Hi Guys.
Just a quick hello. Got my first XT in 2007, it was the Blue XT600e, one of the last ones. Great bike, then upgraded last summer to a 2009 XT660z Tenere. Fantastic bike, but . . . . . . here`s the problem(s)
I`m only 5ft 8 and I`m struggling with the height. I`ve dropped the back end 25mm and shortend the stand but I`m still finding it realy big. It`s fine once I`m away, but can be difficult to get it in and out the shed and move about when parking. Anyone any hints? Has anyone dropped the frorks to lower the front end or fitted narrower bars? I dont want to upset the handling.
Also, having a problem with the screen. I was getting realy bad turbulance hitting my peak and visor. I`ve shortend the screen at work about 2 inches and it helped, but you can still feel your helmet judder (ooer!!) I`ve an Aria tour with a peak and also a Viper without, and it does this on both. I`ve seen taller screens, but this would made it worse. I`m thinking this is my height again? Has anyone else had this problem? I`m really enjoying the bike, but need to sort these problems out.
Cheers.

and to

The other alternative and one that works for most people is to have a seat upholsterer to scoop out a few inches of foam from the middle bit of your saddle near the tank so that once you have your leg over, your reach is closer to the ground.

My experience with the XTZ is limited, but it is pretty much standard practice to drop the forks in the yokes by the same amount you lower the rear. This maintains the bike's balance fore/aft, although it will probably mean you will have to shorten the sidestand again. That should gain you a bit more 'lowness'.

When lowering the forks, it is best to do it with the wheel out and the bike supported under the engine. That way you can deal with each fork leg separately. It is a bad idea to loosen off the fork clamps with the weight on the front wheel, as the bike will drop as far as it can (much further than you need) and you will have the devil's own job getting it up again. I haven't done this, obviously, but a friend of a friend told me ...

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XT660R (2006)
XT600E (1994)
Triumph Trident 750 (1992)
My blog: http://goingfastgettingnowhere.blogspot.com/

Hiya and DONT lower the bike!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had my first 2007 XTX lowered by a Yamaha dealer when I bought it as I had a gammy right foot at the time. The bike was ok BUT when 2 up would grind footpegs and the hadling was so-so. When I replaced that one with my 2011 XTX I left it standard and WOWOWOW what a difference!!!! Handling is 100 times better and 2 up it goes great. Try not to lower it if possible, you only need one foot on the floor not both.

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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....

Hi John and welcome abaord.

You will get used to the height - stick with it and your riding style will naturally evolve to suit. Tall bike's always feel a bit weird to start with (as do low bikes for that matter!), it's all relative to what you came from. There are several XTZ owners that are 5'8" (and shorter) on here and get on just fine.

As for the turbulance; that is a much documented problem with the Z, but you'll find a million and one answers! Again, it is all to do with the rider's height (as you have sussed already) and other factors like seating position, helmet choice etc. For some (me included) a screen spoiler does the trick (Touratech, Aerotrim etc.), for others cutting the screen works, some swear by taller screens. Blocking some of the gap around the bottom yoke/tank area can help, as can fitting a handlebar bag or even spotlights. Basically you've just got to try things out and see what works for you...

A good tip is to get a pile of cardboard and gaffer tape and try various screen shapes/sizes, deflectors, appendages and wind jammers - it's free and you'll get a better idea what does it for you.

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Cheers for all the info, guys. It`s given me afew pointers. Has anyone tried riding in Man heels?? :0)

John, welcome from another new boy.

I'm struggling with the height of my XTR, so I dread to think how an XTZ is! My first purchase after 100 miles was some engine bars, as a drop/topple feels inevitable. I now have some 20mm lowering links in the post and I'm undecided as to whether to fit them and adjust the forks accordingly, pay through the nose to get the seat remade, or try to live with it and hope my mates are not there when I topple off!

Best of luck with the issues. You're not alone!