My long lived xt660z is no more 😪

[redbikejohn]

As some of you my know I've racked up many many miles on my trusty xt660z.... a total of over 116 000 miles. But last week I was sitting at a roundabout and got taken out from behind by a 4x4. Knocked me and the bike flying. I'm OK but bike has been declared a write-off. Really thought that bike would go on forever. Never really had any issues with it other than worn parts and eventually stress fractures in exhaust and headlight/taillight. Bit of rotten wiring. Engine had zero work done to it. Tightend the crank end nut up thats all. Oh well. New bike time.
Shortlist:
700 Tenere
Crf1000 Africa Twin
Wildcard is ..... crf300 rally !

[daveuprite]

Oh that's a bloody shame. Nothing can quite replace those high mileage long-term companions.

Out of that list, I'd go the little CRF any day....

[Onenoodles]

Awwww thats a bummer mate ... that's some mileage and it comforts me somewhat to think I might get a decent life out of my own with 23000 on ... oh and the new bike .... how about another XT660z

I would probably plump for the 700 in truth

[Richard Simpson Mark II]

Oh no!

At least you were OK...I hope?

Can you buy back the salvage for £20 and build a rally bike?

Depending on how much 'trail' you want to do, I'd say either the T700 or one of the roadbikes that uses the T7 engine...Tracer 7?

The AT seems a bit complicated and up itself to me. It costs a hell of a lot more and uses more fuel, and I'm not sure what, if anything, it offers over the Yam as a day-today workhorse.

[mark vb]

I would also plump for the T7. Probably, though, because I have one! I have a T6.6 as well and the T7 is, imo, a worthy replacement/successor.
As said, the modern AT is too complex/heavy/expensive/up itself (imo of course). The CRF300 Rally may be great, but I've not ridden one so can't judge it at all - I like the idea of it but suspect it may not have the long distance ability of the bigger capacity bikes. I guess I should test ride one to find out.

[chunky butt]

Bugger, that's a shame about the tener lady, should never of sold mine, one of the best bikes I've owned. Good luck with choosing its replacement, hard act to follow.

[crofty]

Sorry to hear that, at least your ok that's the main thing. Always liked your posts on the late xt660.com.
I would go for a T7 too but if you want another one this looks a well sorted example

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/384456764501 ... Swz1thcErB

[redbikejohn]

It would make sense to get another 660 as I have panniers etc and other bits I stripped of the bike before it went. But I've wanted a T700 now for quite some time, I just couldn't get rid of the Z while it was still going so well! I was waiting for the engine to give out or gearbox but it didn't use oil and still did great mpg. The frame had rotted in the front from using it in 11 years of winters though .
Just been bidding on a rally seat for a 700 on ebay lol best buy a bike!

[Onenoodles]

It would make sense to get another 660 as I have panniers etc and other bits I stripped of the bike before it went. But I've wanted a T700 now for quite some time, I just couldn't get ride of the Z while it was still going so well! I was waiting for the engine to give out or gearbox but it didn't use oil and still did great mpg. The frame had rotted in the front from using it in 11 years of winters though .
Just been bidding on a rally seat for a 700 on ebay lol best buy a bike!

You dont have any engine bars for the XT then do you? ...

[redbikejohn]

No photos yet but will have the following to sell.

Pannier set with brackets
Pannier inner bags, new never used.
LED light bracket, homemade as per my website
Front wheel and axle
New never used rear wheel hub
New never used front and rear wheel rims plus spokes
Powercommander
Dna airbox cover filter
OME exhaust
OME skidplate
OME screen
Rear aluminium rack
Hagon rear shock with remote preload. Will need service.

Bound to be more but can't think atm