First review from a newbie
 

Hey folks, just thought i'd thrash my 2ps worth in.

I've only been riding for about 6 weeks, and the XTR is my first bike. So of course I have nothing to compare it to other than the asthmatic Suzuki GS500 I passed my test on.

Yes, the fuelling is a little jumpy at suburbia speed. I keep looking for a sixth gear! If i'm clutching at straws i'd say the front brakes are a little unresponsive but easily resolved with a braided line i'm sure. And the fork dive is a little unnerving for a beginner. But I reckon if I go back to Dazzers original set up with the spacers and rear shock on 3 it'll tighten things up.

It's great fun through twisty bits and a doddle through town. Comfy at all but unsensible speeds, and over a long distance. Plus the engine is nice and torquey, and it's quick.
In fact on English roads with English traffic and English weather, oh and not forgetting some English drivers! I can't imagine why anyone would want or need a bike any faster than the XTR.
You can relax a bit, thumping along in a carbon footprint concious manner. Or you can have a quick blast, leaving a big grin on your face

To sum up. It may be because i'm a Virgin biker, but whatever the weather I am out on it at every available opportunity because it's bloody good fun. And cheap, practical fun too. I forget about it's shortcomings within minutes of jumping on.

Fully mint. If you haven't got one get one

Sidey :wav:

As a nearly half century biker I agree - you have got it spot on. Fun.

When you've had it a while and found nothing you cannot do with it (excepting extremes) you will think 'maybe a bit more power, maybe a bit less weight, maybe a bit better handling, maybe a longer tank range'. It is unlikely you will find that bit better without spending a lot more dosh - but adding those Kev mods will give a noticeable improvement for very little dosh.

XT660 Rules

Thanks, I'm sure you're right. And for the money I had I'm I couldn't have bought a better first bike which suits my needs so well. I'm enjoying the freedom and haven't felt the need I've already got a Colpin tank from
Dazzer that'll give me an extra 70 miles or so.

I reckon by the time I've exhausted it's capabilities I'll be able to find an XT900 for reasonable cash (If Yamaha decide to build one), though I'll miss the character of a single.

Sidey:smilies0349:

Did any of that make sense? I've had a few cans

:smilies0119:

:happy: one of these ones, haha made perfect sense.

As for your review im very much on the same lines, ive had the bike for near a year and a half and had the option for going to a Vstrom 650 but just liked that single character and also had done a good few mods to the XTR to not get full use from them yet (set of panniers, gps etc) plus to me it got nearly everything i want at the moment, yes maybe a bit more power would be nice but with more power comes more speed and more trouble:toothy11: