Advice sought
 

Hi everyone, I am a relatively new rider, especially on the road and I am looking at the xt660r as a possible "Learner" machine.

My question is about this throttle surge everyone talks about. Could the surging be dangerous to a new rider? how bad is it?


Or should I just go with the KLR instead?

Cheers

Funkydruid

:006: Welcome on board mate.

The surging has become XT folklore and as such is often exaggerated. Some bikes are worse than others, but it's nothing dangerous - NO reason to stop you buying an XT anyway!

Most of the surging issues can be fixed easily and cheaply. Have a read through this thread; it covers almost everything regarding surging and the fixes.

:hello: and :welcome: to :660:

Welcome mate:sign4:

Hi there! Most novice riders won't even notice any surging - it is something that has been blown out of proportion by reviewers. The XTR isn't fine machine to start out on and I'd have one over the Kwak any day.

Dave

Welcome Buddy,
There aren't many bikes 'perfect' from the factory with the intervention of greenies.With some minor tweaking the XT's are a really solid bike. And that's half the fun is getting your bike just how you want it. I'd go XT before KLR any day.

The only problem with the surging is everyone knows about it so people go looking for it.

the XT is a bike that can do what you want with only a few tweeks

I'd suggest having a ride. It's all true but even tamed down with the mods I find it a much nicer, smother, more comfortable ride over 50kph. What remains of the surge is just noticable but she has some grunt, go easy on the throttle till you get the feel. That said, my last bike dirt bike was a klr, solid performer but boring by comparison : ) Now, will it be an R X or ZZZ?? : )