Hi all,

Ive been reading this forum for a while since ive decided to buy an xt660 and may i firstly say its quite nice to see another close knit friendly community on here. (the only other place i felt matched was my old sv forum.)

Now im going to be one of those annoying people and ask that awkward question of "what bike do you guys think i should get?" even though we've never met let alone seen me ride, but the question still stands...?

i was really looking at buying an tenere because i really wanted something i could commute to and from work (15 miles of main road followed by 2 miles of country) then take out to the yorkshire moors for a bit of green laning and light off roading. Also my new niece has just been born 350miles away and it would be nice to have a bike to travel economically that distance in comfort a few times a year.

The only problem is im not confident in my off road/ green laning ability as the 1 and only time ive been is with my old dt125 years ago which felt great but it was a much smaller and lighter bike.

I do worry about the xt660r off road capability (the pipes underneath the frame i can see getting damaged by uneven terrain etc. ) also how appropriate it is as a tourer?

I suppose my question is... Will the xt660z ten be appropriate enough tfor a skinny lad like me to develop my off road skills? and if not will the xt660r be good enough for off road for me to be confident to use off road without smashing the poor little thing.

PLease note im 180cm tall (5'10) and i cant buy or own a bike like a dr 400 or more off road orientated bike because it will get stolen in my area. i did own a ktm smc 690 for a month or so but since having that i got broken into twice when they tried to get it so had to sell. (that and the bloody thing would try and kill me on my way to work!)

i hope this isn't too much of a bother for someone to give me a bit of guidance, after all the best answer would be to go find one local to test ride but untill i sell my cbr i dont have enough for a deposit.

thanks a bunch!

mark

Firstly, welcome.

No one ever is at the start. The best advice I can give is just do it.

Take a look here - > http://www.xt660.com/forumdisplay.php?f=198

Why not come along? there will be some green lane rides and plenty of people to give you advice and help you.


Don't. It's fine, not as long-distance-capable as the Tenere though.

Yes. If you have the will.

The Lakes meet is in May, that gives you time to get a bike then come along and have a laugh, see what others have done to their bikes, advice, chit chat and some cracking rides.

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>-------<

Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

Welcome aboard Mark

You'll be fine with either R or Z for what you describe.

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I took a group of trail riding novices out for a ride at last year's lakes meet. None of them died (although I haven't seen many of them around the forum lately, so maybe the PTSD has kicked in). You'll be fine. Probably

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I spent a lot of money on travel and racing motorcycles - the rest I just squandered.

XT660Z - Commuter, Adventurer...Racer?

www.dashmoto.net

Other bikes >> MT-03 / CG125BR-J / ER-6F
Departed >> ZXR400L3 / EC300 / DR-Z400E / DR800S / GPZ500S / GS400

hi and welcome to the forum first.

Having owned both bikes I can tell you both are more than capable for what our looking.

Don't worry about the Rs pipes just add a bash plate and you will rarely touch down unless your doing out and out enduro style riding. I personnelly yhink the R being lighter would make off roading easier and also the lower seat will give you more confindance. 350miles on the R would be a far ride even with a taller screen but then I'm 6ft4 so my head sat in the wind. the commute would be no problem

The z would do the better on the long distance rides and give better protection with the screen. off roading it will do but you'd still want to put a bash plate on and the ten is a bit heavier so might take a bit longer to get use to. Again commute is no problem.

If you can get a test ride on both bikes

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Plough on

I'll be fine... Probably!? Hahaha, well thank you all for the invites, your all a very welcoming bunch on here which is good to see.
I think I'm going to see what the funds are like after I sell my other bike but hopefully I'll be able to go all out and get the xt ten. hopefully before the lakes as that looks real good!
And �berthumper, if you spare me some time to give me a crash course at the lakes in may I promise not to fade away/disappear/die anytime soon. :-D

Sadly I shall be elsewhere this year, but I'm sure someone else will help you with the "crash course"

__________________
I spent a lot of money on travel and racing motorcycles - the rest I just squandered.

XT660Z - Commuter, Adventurer...Racer?

www.dashmoto.net

Other bikes >> MT-03 / CG125BR-J / ER-6F
Departed >> ZXR400L3 / EC300 / DR-Z400E / DR800S / GPZ500S / GS400

There will be plenty there with advice, and willing to lend a hand with the picking up!!! (or they will stand at the bottom of the hill and take photos of you ..... )

__________________
>-------<

Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

Er.... Sounds promising. Thanks!

Let me know when you get the bike can take you out round Hexham lots of easy stuff round there.