I have just got back from a 5000 mile tour of southern Africa on a rented XT660Z. My wife was on an XT660R which we also have at home. I had plenty of opportunity to ride the Z and R back to back.

The weight difference is very noticeable and the riding position on the Z is less aggressive. Both bikes had touring screens but overall the Z being better for longer distances. The R felt significantly quicker from rest and in the crucial 70-110kph overtake - probably down to the weight. There was no difference in terms of handling really but the slightly more aggressive position of the R making cornering feel more fun. The Z is better equipped and suspension seems to be better, especially at dealing with a rough road surface. Plusher I suspect is the term. I found the Z very uncomfortable - seat wise I was locked in place squirming around after about 100k and desperate to get of it by 150. The R gave slightly better mpg, again possibly down to weight or my throttle happy approach vs my wife's steady hand.

Overall I was more than happy with the rented Z but wished I was on my own R the whole time and I thought the other R was the better package despite being 2 years and 20,000km older.


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