Hi guys,Just purchased a xt660x and love it, passed my test 2 days ago so I'm used to a 125!
I had 2 days training on a bandit and it was so easy to ride. Basically how do I ride this bike to its potential? I've been told that if I don't use the gears fully it will burn out the clutch, it's quite jumpy as I'm used to being able to go 30mph in like 4th on my old bike.
I just want to know what's the best speed to change from first to second and second to third and so on.
I'm a massive novice and do apologise so please just constructive comments and no piss takers!

personally just dont over labour it like say you're in third and it feels lumpy if u accelerate a little just knock it down a cog there a lovely bike u will soon used get used to kicking its head in and have SOOOOOO much fun lol smile factor all the way just watch youre self pulling out of streets tho cos when i went from my 125 to my xt i used to just flick through the gears and by time i was in 3rd i was doing 67 in a residential area lol

__________________
Yamaha xt660x 2009 blue/gold mods= iridium plug, stage1+2, removed snorkel, blocked ais, akrapovric pipes, power commander pc3usb (pre made map), adjusted tps, dynojet 02 optimiser 30amp aux relay, smoked puig screen, oxford heated grips and brembo carbon ceramic pads, rfx 30mm bar raisers, puig long adjustable leavers, plus much more and a cheep �30 alarm which stopped it been stolen

On my R 30mph would be in 2nd or 3rd gear. 40mph 3rd gear maybe 4th; 50 4th gear. 60 4th or 5th depending on the road, corners etc etc.

But just play it be ear, by how the bike feels. If its not pulling nice and crisply change down. If it feels or sounds like you are thrashing it either start grinning or change up. They are great bikes that thrive on being revved hard. Enjoy.


Sent from my iPhone with a smile

We all had to start at the same place, you won't get any negative consequences moments here on that score.

You will get a feel for the bike eventually, my advice, just get out there and ride the bike. Once you've got a couple of hundred hours of riding under your belt, then start to hone your skills.
Pay attention to your observations and safety before worrying about technique. The skills you are asking about will come without you worrying about it.

It's very difficult and potentially dangerous to take advice on your riding without seeing you ride. Get in contact with your local IAM OE ROSPA group and see if they would give you face to face advice. The can only say no!

__________________
>-------<

Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

Hi guys,Thanks so much. I do understand that in time I will get used to it.
I shouldn't have asked for riding techniques, I meant that as in when to change for the best for the engine. That's all I really wanted to know as a friend said I need to really use the gears. Just wanted some advise so I don't mess up my bike as I totally love it.

Just dont over labour it if it starts to feel rough and clunky change down and dont hold it near the limiter for long periods of real high revs i mean i hit the limited in just about every gear change up a gear as the peak power is quiet hi up but i do t hold it up there for long . Got 16000 on her now and still sweet as a nut

__________________
Yamaha xt660x 2009 blue/gold mods= iridium plug, stage1+2, removed snorkel, blocked ais, akrapovric pipes, power commander pc3usb (pre made map), adjusted tps, dynojet 02 optimiser 30amp aux relay, smoked puig screen, oxford heated grips and brembo carbon ceramic pads, rfx 30mm bar raisers, puig long adjustable leavers, plus much more and a cheep �30 alarm which stopped it been stolen

It will be tricky for you to damage your engine as the 660 is one of the toughest engines around. It will put up with almost anything. As u have no rev counter then you ask for speeds to change gears, but looking at the speedo does not make for good riding. So you must learn to "hear" the engine and to change up or down as required. Take it easy and you will start to learn to use your bike correctly, dont worry!!!!

__________________
(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....

I'm not sure if the gearing is the same on the XTZ but i found the following with my XTZ.

If you want to accelerate at all you must be above 3000 rpm. Below this and the engine will bang and bounce all over the place

Mine will bimble along at 2500 rpm in top eaisly but if i want to speed up i have to change down.

Make sure that you are in thr right gear for a corner. Changing down mid corner is not great as it can upset the bike..try to avoid it unitl you are happy with the gears and revs.

I've never really needed to go above 5500 rpm but it will do more. I stick between 3000 and 4500 most of the time on the road and this give me a top speed of around 75mph.

But the most important thing for me on my XTZ was the 3000 rpm thing. Below that and you aint getting much...on 3k and she will pull happlily.

Now others may be along to tell you that the gearing is different on yours so you will have to work out what 3k on an XTZ equates to on yours but you will get the idea.

Go play.

Mike

Chuffing autocorrect on me phone......

Should be 'comments' and 'or'......

__________________
>-------<

Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

So then GULG are there any consequences from you comments...sorry couldn't resist.

I can't spell at all and when auto text thingy does it's thing i end up with all sorts of hassle.

Mike