About ten years ago, a BIKE journalist, Damon I'Anson, rode to India on an XT660R along with an Indian friend who also took an XTR. I'Anson then competed in and actually won the Raid Himalaya. They came off their bikes so often in the whole adventure, but the bikes were always serviceable after. Maybe they were lucky. Who knows? But I'Anson did rave about the XT's durability in his write-up. I'd imagine you've all probably read his articles, so this will be nothing new.

I'm going to be spending at least seven months a year in Chiang Rai in northern Thailand from next year. I wish the XTR was available there with no import duty. Only bikes which are assembled in a Thai factory are exempt from such tax.