hi guys just joined up- great to find an XT660 site! I bought my XTR new in Sept. 2005 and 24000 kms later still love the thing. It's still pretty much standard, added a Ventura pack rack, headlight protector, Yamaha bash plate,hand guards, Givi screen, Scot chain oiler, and a set of Oxford saddlebags. Impressed with the comfort and handling of this bike, have ended up doing 600-700 km days quite often. I enjoy back country touring here in New Zealand. I must admit in real steep rough stuff she's a bit of a handfull with the high seat and tall gearing but it never claimed to be a 250cc dirt bike so fair enough. I have never had a single problem or hiccup with it, ridden heaps of miles in heavy rain (Ilive on the West Coast, Sth. Island and dont have a car) and snow and out on the bitumen rain hail or shine she seems to lap up everything I've ever thrown at it. I'm impressed.Unfortunately my wife doesn't find the high sloping rear seat very amusing on a long trip anymore so have a VZ800 Marauder K4 in the shed for the two-up runs. will have to look into something different in the tyre dept. I've stuck with the original Michelin Sirac tyres but still doing heaps of road miles and the rear tyre squares off real bad but still need a good gravel tyre. Well thanx to Yamaha for a great bike and thanx to you guys for a great site