Yo! I'm Peter a grey beard long time biker who's looking for a 2nd bike to compliment my 1300 Pan European.

I've been a biker for many years and I've owned a fair few bikes. I've just sold my VFR1200 and before that a Buell 1125CR and my Sherco. The Pan is my mainstay but it's a big beast and I'm missing something fun to use locally. I'm happy to tinker to sort out any issues.

A good friend was trying to sell me on the KTM Duke 690. It all seems good except perhaps for the lack of engine longevity, perhaps a product of the 40% extra power over the XT. The KTM is still a possible but I want something that'll do over 20k miles without an engine rebuild.

I'm thinking of getting an XT660X. Reading around the reviews the points I haul in are heavy, poor fuelling and solid with an unbreakable motor. My VFR was decatted, PC V'd, aftermarket can and dyno'd to help sort the fuelling issues and as I said I'm happy to tinker to get smoother running. The Buell was far worse than the VFR too I'm aware of Kev's mods. Does the Power commander offer an even better, if more expensive solution?

I'll intend to use the bike for some commuting, riding around the local lanes and blasts up into the Borders.

I've also never owned a Yamaha So I feel like it's an itch that needs scratching.

So what do you reckon? Yes I'm an oldie (60 in a couple of weeks) but I'm fit and not a plodder

Peter

and to

If it's green lanes and muddy stuff you ought to consider either an XT660R Enduro or an XT660Z Tenere. because the XTX is more of a tarmac b roads twisty corners eater, than a mud plugger.

Heres my x i love it torquey not fast but fun to ride after the mods its a good solid bike also recommend the z for green lanes

That's a stunning looking bike

It would be the road that I would be using the bike for.

I may have a problem. Despite being reasonably tall at 5' 10" I've short legs with a 29 1/2" inseam. I sat on a new 690 Duke yesterday and it was tiptoe but okay with the bike being so light. The XTX is 40mm higher.

I'm now wondering if it'll be too tall?

Opinions? I need to try one.

Peter

You can always get a lowering kit. Im 5ft 11 with the rear spring on its highest/hardest setting i can touch the floor easily if you struggle just lean it over a little and support the bike with one leg (motorcross background) ihave a mate who is 5ft 6 and he has no problem riding it

You could always buy some really big high boots

I'll give one a go. Anyone in or near Kendal with a X? I don't really want to go down the whole lowering route unless there's no alternative.

The ST13 is only 775mm and that's enough. Mind it is 331kg wet.

Or you can do a much simpler mod and instead of fitting a lowering kit you can get a seat upholsterer to cut some foam from the scoop of the seat, usually 2.5 inch is all you need and then they can staple the vinyl cover back on. I have had it done on mine and solved the problem.

And I just happen to know someone who'd do a top job too, thanks

I've spent a couple of hours this evening reading through the mods.

What a great site, very impressed. The desire to go XT and not Duke is even greater now. The Duke engine would also encourage me to rag it all the time I suspect and I want to enjoy my riding without adrenaline some of the time

Many thanks all for the work you've done here.

Peter

You are very welcome, it has been our aim from day one to provide all our members with the amount of information and assistance you have just found it exists, and more importantly this is offered in a relaxed, mature environment, where the members themselves are all contributing to make this place friendly and professional.

Generally motorcycle forums are renown for being full of hard opinionated "hot heads" who are constantly bickering and clashing with each other. None of this is manifested here mostly due to the non antagonistic atmosphere that myself and the moderators are striving to maintain.

Enjoy your stay here.