Good thinking!! The XT660X is quite high, so a spill is almost inevitable. The hand guards will protect your levers (and hands!!) and the pannier holders (I fitted Givi) will protect your expensive exhaust pipes and the X has 2, so well worth protecting!!. And most of the mods on this site (such as the air filter and exhausts) are to make the bike run better, not really faster. Have fun!!

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(Now sold on, sob) 2011 Blue XT660X with gold wheels, was 26,500 km.
Engine mods: K&N Stage 1 filter, DNA Stage 2 filter, snorkel removed, Kev fuel mod fitted.
Plus: smoked Puig screen, Yam aluminium sump guard, Yamaha / Acerbis handguards, Givi Trekker aluminium side cases, Leo Vince X3 cans plus Kev front fork mod and Fender Xtender. Just fitted Michelin Road Pilot 3 tyres.

SOLD the XTX for a Super Ten 1200. And just bought a Raptor 700 so staying on here for some tips....