Blue 2007 XT660R 'Dakar' (= 2006 XT660R with panniers, handguards, touring screen and Yam bash plate sold only in Netherlands)
Finally broken the bike in, parked it yesterday with 1601 kms on the clock
I'm very happy with the bike. It's fun to ride, easy going for a beginner like me. It holds it's own on the highways, but is clearly more in it's element going down small country lanes. Had a day of 'all road' training, it handles that fine too, the bike is capable of a lot more than I am so far.
In the beginning I was worried about the vibrations, but either I have gotten used to it or they have reduced drastically while breaking the bike. Same for the saddle, I thought it was too hard at first, but either the saddle has broken my ass or vice versa.
Had some cutting out (in part due to my riding skills) and surging at first, but was never really bad. A PCIII has sorted that out for good.
I would also like a little bit more power sometimes. When riding on the highway and there's a good headwind, I can feel the bike straining a bit. Guess being 6'4 tall and a fat ******* does not help. Cheap way of fixing problem: go on diet....

Mods:
No snorkel
K&N Stage 1 filter
DNA Stage 2 filter
OTR 2-1 titanium pipe
OTR raised bash plate for 2-1
Powercommander III
Center stand
Custom 8 litre 'exhaust shape' jerrycan, in place of second exhaust pipe

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Can blue men sing the whites or are they hypocrites for singing blues?
XT660R Dakar, mods: DNA + K&N filters, snorkel removed, Power Commander, OTR 2in1 Titanium exhaust, OTR sump guard 2in1, handlebar risers, custom 8 liter round jerrycan in place of removed second exhaust, steel braided brake hose front, Hyperpro front & back springs + shock, louder horn, plush monkey

Sounds like your getting into the XT way of things with the mods. Glad that your liking it, i really like the exhaust can jerry can thingy. But how do you get fuel from this into your fuel tank?? is it linked via a tube or is it a case of the exhaust tank clips off and you empty it into your bikes tank.

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Plough on

I had to get a different exhaust because of my Syria plans (the leaded fuel thing). The OTR 2-1 was the only one I could find where I could place the catalyser back when using non-leaded fuel. Then you start thinking, if I've spent this much money on a bleeding exhaust anyway, might as well get some filters too. And the PCIII to sort out the fueling. etc. etc.
I bought the tank from Paul666, credits for the idea go to him. There's no tubes or anyhting, I just remove it and fill the main tank. Now I won't be needing it for a while, I'm thinkink of putting a plastic tube in it's place, in which I'll be able to store my tripod.

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Can blue men sing the whites or are they hypocrites for singing blues?
XT660R Dakar, mods: DNA + K&N filters, snorkel removed, Power Commander, OTR 2in1 Titanium exhaust, OTR sump guard 2in1, handlebar risers, custom 8 liter round jerrycan in place of removed second exhaust, steel braided brake hose front, Hyperpro front & back springs + shock, louder horn, plush monkey

Very nice, i really liked the idea of the extra fuel tank being a exhaust can shape. But as for the tripod jobby sounds like a good idea seeing as your hoilday is mainly around you visiting places to snap photos, would save it having to be strapped to the seat or on the out side where some 5 fingered discounter could take it.

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Plough on