Yamaha XT660R Honest Review @ Luke Rides
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 พ.ค. 2019
- Hi, Guys & Girls.
Luke Rides is back and bring you a very interesting Motorcycle to review. XT660R - I'm excited!
I'm here to debunk and point out some of the things I completely disagree with when MotoGeo Reviewed a Yamaha XT660R in Sweden.
Because the faults MotoGeo was talking about just don't make any sense!
Some of the faults MotoGeo is talking about like the ''inadequate'' Brembo Brakes for the Road, consistent stalling and a couple of things my XT660R has never done!
I can't find these ''Problems'' MotoGeo experienced on my XT660R and I just don't understand where he's getting this from!
Maybe MotoGeo has reviewed a bad example of the Yamaha XT660R @ Sweden Or Maybe he is biased towards more popular brands in this adventure/enduro market like Ducati, BMW, Triumph.
Whos to say...
This is truly a Legend in the Motorcycle World. A true top of the tree Enduro/Dual-Sport Motorcycle that is among honestly the best Enduros ever built by any Motorcycle Manufacture in the World.
But this awesome Enduro is also the last hurrah of the Big Single Cylinders of the Motorcycle World. Or 'Thumper'' as is sometimes used when it comes to the big single cylinder engines.
Luke Rides what do you mean by that? Well the only other big Single Cylinder Engined Motorcycles left are the KTM 690 Endure and the Husqvarna 701 that are still in production.
The rest of the Motorcycle Brands have moved to 2 Cylinder engines right up to 4 Cylinder engines for their Endure / Dual-Sport Motorcycles.
All in the name of meeting Euro 4 Emission Regulations. No matter how you feel about Euro 4. It was going to happen sooner or later whether it was the European Union or just some other International Body. You can't fight change and moaning about it isn't going to fix anything.
So...
I'm reviewing the Yamaha XT660 and Specifically, it's the XT660R! :)
Wahoo :)
The XT660R actually started life all the way to the 1970s as it was originally the Yamaha XT500! Over the decades Yamaha increased the engine size of the XT's and improved upon the recipe. Adding Fuel Injection so us owners won't have to deal with Carburettors. Computer controlled ignition. Modern brakes and Brembo brakes at that.
XT's just got better and better and better and the last generation came along the XT660's.
Yamaha had created Enduro that is among the best Enduro Motorcycles in the world. Big Single engine giving the rider lots of low down Torque for exploring yet giving use great usable power for the Road. Great handling. Smooth throttle. Simple easy to Service engine.
Yamaha had created a winner. If you yourself own an XT660R then you know exactly what I'm talking about.
Yamaha never cheaped out with this XT660R. As you ride this motorcycle you feel like you riding a Quality Motorcycle that isn't going to let you down.
XT660's did great work at Dakar and Enduro Racing. Showing what this great enduro is capable of.
But as 2012 came past us, all of the Yamaha customer base wanted even more power, more torque and the latest techie toys we were all seeing from Kawasaki, BMW, Ducati adventure Motorbikes.
I think Yamaha Knew they had done the best they can with the XT660R and gotten as much as they could out of the Big Single-Cylinder engine. There was nothing more they could do.
Then the coffin came for the XT660 as Yamaha went ahead to put their money and time into a replacement. Euro 4 didn't help XT660 Neither.
So that was it and Yamaha discontinued and stopped all production of the XT660's! The end had begun and you could see was this a sign the future of big single-cylinder engines for Enduros. but also all Bg single-cylinder motorcycles :(
Now the Yamaha Tenere 700 will take over the XT's place as of 2019.
I really doubt will see another big single-cylinder Enduro form the other Motorcycle brands other than KTM and Husqvarna. Which is so sad.
Not everyone wants to have to lug around big GS Or Multistrada or Triumph Tiger let alone the Super Tenere. Those are heavy motorcycles to ride in the trails.
I don't care what other 'Motorcycle Reviewers' have to say about these big Enduro/adventure Bikes their full of shit. full of nonsense. Ask yourself this viewer? how would you feel if you went into the trails with your £16000 or more BMW GS or Ducati Multistrada and dropped the Motorcycle?
I would bloody livid and so gutted! :(
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Please, everyone, enjoy this awesome Review. Learn everything there is to learn about the Yamaha XT660R. Find this review if this is a big Enduro you should go take on a Test Ride? Should you yourself own the Yamaha XT660R?
By the end of the Review, you will know the XT660R as if you own one yourself :)
I hope I've done the XT660s Justice with this final send off. The last of the big Single-cylinder enduros.
Luke_Rides
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As always feel free to hook up with me over Social Media. - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
Good review but way way too many movie clips...
I'm glad you enjoyed the honest review :). It's just my style of editing :)
To many memes man good bike and info just stop the memes
I'm glad you really liked my honest review of the Yamaha XT660R and I definitely wanted to give the Yamaha XT660R's series a good send off with my honest review but tell the truth :). No nonsense is allowed here @ Luke Rides :). I'm glad you learned a lot about the XT660R Sindi, that's great :). It's one of the best Enduro's that were ever built in the motorcycling world and one of the last of the big single-cylinder engines :(. Yamaha are not building any more XT660R's :(. Sorry about the memes, it's just my style of editing :). But I definitely will be reducing the memes on any future Motovlogs and especially honest reviews @ Luke Rides. I do think I'm using bit too many memes but that's going to change :). I definitely wanted to make a real impact with my honest review of the kick ass Yamaha XT660R :). It's one of those rare motorcycles that doesn't have a amazing brand image like Kawasaki /BMW / Ducati behind it and if you were to walk past it, XT660R would just look like a normal motorcycle that doesn't really capture anyone's attention. Yet it offers so much and is actually a very rare motorcycle, still looks really good to this day. It's a shame the Motorcycling world didn't give the Yamaha more attention and help really promote it. The only other big single-cylinder motorcycles we have left now is the KTM 690 And Husqvarna 701. Apart from that, there's no other single-cylinder motorcycles left in the entire motorcycling world :(. And there is something to be said for big single-cylinder engines :). With Yamaha now replacing the XT660R with the Tenere 700 (which is now using a twin-cylinder engine) it's like it's an end of a era in a way :(. That's change I guess. World is changing and not always for the best sometimes :(. Still it's great you love my honest review. I will be using less memes for the future :). Thank you for commenting Sindi Johns. I do appreciate your feedback Sindi as well :). Take care, hopefully we will speak again :).
great review just very hard to watch with the every 10 sec clips
It’s just my style of editing :). I’m glad you loved the Honest Review of the XT660R Henrik Svensson:). But I think I will be using less clips in my next honest motorcycle review @ Luke Rides. Thank you for the feedback Henrik Svensson. Good feedback is always appreciated :). Thank you for commenting :). Hopefully, we will speak again. Take care ;)
Straight to the point
In an hour and a quarter
Haha
Awwww. Thank you bpennylpg. The Yamaha XT660R is such a good and amazing mid weight Enduro. Among the last hurrah of the big single cylinders. Yamaha started the XT all the way back in the 70s with the XT500. Yamaha over time just refined the XT. Increased the bore size. Added fuel injection and computer controlled ignition. Made this an brilliant mid weight Enduro. Still looks good to this day. So well built. Luke Rides is honored to have been able to bring an honest review to TH-cam of the mighty Yamaha XT660R. Bring the truth to TH-cam. But also for the XT660R to be remembered. Yamaha have stopped production. Now the Tenere 700 replaces the XT660R. Tenere 700 is a twin cylinder. That is a problem for big single cylinder engines. Now Yamaha Kawasaki BMW KTM no longer build big single cylinder engined motorcycles as they can't get them through the latest Euro emissions regulations. There is something to be said for a big single cylinder engine.
Thank you bpennylpg. Luke Rides is not like other big motovloggers who often are not really telling the truth about the motorcycle. And are biased towards that brand. Luke Rides doesn't care what brand it is. Luke Rides will always tell the truth and be honest about the motorcycle. Glad I got straight to the point. Haha. Thank you for such a good comment. Hopefully we will speak again. Take care :)
Haha. Thank you travispower7117 :)
Good review, thanks helped me loads!
Awwww. Thank you welshsherpa8466. Luke Rides is so proud and honored to bring an honest review to TH-cam for the mighty Yamaha XT660R. Among the last of the big single cylinder motorcycles. After this Yamaha then moved on to the Tenere 700. As their off road mid weight motorcycle. Yamaha did such a great job with the Yamaha XT660. It's an engine that started with the XT500 all the way back in the 70s. Over time Yamaha just refined the engine. Increased the bore size. Added fuel injection and computer controlled ignition. Improved the suspension and handling. Made a powerful Enduro. The world and motorcycling world should miss the Yamaha XT660. It's the end of an era. Now no motorcycle manufacturer makes a big single cylinder Enduro.
Not Kawasaki Yamaha KTM Ducati BMW. No one. One of the things that killed the XT660 was emissions. Motorcycle manufacturers can't get the big single cylinder through emission regulations any more. So Kawasaki BMW Ducati KTM Yamaha have all gone to twin cylinder to be able to get through latest emission regulations. It's a sad thing. There is something to be said for a big single cylinder engine.
That is the way the world has gone. Luke Rides will always remember the Yamaha XT660 and still has this one. Ready for the winter. Luke Rides is so happy to be able to point out some of the lies from MotoGeo that don't make sense. Be able to tell the truth. Unlike some of the big motovloggers that are biased towards a particular brand and will always say the most amazing things about the motorcycle their reviewing because of the brand. Luke Rides doesn't care what brand it is and will always be honest and tell the truth when reviewing a motorcycle. Glad to be of help. Hopefully we will speak again. Take care :)
“I want to be straight to the point”...we can only live in hope!!!!!
I know what you mean Ronan. I never like to make a review were I would waffle on and don't just get straight to the point. Too many motorcycle reviews I've seen on TH-cam feel like the reviewer doesn't just keep it simple and just say if it's good or bad. Why the manufacturer has built the Motorcycle in that way and what is the motorcycle really for. Really is a lack of honesty on TH-cam sometimes. I hope I'm the exception to that. @ Luke Rides every review is to the point and honest :). I won't hide any negatives in a review and I'll never hide the positives :). Take care Ronan. Thanks for commenting :)
The best simple bike, I have it 14 years.
Weight:
XT 660r- 184kg
T7- 206kg
KTM 690R- 160kg
Husky 701- 160kg
Ground clearance:
XT 660r- 21cm
T7- 24cm
KTM 690R- 27cm
Husky 701- 27cm
As you can see, Yamaha T7 is too heavy, XT 660R has a lower ground clearance, KTM and Husky are very light but they looks like bicycle!
XT 660R is still best option for every day use and with touring seat and bigger windshield for yourney!
Thanks for those comparisons
Haha. Thank you Goran Magic for such an amazing and nice comment here @ Luke Rides. Luke Rides really appreciates it :). Haha. The best simple bike. That's a good point Goran Magic. Luke Rides even today keeps the legendary Yamaha XT660R in his stable. And is among the last of the big single cylinder motorcycles. In a way she is an end of era. The end of the manufactures building big single cylinder motorcycles. Specially off road. Only KTM and Husqvarna are the last manufacturers to build big single cylinder motorcycle. But that's it. Kawasaki, Ducati, BMW, Yamaha have all stopped building the big single cylinders. There is something to be said for the big single cylinder. All that Torque. Power. Real thumper. All there thanks to being a big engine. And would destroy any smaller cylinder engine. Not anyone wants to ride big heavy BMW GS or Ducati Multistrada in the lanes. And imagine it Goran Magic. Dropping gorgeous lovely expensive BMW GS or Kawasaki Versys or Multistrada. Luke Rides would roll his grave. Anything that breaks on big BMW or Ducati will be expensive. But there's is something to said for Enduro with big single-cylinder engine and far lighter than the big heavy off-road BMW GS or Multistrada. You just know the legendary Yamaha XT660R would run rings around these big heavy off-road BMW or Ducati motorcycles in the lanes.
Luke Rides is sad to see the manufacturers doing this. Now apart from KTM and Husqvarna. All the manufacturers Kawasaki, BMW, Ducati all use 2 cylinders. All down to emissions Goran Magic :(. It's terrible. To think emissions killed the Yamaha XT660R which has now been replaced as the twin-cylinder Tenere 700. It's such a shame to see the world chance like that. It was Luke Rides honour to make an honest review of the legendary Yamaha XT660R. To do the Mighty Yamaha XT660R justice she deserves. Beast mud pulling hole digging that is the Yamaha XT660R. To remember the among the last of the big single-cylinder engines. The last hurrah of the big single. Maybe that may change in the future. But Luke Rides can only hope Goran Magic. Probably for forever. Haha. It's good to leave that make on TH-cam to show the truth about the legendary off road beast that is the Yamaha XT660R. And tell off and debunk some of the lies for MotoGeo. Some of the things MotoGeo talked in his review of the legend that is the Yamaha XT660R. Luke Rides has never experienced on his mighty Yamaha XT660R. Not at any point. Maybe MotoGeo's legendary Yamaha XT660R was setup slightly differently and didn't help that it was standard. With the heavy Cats and factory exhaust system that only holds back the full Power and Torque of the mighty Yamaha XT660R 660cc big-cylinder engine. To think the beast that is Yamaha Xt660R that mighty 660c engine was released all the back in 2004! Still going strong in the last of the legendary Yamaha XT660R's. Funny world we live isn't it Goran Magic. Haha.
That's great to know Goran Magic you feel the same about the legendary Yamaha XT660R. It does great at everything it does. And thanks to that big single will wheelie and slide on the mud and then power on on the road. Be a fast motorcycle on the tarmac. It's such a Jekyll and Hyde. Being the best balance between off road then being a fun and powerful on road motorcycle. Yamaha did such a great job on the mighty Yamaha XT660R. And should always be proud of naughty Yamaha XT660R's around the world. The motorcycling world never gave the beast that is the Yamaha XT660R quite the exposure and light as they should have. But thanks to TH-cam. We can remember these mighty beasts that are no longer made. Remember what they were and their time in the motorcycling world. And most of all the milestone it was for the time. Fuel injection. Modern computer system. Brembo Front and rear brakes which is the most powerful best top tier braking system in the world. Nothing comes close to Brembo. Brembo are the Supercar of braking systems.
Haha. That is a good point Goran Magic. The Tenere 700 is larger and heavier than the mighty Yamaha XT660R which is terrible :(. Heavier is worse off road. Isn't it Goran Magic. More weight only mean more weight for the biker to deal with. That is no good off-road. You would definitely think the Tenere 700 would be only better in every way. Yet Yamaha allowed it be heavier than the Legendary Yamaha XT660R. Yet the Tenere 700 is far more modern and newer than the legend that is the Yamaha XT660R. Isn't that just stupid and just crazy. It doesn't make any sense does it Goran Magic ;(. What is our world coming to :(
Awww. The KTM and Husqvarna's are gorgeous 690 700. Are most definitely the exotica of off road single cylinders. But they are all very tall. Which is not easy for Luke Rides. As he has considered test ride on the beast that is KTM 690 Enduro. When if Luke Rides can't get his leg over and not even put one foot down. That is going to be a big problem. Awww. Haha Touring seat. Good call Goran Magic :). Luke Rides won't go down the path of a bigger screen on the legendary Yamaha XT660R. As it looks beautiful with the height of the factory screen. But also she is an Enduro. Enduro's have little to pretty much no wind protection. But that is the point. Light. Adding wind protection and taller screen adds weight. When going off road. The less weight the better. Luke Rides appreciates she is pretty much a naked. That is how it is. Luke Rides won't change that or else why have an Enduro. It would be better to look at a faired motorcycle at that point. Hehe. Haha. Yamaha know best. Hehe. Still cool suggestion Goran Magic. Let's hope the manufactures from Yamaha, Kawasaki BMW, Ducati might just consider maybe big single-cylinders but lightened again :). Only time will tell.
Thank you for such an awesome comment Goran Magic. Luke Rides is blown away Goran. So sorry Luke Rides hasn't replied back to your wonderful comment for a long long time. Months now. Hehe. Luke Rides is getting lots of nice and positive comments here @ Luke Rides. Luke Rides is playing catch up. He's got a quite a mountain to climb. Hehe. He will get there. Luke Rides loves getting back to every wonderful comment. No matter how the channel and Luke Rides grows and becomes bigger. Luke Rides will never be corrupted by any fame. Haha. Luke Rides hopes your coping through the coronavirus and all the world is going through Goran Magic. It is hard out there. Lockdown after Lock Down after Lockdown. Luke Rides will admit he has had a few cries. Not being able to be with Luke Rides soulmate. His Mia. It definitely makes you cry Goran. The heart. You stay safe Goran Magic. Luke Rides really appreciates just an amazing comment. Your a good soul Goran Magic. Hopefully we will speak again. Take care ;)
Awesome review fella. Looking at getting one of these or maybe the Tenere. Thanks for taking the time to do this! Much appreciated! 👍👍👍
Nice one I hear really good things about the Tenere. It's very capable adventure bike for sure :). The XT660R has more room in the seat to move Forward or backward while riding and some how is even lighter than a Yamaha Tenere with the same engine! That's interesting in it's self. I would still recommend XT660R. But there are plenty of other Enduros out there so do what you think is right. I'm glad I could help :). I Loved making the Review and just being totally honest about XT660R. It's absolutely awesome Off-Road machine plus really good On-Road Motorcycle too :). XT660R is in a way the last Hurrah of the big Off-Road single-cylinder engines. Now apart from KTM 690 and husqvarna 701 all the other Motorcycle manufactures have gone to Two cylinder or more than two cylinders for their Off-Road machines which is a bit sad really. But there is something to be said for a big single-cylinder engine in Off-Road Motorbike. Thank you for such a nice comment George. It sure is appreciated :). Thanks for commenting and take care :)
Best XT660R review ever! I love it! (Yes, I am a XT660R owner) 👍🏻
Hey, thanks Gabe :). I'm glad you love the review :). I wanted to do the XT660R justice so I really enjoyed making the review. I'm gonna miss the XT660R as Yamaha has stopped building the XT's now. Tenere 700 is going to take the XT's place. That's just a shame. XT660R is in a way the last hurrah of the big single-cylinder engines. Now, all we have left is the KTM 690 and Husqvarna 690 and that's it. None of the other manufacturers are building big single-cylinder engines off-road bikes anymore. There is something to be said for a big single-cylinder engine :). I won't fancy dropping £18,000 BMW GS or Ducati Multistrada in the lanes. God imagine the horrible repair bills if you were to break a component on Motorcycles like them! XT's parts are not expensive which is really good. I really like my XT660R and I've still got it :). My XT waves 👋 back to your XT :). Thank you for leaving such as nice comment Gabe :). It's really appreciated :). Ride safe out there :)
Great review
Wow :). Thank you Magnetpie. I'm glad you love my honest review at Luke Rides :). Yamaha XT660R is truly one of the best enduros every built by any motorcycle manufacturer. I really wanted to do the XT660R justice :) and honour the Yamaha XT660R. As Yamaha will no longer build the XT660R anymore and have gone to the CP2 Twin-Cylinder engine as the Tenere 700 now takes over the XT660R. But also cover everything single part of the Yamaha XT660R but debunk some the negatives from MotoGeo that I've honestly never found with my XT660R let alone any other Yamaha XT660R I've seen. It really does feel like in a way kind of an end of an era. Literally only KTM and Husqvarna are the only motorcycles manufacturers who build big Single-cylinder engines. As all the other manufactures have all gone to Twin-cylinder engines for their Enduros to mostly meet world wide emission regulations. With Yamaha stopping the XT660R it's the end a legend and the beginning of the end of big-cylinder engines. Yet there is something to be said for the a big single-cylinder engine. Especially off-road where a big single-cylinder is lighter than a twin-cylinder setup. It's a shame motorcycle manufactures are all going that way. Thank you for such as nice and awesome comment Magnetpie. hopefully, we will speak again and it's nice talking to you :). Thanks for commenting Magnetpie. Stay safe out there with everything that's happening with the Coronavirus out there. It definitely feels like the entire world is going a bit crazy. Even Britain, my entire country is under complete LockDown. It's really strange to see the streets at home so empty. Shops closed. Businesses shutdown. Roads so quiet. Even the police here now have the power to issue quite nasty fines as well. I know we all will get through this Virus. It's just a question of when. Stay safe out there Magentpie.
Good review but no mention of the roller rockers in the top , with other big Japanese singles still running standard leaf rockers on the cams which have always been big singles achilles heel, eg Dr650’s or KLR’s & no mention of water cooling which was a improvement for big Japanese singles at the time.
Awwww. Thank you queenslandxxxx905. Luke Rides wanted to do the legendary Yamaha XT660R Justice. Bring an honest review to TH-cam. Not be biased like a lot of the big motovloggers. Talk about the truth about the Yamaha XT660R. Among the last of the big single cylinder engines. The last hurrah of an era. Yamaha originally started the XT in the 70s. And refined and bored out the engine. Adding fuel injection. Computer controlled ignition. Amazing for the time.
And it's been good to show the lies that came out from MotoGeo on some of his points that made no sense and Problems Luke Rides has never experienced. The world will miss the Yamaha XT660R. Now no manufacturer makes big single cylinder engines any more. Emissions killed the big single. There is something to be said for a big single cylinder engine. Not even KTM build the Duke 690 R anymore. Roller rockers are a good point. Yamaha XT660R is liquid cooled. Back in the day that was pretty advanced for a single cylinder engine. Love it. Luke Rides always keep his Yamaha XT660R. Thank you for the comment queenslandxxxx905. Hopefully we will speak again. Take care
Great video, good points highlighted for people such as myself how are looking into buying one! (5 gears only!😂)
Thank you ulyssesbolelli7299. Luke Rides wanted to do his best for the Yamaha XT. Among the last of the big single cylinder motorcycles. The last of a generation. As Yamaha moved onto the Tenere 700. Yamaha did so well. Luke Rides remembers it is actually 5 speed gearbox. Haha. Luke Rides won't make that mistake again. Yamaha built the XT to last. Having fuel injection. Computer controlled ignition. Computer management. The Yamaha XT is pretty reliable. Thank you for such a nice comment. Hopefully we will speak again. Take care :)
just picked a mint one up cracking bike nice honest review
That's fantastic Neil :). It is an awesome single-cylinder bike, I'm definitely going to miss XT660 as Yamaha aren't making any more of the XT's. Enduro's being built now are either 2 cylinders or more. The only big Single-cylinder Enduros left in production is KTM 690, Husqvarna 701. And that's pretty much it!. There is something to be said for big single-cylinder enduros, without having to ride a big heavy BMW GS or Ducati Multistrada to go both on-road and off-road. I'm glad you're the proud owner of XT660R and enjoying the ownership. Thanks for commenting Neil :). I enjoyed making the Review and being honest about the XT660R :). Ride safe :). Take Care Neil :)
It's seems like I'm watching a movie, awesome vlog, bike looks really stunning, ride safe.. Awesome Awesome Awesome Bike..
Hey, thanks. Your kind comment sure is appreciated. I wanted to be a lot of effort and time into reviewing XT660R and do this Enduro justice. Because in a way this the end of an era for big single-cylinder off-road motorcycles Plus XT660R is a seriously awesome Bike. Other Reviews of XT660R on TH-cam they forget about that. It sure is a stunning Off-Road machine :). You wouldn't think it was first released back in 2004 because it looks so good for an Enduro. Plus the engine is a gem. With Smaller single-cylinder engines you have got to Rev the engine so hard to get it to go Quick. Not with XT660R. It's got lots of low down grunt and you can accelerate easily form very little revs. It's a rare single-cylinder engine that wants to go fast :). Then it loves to skid and kick up the dirt in the lanes all the time in the lanes. I'm gonna miss this one as Yamaha has decided not to build anymore XT660's let alone the XT660R. The last of the big single-cylinder bikes that can go off-road other than KTM 690 and Husqvarna 701. It feels like such a loss to the Motorcycle world :(. Times are changing that's for sure. Thanks for commenting :). I will ride safe out there on the Road. Take care :)
This guy was definitely affected by Austin powers
Haha. Thank you Travis6. It's a part of Luke Rides soul. Fun nature of Luke Rides. Sort of style that is missing in the modern world. In the late 2000s. Something you don't see in people or in the world anymore. As if people enjoy being more dull and boring in today world than appreciate you can have fun being yourself being different being who you are in a good way. In the right way. Luke Rides reflects that. Haha. Think Austin Powers would definitely have a fun time on Yamaha XT660R. Haha. Thank you for funny and cool comment Travis6. Hopefully we will speak again. Hehe :)
Had my XT660R since 2004 and never realised it had 6 gears! 😂
Awwww. Haha. Luke Rides is sorry about that Motacyclist. Your absolutely right. The legendary Yamaha XT660R only has 5 speed gearbox. Luke Rides shouldn't have made that mistake. That mighty Yamaha big single cylinder is so flexible for a single cylinder. On a much smaller single cylinder you would have to change gears much more often. As smaller single cylinder would have less torque and power. But Yamaha 659cc big single. And being liquid cooled as well. You often find you just stay in the higher gears and don't need to change gears often. Giving you feeling your riding a bigger motorcycle than she is.
Thanks to the power and torque being a big single cylinder. Sometimes you forget that the Yamaha only has 5 gears. Thanks to that flexible big single cylinder. Sometimes you do kick the gear select for a 6th gear. Luke Rides would never do that with a smaller single cylinder engine. Yamaha should always be proud of making the Yamaha XT660R. Which originally started more than 30 years with the XT500. All Yamaha have done is increase the bore size. Refined the engine. Added computer controlled ignition and fuel injection. And made an amazing big single cylinder engine. The Yamaha XT660R started and was designed back in the early 2000s.
This is among the last hurrah of the big single cylinder engines. Now even KTM has stopped production of their big single cylinder engine. As big single cylinder engines are being stopped by emission regulations. Now all of the manufacturers BMW Kawasaki Yamaha Ducati Honda have all gone twin cylinder for their mid weight Enduro. That is a sad thing. It's an end of an era. After Husqvarna. No one will be making big single cylinder engines. The absolute crap that is the BSA Gold star does not count. The world will miss the big single cylinder engine. There is something to be said for a big cylinder. And the Tenere 700 has taken over from the XT660R. Not everyone wants to ride big Ducati or GS in the lanes. The world will miss the Yamaha XT660R. As we will see less of less of them left on the road as the years go on.
Yamaha did such a good job. Fuel injection. Brembo's front and back which was very rare for an Enduro to have back then. As Brembo's were for exotica like SuperBikes and for the Supersports. Somehow Yamaha manged to sneak them into the Yamaha XT660R. Amazing. Luke Rides wanted to do the Yamaha XT660R justice. For TH-cam to remember the Yamaha XT660R. For those who are curious will find honest truthful review here. None of the lies from MotoGeo. Thank you for such a funny comment. Haha. That is very kind. Hopefully we will speak again. Take care :)
Great bike, I have one and do take it off-road and use it to commute. I also have a 1250 bandit for big miles. I must say it does stall when going from no throttle at points and embarrassingly i did drop it when coming out of a side turn when I first got it. I do think that this could be sorted out but you learn to ride around it. I have taken this to the isle of man tt and ridden on all the off-road sections which the motocross boys gave me the thumbs up. Its great off-road but you MUST have a SOLID sump guard as the suspension is soft if you have a solid guard you don't have to worry about bottoming out. It is a great bike and cheap to run, it also can sit in the motorway at 75-80mpg all day. I have owned 30+ bikes and love this, but if you need to do a lot of motorways you need a second bike.
Wow :). Thank you for such an awesome comment John :). And I'm glad you really liked our Honest Review @ Luke Rides. I sure wanted to tell the world how amazing the Yamaha XT660R. Legend :). Really do the Yamaha XT660R justice and give the XT660's the final send-off they deserve. I totally know what you mean. My Yamaha XT660R does stall from just the opening of the throttle at random. It is quite rare when it happens. It's as if the Yamaha XT660R isn't able to breath sometimes and then the engine will just die. I know this from when I was very lucky and a fellow Motovlogger gave me the chance to ride his own Yamaha XT660R which was super cool. Very nice of him :). His the legendary MotoTingle. What I was curious about was his Yamaha XT660R, he installed a pair of very tasty aftermarket exhausts which deleted the big heavy Catalytic Converters in the XT660R's Factory Yamaha Exhaust System.
WOW John :). What a different riding the XT660R without the big heavy Cats made! I couldn't believe it John. The engine wouldn't stall randomly on it's own :). The throttle response was instant :). The engine was different. Smoother than my XT660R throughout the entire rev range. What was interesting is you could notice that there was more Torque and power everywhere! Which really surprised me as I haven't had the chance to ride Yamaha XT660R without it's big heavy Cats. What I difference it made. It's as if the Yamaha big single-cylinder engine could breath. Wasn't being restricted. Wasn't being held back. I wonder if that explains why Luke Rides own XT660R can randomly stall with no throttle. I wonder if that explains what is happening to your Yamaha XT660 too. I kid you not. The awesome MotoTingle didn't modify the XT engine AT ALL. Just changed and upgraded the Yamaha XT's exhaust system. Nothing else was changed.
It goes to show how much restriction these Catalytic Exhaust system put on modern engines. And can stop the engine from breathing properly. Which then has a knock on effect.
That's great you have Yamaha XT660R too John. That's brilliant :). 1250 Bandit too :). 1250 Bandit from what I've heard is really nice to ride. Build quality is pretty good too. What a cool motorcycle to own John :). Your very lucky indeed. Dam. Sorry to hear you dropped your XT660R. All because of the engine just stalling out like that. Sure thing I do find is how rugged the Yamaha XT660R :). You can put a Yamaha XT660R through all sort of things and bad terrain. Drop her several times and still the Yamaha XT660R will start straight away and keep on going :). XT660R is built like a tank and can soak up a lot of punishment and it doesn't care :). That was always a great trait of the XT660R. Yamaha built the XT's to last and take up a whole host of punishment.
Fact Motocross lads John :). Who ride off-road all the time so they know what is a good off-road bike or what isn't. And they still gave the XT660R thumbs up :). That says a lot straight away. I agree John. Sump guard is a must for XT660R and is very handy. To protect the engine because as you said the Suspension Yamaha used for the XT660R was pretty soft. Which makes a lot of sense when riding light trails and spending time on the road. All the darn Pot holes we have in Britain. As you said the Sump Guard also stopped the XT's from grounding themselves by accident when off-road. Well done John :)
Your absolutely right the Yamaha XT660R is a great bike and has always been a very good Enduro :). Yamaha XT660R is the unsung Hero of the motorcycling world :(. Doing so many things right and being very capable of going down that road you would say 'I'm not taking my normally motorcycle through that!''. It's a shame the Yamaha XT660 didn't really get that much attention from the motorcycling world. And it should have. Yamaha built such a great Enduro :). With the Sump guard and all the right bits it is a motorcycle you never will ever want to get rid of.
The XT660R engine is amazing on fuel as you said :). The engine is super efficient. Sure doesn't waste fuel. The fact you have owned 30 + motorcycles John and you love your Yamaha XT660R says a lot too :). I'm glad Luke Rides could help. I totally understand where your coming from if your doing a lot of motorway miles :). That's a good point. Second bike is a must if possible :).
I know we will all miss the Yamaha XT660R. A legendary motorcycle :). Yamaha have now completely stopped building the Yamaha XT660 and is now replaced by the Tenere 700. Which is sad really. Apart from KTM and Husqvarna with 690, no other manufacturer is building big single-cylinder Enduros anymore :(. All the other motorcycle manufacturers have all gone to Twin-Cylinder engines. Which I understand is going to be more powerful and produce more Torque. But there is something to be said for a big Single-Cylinder motorcycle. Not everyone wants to take a big heavy GS, Triumph nor Multistrada thorough the lanes and rough terrain. Get it all smashed up :(. It's like an end of an era. I hope we may see more big single-cylinder Enduros again but something tells me we won't see the likes of the Yamaha XT660 again :(.
I too really like my Yamaha XT660R and plan to upgrade her to get rid of these big heavy Cats in the Yamaha End Cans. I wouldn't want to sell her. No way. Thank you for such an awesome comment John and I hope your ok with everything that's happening out there with the Virus. And staying safe out there. It's crazy isn't it the Virus has travelled thousands and thousands of miles to then infect different countries. The Coronavirus is doing so much damage out there. The people that have been infected by the Virus and didn't make. That's Dads, Mothers, Sons, Daughters. Who didn't make it :( All thanks to China :(. As the Virus originated in China. The Chinese virus. Yet China is the biggest manufacturing hub of the world. Most things we buy nowadays apart from food and drink come from China. I hope China learns from this experience and so does the world. You stay safe out there John and it's great talking to you. Hopefully, we will speak again. Take care John. And thank you for your brilliant comment John and being honest :). Stay safe out there.
Hay mate great 👍 review, just one ☝️ correction they are a 5 speed box .
Awww. Thank you. That is very kind and thank you for such a kind comment. Luke Rides worked hard on the honest review of this legendary Enduro. Among the last hurrah of the big single cylinder engine. The badly built BSA Gold Star does not count. Yamaha began the XT in the 70s. Big powerful off road machine. Even Yamaha knew that had a great receipt on their hands. And improved and refined the Yamaha XT over the years. Increasing the bore size to 660cc. Adding modern fuel injection. Modern ignition. Modern computer system. And learning from their past mistakes. Working out any problems the original XT500 had. And added liquid cooling. She is a outstanding Enduro. Not massive and big like the Ducati Multistrada or BMW GS. Nice balance between light weight Enduro to heavy Enduro. Mid weight. Thanks to anything Yamaha has done. Unlike smaller single cylinders engines where you have to rev them much more to get them going. You can often cruise in the higher gears on the mighty Yamaha XT660R thanks to that modern fuel injection and engine size. And accelerate pretty quickly. Yamaha can change from being quite a fast Enduro to comfort relaxing ride. Luke Rides will miss the Yamaha XT660R. She is the last of a generation.
Now Yamaha no longer build the Yamaha XT660R. The Tenere 700 has replaced the XT660R. Most of them manufacturers like Kawasaki Ducati BMW Honda have all gone to twin cylinders for their mid weight off road motorcycles. But there is something to be said for the lighter big single cylinder. And with Delkevic stainless steel exhaust system. The Yamaha XT660R sounds so good. Like a bit racy. And she doesn't make the same boring drone of much smaller single cylinders. You will feel the increase in power and torque straight away after fitting full stainless steel exhaust system. And Yamaha gave the Yamaha XT660R high performance Brembo brakes which you wouldn't find on mid weight Enduros back then. This was in the early 2000s. Now only KTM and Husqvarna build big single cylinder engine. How long before even KTM and Husqvarna will be forced to stop production of the big single because of emissions and noise regulations. Leaving the European Union has not changed anything manufacturers still by law have to follow EURO emission and noise regulations. Luke Rides remembers the stupid god dam idiots that said we wouldn't have to follow EURO emissions if we leave European Union. What bullshit that was. Britain still has to follow EURO Regulations for any motorcycle. SuperBike. Car. Supercar. Nothing has changed for motorcycles since being pulled out of the European Union. The world will miss the big cylinder engine. And being able to pay respect to the Yamaha XT660R. To show the world the truth on Yamaha XT660R. And stop the lies coming from MotoGeo and other big Motovloggers. Who are biased every time. Luke Rides only tells the truth tells it as it is everything motorcycles. No lies are allowed here @ Luke Rides. And new bikers will get to see this mighty Enduro on TH-cam. And Yamaha build quality. Very few things have gone wrong. Overall the engine has been built proof and so reliable. And continues to do so. Yamaha knew that they built a wonderful motorcycle. And still looking good to this day. And to think she was design back in the early 2000s. And is still good looking motorcycles. And those twin end cans at the back.
Yummy. Hehe. Luke Rides is so happy to remember the legendary Yamaha XT660R. And to be able to make sure the legendary Ymaha XT660R is remembered. Remembered for the rest of time. As less and less legendary Yamaha XT660R's will be on the road as Yamaha have stopped production. The fun naughty Yamaha XT660R needs to be remembered. Always and the truth as well. Awww Luke Rides is sorry about that. Your absolutely right the Yamaha XT660R actually does have 5 speed gearbox. Not 6. When you ride the Yamaha XT660R. You often forget that she is a 5 speed gearbox. As the gearing is nicely spaced and flexible. Amazing isn't is. Haha. What a motorcycle she is. Worth experiencing the Yamaha XT660R before there are none left anymore. Haha Thank you for such a kind comment. Hopefully we will speak again. Take care :)
@@luke_rides , no worries 👍, my 660 R has the following mods: ( from front to rear )
1. SWM 650 front guard
2. SWM Superduel Screen and mount
3. Braided front brake lives - huge difference
4. Progressive springs and heavier oil - huge difference in front fork performance.
5. Adjustable levers
6. USB - twin socket
7. Barkbaster hand 🖐 guards
8. SWM Superduel - gear lever
9. Gilimoto long range tank ( 400 km range )
10. Hesco and Becker crash bars
11. B&B bash plate
12 tourtech brake cover
13. Oxford heated grips
14. Modified seat
15. Compressor lead outlet
16. 1 tooth 🦷 up front sprocket ⚙️ ( better for open roads .
17. K&N per- filter
18. Rear rack
19. SWM 650 rear braided lines
20. Side stand wider base
21. Pivot pegs
22. Arrow pipes .
Haha. Awww. Thank you. Thank you for replying back too. It's always a lot of fun to talk and reply back to comments. And replying back in general. Not all motovloggers on TH-cam are like this. Often very big and famous Motovloggers like BaronVonGrumble and TheMissendenFlyer will rarely reply back to any comments. Often the fame starts getting to their heads. They begin to feel they are better or more important. Luke Rides will always reply back to comments. And always interact with comments. Always. Hehe.
Wow. That's so cool you have added to your legendary Yamaha XT. Amazing. Luke Rides noticed the instant different by removing the heavy restrictive factory Yamaha exhaust system. And upgraded to Delkevic stainless steel exhaust system. More power more torque everywhere. In all the gears. Just by removing the Factory Yamaha Exhaust system. That was without remapping the onboard computer the ECU. To do this we left the baffles into the Delkevic system. Which meant no remap required. Even the throttle is faster and sharper on Luke Rides Yamaha XT660R. Amazing what removing the heavy restrictive exhaust system does to a modern motorcycle. The manufacturers even Yamaha have to meet so many emissions and noise regulations just be able to sale their motorcycles in Europe. And it does not matter that we were pulled out of the European Union. Motorcycles sold in Britain still have to meet EURO emissions and noise regulations. Wow. Arrow exhaust system that is rare. With the legendary Yamaha XT660R no longer in production. As the twin cylinder Tenere 700 has taken the Yamaha XT660 place. There will be fewer and fewer exhaust manufacturers that will still support the legendary Yamaha XT660R. What a brilliant upgrade. The Arrow high performance exhaust system is beautiful. Lovely colour on the end cans too. Gorgeous system. K&N air filter is a must. Hehe. And Oxford heated grips in our weather. In the winter without the powerful Oxford heated grips. Luke Rides wouldn't be able to get through the shear cold we go through in the winter without the Oxford heated grips.
Lovely upgrade must have. Nice one. That is interesting changing the springs inside the front forks. And heavier oil. Wow. Luke Rides understands that. When the legendary naughty Yamaha XT660R was developed and designed by Yamaha was in the early 2000s. In that time since the early 2000s fork and spring technology has moved on. Gotten better and more competent. With all of the new engineering and technology suspension manufacturers have learned over the years. Nice one. New brake lines will definitely make a difference. Wow. Thank you for listing your changes to your legendary Yamaha XT660R. They will be missed in the motorcycling world. One day there will be no more Yamaha XT660R's on the road. We need to take care of them and remember them while we have them before there are no more left. Have a great time with your legendary Yamaha XT660R. Thank you for such a kind wonderful comment. Hopefully we will speak again. Take care :)
I’m looking into the brakes on mine , probably put braided lines and performance brake fluid.
Wow. Haha. The Yamaha XT660R has Brembo's front and back as standard. For the time. Luke Rides loves the brakes on the Yamaha XT660R. For Enduro to have Brembo's that was very rare back in the day. Brembo's were only for SuperBikes and Supersports. Race bikes. But somehow Yamaha were able to sneak in Brembo's into the mighty Yamaha XT660R. They feel good. The rear brake in more powerful than the front for some reason. There is no ABS Anti lock brakes on the Yamaha XT660R. So you do have to be careful not to whack on the brakes. Braided lines sounds really interesting. Nice. Brake fluid quality brake fluid can make a difference absolutely. Luke Rides will only ever use and recommend Brembo brake fluid. it is the most powerful highest quality brake fluid you can buy. And you can feel the difference it's very powerful brake fluid.
Nice. Thank you for such a interesting comment It's all about the ride Keeping it alive. Hopefully we will speak again. Take care :)
@@luke_rides , Yes Castrol reactive brake fluid is fantastic and I did put braided lines on front and rear ( front is amazing now ) rear is also much I used SWM RS 650 rear braided lines ( has the same rear brembo and fits right on .
Wow. Castrol is tier 1. Top quality brand. Luke Rides loves Castrol oils. Luke Rides will ever only use Castrol or Brembo fluids. For his motorcycles. Wouldn't use anything else. Wow. Braided lines is a lovely upgrade. Brilliant. Haha. That's pretty good SWM RS 650 braided lines fitted straight away to the Brembo's without any modification. That's brilliant. If you have to start modifying in order to fit a part. That's normally a very bad sign. Yamaha XT660R is lovely motorcycle. Among the last of the big single cylinders. The last of a era. Somehow Yamaha were able to fit Brembo's to the mighty Yamaha XT660R. When Brembo's at the time were reserved for Supersports and exotica that is SuperBikes. Non race bikes would never get Brembo's. All those years ago. Somehow Yamaha sneaked them in. It was very rare to find any Enduro's with Brembo's. As Brembo's are tier 1 high performance. The best most powerful braking systems on the planet. Nothing comes close to Brembo. Wow. Amazing. That's some lovely upgrades for your legendary Yamaha XT660R. Brilliant. Thank you for letting me know It's all about the ride Keeping it alive. Brilliant :)
@@luke_rides , I have done ✅ a lot of mods since I originally done a lot since my post above the following:
1. 22 lt long range tank - over 400 range ( plus original)
2. Arrow pipes ( plus original)
3. High front guard
4. Screen and GPS mount or quod lock mount
5. Twin USB and volt meter outlet
6. Braided Lines front and rear
7. Progressive front springs and upgraded fluid
8. Heated grips
9. B&B bash plate
10. SM- MOTECH crash bars
11. Pivot pegs
12. Uni filter and pre - filter
13. Rear rack
14. Bark buster Hand guards
@@luke_rides , Yes even though they are Brembos they are not the best with the standard fluid and non - braided lines . SWM RS 650 and Superduel run the same brakes ( pads are the same as well ) I even put the rear braided line on from the SWN RS 650 to the XT 660 R
Luke, you should grease the swingarm ends, to stop the road salt corroding it.
That's a really good idea. Thank you for the suggestion Malcolm :)
This was my first motorcycle, but mine was black with the baby poop colored seat. I wish I hadn't sold it. Maybe I will get a used one.
Wow. That's so cool DashRendar308. Hehe. The legendary Yamaha XT660R is lovely to ride. And an end of an era. Among the last of the big single cylinder motorcycles. Now the Tenere 700 has taken over from the XT660. As Yamaha stopped production of the mighty XT660R. To think the XT660 started all the way back in the 70s. Yamaha just refined the XT. Added fuel injection. Computer controlled ignition. Computer controlled fueling. And refined the XT. Still to this day is a lovely motorcycle to ride. So well built. Yamaha did a great job with the XT660. The motorcycling world will miss the XT. Now KTM Kawasaki BMW Yamaha Honda of all stopped production of the big single cylinder engine. One of the killers of the big single cylinders. Is Emissions. None of the manufacturers can get the big single through the latest emission and noise regulations.
It's a sad thing. Luke Rides wanted to do justice to the XT. Make sure TH-cam and the world will remember the motorcycle. Among the last of the big singles. Awwww. Rides so well on the road and you can go explore the lanes. And being a big single cylinder there is plenty of power and torque. Luke Rides was lucky to have upgraded his with stainless steel exhaust system. Wow. The difference was night and day. More power and torque everywhere. Across the whole RPM. That's without remapping the computer to the exhaust. But if Luke Rides takes out the baffles. Then he would need to remap the computer system to the exhaust. Thankfully Yamaha XT660R are pretty cheap. When you think £3,000 gets you a lot of bike. And back in the day Yamaha XT660R was worth a lot more new. Pretty cool. Glad you got to experience the mighty XT. Thank you for such a good comment. Hopefully we will speak again. Take care :)
Put some aftermarket cans on mate to bring out the Thumper engine
Awww. Haha. Thank you for such a amazing comment there. Luke Rides really appreciates it. Absolutely. Legendary Yamaha XT660R is among the last hurrah of the big single cylinder engine. Now only KTM and Husqvarna are keeping the big single cylinder engine alive. But how long will that last. As Kawasaki Ducati BMW Honda have all gone twin cylinder for their middle weight off road bikes. As it's the only way to meet the latest emissions and noise regulations. Not that leaving European Union has changed anything. Luke Rides remembers when the likes of BaronVonGrumble. 44Teeth all the big motovloggers said leaving the European Union would mean we as a country would not need to follow EURO noise and emissions regulations. What total lies they were. The bullshitters on TH-cam. All manufacturers still need to follow EURO emissions and noise regulations to be able to sale their motorcycles and exotica like SuperBikes in the European area. For manufacturers it doesn't make sense to make a different version of their motorcycle just for Britain because we left the European union. Luke Rides voted to stay in the European Union.
That engine is beautiful. Yamaha had developed the XT all the way back in the 70s. All Yamaha did was refine. Increase the bore size. And give the 660cc fuel injection and computer controlled ignition. Yamaha made an exceptional big single cylinder engine. The world will miss big single cylinders like the Yamaha XT660R. There is something to be said for a big single cylinder cylinder. Thankfully Luke Rides upgraded the naughty Yamaha XT660R to Delkevic high performance exhaust pipes. Wow. Just wow. The difference was instant. Just few miles after fitting the Delkevic high performance exhaust system. And that's with the baffles still in. Luke Rides could feel more power and torque everywhere. In all of the RPM range. And Yamaha XT660R is smoother. The throttle is better in any way. Feeling that power and torque increase. Wow. The Yamaha XT660R is fast. And pulls even more. And that is without remapping the computer system remapping the ECU. Very impressive. To think removing the big heavy restrictive factory Yamaha XT660R exhaust system made such a difference.
The sound on the Yamaha XT660R sounds much better. Even racy. You can feel the pops and bangs coming from the big single cylinder engine from Yamaha. It makes the Yamaha XT660R much more fun to ride. And makes you appreciate hearing the sound of that big Yamaha single cylinder engine. Luke Rides is very lucky. If Luke Rides took the baffles out he would need to remap the ECU the computer system at that point. And the Yamaha XT660R is not boring repetitive sound that many smaller single cylinder engines make. The Yamaha XT660R sounds fun all of the time. Hehe. Absolutely great suggest. Luke Rides followed through. Hehe. Thank you for such a good comment. Hopefully we will speak again. Thank you It's all about the ride keeping it alive. Take care.
Also, this bike does 55 miles to the gallon which means you can do around 160 miles to the 16-litre tank!!! GREAT
Too right John. Thank you for such a great comment John :). It goes to show what an efficient engine Yamaha built and did just a great job building XT 660 engine :). That is such an incredible fuel range. I find exactly the same with my own Yamaha XT660R @ Luke Rides :). It's as if the Yamaha XT just sips on fuel yet is so Torquery for a single-cylinder engine. Yet the engine is one of the most powerful single-cylinder engines ever built. You can feel it. When riding the XT660R :). It's not an engine you have to constantly keep the revs up to maintain a decent speed. You can literally just ride on a wave of Torque and not use that much revs. If you open the throttle on the Yamaha XT660R engine it sure goes and surprises me just how fast it is when de-restricted :). Yamaha built such a great Enduro. Among the best of the Enduros motorcycles in the world :). We will all miss the Yamaha XT660R. I hope we will see more big single-cylinder engined motorcycles in the future. Apart from KTM and Husqvarna, none of the other motorcycle manufacturers are making big single-cylinder motorcycles anymore. It's sad :(. Now the Tenere 700 has taken the Yamaha XT660' place it feels like an end of an era. There is something to be said for big single-cylinder motorcycles. I'm so happy the government are finally letting bikers throughout England to jump on our Motorcycles or Superbike and go out for a ride for as long as we like. As far as we like within reason :). Woohoo :). Hell yes :). As long as we stick to open areas of course. As riding motorcycles is considered a form of 'Exercise ' by the government. Thank the lord :). Woohoo :). I hope you're ok with everything that's happening out there with the virus John and I hope your staying safe. I'm glad you love your Yamaha XT660R John. Savour every moment you have with her. Because it feels like we won't see many Enduros like the Yamaha XT660R again. The world is changing. You take care John and thank you for such a great comment. It's great talking to you :). Hopefully, we will speak again. Thank you so much John and stay safe out there. Take care :)
👍❤👍😂😂😂😂😂👌👌👌👌👌😂😂😂😂😂👍❤👍❤👍❤👍❤👍Really Awesome Reveiw ❤ 😂 thanks mate
Woo. Thank you so much Mir Rind Baloch :). It's Luke Rides pleasure and to honour this magnificent Enduro. 660cc off road beast. Very much the last of her kind. Among the last of the massive big engine single cylinder Enduro's. Absolute mud plugging tire kicking wheels fun off road missile :). That will you giggle like a child ;). The legendary Yamaha XT660R. Does so much right. The performance is superb for an single cylinder engine like this and will keep up with a lot of the bigger 800cc motorcycles. Yet will ride in any lane. Any road. Any field. Make you giggle and smile while doing it. For the Motorcycle world to lose such an Icon. As Yamaha international stopped all production of the mighty Yamaha XT660R. A part from KTM's and Husqvarna 690 and 701. There is no other massive single-cylinder engine motorcycle out there. It is like the end of an era. Of a time where emissions didn't kill a motorcycle. Where engineering and engine meant more than being tree huggers. But no more. The rest of the manufactures have all gone 2 Cylinders for their off-road machines. Or Small single-cylinder engines. There is something to be said for a big Single-Cylinder engine. That can out perform and outgun any other small Single-cylinder engine. And ride so well with very little throttle thanks to all that Torque and big engine capacity.
This Legendary motorcycle doesn't need to work hard. Where as smaller Single-cylinders engines try and get the same result as an Yamaha XT660R. Yet they still won't come close. Luke Rides will always hope maybe more Massive Single Cylinder engines will come again. But with the way the world is. It's looking so unlikely. Luke Rides really wanted to honour the Yamaha XT660R and the last hurrah of the massive Single-Cylinder engine. And stop with some of lies coming out of Moto Geo regarding the Yamaha XT660R. And tell the truth. The real. Honest truth about this mighty beast of an Enduro. Off road mud plugger :).
Thank you for noticing there Mir Rind Baloch and very amazing incredible Feedback :). Yay. Hehe :). And thank you so much for sending such a caring funny and amazing comment for Luke Rides. Luke Rides really appreciates it Mir Rind Baloch. You stay safe out there Mir Rind Baloch. With this horrific Coronavirus. Stay safe. Hopefully we will speak again. Your an absolute star Mir Rind Baloch :). So sorry for not replying back sooner. Luke Rides is having a fun backlog of wonderful comments @ the moment. And replying back as soon as possible. Get the feeling Luke Rides is joining the road to being a celebrity at this rate. But don't worry Mir Rind Baloch. There are those who think Luke Rides is a Celebrity. Hehe. But Luke Rides is totally down to earth. And not thinking of himself ;)
@@luke_rides so nice of you mate, ❤ thanks for awesome info..😂 luke you're wonderful
Haha. It's Luke Rides pleasure ;). Honestly. That comes from the heart. Anytime Mir Rind Baloch :). It's always brilliant and lovely to reply back. Not all Motovloggers do. Quite often the big even British Motovloggers never reply back. Which is horrible. Luke Rides is all about being down to earth. Being a good man. Some may see Luke Rides as a Celebrity. But no matter how big Luke Rides gets in the future. Luke Rides will always reply back. Never be the Motovlogger so hyped up on fame that never does reply. No way. Luke Rides won't be corrupted by that stuff. And stay true to the Channel and being that down to earth European / British Motovlogger :). Yo. Luke Rides is wonderful. Haha Mir Rind Baloch. Luke Rides try's to be. Hehe. Always. Spreading the good is what we need more in the world. Not the bad. Glad Luke Rides could help :). Thank you for such an amazing and wonderful reply Mir Rind Baloch :). Luke Rides feels like his talking to a Celebrity already. Hehe. Stay safe out there Mir Rind Baloch. Thank you for a brilliant reply. Honestly. It means the world to Luke Rides. Always :). Let's hope this year the Coronavirus will finally stop. And stop destroying the world. Even Luke Rides can feel how tired we all are of this freaking virus. And how angry we all are that it never stops. The main stream media have Nothing nice to say. Don't even talk about the good the vaccines are doing. If their making any difference in this fight at all. It's all freaking ridiculous and enough is enough now.
Buen vídeo! Por favor activa los subtítulos en español, gracias!
Awww. Gracias Oskar_Cll. Eso es muy amable. Gracias por tan buen comentario. Luke Rides tiene los pies en la tierra y quería ofrecer una reseña honesta de la poderosa Yamaha XT660R. Muestra la verdad sobre el XT660. Sin ninguna tontería y mentiras de algunos de los grandes motovloggers. Muestra las mentiras que salieron de MotoGeo. La poderosa Yamaha XT660R. Es una bicicleta hermosa. Entre los últimos grandes motores monocilíndricos. El fin de una era. Yamaha detuvo la producción de la poderosa Yamaha XT660R. Como el Tenere 700 ha tomado el relevo. Aun así, la Yamaha está bien construida. Confiable. Y tiene mucho torque y potencia para circular en la carretera. En pistas de tierra o en el campo, gracias a ese gran monocilíndrico, es muy divertida. Hay algo que decir a favor de un gran motor monocilíndrico. Ahora KTM incluso ha detenido la producción de la 690 Duke. Ya nadie fabrica grandes motores monocilíndricos.
Los tiempos están cambiando. Luke Rides se siente honrado de poder asegurarse de que se recuerde la Yamaha XT660R. Luke Rides intentó activar los subtítulos en español. Pero Google no ofrece traducción automática. Luke Rides no puede obtener una traducción al español. Y en un formato que TH-cam aceptaría. Gracias por recomendar la idea. Ojalá volvamos a hablar. Cuidarse :)
Check the sound with akrapovic exhoust!
Awwww. Haha. kamp_ve_enduro. Full Akrapovic system on Yamaha XT660R would be amazing. With no baffles. Oh my god. Haha. Yamaha did such a great job with the XT660 engine. When most single cylinder engines sound the same. This big single cylinder always sounds different. Racey. It's amazing how Yamaha did that. To make a big single cylinder make a distinctive noise is pretty difficult. When you think there is only one piston going up and down. Thank you for such a good comment. Hopefully we will speak again. Take care :)
@@luke_rides I have XT 660 R too. Ussually i use akrapovic with out muffler. I like sound my bike. But cop is not. 🙂
Awww. Amazing. That's so cool kamp_ve_enduro. Hope your having good fun with your XT660R. It's among the last of the big single cylinder motorcycles. An end of era. There is something to be said for a big single cylinder engine. Kawasaki Yamaha BMW Ducati KTM don't build a big single cylinder engine any more. That's a sad thing. There is something to be said for a big single cylinder engine. Yamaha did such a great job with the Yamaha XT660R. It all started with the XT500 all the way back in the 70s. Haha. Yamaha just refined the XT over the years. Increased the bore size. Improved handling and suspension. Added fuel injection. Computer controlled ignition. All the modern reliability we are now used to. The world will miss the Yamaha XT660R. Now the Tenere 700 has replaced the XT.
How the world has changed. It was actually emissions that killed the big single cylinder engine. Now no manufacturer can get a big single cylinder engine through the latest emission regulations. It is a sad thing. Yamaha got so much right. Wow without the muffler. Haha. Your Yamaha XT must sound booming. Luke Rides tried without baffles on his Yamaha XT660R for only a few seconds. Wow. For a big single cylinder that engine sounds so good. Makes lovely bangs. Haha. Too right life is too short kamp_ve_enduro. Enjoy every second you have. Enjoy your XT. It's epic to be able to hear the noise and bangs out of the XT engine. Among the last of the big single cylinder engines. The cops wouldn't like it. Haha. If they don't like it it's not your problem. It's your life. Hearing your XT660R without a muffler brings a smile to you gives you fun and happiness just stick with it. The world is full of pain. Having even little bit of happiness is worth fighting for. Thank you for such a good comment. Hopefully we will speak again. Take care :)
been offered one for £1000 plus my TY250 trials what do you think?
Haha. Wow. Thank you for such a good comment dfcvada. That is actually very good price. £1000 is quite cheap. That is an amazing price for Yamaha XT660R. Among the last of the big single cylinders. Yamaha have actually stopped production. Now the Tenere 700 replaces the Yamaha XT660R. She is a wonderful bike. Yet that was in the early 2000s. Yamaha included fuel injection and computer controlled ignition. Modern display. Brembo high performance brakes. Good suspension. Yamaha started with the XT500. Yamaha increased the engine size and bore to 660cc. What an engine it is. You don't need to rev out the Yamaha XT660R to go fast compared to smaller single cylinders. There is so much to like. Love it. Luke Rides is so glad to be able to help. And remember the legendary Yamaha XT660R on TH-cam. Honest review without the lies from other motovloggers like MotoGeo. Luke Rides is proud to remember the Yamaha XT660R on TH-cam. Take care dfcvda. Thank you for an interesting and good comment like this.
Is this an XTX front mud guard ?
Haha. Thank you for such a interesting and fun comment Guizmo Main. Haha. Actually no. Luke Rides Yamaha XT660R. Legendary off road beast. The last of the big single cylinder Enduro's is actually using Yamaha factory front guard. Hehe. No XTX Front Mud guard here. And the Yamaha Front mud guard looks pretty good considering it is factory. Hehe. Luke Rides misses that so many manufactures. From Kawasaki to Ducati to BMW all have stopped building big single cylinder engines for their off machines. Like the last of an era. The last Hurrah. As Only KTM and Husqvarna are the last manufactures to still build the big single cylinder engine. There is something to be said for big single not 450cc big but over 600cc. Hehe. Hopes that helps. Thank you for watching Guizmo Main. So sorry for the late reply.
Year. Hehe. Luke Rides playing catch up with mountain of positive and nice comments here @ Luke Rides. Luke Rides doesn't have sanctuary. Haha. Joys of being smaller European Motolvogger. Hehe. Luke Rides hopes you are well Guizmo Main. Thank you for such a cool and interesting comment. Stay safe. Hopefully we will speak again. Hehe.
Could you start on this bike
Thanks for commenting James :). That's actually a good question. In the UK you can actually ride XT660R on an A2 licence as long as the XT is fitted with a restrictor. You can definitely get into Biking with the XT660R. There is a lot of fun to be had with XT660R and the power isn't too much for beginners. I hope that helps :)
6 SPEED GEAR BOX, REALLY ITS A 5 SPEED ?
5 Speed. So sorry. Luke Rides didn't make that mistake again. Haha.
Nice
But you broke my nerves
Fo
Awww. Sorry about that apmikalogran. Luke Rides wanted to make an impact with his honest review. Yamaha XT660 is among the last of the big single cylinder motorcycles. Among the last of the big single cylinder Enduro's. And is in a way the end of an era. Now Ducati Yamaha Kawasaki BMW Honda have all gone twin cylinder for their mid weight off road bikes. Yet there is something to be said for a big single cylinder. Thank you for commenting. Hopefully we will speak again. Take care :)
32:57 ; 32:57 ; 32:57
Awwww. Thank you CerialKillerOG. Servicing the mighty Yamaha XT660R is so straight forward and easier than many other 650cc motorcycles. Spark Plugs. Oil Filter. Oil filler holes all accessible with very few things in the way. Very cool. Take care :)
looks like an FT engine
Haha. Thank you for a good and interesting comment dfcvda. Hehe. Luke Rides really appreciates it. That is an interesting comment. This is in no way a Ford engine or has any components from a ford engine. Yamaha has developed the legendary 660cc big single cylinder from the original 500cc Yamaha big single built for the very first Yamaha XT500. The components are strong in the Yamaha XT660R. Yamaha has had time to refine any small problems from the 500cc original XT500 engine from all those years ago.
Yamaha increased the engine size and bore. Then updated the naughty big single cylinder engine with modern fuel injection and computer system. Increasing torque and power. The Yamaha XT660R is an amazing single cylinder engine. And among the last of the big single cylinder engines. With only KTM and Husqvarna keeping the big single cylinder engine alive. Now Yamaha have stopped production of the XT660R. Which is now replaced by the Tenere 700 which is a twin cylinder engine.
BMW. Kawasaki. Ducati. Honda. Yamaha have all gone to twin cylinder engines for their middle weight Enduro. The Yamaha XT660R engine is the last of an era. Among the last hurrah of the big single cylinder engine. As with all the emission and noise regulations now in the world these emission regulations killed the Yamaha XT660R. It's sad really. Luke Rides is so happy to able to remember the Yamaha XT660R engine. For the Yamaha big single cylinder to be remembered on TH-cam. That the memory of the engine is there. When there are no more Yamaha XT660s left the Yamaha XT660R will be remembered. An honour. Luke Rides is thankful to make sure the Yamaha XT660R is remembered by TH-cam. And to push back and tell the truth compared to MotoGeo and all the other Motovloggers who lie about the Yamaha XT660R. And are biased. Luke Rides tells the truth. An honest true motorcycle review.
Yamaha did such a great job. When smaller single cylinder engines you have to rev them hard and they don't not have much power or torque. The Yamaha XT660R engine is powerful. You can ride in the high gears and just cruise on the power and torque. And not have to rev the Yamaha XT660R hard. The engine is flexible. And will accelerate quickly when you want to go fast. And have a bit of fun. The Yamaha XT660 engine will just dig a hole in a field thanks to the power and torque of being a big single cylinder. Haha.
The world will miss the Yamaha XT660. But times change. Thank you for such a good comment. Hopefully we will speak again. Take care ;)