Adventure bike options?

[cozi70]

I've had a 660z for 4 years now, coming from a 12gs.
My initial thoughts were it would be too slow having under half the BMW's power,but the torque from the single is plenty. Did have both bikes for 6 months to ride back to back just to convince myself.
Unfortunately I've never ridden a 690/701 or 950/990 to compare but on paper they are plenty powerful but possibly mechanically higher strung than the Yamaha.
I'm thinking about testing the t7 to see if it gives me a similar mechanical experience from the twin.
Overall I'm happy with the Z. Enough power even 2up and loaded, great tank range, mechanically straight forward, economical and although I'm not happy sitting at 80-90 on the motorway it seams happier at 65-70,and that tends to steer me away from motorways and through more interesting journeys that don't bore me.

[Albert 888]

Cheers for all the info.
Still keen on the 990 adventure r and the 660z,maybe I should just buy a cheap 660z, 690 or 990, keep the vfr and see how I get on and go from there. No doubt I will change my mind again .

[Richard Simpson Mark II]

TBH, I'd be wary of a cheap 690...

https://www.ktmforum.co.uk/general-disc ... nduro.html

absolute money pit. Mechanically, the KTM V-twins are better with just the water pump, fuel pump and starter clutch being potential issues..all of which are fixable.

The XT660 however, will just go on and on . Redbikejohn on here has been to the moon and back on his.

It's a very robust bike...which is why it's so heavy!

[SteveW]

Cheers for all the info.
Still keen on the 990 adventure r and the 660z,maybe I should just buy a cheap 660z, 690 or 990, keep the vfr and see how I get on and go from there. No doubt I will change my mind again .

Okay, I've had 990r, ktm690 and a 660z.
In my opinion........
990.....If you take it into gnarly stuff it requires skill and experience of using a big bike off-road. ...It's overpowered heavy and tall for off road...but if you've got the skills wow! You'll impress your friends. Very thirsty though.

Ktm 690....mine was new, it had a few of the normal 690 foibles, but they got sorted. Great off road, almost as nimble as a 450. You would be happy nailing one of these off road if you've got some skills on a smaller Enduro bike.
Ergonomics not great for lengthy road work. Good fun, front end lifts in the first 3 gears without the clutch.

660z.....The gentleman's choice...once you get it sorted it'll take you anywhere. Not quick, but I've seen good riders going quickly on them. Too soft for you?

[Tramp]

My thoughts... A sorted xt660z will cost more than a 990r...

I love my xt660z just needs fork upgrade and rear shock then it's a winner chicken dinner... Both bikes can go round the world just the ktm will cost more.. Have a ride and choose but please ride a xt660z with single exhaust and kev mod... Its a different beast ask jenny who did a rally on one also a guy in Portugal has a sorted one and it's ace.. No enduro but will put a smile on your face..

The big katom is a animal that needs taming..

[Helicoptermanr22]

Totally agree with above, XT660 is a great bike, ive had a couple of the R models and loved it.

Has the Z and R model knock out the same HP?

[tempesc]

So i currently (temporarily) have a XT660z, 701 and Tiger 800.

Lets park the Tiger. i love it, way more powerful than the others but its essentially a (great) road bike.

Took the XT660z from Cape Town to Kenya, and two other off road trips in Africa so done loads off the tarmac. It is no trail bike but it was good off road, tours well and is good on the road too (for a big single). It will not have your VFR smoothness though.

The 701 is new to me. 50-60kgs lighter than the Z and better off road, but essentially a big dirt bike, not a genuine 50/50 bike like the Z.

If you have a Beta, the Z is a good shout as it will do different things. I’d happily tour in Europe on mine.....just not with guys on sports bikes!!

[cozi70]

Has the Z and R model knock out the same HP?

Yep. R,X and Z all have the same bhp.

[Tonibe63]

XT660R, it's no vfr but it will do the TeT/TaT/TiT without the top heavy feel of the Z.

[Tramp]

This link shows what is possible with money and a good rider...

https://advrider.com/f/threads/the-yama ... ad.917993/