XT660r - Review

[Suzuki Al]

I have had one of the new generation EFI, watercooled 660s since June.

It is an excellent bike and it and its near identical cousin the XT660X Supermotard version have had very good reviews in BIKE, TWO and MCN.

My experiences of the XT660R are:

Performance - fast for this type of bike. All day 70mph+ cruising is a practical and pleasant proposition. It is very brisk up to 85mph and tops out at around 100mph.

Handling - On road handling is simply superb and very stable. It really is outstanding.

Fuel - I get anything from 62mpg to 80 mpg. Tank range = 200 miles. To get less, the bike needs to be thrashed without mercy and I would then ask the question "Are you on the right bike?"

Fuelling - The EFI is snatchy at low throttle openings - aren't they all. Only Suzuki seem to be able to get EFI right! (This is now sorted, see Workshop for step by step guide. Fuelling is excellent as a result of this fix!)

Off Road - Adequate for anything bar really rough no road terrain. Weight at 167 kilos is 15 to 20 kilos lighter than its immediate rivals, but a little heavy compared to a DRZ for example.

Comfort - Hard to believe I know, but this bike is extremely, 300 miles a day, everyday comfortable. Vibration - not a lot.

Brakes - Good.

Gearbox - Haven't missed a gear yet. Smooth and precise.

Headlight - Very good indeed.

Equipment - Digital speedo, twin trips + mileage trip from reserve light coming on. No rev counter. Immobiliser. Parking light. All fixtures (winkers etc) are rubber mounted to avoid damage on the rough stuff. Under seat storage - a joke. Hazard Warning Lights.

Facts and Figures - BHP - claimed 48bhp, actual 42 bhp. Torque - claimed 42ft lb, actual 39 ft lb. Speedo accuracy shows 70mph at a real 67 mph (Tested by a fellow owner).

Reliability - I have done 4000 miles and have had no problems whatsoever. Oil used - nil. Coolant used (after 2 initial top ups) - nil. Only ONE out of around 60 I know of has had a problem: an oil leak from the remote oil tank.

Tyres - The original Michelin Siracs are pretty good. Front at 4000miles is still good. Rear was replaced at 4000 miles. They work well in everything except mud!

Down side - the plastics and general cosmetics are poor. Decals have actually peeled of at the leading edge just by riding. Cheapo spokes.

Design Issues - Under engine exhausts could prove vulnerable - sump guard is a must. Water pump very exposed and vulnerable - Givi make engine guards. Centre stand lugs are privided and Motorhaus make one for £90. Twin exhausts are a just a styling exercise I reckon.

Build Quality - No corrosion in spite of being exposed to lots of wet roads and muddy farm tracks. Nothing has come loose except for one spoke.

Aftermarket - Yamaha are really slow in getting their act together. Hand guards (Acerbis) are available and good. Yamaha supplied carrier is very good with lots of bungee points. Yamaha top box is cheap and nasty, but only £40. Sump guard is STILL on back order after 4 months!!!! Two sizes of aftermarket screens are available - medium and large.

Interesting Facts - Engine is made by Morini in Italy and the bike is assembled in the MBK factory in France. Forks are Piaoli. Brakes are Brembos. The XT is Greece's biggest selling bike. There are 12 in Norfolk.

There you have it. An excellent do anything (except go really fast), go anywhere bike.

[Suzuki Al]

After four and a half months the sump guard has arrived. When I get this fitted the low throttle EFI rough fuelling is going to be sorted out by a Yamaha "fix".

[WRANT]

[quote=XT Alan,Oct 31 2004, 05:15 PM]
After four and a half months the sump guard has arrived. When I get this fitted the low throttle EFI rough fuelling is going to be sorted out by a Yamaha "fix".

Would you be so kind as to post a picture of it. If possible give us an idea how much it covers & if it still leaves space for engine bars etc,
I have heard that they have got a new supplier , so is it the same as the one in the brochure/on the website.
Thanks

[Suzuki Al]

Would you be so kind as to post a picture of it. If possible give us an idea how much it covers & if it still leaves space for engine bars etc,
I have heard that they have got a new supplier , so is it the same as the one in the brochure/on the website.
Thanks
2594
[/quote]

As soon as it is fitted I will post pics.

[BawdyMonk]

Good write up, I've only seen one over here and it seemed to be well put together, what, if anything, did you test and compare with it?

[Suzuki Al]

Originally posted by BawdyMonk@Nov 6 2004, 02:34 PM
Good write up, I've only seen one over here and it seemed to be well put together, what, if anything, did you test and compare with it?
3677


Personally, I have done a direct comparison with the Africa Twin a friend of mine owned before chopping it in for an XT as a result of this comparison. We toured 1400 miles to, around and back from Scotland this summer. On A/B roads they were equal, off road and in the twisties the XT has it by a country mile.
I have also ridden with a DRZ over some pretty tricky terrain. The XT is less capable and "at home" over the really rough stuff, but actually copes with everything that the DRZ, in the hands of a non-expert, can manage.
In addition, on any given bend, up to 80 mph, it can carry 5 - 10mph more corner speed than my previous CB1300, which is considered the best handling bike in the big naked class (B12, ZRX, XJR, GRX14)

Bike tested it against the TA, F650GS and V Strom on the road. It beat the TA and F650 GS and damn near beat the V Strom, both were given 4 stars. XT had best brakes and best comfort and better power than the 650GS and TA.
MCN tested it against a CCM and KTM LC4 - the XT won.
TWO tested the XTX against the Monster, Hornet, Fazer, ZX7 and SV650 and it held its own everywhere except track days.

This all says that the XT is effectively the most complete bike in the middle weight dual sport category. Now that the low speed fuelling glitch is sorted it is an even better bike - smoother and faster.

[XTreme]

Originally posted by XT Alan@Nov 6 2004, 04:28 PM
the XT is effectively the most complete bike in the middle weight dual sport category.

What Alan actually means is that the XT is effectively the most complete bike in the middle weight supermotard category. :laughing:

[Shagger]

http://tlplanet.com/forums/images/smilies/worthless.gif

Us yanks have a hard time with bikes we don't see here.

I think I know the bike refered too but...

[XTreme]

Originally posted by Shagger@Nov 7 2004, 03:42 PM
http://tlplanet.com/forums/images/smilies/worthless.gif

Us yanks have a hard time with bikes we don't see here.

I think I know the bike refered too but...
3781


Here's Alan's bike....

http://www.dual-sport.ic54.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/DSCN1548%23001.jpg

[Buckster]

The exhausts spoil the lines of an otherwise very nice looking bike, it is as if they got bored just before they finished it. What is with the exhausts? Is it some sort of emission control thing?

[Suzuki Al]

Originally posted by Buckster@Nov 7 2004, 06:17 PM
The exhausts spoil the lines of an otherwise very nice looking bike, it is as if they got bored just before they finished it. What is with the exhausts? Is it some sort of emission control thing?
3792


I agree, they're not good to look at and having them run under the engine, is just stupid. I now have a bash plate on which helps the looks somewhat. There is a cat in each pipe and they are very restrictive.
These emission controls are going to be an increasing problem. Standard, the bike is very good but underpowered for a 660 motor - with the "fix" (see Workshop) power is much more crisp. Speed is up as well (almost 10 mph).
There is also an AIS system, which, if disconnected also gives a performance boost I'm told.

All this, without changing the restrictive exhaust. Now Akrapovich make one, so it could be a 120mph bike without too much trouble. Although who would want a 120mph traily? 40mph on my local trails feels really fast!

[Buckster]

Originally posted by XT Alan@Nov 7 2004, 07:54 PM
There is a cat in each pipe and they are very restrictive.
3795


Aha! The catalytic convertor, that explans a lot, also the routing for the pipes needs to be straightish to make up for the cat I understand. What I cannot understand is that the pipe diameter seems really small, does the akra pipe use thicker tube?

I assume it runs quite lean, as it will have a fair amount of back pressure with the exhaust, that will explain the good mpg, and it uses clever electronics to hold the plot together.

That would put me off, I have a 155kg bike with a 300 mile tank and top shelf components, the engine management is very basic and solid state, I have a tendancy to wander off on longish runs (like down to Africa) now and then, and like a bike that does not baffle me.

Yam have got a really nice looking bike there with what seems a fine lump, but they should simplify it a bit. Of course for primarily U.K. riding it is damn good.

[Shagger]

Doesn’t a cat require the mixture to be a little rich? I’m no genius but I was under the impression that the cat works by burning the slight amount of gas still present in the exhaust. :wassat:

[WRANT]

I have been putting this off for fear that Alan will arrive here from wales 2 days after I post it, after travelling at a steady 55 mph so as not to lower his mpg since his fuel fix; but here it is my xt 660 r review

This is my 10th bike in 20 years.

Tyres -- oe seem ok
Suspension -- despite the Bike mag test the front is ok for road riding but too hard for off road. rear is ok I am 15 stone I have done the reverse of what you might think & set it on the softest setting ie number 1. The suspension/ride is great .

Brakes. very very good,not as good as a sports bike but 30 - 45 mph when you need them very good.

Instruments -- ok --I,m sure Yamaha read these things so (1) fix the fuel & (2) stop the rain from pooling on the LCD dash . I love the 3 odo's especially the fuel countup all bikes should have one. speedo clock etc are ok, the LCD warning lights are fab, you will never miss the fuel light but it means the main beam LCD is too bright you need to cover it with film negative otherwise it draws your eye.

Mirrors are good/very good

Tank/fuel-- range the bigger the better but I have been measuring it & 60 mpg is average so when the fuel light comes on if its a Sunday in Scotland slow down & it might stretch to 50 miles. 30 miles before reserve it activates the low fuel warning on the side stand ( alan does yours do this)

Engine-- bloody good I love . it apart from the fuel problem which is covered on the xt link site

Seat/comfort-- fantastic the seat is good for sitting on for a whole tank ( 160 - 190 miles ) & contoured so you can stand up without forcing legs apart, better than the bmw's on both counts. I have fitted heated grips/hand gaurds & tha highest Yamaha screen I know I exaggerate but i feel like I'm on a big bm tourer

I mostly commute & this bike is perfect for this. I know it does't do 150mph but how often did I ever do this. I bought it because it fills the gaps in my other bikes abilities .

[Suzuki Al]

Snap!
Another owner who says that this bike is great.
Another owner who says that this bike is super comfy.

My fuel figures are better, but I hardly ever go near a town.

In my opinion, provided that the XT proves itself over an extended period and mileage, this bike could be one of the "all time great" machines. It really is that good! :lg:

[ChrisC]

Originally posted by XT Alan@Nov 15 2004, 05:48 PM
Snap!
Another owner who says that this bike is great.
Another owner who says that this bike is super comfy.

My fuel figures are better, but I hardly ever go near a town.

In my opinion, provided that the XT proves itself over an extended period and mileage, this bike could be one of the "all time great" machines. It really is that good! :lg:
5037


Holy Jeebus Alan, give it a rest.... :poop:

CC

[XTreme]

Even The Samaritans slam the phone down on him now! B)

[Suzuki Al]

You're in denial Pete. Take a test ride. You'll be amazed. You'll sell the kids. You'll want one :laughing:

Actually, I haven't phoned the Samaritans once since I got rid of my Honda. In fact they've announced redundancies in the Aberystwyth Branch. :lg:

Love Conquers All :FFonRF:

[WRANT]

PART 2
hopefully the lcd led mixup will give you all something to talk to your doctors about this week.

But here we go OFF ROAD,

As I said the front suspension is too hard for off road, It is great on road but as part of my commute on my dt 125 I shave a bit off my journey by straightning out a couple of mini islands ( sorry America you miss out here ). The dt floats over them. The xt r front does not .yes its better than a cbr but it gives a clue to dual sport capabilties. Of road the xtr is without doubt better that a dakar ,strom or, ts .Never ridden a ktm or tiger. But what will it do
Down hill the engine braking is fab just let it go it will sort you out
Its light so it is good,to shake about under your arse.
I don't think it is a jump bike but the rear set on 1 will support a landing, just do not go mad.
It will go off road ( with proper tyres maybe around the world )
I'm looking for engine bars/ short or folding levers as Yamaha built a 70 % road bike.
My off road experience on the xtr is ok but only about 50 miles of midlands roads. Take it easy. if you get into 3rd gear off road calm down ,stay in 1st & over rev it.
this will give you the engine braking to stop when it goes tits up without skidding the front into a ditch
Lets all be clear we can bitch all we like but , good off road = low weight & good mud tyres. A £1000 1992 cdr 600 with chunky tyres would be better of road than a gs1150 with bt101's


So do I like it ? Of course I do I love it on road. Will I ride it off road ? With my mates - no we will use our dirt bikes.
So why did I buy it?
(A) RIDING POSITION/COMFORT. most ds's will give you this
(B ) RECALL ON THE PICO'S DE EUORPE. OR THE PENNINES OR IN THE LAKES WHEN YOU MISSED OUT ON A TRIP BECAUSE YOU DIDN'T WANT TO DROP IT.
WELL NOW THERE IS NO YMCA PUB OR LAKE VIEW OUT OF REACH ( IF YOU FIT THE RIGHT TYRES, anyone know what they are ?

[WRANT]

THIS IS LATE CHRISTMAS GIFT TO ALAN FROM MEN & MOTORS






Is one cylinder better than two … or three, or four, or six? Tom Rayner rides the new XT660R to find out if this do-it-all thumper does it all.

WHEN Yamaha released the XT500 in 1975 the biking community was shocked. Development for the last decade had been towards larger engines and more cylinders for a faster, smoother ride. The XT was a single thumper in the tradition of Norton and BSA.

However, developing a powerful single-cylinder engine is easier said than done; reliability becomes an issue as it literally tries to shake itself apart. However, designer Shunji Tanaka succeeded in making a more powerful, reliable and lighter engine than any of the British thumpers had ever been.

Three decades later and the theory remains sound - smoothness is boring and you can’t beat the surging torque of a giant single cylinder.

Thankfully style has made giant leaps and bounds and the supermoto-inspired styling of the new XT660 looks stunning - particularly the double-barrelled exhausts, which look like a futuristic shotgun from the Dr Who prop cupboard.

The stable-mate to the XT660R is the 660X. It’s a classic marketing device that can be done to any off-roader. Simply stick on some smooth road tyres, write a few flowery paragraphs for the brochure including the words ‘urban-assault’ and hey presto, it’s a supermoto.

The R version, with its knobbly tyres, will offer a more versatile bike that is more than capable of commuting Monday to Friday and then getting filthy on a Sunday. It might be a bit heavy for beginners in really thick mud. Having said that some people have tried to ride a 220kg BMW R1150GS through a 30-mile Mongolian bog so anything’s possible.

The 660cc engine, ripped from the venerable old XTZ Téneré, has been given all the latest developments including fuel injection, aluminium cylinders and a ceramic plated bore.

The lighter weight engine particularly benefits from the fuel injection and throttle pick up at low rpm is smoother and less like the John Deere I tested last week for ‘Classic Tractor Magazine’.

The chassis has also been redesigned and is now 60 per cent stiffer. However this statistic has done more to convince me of shortcomings in the previous model than assure me of its successor’s rigidity.

What I can tell is just how good the suspension is - both front and rear. Without taking the bike to its absolute limits off-road, I can quite safely say there isn’t a road surface in Britain that could upset the balance of an XT660R (and there’s some truly awful roads that run through our green and pleasant land!).

As a daily workhorse, the XT will never let you down. Servicing a single is refreshingly cheap, particularly if you’re trading in your VFR with variable-valve-timing.

Shaft-drive would have been nice and saved us from oiling a mud-caked chain every week. I suspect it was rejected on the basis of cost - keeping the XT660R on the pretty side of five grand is important.

I suppose the real problem that the XT faces in Britain is the lack of popularity of the adventure sports category. Yamaha must be hoping it can steal some of the sales from the 600cc sports market (though not from its R6).

An industry survey discovered that 96 per cent of riders expected the supermoto to become more popular in the future; Yamaha is getting in early.

The XT stands up well against Japanese competition; Honda’s Transalp lacks the cutting edge, Suzuki’s DL650 is too bulky and heavy and Kawasaki’s KLR650 disappeared from its catalogue without so much as a goodbye.

BMW’s F650GS (£5,160) still looks like the toughest competition as the do-it-all thumper. However, aficionados are more likely to buy one of those elite, orange KTMs or a British built CCM (now is that company still building bikes or what? It seems about as financially stable as Leeds United FC).

The XT660R is everything it should be and more. What’s more it has a price tag to raise an eyebrow and make you consider how a little creative budgeting this winter (ie - slash the heating bill in half and cancel Christmas) might just afford you one of these for the spring.

[Suzuki Al]

Thanks WRANT. I wouldn't argue with any of this review. The XT is a terrific do it all bike.
If you want hardcore - go for a KTM 640 Adventure. If you want an easy life - go for the XT. If you want a bit more class, at the expense of a little extra weight and more expensive and vulnerable bodywork - go for the F650.

In my opinion these three machines are natural competitors - you pays yer money etc etc.

[WRANT]

My bash plate turned up & its not great, anyone else I recommend trying another source perhaps the touratec one.
The yam hand guards & tall screen is great , I put the yam rack on which is good & fixed my givi box on with a givi universal plate (£23 ) .
I have ordered some touratec bits I will post what they are like if they ever arrive :( :)

[Suzuki Al]

Agree. The Yamaha Bash Plate is a pretty flimsy item. I took a grinder to it and it fits a lot better now, but its only use is to stop stones flicking up and damaging the underside ofthe engine. It wouldn't take the bike's weight.