2004–2017 · Enduro · Buyer's Guide
The Indestructible Long-Haul Single
The XT 660R is Yamaha's big single reduced to what matters on a long dirt road. A liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 660 cc single makes 48 hp at 6,000 rpm and 43 lb-ft at 5,250 rpm. It sits in a steel double-cradle frame with a 21-inch front wheel, 8.9 in (225 mm) of fork travel and 8.3 in (211 mm) of ground clearance. There are no electronic rider aids: no ABS, no traction control, no ride modes. That is the whole idea. In the enduro world this is the rugged, simple choice, built to keep running year after year rather than to top a spec sheet.
At 399 lb (181 kg) wet it is heavy for an enduro, and you feel that weight as soon as the trail gets technical. It pays you back over the long run. Reliability is its biggest strength, running costs stay low, and an owner with basic tools and a manual can do most of the work at home. The aftermarket is deep, and you will use it, because the water pump and the low exhaust are exposed and need a proper bash plate and crash bars. This bike suits the rider who cares more about arriving than about arriving first. Check the frame and bolt heads for road-salt rust.
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
| Power | 48 hp (35 kW) @ 6,000 rpm |
|---|---|
| Torque | 43 lb-ft (58 Nm) @ 5,250 rpm |
| Displacement | 660 cc |
| Engine | Single-cylinder |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Gearbox | 5-speed |
| Final drive | Chain |
| Fork | Telescopic |
| Front brake | 298 mm |
| Front tire | 90/90-21 |
| Rear tire | 130/80-17 |
| Ground clearance | 8.3 in (211 mm) |
| Front travel | 8.9 in (225 mm) |
| Rear travel | 7.9 in (200 mm) |
| Seat height | 34.4 in (875 mm) |
| Wet weight | 399 lb (181 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 4.0 gal (15 L) |
| Top speed | 99 mph (160 km/h) |
| Fuel economy | 54 mpg (US) |
Equipment check
Chassis
Years of paddock conversations, club-night talk and the messages owners send me directly add up to a clear picture of the XT 660R. Riders love how long it lasts and how far it carries them. They grumble about its mass, its low-speed manners and how little it came with.
Riders consistently put durability first, and many have trusted it with round-the-world trips. They describe big miles and hard use without drama, on a bike simple enough to service far from any dealer. The upright stance and well-padded seat keep them comfortable through long days, and aftermarket seats are a common swap. Many are surprised by how much trail it handles for something that looks like a dual-sport.
Weight is the top complaint, felt hardest when lifting it after a drop or working through tight terrain. Jerky response at small throttle openings wears on riders in town, and long interstate stints bring vibration at higher revs. Some owners in wet or salted climates see fasteners and exhaust parts rust early. A few note how bare it came, with a center stand or heated grips left to the aftermarket.
Exposed water pump and exhaust vulnerability
The water pump and low‑slung exhaust can be damaged by rocks or falls when riding off‑road. Strong crash bars and a solid bash plate are recommended.
Rare crankshaft bearing failure
A small number of owners have reported crankshaft bearing failure around 22,000 mi (35,000 km), requiring a rebuild. Not a widespread issue but noted on some forums.
Low‑speed surging and throttle snatch
Poor fuel injection mapping on pre‑2009 models causes unsettling jerky throttle response at low revs. Aftermarket fuel modules (e.g., Kev mod) are a common fix.
Premature cush drive rubber wear
Cush drive rubbers deteriorate rapidly, often needing replacement every 3,100–5,000 mi (5,000–8,000 km). Owners sometimes pack them with inner tube cuttings to extend life.
Corrosion on frame and fasteners
Surface rust can appear on the frame, subframe, and bolt heads, especially after winter riding with road salt. Regular cleaning and protective sprays are advised.
Where this Yamaha XT 660R pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Seat height
Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the XT 660R is actually built for.
This is where it makes sense: simple, reliable, cheap to fix, with a 4.0 gal tank and 54 mpg. Add a bash plate and luggage from the deep aftermarket and plan long BDR days around it.
Made for AZBDR — Arizona Backcountry Discovery Route · California BDR South · COBDR — Colorado Backcountry Discovery Route
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