Hi!!
Been in love with the bike for about 2 years since I found it.

Unfortunately my Ninja, just last night, decided it's had enough. The bottom end has dropped a bearing. Oh well. It's a '98 with 90,000 KM'S. Not a bad run.

I have a WR250F '06. I'm thinking of scrapping the ZX and selling the WR and buying an XT. But I have some questions.

How does this bike go as a highway rider? I do about 50km a day for work, but I always want to run around and hit the mud, rocks and water on the weekends. My WR is terrible on roads. Engine can't handle the road use.

Also, what's the engine life expectancy? It's a single cyl, so I'm trying to learn about how long until replacements are needing and all that stuff. My WR needs works constantly. I just want a reliable everyday machine that can sit comfortable on a freeway or highway.

I'm paying double rego and insurance for twos machines. My idea. Replace both.

Also, buying a used XT660R 2009 with 5000km on the ODO - Good or bad? Price is around $7K (Australia).
I'd love a brand new 2012 model if available.

Thank you all!

and to

lots of good questions, I will try to answer all of them except the one about prices cause the Australian market is unknown to me.

An XTX/XTR would cruise happily on the motorway at 85mph or more that's about 137Km/h

The XTR would be the wiser choice if you wish to do some dirt / rocks etc. The XTX is the king of the twisty roads with its agility and cornering speed it's unbeatable in that class. The XTR off road potential increases with the choice of tyres you get, the more knobblier the better they handle the rough but you sacrifice your cruising on tarmac comfort and if used on tarmac they wear out quicker.

The engines on these bikes need to be kept topped up with oil, clean oil filters (not as often as a KTM mind you) and as long you check your levels they will last you a very long time. We have some forum members who have run them into the 150'000 km and they are still going, thanks to their good service and maintenance.

An XTXR like the one you've found with 5000km on the clock is still a fresh bike so provided that its in good conditions and the price is fair then I'd give it a second look if I were you.

Good luck with whatever you choose and enjoy your newly found passion and forum.

Hi there.

I traded my 2007 R1 in for the XTX last year as I fancied something different after 17 years of sports bikes.

Since the frosty weather has disappeared, I am now using the bike to travel to work and back every day which is a 60 mile round trip.

So far I have only done just over 1000 miles on it but it has been the most comfortable 1000 miles I have done and there is no wrist pain.

One of the reasons for getting the XTX was the reliability of the Yamaha engine which as long as its serviced regularly is virtually bullet proof.

The only slight down side I have found is the wind hitting me directly in the chest at higher speeds which I'm hoping to remedy with the addition of an after market screen shortly.

This may sound odd, does this bike have a fuel gauge?
I'm going to take a trip to my local dealer and see how far he will drop the price. I'll pit two or three dealers against each other. Thanks!

Not a fuel gauge on the XTX/XTR but a red light inicating when it's in reserve.

Nope...no fuel gauge. I get about 120 miles before the fuel light come on. Supposedly 1/3 of a Tank left at this point but I've never done more than 10 miles after the light comes on.

Am I right in thinking then that I should get about 150-180 miles from a tank???

Does anyone here use their XT in muddy/clay mud conditions?

Also, how does this bike hold up on single trail conditions?
I'd like to start hitting fire trails and smaller single trail tracks, will this big beast work well enough?
I'm not a fast rider. I generally just put along at my own pace. Not a racer.

Also, how does this bike hold up on single trail conditions?
I'd like to start hitting fire trails and smaller single trail tracks, will this big beast work well enough?
I'm not a fast rider. I generally just put along at my own pace. Not a racer.

Hi and welcome Kingoddball.

I think you'll find an XTR will be fine, just don't expect it to be a like WR off road and a ZXR on road, and you'll be happy owner!

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I have an XTX and it is my third and they are just SUCH good fun. I am lucky enought to have several bikes but the XT takes some beating for the smile and fun factor. I commute only about 20km each way thro the city traffic and it sure as hell knocks spots off any scooter. Enjoy!!!

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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....