My first XT660- XTX or XTZ?
 

Hi guys!

Some background information about my situation, I left Scandinavia a few months ago and sold my old bike (Yamaha Fz6 2008 naked) at the same time. I now live in Belfast and would like to have a bike again so I can explore all the countries/islands around here.

I enjoy riding on a curvy road and just having a blast, but I also fancy going hiking and camping. I do have some plans for going over to Donard/Atlantic way for example and further on going to Scotland and their national parks and do some hiking and possibly camping. I did a week long roadtrip with tent and packing with my old Fz6 and that worked surprisingly well, covered about 1800 miles with no problems so I do have a good experience with Yamaha so far. I also have relatives who just bought a house in France so it's quite possible that a tour through Europe is happening this summer.

I've been looking at XT660X for some time since I like the reliability and the appearance of that bike. I think it would be fun both for riding in the city but for exploring the countryside as well. But I've recently started looking into XT660Z Tenerife, mainly because it seems better suited for adventures and dirt roads. Problem is I think the Tenerife is hands down the ugliest bike I have ever seen. I'm willing to look past this if this is the better bike. But is it fun to ride when your not out on an adventure without all the packing?

So, budget around 3000 � (preferably lower so I can get me some top box and maybe some other equipment), alot of the Tenerifes I've seen comes upgraded and ready for adventure which is a plus.

So, which bike is best overall? Let's say 40% city & playing, 40% countryside and some exploring and 20% long-distance touring.

Well i'm not an expert in this topic. But i think the xt660z for touring may be better for the fuel capacity 22liters vs xt660x 15 liters, this means less stops to refuel.
In the other hand the xt660x for city and commuting may be better and maybe more confortable, i don't know
The rest is personal preference, like, if you plan to use it more in off road than pavement i also would consider the xtz.
Hope this helps

Hello twix and welcome aboard.
I'm also from outside belfast area.
I initially had an xtx and was impressed with its performance but unsure about it sharp steering,mainly down to the 17" front wheel.
After changing to the xtz I liked the more progressive handling,possibly due to the larger front wheel,increased tank range, cheaper and longer lasting tyres,wind protection and like yourself for years after its introduction thought the bikes styling was ugly, but gradually grew on me after a stint on a gs.
Don't rule out the xtr also .
http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMAG1837.jpg
http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMAG1886.jpg
opt_20170311_152226.jpg
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/924/DvGtoy.jpg

I sold an xtz a few week ago but your welcome to call and see my current one for size.

Good point about the range. My old bike would take me around 250 kilometers (roughly 160 miles) on one tank and I think it's good to stop for a stretch every now and then, but it's always good with better range if I'll be going to more remote places. So far I haven't been out on dirt roads that much, but if I have the bike for it I might just start looking for them ;) I did maybe 40 kilometers on dirt last summer and now that I think about it I enjoyed it (as much as you can do with a streetfighter and alot of packing on the bike)

Click to make the images fullsize

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[IMG] https://www.pixeltopic.com/thumbnail/wzmckhqbdbxfomj/[/IMG]

Thank you Cozi!

I can only see two images in your post but I've been checking up the XT660R a bit more and that can actually be the middleway I'm looking for. From what I gather the biggest difference between X and R is the larger front wheel on the R, are there any differences in suspension or so?

I took a look in this thread http://advrider.com/index.php?thread...riders.819625/ and the photo in post #2 is awesome! I really like the look of that so maybe I should start looking for a R and put on a 2-1 exhaust. At the moment the list of priority is R, X and last Z. Z feels to be a bit to much adventurous and beside, the look of it really scares me. It would suit me better if I knew I was going to Africa...

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! .....and I think the Tenere is a great looking bike. . ..in fact mine is gorgeous! Steve

The fork legs are slightly different. Axle bolt sits at the bottom of the leg on an X model,slightly up and in front of the fork leg on the R for more travel and bigger wheel clearance.
Later X models came with newer (smaller) side panels and revised tail plastic and lamp area, plus alloy swingarm which the R never got.

I agree,can look quite nice.
http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/a...f5c6610b8o.jpg

But some good looking R's about
http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/a...9-224240_1.jpg

I agree with you, and it is possible that it grows on you :)

Allright, maybe that explains the difference in steering between XTX/XTR mentioned earlier.

I agree with you, in these pictures both bikes look great! Moving the front fender/wing (unsure of the name of the protector that sits above the front wheel) up a bit really changes the appearance of the Tenere. But for now I think I'll keep looking for a XTR. Are there no ads for bikes on xt660.com?

http://www.xt660.com/forumdisplay.php?f=12

I don't see many Z and R models for sale over here,it's mainly X models.

Here's some recently sold R's from the mainland to help
http://www.adventurebikerider.com/fo...ha-xt660r.html
http://www.adventurebikerider.com/fo...ha-xt660r.html

Probably best putting a wanted advert on here,Gumtree or Facebook (which I don't use).
That's how I found a Z initially as there were none for sale locally privately or in any of the dealers,even our yamaha dealer had none as the model was being discontinued in 2016.
I don't know of a R's about here but a few Z's and I'll ask if any are coming up for sale soon.

Other things (to add to those already mentioned) which are worth considering when deciding which XT to go for are:

X/R models are significantly cheaper that Z models on the secondhand market, have generally covered less miles/Kms and have often had an easier life.

The X/R is quite noticeable lighter than the Z and both have a substantially lower seat heights.

If you are into bling or practical improvements for your bikes there are considerably more off-the-shelf accessories available for the Z.

Also consider an MT-03 - Same engine and feel but they are even cheaper, have often done very few miles and are a sweet little bike if road-only riding is what you're into.

Thanks Cozi! Yeah it seems a bit empty. Apparently not allowed to post a thread in the sales section, but I'm keeping both eyes on eBay and gumtree. Found a nice xtr but it's a bit over my price range. Still gonna send an offer and see where it leads.

Some good points to consider. Right now I'm thinking about getting the R version and fit a 2-1 exhaust and bash guard. Not too many around though so I'll keep looking. Regarding the MT03 it's a sweet tip but if I were to go for a roadbike I'll go with MT07 or MT09 or some other fullgrown bike :BaseballHat_LNY2EG:

Allright guys, need some advice here. Have been looking out for an XTR since I started the thread and there have not been many that I've seen for sale. My budget would be around 3 grand and right now this one have caught my attention: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2009-YAMAH...oAAOSwXYtY2805

Problem is that it's a bit more than a stonethrow away. I've gotten a quote for shipping it to Belfast for around 250-300 pounds which would still fit in the budget. But I would be buying the bike unseen and probably unprotected since neither PayPal or eBay will cover vehicles. I could offcourse travel to Gatwick and find my way down there, but once I get there I'm almost certain to buy it so in a way it's also buying unseen but with the hassel of getting myself down there. I think I'd be comfortable with buying it unseen, as long as I'm sure of at least getting the bike delivered to me. Right now I feel it's too many middlehands where something can go wrong.

That bike looks ok and the low miles are a bonus,but with no mot would you be happy riding it back to the boat and take the chance as it's not on the dvla tax checker so could have been sorned for quite a while.
https://vehicleenquiry.service.gov.uk

I used a local firm a few years back to deliver a bike to the mainland ,�150 was their price. Guy called Arnold on 07850593620 from ballyclare. Even helped me out by collecting some off the money on delivery and meeting me again on his return.

I've asked my local tenere buddy about any R or Z's for sale locally but we no of none currently available.
It's a pity you just missed that last one i only recently sold. 2009 tenere, let it go for �2250,and I would have delivered it to Belfast for free (10 miles away)
http://www.xt660.com/showthread.php?t=26731

He's something might interest you.
https://www.adventurebikerider.com/f...on.html#579293

Yeah it does look good and I've talked a bit to the seller and he can MOT it before a sale. Only problem is either getting myself down there or having it transported up here but I'm still a bit reluctant to buying it unseen. Actually after looking at that youtube video I got alot more interested in the Z version. For some reason the market seem to be crowded with Xes but empty of the rest.

Thanks for the tip about Arnold, I'll keep him in mind.

Here's another Z that's been for sale for a while so there might be some movement in the price.
https://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-...ere/1231879298
And it has some nice suspension upgrades .

If you do get a Z I've some pannier racks,engine bars,main stand,alloy sump guard,lower links and shorted side stand as spare I'll probably sell soon.

Here's a local low mileage X model that you may consider
https://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-...mot/1236190716

Damn, now you're making everything so hard again. This would be perfect for me, and from the start I was looking for the X version. I thought off calling this guy https://www.gumtree.com/p/yamaha-mot...60r/1235908003 after work cause it's the R version but looking at the mileage it's really hard to justify going for it although ut would be nice having the panniers but it's no biggie.

Another one that I'm still contemplating is this one, the old ad just ran out of time. I could fly over and make it a weekendtrip driving it back home so I'll give that some thought as well. This one is the right model, right mileage but in thebwrong place and the seller isn't very approaching when I contacted him.
http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/2009-YAMAHA-...%257Ciid%253A3

Is there any differences between year 2004-2011?

Been thinking about this one the whole day and decided to go for it, and when I got off work and called the guy he said he had sold it an hour earlier...

This sweetie just got posted. Too bad the owner seem really reluctant to doing the mot test, let's see if he changes his mind any time soon... https://www.gumtree.com/p/yamaha-mot...es-/1236487998

How many miles are considered to be too many miles on the 660? Like the ads you've posted Cozi for the Z models, they have both passed 30 000 miles which feels alot to me but maybe I'm sensitive?

One I just sold had 51k,my current one has 30k,both going great. I work with a fella with almost 60k trouble free engine miles,and some members on here have bigger miles than that.

I knew I'd seen this bike before when o had my X.
https://youtu.be/8eWK65AS-lU

So I've finally seem to get hold off a nice XTR. Just a quick check since this is the first time I'm buying a vehicle in UK, are there any more forms or documents besides getting ensurance I would need to sort out before I can buy the bike and drive it home? I do recall reading something about having to pay taxes or so? It wouldn't matter if the bike's from England would it?

I tried calling the DVA but they don't seem to be answering their phones for the last few days. I'll send them a mail to but thought I post here as well.

Just the standard v5 green slip you'll get ,same as if you bought it local as all our NI tax books are processed in Swansea now like the rest of the UK.
Reguarding tax,recently the law changed and done away with tax discs so as soon as you purchase a new vehicle you should tax it in your name before riding it,and the government get double payment for that month :whip2:,but if it's currently taxed you should get a few days grace while the system processes the transfer,and as a new keeper you cant tax your new bike online first time round,so you'll need to use the post office or send it to Swansea.

They only answer the phones when the sun isn't shining:VeryHot_FWSGAA:

This Z is inside your budget and very low miles.
https://www.gumtree.com/p/yamaha-mot...tent=GpB_month

Now I'm finally a 660-owner! Went over to the mainland early Saturday morning, and after having transitioned between most of the common ways of transportation I arrived in Lincolnshire at around noon. First lesson for me was that apparently there are different kinds of pounds, since I withdrew cash at the bank in Belfast I got irish pounds that was not legal tender in England! But we got that sorted anyway, so I began my ride back. Driving on the "wrong side" for the first time was actually no problem at all.

Btw, sorry for the thumbnails but I don't know how to upload the pictures in fullsize directly on the forum. Please click on the images as most of them are really good :)

https://www.pixeltopic.com/thumbnail/hxcyzhyzmsmrctb/

I made it a two-day trip, with lots of stops and minor sightseeings.

https://www.pixeltopic.com/thumbnail/jmvyybrjjwgcbz/
Short stop in York, cool old town with a very mighty cathedral



Lesson number two was that since there's no meter to tell you how much fuels left, you have to count on the odometer but that's not of much help the first time you're driving so I didn't wanna gamble if I was to make it for another 40 minutes left to my destination after the reserve lamp got switched on (which I probably would have been able to) so I turned back and stayed in another town than planned, lovely little place called Barnard Castle. THought to myself that it wouldn't be a problem to find a bed&breakfast so I relaxed, had dinner and did some walking around town. Once I figured it was time to get myself a room I found at that there was a big wedding in town this very weekend so everything was already fully booked! Finally, at around 10 PM I found a B&B with an empty room, boy was I happy!
https://www.pixeltopic.com/thumbnail/tuiyurtqwakouf/

Just a brief summary, also visited Hartside Top Cafe, and drove up and down on Hartside Pass which apparenty was elected as top 10 roads for motorcycles in the world or something like that. There was some legendary twisties along that road! But I almost enjoyed the other roads around that national park more, they we're a bit more open and alot better field of vision for a first-time rider.
https://www.pixeltopic.com/thumbnail/pzkrgqqjctgoexf/

https://www.pixeltopic.com/thumbnail/fzhrtrqyswuqt/

https://www.pixeltopic.com/thumbnail/tkipljbyitshayl/

https://www.pixeltopic.com/thumbnail/lywgepobsykdnej/

https://www.pixeltopic.com/thumbnail/wqrblzzkllkayj/



Finally, some plans about the bike. The bike passed MOT just a few days ago, but the bike's barely been used the last years (7000 miles on the clock at time of purchase) but it do need some tending to. First on my list is to replace the front brake pads, the front break is borderline to dangerous in regards of it's performance. Next I'll do an oilchange and a proper cleaning, and I've been looking on fitting a stage 2 DNA-filter and Kev mod cause the surging (especially on 1st gear) is really bad. Also going to tense the chain a bit. Would like to fit some other cans to but I think I'll have to wait a while for that. My first impression at the testride was that the bike was nice but a bit slower than I expected it to be. My last time driving I was on a streetfighter with an inline four of about 100 bhp with an effectcurve that's totally dead below 7500 RPM, which is quite a bit different from the XT. But after riding it for a while it really grew on me. I now really enjoy the grunt and the feeling that it keeps pulling (allthough there's never a real kick) but it's nice to feel that you always have power at your disposal. All in all the trip was 440 miles and good fun and great weather!

https://www.pixeltopic.com/thumbnail/pstzcglrqrvxpym/

https://www.pixeltopic.com/thumbnail/ylvybfuzgujoxh/

Good to hear you got sorted. If you need front pads I've a new set of ebc ones here you can have for free.
I got them by mistake.