XT Alan Posted June 14, 2004 Posted June 14, 2004 Hi, I've just got a new XT660R. What a brilliant bike, I've necer had so much fun on a bike and I've had 27 in my 40 years of riding. The only dissapointment is the scruffy plastics: lots of little scratches and poor paint finish. Is this normal on trail/adventure bikes? I've only had road bikes up until now. I don't know whether to complain or not. The other one in the shop - the supermoto version - was also marked up. Any advice/info appreciated. XT Alan
Pete Posted June 15, 2004 Posted June 15, 2004 Yes it's normal Alan. I've got a black 600 with gleaming tank...but the rest of the plastic stuff has gone quite matted. I may try some Cockpit Shine on them.
Pete Posted June 15, 2004 Posted June 15, 2004 Alan....I bought some Silicone spray from David Jones in Newtown, and it's definitely improved it.
XT Alan Posted June 16, 2004 Author Posted June 16, 2004 Thanks for replying. I will take it back to David Jones and have a little moan and see if they can polish the worst of the scratches out. Apart from this the XT seems to be a superb machine (although I've only done 120 miles - so early days yet of course) and a complete hoot to ride.
Pete Posted June 17, 2004 Posted June 17, 2004 Very pricey David Jones are, aren't they? They seem to sell every bike at full retail. Seem to be very helpful there though.
XT Alan Posted June 17, 2004 Author Posted June 17, 2004 Yes they are pricey, but they are pretty straight. I buy from them because their service is good and their mechainic is really helpful and knows what he is doing. I also always get over book when I trade in. This, for me, is worth the small extra I pay when buying a bike. I don't think that I would have got a better deal anywhere when I traded in my CB1300 for the XT660. The CB was a year old and had done 8000 miles, they gave me the XT as a straight swap and threw in a bash plate and carrier.
Pete Posted June 17, 2004 Posted June 17, 2004 We'll have to meet up sometime Alan, cos I like the look of the new XT660. If you're planning to go over David Jones or the Elan Valley centre then let me know. Like me, you probably notice a difference in power compared to previous bikes....but aren't they so easy to ride? And handling is amazing isn't it? You probably have Michelins on it....when they wear down replace them with Metzeler Tourance. They really are superb.
XT Alan Posted June 17, 2004 Author Posted June 17, 2004 You're right, they are very easy to ride and the handling is a revelation. I have had road bikes for the last 40 years (I've been riding a long time) and this XT is excellent. I often go around the Elan Valley, so we could meet up sometime. Alan
Pete Posted June 17, 2004 Posted June 17, 2004 I've had bike 33 years Alan, so I know where you're coming from. Don't you reckon that everything today is an extreme? No more useable, sensible bikes available...and too much sophistication and complication. I find the XT to be a bit of a throwback to the old days...bit like my old B33...but without the oil leaks!
XT Alan Posted June 17, 2004 Author Posted June 17, 2004 I agree with you. I have spent the last few years looking for a bike that can do pretty much anything. Ideally it could: Potter around exploring the countryside and getting off the beaten track. Take on a reasonably long journey at a decent speed. Be all day comfortable. Be cheap to run, robust and reliable. The XT seems to fit the bill. I was tempted a couple of years back by a Suzuki DRZ400, but at my height (and age :roll: ) getting on was a struggle. In recent times the best bike I have owned in a Bandit 12. But it was heading for new suspension, tyres, major service, new pads etc, so I traded it in for a Honda CB1300. Big Mistake - too much of a limo. Lovely looking and fast but no good away from A roads and it had several "issues" re: various components. The XT came along just at the right time...... Alan
Pete Posted June 18, 2004 Posted June 18, 2004 I can relate to that Alan....the XT does give you a new lease of life with bikes. I've had more enthusiam for this bike than I've had for any other, and it's difficult to explain why. Have you noticed that just about all other bikers now blank you? Not that I give a shit, cos I reckon 99% of bikers today are complete wankers. I'm sure you'll agree that bikers today are not like they were in the Golden Years. As I've said on here before, we've gone from a "brotherhood" to a "fashion show catwalk". :roll: Let me know if you're about this weekend....we can get "looked down on" together then!
XT Alan Posted June 18, 2004 Author Posted June 18, 2004 Hi, I'm not around this weekend, but I am next weekend. It would be great to meet up. Yes, it's a shame that biking has now become such a fashion show. There are still some real enthusiasts around though who still behave with the old spirit of friendship and support.
Pete Posted June 18, 2004 Posted June 18, 2004 Bear in mind that I can't meet up with you unless you're colour co-ordinated in this season's fashions Alan!
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