YAMAHA'S XT660R still follows the time honoured XT ethos of being a big single cylinder machine that is well and truly road capable, but will still get the blood pumping when the tar disappears and the dirt appears. Yamaha describe the XT660R as an adventure bike, but Yamaha might be drawing a slightly long bow regarding this bike being an adventure off-road machine, as it does have its limitations.
On the flip side however, the XT660R has a very powerful and torquey single overhead cam, single cylinder motor, which is quite responsive.

Motorvation

The motor is fitted with roller bearings on the rocker arms in the four valve head which is said to reduce engine friction, and is a first for a Yamaha engine.
Much of the engine's responsiveness can be attributed to the electronic fuel injection system which certainly gives the bike a healthy hit from the usable 47 horsepower which is on tap at the twist of the throttle.
As the revs increase the motor continues to impress, with strong acceleration and a well spaced five speed gearbox, that is well capable of highway speeds. Around town and nipping through traffic is where the XT660R really shines as the responsive grunty engine allows the rider to quickly slice through traffic with minimal effort.

The dual exhaust system not only looks the goods but does a great job of keeping the motor quiet without sacrificing performance. Ample steering from lock to lock further aids the XT’s ability to carve through traffic, while a nice wide and comfortable seat and MX handlebars make longer time in the saddle and dealing with the stop and start grind of commuting easier on the body. Handling the stopping duties on the XT660R is a single disc up front, which is firm and pulls the XT up without any hesitation.
The front brake hose could be routed a little better as it does block the rider's vision to the dash in order to keep tabs on the speed limit. On the rear a single disc also handles the braking duties well although we did find it a little ‘grabby’ at times when on the go slow.

Suspension

Keeping the suspension of the XT660R in check is handled by 43mm Paoli telescopic forks, which offer 200mm of travel. They are well suited to road, general dirt and gravel road use, but this is pretty much the limitations of the front suspenders as they have no adjustment, so what you see is what you get.
The rear end falls into a very similar category, with the Kayaba rear shock on the Monocross suspension. It handles road use without any hesitation, but once things get a bit lumpy and bumpy, the suspension feels out of its depth, due to the absence of any adjustment apart from some basic preload.

The XT660R is far from what you would call an adventure off road machine, but it is quite capable of tearing up dirt roads and fire trails at will. The motor really excels in this department and feet up slides while standing on the pegs is something that is well and truly within reach of the average rider. A good couple of hour trail rides along a mountain range or similar is certainly within the limits of the XT660R as a round trip of 200km is attainable from its 15 litre fuel tank.

Grip

Depending on the type of use the XT660R may encounter can also be a defining factor regarding tyre choice. In standard trim the XT is fitted with Metzeler Tourance tyres, with a 21 inch tyre up front and a 17 inch tyre at the rear.
These have a conventional adventure style tread pattern, which in most cases would be the most popular choice for riders.
Of course with a set of knobbies fitted, the XT will have greater feel in the dirt and certainly be more capable in slippery and tougher conditions.

If off road jaunts are intended to be a regular occurrence, the owner may want to look at trimming some of the fat off the bike such as pillion pegs, as the XT660R hits the scales at 181 kg with a tank of fuel. If the pegs are left on, and being a machine with a large and comfortable seat, the XT is capable to two-up riding without fuss. A good set of pillion pegs enable the pillion to sit comfortably without needing to be a gymnast.

Extras

Other nice features on the XT include an electronic engine immobiliser and a steering lock, which certainly add to the appeal of city commuting and the security of your pride and joy. If some luggage or a bit of gear is required to be taken on a small trip or the daily grind, a 30 litre top box is available from Yamaha as is a choice of screens of various heights, which can all add to rider comfort.

A large bash plate is also available from Yamaha if regular dirt or off road riding is contemplated. The last word The Yamaha XT660R is a well mannered machine, that certainly shines when ridden through the suburbs.
The motor is really well suited to this type of riding and although it can handle some off road work, it’s really more of a suburban scrambler.
It’s learner approved and backed by Yamaha’s extensive warranty.

A choice of colours is available in either Yamaha Black or Sunset Red, with a price tag of $11,499.