Hi. I've written a review of my XT660R for my local bike forum. You can read from the link below if you like.

http://www.eastmidbikers.co.uk/660.htm

I'd be interested in other peoples experiences, whether they agree or disagree with my conclusions.

Cheers - Steve

__________________
___________________________
http://stevechol.livejournal.com

I agree with you very much about your bike as i have just got an 06 XT660R the other day. The suspension is soft but i think after a few weeks of getting used to it i might buy a set of kevs suspension spacers to see how much that effects the first suspension dive. Some of the people that have fitted them say they give better ride, less dive on the forks, but a but of a harsher ride!!

Will have to see for my self but at around �25 or something they are a bargin.

__________________
Plough on

You may find the suspension just fine seeing as the R is a dirt bike.

I myself, wouldn't touch the suspension on an R as you need soft suspension for riding the bumps. It's a different case on the X model as it's a road bike. The standard suspension on the X is fine for the road up to a certain speed. The spacer mod makes a much harder ride but gives me better handling and quicker steering when I'm pushing it. I personally wouldn't push an R model on tarmac as you won't have nearly as much grip as an X model.

I think the R is a good road/commuter/possible green lane bike, than a dirt bike ... Not an expert myself but many people who have tried it off road say that it is not particularly suitable.

From my point of view I intend to use it for 'mucking about' and some B road/green lane type touring, and for those purposes stiffer suspension would be a benefit.

I disagree that suspension needs to be quick to dive, to be good off road, my Range Rover suspension is excellent on and off road so I don't see why a it can't be made firmer whilst still working well 'off road'.

Just my 0.02p :-)

__________________
___________________________
http://stevechol.livejournal.com

Good review Steve.
Only thing I would say is that with a new ECU, Throttle Position Sensor and richer fuelling my bike runs very smoothly. It was a pig at low speeds before as it was part of the 2005 production which stalled at low revs. The new ECU fitted under warranty fixed that problem. It's smoother now than any other short stroke big single I have ridden.
I agree with you about the fork dive and will be fitting a Kev spacer mod when they next become available.
Final point: why did Yamaha fit an 'off-road' seat with seams on the ridges? Style over function? Mine will be re-covered with some BMW 'coarse' fabric to make the ride more comfortable - �50 by Tony Devlin in Huddersfield.

Yep, got the latest ECU and TPS, upped the fuelling - but still far too snatchy - looks like a Power Commander for me ... Good tip on the seat ... Cheers - Steve

__________________
___________________________
http://stevechol.livejournal.com

I know Manic mic is well gone,, but if ye do read this Mic,, ave got to dissagree wi ye,, yes teh X is a good handlin bike.. but ad say the R will give ye a real good run fur yer money... mic said,..... I personally wouldn't push an R model on tarmac as you won't have nearly as much grip as an X model.

__________________
1st post of 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2014 gold star award

Gee! John, get on with the times, ManicSmeg left on bad terms over 2 years ago, and he won't be reading the forum.

Aye a thought he`d left.. i bought a bike from his pal, an a met him wi his KTM that day... a cant remember whit he was sayin , but a know he wisnae happy wi the Forum it was yes around two years ago at least.. john

__________________
1st post of 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2014 gold star award

John that man wans't happy with his own image in the mirror, he cocked things up left right and centre and then kept coming here saying that, Carbon Cans were faulty, that the Garmin were faulty, we all tried to help him but he was one of those people that can't be helped. He was such a pain in the ass that even after 2 years the memory still hurts. All I can say is good riddance.

He went to the KTM forum and tried to slag us off but within 2 days of him joining, they all turned against him and ended up hating him too. He belongs in a mental institution.