I like my XT660R a lot too. I sold a varadero 1000 when I got it but rarely miss the power and never miss the weight. For most of the time I have owned it I also had a transalp 650 which was great in its way but rarely fun like XT is.

I have done 16000 miles in two years mostly on bigger trips rather than commuting or day rides. It's been round Scotland three times, Wales several times and to the Mediterranean and eastern Europe this summer. Last year I rented an XT660Z for 6 weeks in southern Africa which was nice but not fun like the lighter easier to handle and significantly more comfortable R. My wife rented an R for the same trip which did everything the Z did but better mpg and much more comfortable.

It is not the perfect bike though. I think it's built down to a price using cheap components in places. Just think what it would be like with quality suspension, decent wheels, better 'bars, akra high level exhausts, a modest uplift in overall finish like better nuts and bolts, and a bit better storage and all fitted as standard along with some engine / electronic tweaks for modest gains of 6 or 7 bhp. It would probably be �1000 -1500 more expensive but it really would be approaching my perfect bike. I am slowly turning mine into that perfect bike though.

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