Ok, what do I lose in terms of fun on the tarmac if I buy the R over the X? Mainly will use the bike for commutes and the occasional twisties. No dirt! It's the way that the R looks that wins me.

Hiya....Well the bikes are similar and share many components, but the R was really born as an off road machine whereas the X is an adapted version and is really a street bike. The smaller wheels on the X mean that you can fit a wide range of road tyres (I fitted Pirelli Diablos to mine) and you have road bike type handling.

But hey if you love the looks of the R then go with that and ask the guys on here which are the best road tyres to fit. Have fun ciao!!!

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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....

One mans meat...
I bought an R and enjoyed it so much I bought an X too. I still have the R and it's superb. The seat wasn't as comfy on the X and the road vibes came through the bars a lot worse.
I have Tourance EXPs on the R and the handling is fantastic.
Rob

I use to have an r for about 4yrs and can say it handles well enough to scrap the pegs in the dry no problem. some people complain about the 21 inch front giving a wage handling but I never had any issues. the front brake is not the greatest but makes you use the engine and plan your on the road riding better. best way to find if you like is get a test ride either at a dealers or if you ask nicely someone on the forum might let you have a blip on their bike

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Plough on

The choice is yours,

The thing is, when I had my R ,which I loved, and missed,
both bikes are nearly the same, I had the same tyres on both bikes, so they handle good, The X, I guess makes me look younger ,
One day I will get another R, but I will never sell my X.