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Yamaha XT 660R

Make Model	Yamaha XT660R
Year	2011
Engine	Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valve
Capacity	659 cc/ 40.2 cu-in
Bore x Stroke	100 x 84 mm
Compression Ratio	10.0: 1
Cooling System	Liquid cooled
Induction	Fuel injection, 44 mm throttle body
Lubrication	Dry sump
Oil Capacity	2.9 Litres / 0.19 quarts
Ignition	TCI
Starting	Electric
Max Power	33.8 kW / 48 hp @ 6000 rpm
Max Torque	58.4 Nm / 5.7 kgf-m @ 5250 rpm
Clutch	Wet, multiple-disc coil spring
Transmission	5 Speed
Final Drive	Chain
Frame	Steel tubular diamond frame with dual tank rails
Front Suspension	43 mm Telescopic forks,
Front Wheel Travel	225 mm / 8.8 in
Rear Suspension	Oscillating arm standard Monocross. 200mm wheel travel
Rear Wheel Travel	200 mm / 7.9 in
Front Brakes	Single 298mm disc 2 piston caliper
Rear Brakes	Single 245mm disc 1 piston caliper
Front Tyre	90/90- 21
Rear Tyre	130/80–17
Rake	27.0°
Trail	107 mm / 4.2 in
Dimensions	Height 1230 mm / 48.4 in Length 2240 mm / 88.1 in Width 845 mm / 33.2 in
Wheelbase	1505 mm / 59.3 in
Ground Clearance	210 mm / 8.3 in
Seat Height	865mm / 34.1 in
Dry Wight	172 kg / 379.2 lbs
Wet Weight	181 kg / 421 lbs
Fuel Capacity	15 Litres / 3.3 US gal
Consumption Average	23 km/lit
Standing ¼ Mile	14.2 sec
Top Speed	164.7 km/h / 102.3 mph

Review

Yamaha XT660R Review TestYamaha’s XT660R looks like your regular soft dual-purpose bike, except it’s not all that soft.

The high-tech engine hits hard right off the bottom and, with the throttle a fairly on or off affair, the huge off idle stomp may prove quite unwieldy for the inexperienced.

Even experienced riders can find it hard to gain any traction on loose surfaces. More off-road capable tyres would have made things easier but it doesn’t change the fact that the XT660R can be a handful.

What that essentially means is, that for off-road work, the XT660R is not novice friendly.

However, what that also means is the XT660R is an absolute hoot for riders that prefer to spend their time in the dirt either sideways or on one wheel. This is a bike for big blokes that like a fair bit of animal in their ride. On full knobblies it would prove an absolute weapon on open fire trails for riders that rarely like both their wheels to be pointing in the right direction.

On the road the XT660R punches out of corners better than any single cylinder motorcycle has a right to. The standard Metzeler Tourance rubber offers enough grip to scrape the pegs, and on a really tight road the XT660R is capable of out-running sportsbikes. And that’s despite a dirt oriented large 21 inch diameter front rim.

Braking power and feel is excellent, although when really pushing the limits on the tarmac they do become a little susceptible to fade.

43mm Paioli forks offer 200mm of travel and despite offering no adjustment the braced forks prove taut and well controlled. While the forks are sourced from Europe the shock absorber comes from Japanese company Kayaba. A five stage adjustable preload collar is the only adjustment provided which should help tune the suspension for carrying luggage.

Pillion footpegs are provided and the seat is long enough to accommodate a passenger, but it’s a far from comfortable perch. Two up touring would be quite a tortuous experience. Rider comfort was also obviously well down the design criteria as the XT660R seat is firm, and the hard edges quickly dig into your thighs.

As an all roads adventure-tourer the XT660R is firmly on the spartan and sporting end of the spectrum, more suited to riders from a dirtbike background that spend most of their time standing on the pegs.

In the cut and thrust of the city commute the XT660R is quite a weapon. The punchy engine provides instant thrust and a slim profile aids lane filtering. Only in those States where it is legal, of course.

An electronic immobilizer and steering lock are both standard and provide extra peace of mind in the city.

Yamaha offer a 30 litre lockable top-box for a very reasonable $230, along with various windscreens all priced under $200. For off-road work the optional $318 alloy sump guard would be a wise investment. It is fantastic to see Japanese manufacturers starting to properly back their mounts with factory accessories to round out their machines, especially at the sort of competitive prices that Yamaha’s XT660R retail for.

The XT660R proves reasonably frugal. Even when riding as hard as you dare the XT660R averages around 7 liters per 100km, which provides a 215km range from its 15 litre fuel cell.

In summary I would suggest that the XT660R is not really the adventure-tourer bike that the looks and specs suggest. That role will be filled by the soon to be released XTZ660 Tènèrè. More plush and generously appointed, the Tènèrè is the machine you would choose to ride across Australia.

The XT660R is a bike for shorter distances and aggressive riders. Think of it more as a supermoto machine that proves practical enough for the city commute while proving sporting enough for plenty of thrills on the blacktop or formed trails.

Pictorial - Image Gallery featuring Yamaha's XT660R

Positives
Powerful engine
Excellent warranty
Competitively priced
Sporting performance

Negatives
Comfort (lack of)
Not for off-road novices

Pictorial - Image Gallery featuring Yamaha's XT660R Yamaha XT660R

Pictorial - Image Gallery featuring Yamaha's XT660R
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