Bike features
Here are the main features of the Yamaha XT 660 R:
- ability to handle the field, but not deep mud or snow;
- traction comparable to that of cruisers;
- abrupt start from a standstill.
This is not to say that this motorcycle has an easy-going disposition. However, if the rider is experienced enough, there should be no problems with this bike. The machine will suit many, including connoisseurs of enduro exteriors, who, however, only ride such motorcycles on city streets.
Brief history of the model
2004 - start of production and sales of the model. Model: Yamaha XT660R (Europe and others). Factory designation: 5VK1, 5VK3.
2005 - model available in South America. Model: Yamaha XT660R (Europe, South America and others). Factory designation: 5VK4, 3S61.
2006 - no significant changes. Model: Yamaha XT660R (Europe, South America and others). Factory designation: 5VK6, 3S62.
2007 - European versions receive catalysts for the new Euro environmental standards. Model: Yamaha XT660R (Europe, South America and others). Factory designation: 5VK8, 3S63.
2008 - no significant changes. Model: Yamaha XT660R (Europe, South America and others). Factory designation: 5VKA, 3S64.
2009 - no significant changes. Model: Yamaha XT660R (Europe, South America and others). Factory designation: 5VKC, 3S65.
2010 - no significant changes. Model: Yamaha XT660R (Europe, South America and others). Factory designation: 5VKE, 3S66.
2011 - no significant changes. Model: Yamaha XT660R (Europe, South America and others). Factory designation: 5VKG.
2012 - the model is temporarily not produced for Europe. Model: Yamaha XT660R (South America). Factory designation: 2C1*, 2D0*.
2013 - no significant changes. Model: Yamaha XT660R (South America). Factory designation: 2C1*, 2D0*.
2014 - the model is again available in Europe. Last year of production for Europe. Model: Yamaha XT660R (Europe, South America and others). Factory designation: 5VKL.
2015 - no significant changes. Model: Yamaha XT660R (South America). Factory designation: 2C1*, 2D0*.
2016 - no significant changes. Model: Yamaha XT660R (South America). Factory designation: 2C1*.
Dimensions and weight
This bike weighs 181 kg including fuel. A tank with a volume of 15 liters is enough, taking into account the average gasoline consumption per hundred kilometers of about 5 liters. The wheelbase of the XT 660 R is 1505 mm, and the seat height is 865 mm. In general, the motorcycle is quite large: it is 2240 mm long, 845 mm wide, and 1230 mm high.
The Yamaha XT660R is an enduro motorcycle produced since 2004. While continuing the traditions of the XT series, this bike, however, differs significantly from its predecessors. Following the modern trend, it has become more “parquet-like”. No, it has not lost its off-road capabilities, but it has clearly diminished them compared to the hard enduro XT line. Nevertheless, Yamaha’s model turned out to be successful, and on its basis they released the XT660X and the XT660Z .
The peculiarity of the 660 cc engine is one cylinder of decent volume. The fuel-injected engine of the XT660R is not very powerful, it is inferior to engines with several cylinders, but it is very torquey and has a huge resource. Its thrust in the lower rev range is comparable to the locomotive thrust of cruisers, which is of great importance when driving off-road. However, the XT660R is not to its liking for truly harsh off-road conditions like knee-deep mud; its element is soil, forests and fields, not swamps and deep snow.
The derated Yamaha XT660R engine produces 47.6 horsepower and 60 Nm of torque. In the upper rev range it loses its agility, but starts extremely sharply from a standstill. Vibrations are practically not felt for approximately the first half of the operating range, but at the top they are very noticeable, which, however, is not a disadvantage for enduro, since the engine rarely spins to its limit on off-road. The five-speed gearbox works quite hard, but at the same time clearly, without causing any negativity. At least among the reviews of XT660R owners there are no complaints about the unreliability of this unit.
The motorcycle impresses with its thoughtful design. Enduros are used in extreme conditions, and falls are not uncommon, but Japanese designers took care of everything. There is minimal plastic on the Yamaha XT660R, and if it falls, it can only be damaged in case of major bad luck. The raised front fender well protects the driver and headlight from dirt, and its lower part successfully protects the radiator from dirt. True, it remains unclear why the mufflers were not removed under the tail of the motorcycle. The suspension moves allow this, but the exhaust sticking out on the side can be damaged if it falls.
Speaking of pendants. They fully correspond to the title of enduro - long strokes (22.5 cm in the front and 20 cm in the rear) perfectly absorb road irregularities. Standing on the pegs, you don’t even feel like the motorcycle has just confidently overcome another obstacle, the Yamaha XT660R has such a smooth ride. The front telescopic fork, however, has no adjustments, but the rear monoshock absorber is adjustable for pretension. The wide-radius wheels are also designed for off-road use, and if you put them on “toothy” rubber, the XT660R’s mud-grazing abilities will increase even more.
Like most motorcycles in this class, the Yamaha XT660R has a significant seat height - as much as 86.5 centimeters. In practice, this means that only a long-legged motorcyclist can confidently touch the ground with both feet, but this is not critical, since the not too high location of the motorcycle’s center of mass makes it quite manageable to control, and the dry weight of ~160 kg does not cause difficulties. The brakes are also good, especially the front 4-piston single-disc brake, which is very informative and does not try to lock spontaneously unless, of course, it is pressed all the way.
The Yamaha XT660R is unlikely to be suitable for hard riding in mud. This motorcycle can give its owner maximum adrenaline if he uses it for its intended purpose - on fields, dirt or forest tracks. There this bike will be able to show what it can do and provide a lot of fun.
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Chassis and brakes
The frame of this bike looks quite stylish, but, of course, there is no zest in it that would distinguish the motorcycle and make it sophisticated. The steering wheel, mirrors, and spoked wheels are typical for a representative of the enduro class, as is the design in general.
Suspension at the rear is a progressive monoshock, while at the front the XT 660 R uses 43mm telescopic forks. The rear brake has a two-piston caliper and a 245mm disc, while the front has a two-piston caliper and a 298mm disc.
Yamaha XT660R motorcycle review
A freaky, fun and daring motorcycle. Somewhat reminiscent of a cheerful one-year-old puppy running out for a walk. Even if his thrust is far from the same as, say, Bandit 1200. He rushes like an African buffalo. But there is no such fun in it, it is a heavy and serious waste. After these rides, I still ran in 600 kilometers and seemed to get a feel for my motorcycle. I got used to driving at low speed with almost constant crankshaft speed. As a result, I didn’t bother to eliminate the interruptions at low speeds, I’m too lazy and don’t bother me. The reason is clear and does not cause concern. As for oil consumption, I haven’t noticed it yet, although the previous owner says he topped it up sometimes. And it became clear to me why for several years I could not find a motorcycle for my soul. It's not just about your tasks. The main thing, it seems, is the similarity of temperaments. The moto's must be the same as the motorcyclist's. The XT660R has a temperament similar to mine - choleric. That's why it's a thrill. Let it be for now. And then we'll see.
Of course, the cross-country ability of this motorcycle is far from Dzhebelovskaya. You can ride it wherever it goes. A motorcycle for dry roads or dry off-road. You can feel the weight, and it skids much more than Jebel when cornering. You can’t really carry 172 kg on yourself. dry weight. I once went downhill on the DR250. I was able to climb onto the road only after I had removed all the weight. I had to drag the motor along. The wheels didn't move on the sand. I couldn't get the XT660R out of there without a winch. It stands on the road like a glove, but still not like a real road worker. There seem to be enough brakes, but it wouldn’t hurt to add more in front. This motorcycle is suitable for travel within a radius of 200 - 300 km. from home, when you can drive along the highway without thinking about fatigue. Or for a long-distance journey, to drive at a speed of 90 km/h.
Motorcycles in this series, XT660R and XT660Z Tenere, differ in tank volume (15 and 22 liters, respectively), suspension travel (225 and 210), fork angle, weight (172 and 183) kg, ground clearance (210 and 245), and slightly in saddle height and a little - in size. The XT660Z Tenere has two front brake discs. Both motorcycles are used over the hill for long trips, including around the world. Many people don't like the XT660R, but those who do like it really like it. I am among them. I do not advise you to take this mot based on any descriptions. He is very unique. You should definitely go for a ride. And even then, as in my case, an opinion does not form immediately.
The XT660R and XT660Z Tenere motorcycles have the same Minarelli engine, which is considered very reliable. The engine is produced in Bologna, the engine as a whole is produced in France. Minarelli engines are installed on: Yamaha: Booster 50, X-Max 250, XT660; Malaguti: Phantom 50, Password 250; Aprilia: Pegaso 660 and others, including the Yamaha Raptor 700 ATV. The camshaft is on rolling bearings, like the crankshaft. The gaps on the fists are adjusted with screws. It is impossible to buy spare parts in Japan due to sky-high prices. Ebay is full of used and new ear units and parts at reasonable prices. The main source of tuning and spare parts are stores in the UK and Germany. This motorcycle was not delivered to the States; it is not included in the list of motorcycles on American websites. Although the Americans collected signatures from Yamaha in their country with a request to organize the supply of XT660 motors to their country.
So it turned out that I was going to choose from 5 models, and settled on the second one. Perhaps the XR650L would be to my taste as well as other motorcycles; judging by the reviews, I did not find any shortcomings in it (those that I did find suit me). Most likely this would be the case. So far I haven't come across any bad motorcycles at all.
Hi all. There are a lot of letters because we have very little information on this motorcycle. It will be useful for someone, and our forum is gradually turning into a general forum, which is very good. And now I’m selling Jebel, although without haste. I won’t sell it, I won’t be upset, there will always be a place for it. Great bike.
My first ENDURO ride of ~200 km off-road was on this motorcycle. My data is 175cm/80kg.
In a nutshell: the more SOLID soils and asphalt, the more preferable and correct this choice.
The engine is eternal, but you need to keep an eye on the oil. There are no jambs in the design of the engine. There is no low end, but locomotive traction from 3000 rpm all the way to the end of the handle. For example, my IksAr-650 is walking next to me with a tachometer of 1000-1400 rpm at a speed of 4-5 km/h. Potentially, the XT660Er cannot afford this, but it is STILL not necessary on asphalt and hard soils. THERE you need the courage to turn the knob and then the potential of this engine is revealed at 100%. Comfortable to fit. But it won't be comfortable without glass.
This season I bought an XT660R. I’ve already traveled to Brest (I got there in 11 hours), and I’ve been drinking for about 400 km. There is a windshield. Cruising confident 120-140. Then it starts to shake. The moto, unlike the 600E, is more adapted for roads. Better brakes, more powerful suspension, lights, more explosive engine. Allows you to easily overtake after 110, at 600E this is problematic. Better to steer. There is an emergency warning light button, a gasoline sensor (+ when the gasoline light turns on, the km countdown begins in reserve). Unlike the 600E, there is no tachometer.
The motor is much more dynamic.
660R is 30 kg heavier. There is no bass on it, maybe you can reconfigure the injector, but I don’t know. You have to drive it off-road; it doesn’t run at low revs.
It is not popular in Russia and therefore the price is quite low. But it is incredibly popular in Europe. Tuning (4 types of biggrin running boards alone) and a sea of spare parts. There are a bunch of sites dedicated specifically to the XT660R/X.
Last year I bought an XT660R, this is the second season. The car is extremely reliable, perfectly balanced, super design. The dynamics of acceleration in the city are simply a whirlwind; at high speeds it’s scary beyond 130 km. I wanted the F650GS at first, but the XT is more creative. In the city, traffic jams are not a problem, handling is confident. Next season I'm going to test it with a long-distance shot. Good luck.
