Yamaha's XT660R is a sweet and classy soft-core off-roader, the kind of dual-purpose bike that is ideal for riders who want a simple commuter, tourer and modest plaything. It doesn't stand out in any one way but it's such a well-built and honest bike that it's easy to like and live with. And its versatility is well matched to any rider who's keen to ride almost anywhere but isn't fussed about doing it on the limit.
The engine is pretty much the same as in Yamaha's other current 660s, which in turn are an evolution of what was in the XTZ660 Tenere that was recently superseded. The top of the engine us unique, though. It uses just two rockers instead of four to actuate the valves, meaning the camshaft only needs two lobes instead of four, and there are two rocker shafts instead of three. The rockers sit on rollers bearings. All up, this reduces friction and weight by fair margins: 50-percent less friction on the rockers and 22-percent less weight in the cams, according to Yamaha.
Other notable features of the engine include the ceramic lining on the all-aluminum. cyclinder, a large and strong 40mm crankpin on the 1kg lighter crankshaft, and a radiator that's apparently 25-percent lighter and more efficient than the old XTZ's.
It's a smooth and refined engine, especially by single-cylinder standards, and has a quality feel to it that;s all Yamaha. The balance shaft works a treat. But it's no powerhouse, putting on a satisfactory but uninspiring performance whether you're commuting, touring or having a go on a fun road.
The fuel-injected is well calibrated, giving predictable response and clean fuelling. The big dual-muffler exhaust, with catalytic converters, knocks off any hint of excessive noise. Their size probably reduces the effect on performance of the mufflers bu the system must weigh a ton.
There's no tacho but it's easy to feel your way through the rev range. The 660 feels like it lugs down to very low revs before getting snatchy but lives life in the broad midrange. There it hums along happily, but hit a decent hill and you'll have to snick it back a gear or two. There's no point revving the nuts off the XT-R - there's not much to say about the top end.
You can tolerate the moderate performance but the relatively high fuel consumption is disappointing. Without going hard, it'll often use more than 6.0L/100km, or around twice what you might get from the more powerful BMW G 650.
The XT's suspension and brakes mimic the engine - fine but nothing special. The steering is light and overall control cooperative and relaxing. The combination makes for brilliant commuting and touring, and as long as you're on a reasonably well-formed dirt track the Yam handles it effortlessly.
It doesn't feel like it'sd adapt itself to more serious duties as competently as the Suzuki DR650 can, and the claimed 172kg dry weight probably has a lot to do with this - it's not a light machine for a single.
The seat is quite good and the riding position really good for control, vision and comfort. However, the seat is fairly high, so some of you will struggle. The high twin pipes and lack of rear rack make carrying luggage a minor logistical challenge but it's not hard to solve with the right bags and careful arrangement.
The XT660R is not particularly inspiring and won't make a big impact in the market, but anyone with high expectations of quality yet low ones for performance will be more than happy with the Yamaha.
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