XT660, Suitable?

**limbimtimwim** · 7th June 2008, 22:32

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** · 7th June 2008, 22:49

Originally Posted by limbimtimwim

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

So it matches the rider then

**Crisis management** · 8th June 2008, 09:45

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** · 10th June 2008, 20:29

Originally Posted by 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

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** · 11th June 2008, 19:48

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:Me** · 11th June 2008, 19:57

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?

Who needs tarmac to have fun anyway?

**limbimtimwim** · 11th June 2008, 21:20

Originally Posted by Qkchk

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/sh...ad.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** · 12th June 2008, 20:17

Originally Posted by 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! :-)

Blue ones are faster than Orange ones !!!

**agricon** · 13th June 2008, 18:34

Originally Posted by bigfish

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** · 13th June 2008, 20:10

Originally Posted by agricon

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** · 13th June 2008, 20:21

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

**Kornholio** · 13th June 2008, 20:26

Originally Posted by emaN

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

**toebug** · 13th June 2008, 20:32

Originally Posted by doc

If you are fat enough to crush the rear hub of a MV

. Maybe some gym work first or maybe mountain biking until you can get in shape.

LOL

, 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** · 13th June 2008, 20:35

Originally Posted by toebug

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