Handling Worry - .: XT660.com

NigelT · # 1 28-01-10, 12:20

Hi, I have just bought a XT660R 2008, and just gone out for my first ride.Really like the sound and feel and look of the bike, but dont like the lack of brakes and this bike only likes going in a straight line? and hates being in town(surging)? Please note i have been off bikes for 5 years prior, but have owned lots of trail bikes and sports bikes over the years. I have spotted the rear tyre is a pirrelli 140-80-17 and the front is a half worn bridgestone 90-90-21, would this mix of tyres and an oversize cause a problem? or do i need to get a few more miles under my belt? Please any comments or help would be very welcome.

Many Thanks

Nigel Thomas

drb277 · # 2 28-01-10, 14:37

Hi and welcome to the forum.

As to your handling probs, try checking the tyre pressures. I have the X model ( and its the best handling bike I've owned ) and I know how badly the handling can be with the wrong pressures. I also know from talking to others the R handles well on and off road. Sorry dont know too much about the tyre's that are fitted. I've got the Avon Distanzias on mine and they are excellent.
As regards the surging there's lots that can be done. There are lots of threads regarding these issues. You will get it sorted!
You will find everyone on here very friendly and very willing to help.

NigelT · # 3 28-01-10, 15:31

Thank you lots for your warm welcome and my first repy, this is the first time i have ever tried a site like this ever. I have checked pressures and there both at 28psi, i am waiting for the dealer to send me the bikes handbook then i was going to have a good read and set the bike up std as per Yam specs, heres hoping more people will put suggestions my way. Nigel

dave-v-v · # 4 28-01-10, 15:33

Hi yes the surging was my worry but as soon as this was fixed I have nether looked back

Bishop0151 · # 5 28-01-10, 23:43

Hello, I don't know about the handling issue you seem to be having. I have an 06 XTX and it loves the corners, just had to get used to a different riding style from my sports background. If the tyre pressures are OK and they are not badly worn I'm not sure how much of a problem it would cause unless you're really pushing the bike, I've never run an over sized tyre so i couldn't tell you about that.

You could think about treating yourself to a new matched pair of tyres and give yourself some time to get used to biking again. Gain some confidence back and get used to the bike.

The surging low down at low speeds is known annoyance on an otherwise great bike. You have a few options and a good place to start is here, with our resident guru Kev http://www.xt660.com/site/node/53

Adjusting the CO setting is the first and easiest thing to do. After that doing some mods that will help the engine breath better will help including
1. Remove the airbox snorkle
2. Drill the airbox
3. Fit a DNA stage 1 (and maybe stage 2) air filters
4. Make or buy the Kev mod to adjust your fueling if you have the DNA filters
5. Buy the more expensive and much more customizable option up from the Kev Mod, a power commander

Take one thing at a time as you can afford them and see what improvements you get. Loads of information is available on all of these options on the site.

And Welcome

maxwell123455 · # 6 28-01-10, 23:55

Hi and welcome to the forum

The front tyre size is ok but the rear should be 130/80 17, this might be causing some of your problems and also the tyre pressures should be run at about 33psi.

How many miles has the bike on it? If its second hand and a bit used (10k+) the front wheel bearings might be gone (people get too close with powerwashers and blow the grease out and they heat up and collaspe) or the head race bearings could be a bit loose, someone doing alot of wheelies will loosen these up.

Also with this cold/greasy/rubbish weather we are having a bikes handling is never going to be 100%

NigelT · # 7 29-01-10, 10:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by maxwell123455

Hi and welcome to the forum

The front tyre size is ok but the rear should be 130/80 17, this might be causing some of your problems and also the tyre pressures should be run at about 33psi.

How many miles has the bike on it? If its second hand and a bit used (10k+) the front wheel bearings might be gone (people get too close with powerwashers and blow the grease out and they heat up and collaspe) or the head race bearings could be a bit loose, someone doing alot of wheelies will loosen these up.

Also with this cold/greasy/rubbish weather we are having a bikes handling is never going to be 100%

Hi and thanks, Tyres are at 28 f/r at the moment, so i will try your settings. The bike is a local one with one mature owner who looked after it and kept it in std state.

All things seam as new and are sound and tight.

Tar

Nigel

NigelT · # 8 29-01-10, 10:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bishop0151

Hello, I don't know about the handling issue you seem to be having. I have an 06 XTX and it loves the corners, just had to get used to a different riding style from my sports background. If the tyre pressures are OK and they are not badly worn I'm not sure how much of a problem it would cause unless you're really pushing the bike, I've never run an over sized tyre so i couldn't tell you about that.

You could think about treating yourself to a new matched pair of tyres and give yourself some time to get used to biking again. Gain some confidence back and get used to the bike.

The surging low down at low speeds is known annoyance on an otherwise great bike. You have a few options and a good place to start is here, with our resident guru Kev http://www.xt660.com/site/node/53

Adjusting the CO setting is the first and easiest thing to do. After that doing some mods that will help the engine breath better will help including
1. Remove the airbox snorkle
2. Drill the airbox
3. Fit a DNA stage 1 (and maybe stage 2) air filters
4. Make or buy the Kev mod to adjust your fueling if you have the DNA filters
5. Buy the more expensive and much more customizable option up from the Kev Mod, a power commander

Take one thing at a time as you can afford them and see what improvements you get. Loads of information is available on all of these options on the site.

And Welcome

Hi and thanks, Yes i read about the great handling too which was one of the reasons to go the XT way. I agree reff sports bike style ride and a bit more time things may come together i hope, on islands and tight corners it wants to stay up right and go its own way and i find myself fighting with it.

I may have to change the tyres to std fit and go from there if hours in the seat dont improve .

Tar

Nigel

Kev · # 9 29-01-10, 12:04

Welcome to the forum, hope you enjoy your stay. Hi, I have just bought a XT660R 2008, and just gone out for my first ride.Really like the sound and feel and look of the bike, but dont like the lack of brakes and this bike only likes going in a straight line? and hates being in town(surging)? Have a read in the mod section there is heaps of info there. http://www.xt660.com/showthread.php?t=630 Please note i have been off bikes for 5 years prior, but have owned lots of trail bikes and sports bikes over the years. I have spotted the rear tyre is a pirrelli 140-80-17 The rear tyre is to wide & will cause a weave at higher speeds, it should be 130 not a 140, it is not good practice to mix different brands of tyres & compounds on bikes, the front & rear tyres must be a matched set. the front is a half worn bridgestone 90-90-21, would this mix of tyres and an oversize cause a problem? or do i need to get a few more miles under my belt? Please any comments or help would be very welcome.

Many Thanks

Nigel Thomas[/quote]

NigelT · # 10 29-01-10, 14:57

I agree, due to cold wet and horrid weather here at the moment i wont be out much for now, but this will give me time to look around for tyre prices and get a std set of correct rubber. Hope this works as i was very dissapointed on my first ride and will have to move it on if i cannot get it right. (heres hoping it will work out !!!)

Kind Regards

Nigel

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