Greetings to all. I've lurked around this forum for a while after deciding to buy a bike that was well suited to exploring rural roads. I have a BMW K1200R Sport which is great for long distances and I did consider trading it in for something newer but I decided that it made more economic sense to keep it and buy a second bike that is lighter and less powerful and would depreciate slowly. So, after much deliberation, I have now bought a 2004 XT660R with only 3k miles. This will be my first bike with any off-road ability (or pretensions?) so I'm looking forward to some new experiences.

This forum seems to be a gold mine of information so thanks to all who have contributed their experience to make it easier for newbies like me!

Welcome aboard.

Wow! 3000 miles in just shy of 10 years!

Enjoy putting some miles on it (and getting it dirty too!)

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and to

Looks like you got a great deal with that bike on such low mileage for the years

Have plenty of fun with it and enjoy your new forum

Welcome from up North would really like to do some trail riding up in Scotland we have loads down here in Wales but always looking for a bit of a holiday ha ha. This is also my first Xtr and was a little worried about the weight off road but so far so good .

Thank you all for the kind welcome.

Kevgrind, someone with more knowledge will hopefully chime in, but although Scotland enjoys open access for walking, cycling and even horse riding, we have very few unmetalled roads with public access for motor vehicles. We not have green lanes as found south of the border.

I hope you enjoy
I have just had my XTr for about 6 weeks and I love it, Its fun fun fun :O)

Hello and welcome to from another xtr owner.

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2011 XT660Z

2008 TDM 900

Got out for my first 30 miles this morning. First impressions are mixed:

1) Engine: my last single was a 50cc in the 1970s so this big thumper was a completely new experience. Surprisingly refined up to about 70; I could still see a clear views in the mirrors! There is some surging around 30 but if I hadn't read about it being a problem, I'd probably just have accepted is as a big single characteristic. My ECU serial number ends in 00 so perhaps it would improve if I could upgrade that to the 01 or install the other mods offered here. I also still need to confirm the CO setting on the dash.

2) Handling: the front forks are much harder than I anticipated; perhaps a previous owner has fitted spacers or heavier weight oil. The rear also seemed harder than I expected; I still need to set sag and play with settings.

3) Brakes; the rear is perfectly adequate. However, the front is probably the worst that I've ever experienced on a motorcycle. In fact, my pedal cycles have better retardation power and feel. I think I may have to perform hand strengthening exercises as I think I'd struggle to get the performance I'd want for an emergency stop. The action is pretty solid and air free so it looks like I'll be trying different pads.

So, apart from the front brake I'm quite happy that it will fulfil my intended purpose and looking forward to getting to know it.

Hi and welcome to the forum. I'm only round the road from you in slateford Edinburgh. been here with work for nearly two years. You cant go too far wrong with an xtr, owned one for 4 yrs and put near 40k miles on it, currently own a z so goes to show I like the big single.

as to the forks yes they are known to be soft, good for off roading and keeping things smooth on rough roads but you get use to them. I'd say the forks could do with some new oil. if you want Ive a set of fork spacers from kev, bought for my r but never fitted them. There yours if you want them for the grand cost of a brew and a yarn.

give me a shout if you want to meet up for a ride.

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Plough on

Thanks to all. Maxwell, that's a very kind offer; it would be good to meet for a natter. I'll PM you.
I stripped the front caliper and discovered that although the pistons were fine, the sliding section was seized which explains the poor braking. Much better now.
Fork strip-down on the list of jobs to do. I also adjusted the CO up to 17 as it was at 14 so hopefully that might improve the fuelling. I can see this bike growing on me!