were thinking of getting. Is Graham getting one too? You could be twins!:2thumbsup

[Quasievil]

Is that Quasi's KLR in the photos, and if so, has he used pelican cases for panniers ? :niceone:

Cheers, Stu

Nope not mine mate, I havent got any cases yet, might be selling it soon for a different adventure bike, it comes into the country in november
BMW800

[pete376403]

Is that Quasi's KLR in the photos, and if so, has he used pelican cases for panniers ? :niceone:

Cheers, Stu
No, thats my KLR in the photos, and the cases are the Bunnings supplied, "Craftech" brand, $99 Chinese knock-offs of Pelicans. Some places also sell these under the "Kincrome" brand. Only available in yellow.
Almost dimensionally the same as the Pelican 1500. Mounted on home made racks and detachable.

[RedKLR650]

Nope not mine mate, I havent got any cases yet, might be selling it soon for a different adventure bike, it comes into the country in november
BMW800
Sorry to hear you're giving up the KLR. :nono:
Best of luck with the Beemer..... :msn-wink:
Stu

[carver]

I'm having a serious reconsider of my riding of late and have been thinking of going the adventure way so I can get to see "the real" NZ(imo).
With working where I do obviously I can get a deal on a Yamaha(Triumph or Duc) so have been thinking about a XT660.
Your opinions please....but do bare in mind that I'm a complete 100% n00b at this side of things.

Cheers

XZ660Z dude, you want a good tank range, try a few firts and get somewthing more road orientated

[RedKLR650]

No, thats my KLR in the photos, and the cases are the Bunnings supplied, "Craftech" brand, $99 Chinese knock-offs of Pelicans. Some places also sell these under the "Kincrome" brand. Only available in yellow. Almost dimensionally the same as the Pelican 1500. Mounted on home made racks and detachable.

Excellent job Pete, good reliable old box section, makes a good crash guard / slider too I guess.....

Nice Job

Stu :Punk:

[pete376403]

Excellent job Pete, good reliable old box section, makes a good crash guard / slider too I guess.....Stu :Punk:

Why yes, it did. With only about 100 metres to go before getting back onto the good gravel, dropped it on a particularly greasy, deeply rutted downhill track. Cases were undamaged, rack bent in a little at the bottom. Will straighten ok. The case held most of the the bike up off the ground.