Dear XT660R Owners please read this!
 

This morning I have received an email from a gentleman by the name of Andy Davidson, he is also a member of our forum, but due to his travelling on and off the XTR he hasn't had much time to partecipate in the forum, but I will see that after this thread that he will make an effort to reply to the feedback and partecipate a bit more actively.

Andy, has already been on an 11'000 miles trip from UK to Iraq and back to UK and he is passionate about his bike, put please read the email he sent and do me proud by giving your best experiences good or bad, Thanks

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Hi

My name is Andy and I am a reporter for Motorcycle News

I am compiling a feature on the XT660R, my model is 2009. I have owned the bike for 2 years now.

I know that your site is popular amongst XT enthusiasts and you have quite the following, so I believe it would add to my feature to get some feedback from some of your members, maybe in a post that you could put up asking for it?

As a thank you, I will plug your website in the article, which should hopefully give you some great advertisement

Also, do you organise club ride outs etc... if so, when would be the next one and where do you usually go?

Thanks for your time

Andy Davidson

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p.s.: I have already pointed Andy in the direction of the Lakeland rides and explained to him a bit about what goes on and when it is likely to be hosted next.

In the meantime if you would like to give your feedback on the XT660R Enduro please do so by replying to this thread.

I appreciate it.

XTR Thoughts....
 

Andy,

I have a 2008 XTR. I've been off bikes for quite a few years & wanted a do-it-all bike that I could use on day, weekend & longer rides. Had decided on a DR650, based on price, but found an XTR with 900km on it for the same price as a new DR650.

I've made a few mods, the most significant was getting rid of those (in my opinion) stupid underslung twin pipes and replacing them with a much lighter 2-1 Akrapovic pipe.

At group rides, no-one knows what the bike is, but they like the look of it & it always attracts attention (despite my mates riding 70' Huskies, KTMs, GSes etc.) and can more than hold it's own on the road, on ADV type rides & open Enduro type riding. I find it a handful in the tighter enduro type of riding, and have trouble keeping up with my mate's 690s, 510s.

In order to exploit the true dual sport nature of the bike, I run 2 sets of rims (Tourances on one set, D606s on the other) on road rides, it has no trouble keeping up with "proper" road bikes but offers almost no wind protection for long distance high speed riding.

There is an issue with surging, I think that this maybe because of the Supermoto derivation of the powerplant. Keeping the throttle pinned eliminates any surging!

On a recent trip to the beach, it had a tendency to sink in (compared to my mates DR650s) & spray a LOT of sand.

As an all-rounder this is a great bike. It's compromised on the road & off, but it's not greatly compromised & that's where it's strength lies. Some pics:

http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/...n/DSCF4436.jpg

http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/...n/DSCF4442.jpg

http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/...n/DSCF4360.jpg

http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/...n/DSCF4246.jpg

http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/...n/DSCF4171.jpg

Same as above really, I have an enduro bike but wanted something with longer legs that I could still get dirty on, the XTR fits the bill perfectly imo. I have toured loaded up,competed in the Witley 100 on it and will be using it for some of the easier BBRC rallies next year. http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/a...t/DSC04741.jpg
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/a...t/DSC04749.jpg

http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/a...t/DSC04730.jpg

I owned an 06 xtr for nearly 4 years and put some 35k miles on the bike. I used the bike for commuting mainly to uni through town and on a roads but as the bike was my only wheels I used it for every thing from weekend trips, holidays to all over the uk. I toured England for 2.5 weeks with a total of 2.5k miles, bike fully loaded and never missed a beat.

I've taken the bike off roading several times to Wales and the Peak District and with the right off road tyres it was good off road. ok it's not a light weight enduro bike but I still got the bike around some tough off roading sections.

The bike was my everything so I modified it with several items like twin ccc cans, stg 1 and 2 air filters, bash plate crash bars, high screen, hand guards, heated grips, raiser links..... to name a few.

The bike is easy to work on and service, never did the valves myself but my mechanic said they are no harder to get at than a standard bike.

The motor is so torquey and but does like to rev and with the right rider can keep up with most bikes on twisty roads. it handles well for a tall bike and after you've scrubbed in the tyres it can easily touch the pegs down.

at 6ft4 I'm not the smallest and the bike suited me good. the seat to peg is good but a higher set of bars allow off roading standing on the pegs easier.

being a big single the fuel economy was good, at worst I'd get 55mpg at best 78mpg, average 60mpg.

question would I buy another one? well if the new tenere wasn't out yes I'd buy another one.

why did I choose the tenere over the xtr? the teneres a bit taller and the screens better at protecting me from the wind. I like the larger tank and the motors slighty more powerful feeling.

Hi guys
 

As said, I am looking to compile a feature ride report on the XT660R specifically. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated, both positive and negative...

I am quite interested in what everyone thinks of the fuel injection... the low end surging, how you fixed it, for example the difference between a Kev mod and a power commander, the different options available, or do some of you not notice it,

Also what about vibrations etc..

Thanks for the above comments, really helpful, keep them coming!

Maxwell: I am assuming your talking about a Z model then not the R?

Boneman: when you say you have trouble keeping up, is this because of the weight? what weight saving tips do you know off and has the Akro influenced power?

Thanks again guys, much appreciated

Andy

Power & weight Mods...
 

Hi Andy,

I fitted the Akro system & DNA filters (stage I & II) at the same time. The machine definitely breathes more deeply now, and barks much louder (induction roar & exhaust growl in harmony) it has however accentuated the fuelling issue. The 2-1 doesn't have a lug for an O2 sensor, so I'm using an O2 eliminator mod at the moment (there is a Power Commander V with a 2 position MAP switch in a box in the garage) until I can get the bike dyno-tuned. Kev (the maker of the Kev mod) has been helpful in finding a local bike dyno-tuner.

The 660 pops & crackles & back-fires a lot more now (but I quite like it...) and the kids love the fact that blue flames come out of the exhaust when I get home after the evening commute. I am hoping that a new fuel map will fix this when I can get the bike to the dyno... :darth:

(My 6 year old made me use that smilie!)

As far as keeping up with the Enduro bikes, I reckon it's partly the weight (it's very tiring after awhile) and maybe the soft (stock) suspension. I find it's great fun for awhile, the torquey nature of the bike makes it very satisfying to punt through the bush, but then fatigue sets in and it's bye bye Huskys & KTMs.

The Akro does save a great deal of weight, I couldn't quite believe how heavy the stock pipes were when I took them off. The handling of the bike is quite different now with less weight over the arse. Clearance is also better, and there have been a number of occasions in a wash-out or rut when I would have damaged the stock pipes, rather than simply scratched the OTR bash plate...

Next mods will be a fly screen for road rides & to get the suspension sorted (Ohlins?). After that with the fuelling sorted through the Power Commander V that will be a just-right light ADV bike.

Hi
 

hi Boneman thanks for the feedback

firstly its an awesome smiley so good choice...

Thats a good point regarding the Ohlins and Fuel injection


Has anyone on here fitted a power commander or a kev mod and would like to share what they think of either or? benefits vs cost vs time fitted etc?

Also any upgrades on suspension?

Thanks again

Andy I would say that 50% here have a power commander and dedicated map or one of those that Kev has on his database which could match their bikes based on the type of filters they use, i.e. DNA stage 1 or 2 or higher. The other 50% are happy with the Kev mod because it helps cure that particular dead spot or surging which occurs on low revs.

As for the suspensions, without spending 1000's people have opted for changing fork springs and oil (Hyperpro or similar) and using different grade of oils depending on the terrain, you want a thicker oil for road use and a softer for offroad, Kev also designed a set of spacer for the forks to increase the stiffness and rebound of the springs which have been widely liked by 100% of all the people who bought them.

What I recommend is for you to fit DNA filters both stage 1 and two, get a Kev Mod with his own 02 eliminator and whatever is your choice of exhausts. These alone will trasform your bike in a more performance responsive machine. Chain / Sprocket of different sizes can be suggested. I wouild also look at a Renthal bar with a higher reach for better handling on the rough stuff.

Good luck.

If in doubt Ask Kev about his Mod's Encyclopedia. He's got it all in there on one simple disc

Hi Andy,

I have a 2009 XT660R, brought new that I�ve had for 2 years now. I�ve only clocked up 24,000 Km but these are all trip Km, not commuting Km. This bike is so good that it has replaced my BMW K100RT as my main touring bike.

I have done the following mods to my bike:
� Leo Vince X3 pipes
� 22.5Lt Gili-moto tank
� Wirth progressive springs in front forks
� Ohlins rear shock
� Fastway foot pegs
� B & B bash plate
� Hepco & Becker engine bars
� Hepco & Becker pannier frames, panniers, rear rack and luggage plate
� High Yamaha touring screen
� Bark Busters VPS
� Easton Bars

I run standard gearing as it suits touring on all roads.

In response to your questions on fuel injection and low end surging, fuel injection on this bike is very good in my opinion. Yes, there is some low end surging but this can be easily fixed by Kev�s O2 controller and fuel mod (there are plenty of other tips on xt660.com as well). By the way, it seems most big singles have a little surging� my mate�s BMW X Challenge does and with no fix in sight.

Vibrations are not really a problem on this bike (ever ridden a KTM 640?) and it is very smooth for a big single. I have fitted Easton bars with Bark Busters and Bark Buster external weights. The weights are only there as I run a Go Pro mounted on the bars. This is one of the smoothest big singles I have ever ridden.

Suspension: As always, suspension upgrades are one of the best performance improvements you can do to any bike. My choice is the Wirth progressive springs up front and Ohlins at the rear that was set up to my request (weight etc).

Air filters: I run a Pipercross foam filter as I have found foam filters to be the most effective in Australian conditions. The K & N and DNA filters are fine if you run on road only or short distances off road. Sadly, we have found in the past that cotton type filters will let the fine dust through to the air box.

Recently I spent a week away on my mates 1200GS and clocked up 2,500 Ks but most of the time I was wishing I was on my XT (OK the 1200 is a hell of a lot faster and the ABS brakes are good�I�m hoping I still have my licenece haha!). I seem to have more leg room on the XT than on the GS and the XT seat and ergos is better for me.

To me my XT660R is a comfortable all-rounder. Fuel consumption varies from a low of 20 Km per litre (fun times or stiff head wind) to a best of 25 Km per litre (taking it easy and legal). I mostly get 23 Km per litre at 110 Kph. indicated which gives me a 400+ Km range with my Gili-moto tank.

This bike has taken me to the Flinders Ranges in South Australia to the Victorian Alps and Snowy Mountains, with numerous trips to central and southern New South Wales�all in comfort and confidence the whole time J .

This is my favourite bike (I have a few) and is just plain fun to ride. It�s no enduro weapon or touring champion but just an all-rounder. It�s not great at any one thing but it�s good at everything.

Cheers,
Shane

Hi!


A couple of days ago, I was contacted by a forum member on ADV rider, who asked me about by experience with the XT, especially about road manners, as he was selling his Versys and was shopping around for another bike. I hope he doesn't mind, if I share this with you.



Question:

"I am about to make the same move. Found a used one w/ hyperpro springs front and back. How does it fare on road? Surging?"


This was my answer to him:


Initially, there was some surging. Did not bother me too much, but if it can be fixed/improved, why not give it a go? After a lot of reading on this forum and some testing on the bike I realized that this was because of 3 things: fuel mixture was too lean, the air intake is choking the bike and the idle rpm was way too low. I did 3 things:

- Adjusted the idle to 1400+. Took me 1 minute.

- Put an adjustable resistor between the air temp sensor and the Ecu, fooling the ECU to receive 10 celsius cooler signal, so that it would richen up the mixture. Took me 1 hour including everything. Cost me less than 5 USD.

-Cut the air snorkel short on both sides. It goes into the airbox about 2-3 cm deep. Also cut the upper "beak", so that it faces upward and slightly forward. I did not want to remove the snorkel entirely, this solution provides more protection against water and dust, yet it lets the bike breathe. It is amazing that this simple mod makes a huge difference, even with the oem air filter. Took me 30 minutes.

I also fiddled with the CO settings, but did not make a difference.

The bike is great now. There is some snatch, but nothing to write home about and it is expected from a large one cylinder bike with FI. Ireally enjoy this on and off the road. Surprisingly comfortable, makes an excellent tourer. Mine is a 2005 version with the 01 ECU.

Suspension upgrade was also a huge improvement.


My experience:

Engine:

For a huge one cylinder engine, it vibrates surprisingly little. When traveling between 90-140 km/h, at constant throttle, I feel no vibration whatsoever on the seat, pegs or the handlebar. The only place where I can feel this, is the brake lever (I always keep 2 fingers on it).

The gearing is quite tight and by that I mean that you have to choose the proper gear and have to pay attention a lot more than with most of the road bikes. 1-2-3 are quite short, but when touring, 4-5 are quite flexible. I have to switch way more than I used to on my Tiger 1050. Overtaking is not a problem though, even at high speeds.

Suspension:

I'm very comfortable with the hyperpros. They are firm enough, the bike does not wallow, doesn't dive under heavy braking. I would say that it handles similar to any roadbike with a long suspension travel, like your Versys.

Wind protection:

The tall windscreen works great for me and I'm very hard to please when it comes to wind protection. I always wear earplugs when not riding in town though. It would be too noisy and I'm paranoid about hearing loss (for a reason). With earplugs it's perfect. Not Goldwing perfect, but there is hardly any pressure on my torso and the blast around the helmet is turbulence free,

Wheel size:

Obviously, the tyre size limits high speed cornering ability, but on my level, I hardly feel it. I can lean into corners, the bike feels planted. Probably less sticky than a regular 180 size, but if you don't pursue your limits on the road too much, you should be fine. That is with a crossover type tyre, like Tourance, or Anakee.


Braking:

I'm perfectly satisfied with the brakes, coming from a Tiger.

Other stuff:

I find the bike very comfortable, I regularly do 600-700 km daytrips and I have no soreness after riding.The frame is strong (hence the weight, but it also has to do with the engine), it will carry bags with no complaints. The bike is surprisingly nimble and has a very small turning circle. You may have to get accustomed to the large front wheel diameter: you need to work more in the corners than with a 17 wheel.


I think this is the right way to look at this bike: it is essentially a streetbike, with the ability to go offroad. With my offroading ability, I'm the bottleneck, not the bike. It is a great do-it-all bike. It does not compete with a KTM 690/640 riding offroad, but if you are not a hardcore rider, you will not notice the difference. On the other hand, the Yamaha is a better roadbike, than the KTM enduros. Better seat, better reliability, better road manners.

This bike is not perfect, Yamaha did screw things up. Fuelling is sub-par, but it can be fixed/improved easily. OEM front suspension is crap, but with aftermarket springs and thicker oil, it is curable. The rubber cushions in the rear wheel are crap. Don't last for more, than 8,000 km. Grab the rear sprocket and try to move it. If the cushioning is gone, you will have to change it (improves bargaining position)