XT660R Wins again!

[Suzuki Al]

In this week's MCN (12/1/05) the XT-R was tested against the DRZ and BMW650 Dakar.
All three came out of the test well, but the XT was the overall winner. This follows on from last year's winning test against the equivalent CCM and KTM.

In all comparative tests against bikes in its class the XT has come out tops, with the exception of the Bike test (on road), where it beat the TA and 650GS, but lost out to the Wee Strom.

Some bikes are just about perfect I guess :lg:

[jmc123]

I wonder if that was an 2005 bike or a 2004 with the correct ECU?

The new ECU has made my XTX much easier to ride, more low end grunt and the mpg has gone up?

JMC

[Suzuki Al]

If they tested the one they've pictured it is the 04 model.

[Stuart Fordyce]

No offence Alan, but doesn't the XT have a higher top speed than the Dakar and DRZ? That's all that's required to win an MCN road test... :cynic: It's either that or the most powerful bike, or, failing all else, the Ducati...

Stuart

[Tym]

Wonder whats Yam afraid of StateSide,

oh yea,

the A-Model KLR B)

[XTreme]

The XT has had so many suspect decisions I'm beginning to think Don King is promoting it! :lg:

[Suzuki Al]

No offence Alan -

but doesn't the XT have a higher top speed than the Dakar NO
and DRZ? YES
That's all that's required to win an MCN road test..Not this one . :cynic:
It's either that or the most powerful bikeNO
or, failing all else, the Ducati...Well it does have an Italian Engine

[Suzuki Al]

Originally posted by Pete@Jan 12 2005, 04:09 PM
The XT has had so many suspect decisions I'm beginning to think Don King is promoting it! :lg:
14302


Don't know about promotion, but they both murder the oppostion :roflol:

[Stuart Fordyce]

Originally posted by XT Alan@Jan 12 2005, 04:19 PM
No offence Alan -

but doesn't the XT have a higher top speed than the Dakar NO
and DRZ? YES
That's all that's required to win an MCN road test..Not this one . :cynic:
It's either that or the most powerful bikeNO
or, failing all else, the Ducati...Well it does have an Italian Engine
14313


Well, what were MCN's criteria then? Haven't been into the library to read this week's yet. Did they actually do an objective road test? Or did Yamaha just give them a bigger bung?

:grin: :grin:

[WRANT]

:D :FFonRF: :P :dancebanana: :grin: :lg: :original: :thumbsup:

[Buckster]

Can you take the word of Motor CYNICAL News?

[Shagger]

Originally posted by Tym@Jan 12 2005, 08:51 AM
Wonder whats Yam afraid of StateSide,
B)
14293

http://www.dualsportuk.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10033/Img_0582%20sm.jpg

[Tym]

Shag pulls out the big gun :FFonRF:

[XTreme]

Looks superb! :lg:

[jmc123]

Are moturds popular in the states?

The motard was created in the U.S. but to me there doesn't seem to be a big following? like there is in Europe

JMC

[Shagger]

America is a little slow. They’ll catch on eventually. A yank from Minnesota built the above bike in early 2001.

[Suzuki Al]

That Honda 650 looks very tasty.

:thumbsup:

[Icecold]

Originally posted by Shagger@Jan 12 2005, 08:07 PM
http://www.dualsportuk.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10033/Img_0582%20sm.jpg
14379



Nice bike!! :lg:


Just a word of warning though,in England there's been a few big XR's with blown engines when they've been supermoto'd.This comes from a mechanic friend at a big Honda dealer!! Usual cause is flat out riding on road for long distances , Some are OK,overheating is the prob. he told me :o The original bike not being built for 90odd mph for hours.

[Suzuki Al]

Originally posted by Icecold@Jan 13 2005, 01:02 AM
The original bike not being built for 90odd mph for hours.
14454


The XT can do highish speed 75 - 85 mph Motorway work for mile after mile after mile after............................... :FFonRF:

[Suzuki Al]

Originally posted by Stuart Fordyce@Jan 12 2005, 07:38 PM
Well, what were MCN's criteria then? Haven't been into the library to read this week's yet. Did they actually do an objective road test? Or did Yamaha just give them a bigger bung?

:grin: :grin:
14366


This is what MCN concluded:

"The DRZ is simple, light and great fun off-road, combining the lowest price with utter dependability.
The BMW is the sophisticated city gent of the three, offerning a quality feel and a plush ride with hardly more than a mere styling nod towards off-road bikes. And then somewhere in the middle is our winner.
The new XT is a gutsy all-rounder with a wonderful raw edge which is softened by quality running gear and a very healthy dollop of character."

[Shagger]

Thanks for the props guys.

Elmer is currently in the recovery room awaiting his rider/builder/mechanic to get off his lazy ass and measure up a new front brake hose.

Due to radical front end surgery Elmer’s stock hose is now a bit too short because Ohlins USD supermoto forks tend to hold the caliper a bit lower.

The above photo is more or less a before. After to come soon.

[jmc123]

I'd be interested to see a picture of your bike fitted with ohlins supermoto forks.

How much did they cost you?

I've recently bought a pair of ohlins supermoto forks off ebay and when i got them serviced i found out that they are 03 spec factory forks, bargain!

JMC

[Renegade]

Originally posted by Shagger@Jan 12 2005, 07:07 PM
http://www.dualsportuk.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10033/Img_0582%20sm.jpg
14379




I've got access to this if I need it :FFonRF:
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/renegade/Brians%20bike.jpg

[Shagger]

Does it have some kind of quick way to remove and replace those billboards you guys have to carry around instead of license plates?

[Renegade]

Yea, All you need is a screwdriver :D

[WRANT]

Originally posted by Shagger@Jan 12 2005, 07:07 PM
http://www.dualsportuk.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10033/Img_0582%20sm.jpg
14379


GET YOUR HONDA OFF OUR XT THREAD, THERE ARE ONLY THREE OF US & YOU BASTARDS HAVE TO COME JOYRIDING ON OUR ONLY CHANCE OF A BIT OF GROUP THERAPY.:ranting2:
Also in the same edition of MCN it said that honda sold over 10,000,000 bikes last year.

Alan/JMC did you notice the differences in the reviews e.g BIKE said the xt was the most comfortable but MCN said it ws the bm I know it was a dakar rather than a GS but could it be that much difference.
also last night on men & motors thay had the xt660x on it got a great review around town & B roads but got slated for the motorway again BIKE magazine thought differently
JMC what are the actual differences btw the x & the r version aside from the obvious cosmetics/wheels ?

[Shagger]

Originally posted by Renegade@Jan 13 2005, 02:48 PM
Yea, All you need is a screwdriver :D
14642

Remember when screw drivers didn't have motors?

[Renegade]

Originally posted by Shagger@Jan 13 2005, 09:24 PM
Remember when screw drivers didn't have motors?
14651



Only just!! :roflol: I'm very young :innocent:

[Suzuki Al]

Originally posted by WRANT@Jan 13 2005, 10:23 PM
GET YOUR HONDA OFF OUR XT THREAD, 14649


They want it on here in the hope that being seen around us XTers will make them cooool.

Close but no cigar. Honda XRs are just sooo yesterday. B)

[Suzuki Al]

Originally posted by WRANT@Jan 13 2005, 10:23 PM
last night on men & motors thay had the xt660x on it got a great review around town & B roads but got slated for the motorway again BIKE magazine thought differently
14649


The Men and Motors tests are dismal, even worse than the superbike type magazines - Fast Bikes etc.

The Motorway thing would be about M&M moaning about the lack of protection. In the Bike test they talked about saddle comfort.

[jmc123]

Men and motors is a bit cr@p sometimes but you have to remember top gear was $hite when it first started.

hang on top gear is still $hite??

I can forgive bikes aloud 2 for the simple reason that louise brady is stunning!!

oh and the review they gave of the XTX was good, it was a realistic review and the verdict was " a supermoto for the masses" & "its for people who don't want to rebuild an engine every weekend"

JMC

[jmc123]

Originally posted by WRANT@Jan 13 2005, 09:23 PM
GET YOUR HONDA OFF OUR XT THREAD, THERE ARE ONLY THREE OF US & YOU BASTARDS HAVE TO COME JOYRIDING ON OUR ONLY CHANCE OF A BIT OF GROUP THERAPY.:ranting2:
Also in the same edition of MCN it said that honda sold over 10,000,000 bikes last year.

Alan/JMC did you notice the differences in the reviews e.g BIKE said the xt was the most comfortable but MCN said it ws the bm I know it was a dakar rather than a GS but could it be that much difference.
also last night on men & motors thay had the xt660x on it got a great review around town & B roads but got slated for the motorway again BIKE magazine thought differently
JMC what are the actual differences btw the x & the r version aside from the obvious cosmetics/wheels ?
14649

Hi Wrant

The engine is the same on both models, the XTX has a different chainguard and fork brace. As you said the wheels are different, but i think they only changed the front wheel becasue the rear wheel shares the same disc/ carrier/ sprocket.

The XTX has a 320mm front disc, 4 pot brembo caliper and it might have a different master cylinder to the XTR.

I think thats about it?

JMC

[XTreme]

Originally posted by jmc123@Jan 14 2005, 09:51 AM
I can forgive bikes aloud 2 for the simple reason that louise brady is stunning!!



She's pretty plain tbh...but she's trying to get more glam with her recent hair extensions and cosmetic dentitistry.
I prefer Fran Robinson myself.
Though the best bird they had on M&M was about 6 or 7 years ago when Jet from Gladiators tested a few bikes.
Now that is a woman! :lg: