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Get To Know The Technical Specifications, Performance And Reasons That Transformed The Yamaha XT 660 R Into An Icon In Brazil, Even After Discontinuation In 2018.
The Yamaha XT 660 R, affectionately nicknamed “meiota”, is one of the most legendary motorcycles in the Brazilian market. Even though its production ended in 2018, it continues to be a desire for many motorcyclists, thanks to its versatility, robustness, and the strong torque of its single-cylinder engine.
The history of the XT line is long and very successful, and the 660R was the natural evolution that conquered the country. Next, we detail the technical specifications, the different versions, and the characteristics that make the “meiota” such an iconic and, at the same time, controversial motorcycle.
The History Of The XT Family, From 1975 To The Present Day
The lineage of the Yamaha XT 660 R has deep roots. The XT family was born in 1975 with the launch of the Yamaha XT 500, a model that lasted until 1989 and gave rise to a series of successes. The XT 660R, in turn, was launched worldwide in 2005 to replace the legendary XT 600.
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In Brazil, it was sold from 2005 to 2018, the year it was discontinued, leaving a legion of fans. Abroad, Yamaha launched the Ténéré 700 to fill this gap, a model that is also expected to arrive in the Brazilian market.
Technical Specifications Of The Yamaha XT 660 R
The heart of the “meiota” is its single-cylinder engine, with liquid cooling and electronic injection. It is known for delivering raw power at low revs.
- Engine: single-cylinder, 4 strokes, SOHC, 4 valves.
- Displacement: 659.7 cm³.
- Power: 48 horsepower.
- Torque: 5.95 kgf.m.
- Transmission: 5 speed.
- Tank: 15 liters (with 5 liters of reserve).
- Weight: 185 kg (wet weight).
- Brakes: 298 mm disc in the front and 245 mm in the rear, with Brembo calipers.
- Suspension: telescopic front with 225 mm travel and rear mono-shock with 200 mm travel, both by Showa.
The Versions Of The XT 660: R, X And The Ténéré Z
The platform of the Yamaha XT 660 R gave rise to different versions, with distinct proposals.
XT 660R: the standard version, a versatile trail for mixed use (on/off-road).
XT 660Z Ténéré: a more adventurous version, with a larger 23-liter tank, more fairings, and a weight of 212 kg, focused on long trips.
XT 660X: a supermotard version, with street wheels and tires, which was not sold in Brazil.
Positive And Negative Points: Why Is The Meiota So Loved And Sought After?
The fame of the Yamaha XT 660 R comes from its qualities, but also from its weaknesses.
Positive Points:
Torque: the engine delivers a lot of power at low revs, which is great for acceleration.
Versatility: it is a motorcycle that handles both city asphalt and dirt roads well.
Suspensions: the long travel suspension absorbs surface irregularities well.
Lightweight: at 185 kg, it is considered lightweight for its category, making it easier to ride.
Negative Points:
Sought After For Theft: it is one of the most stolen models in Brazil, requiring extra attention to security.
Vibration: due to being a single-cylinder engine, vibration at high revs is a point of complaint.
Heating: the engine gets quite hot, which can be uncomfortable in urban traffic.
Lack Of Features: the dashboard lacks a fuel gauge, and the bike does not come with a factory 12V socket.
5-Speed Transmission: the absence of a sixth gear is felt on long highway trips.
Performance And Handling: How Does It Perform In Practice?
The Yamaha XT 660 R is a motorcycle that impresses with its strength. Its torque allows it to respond quickly to the throttle, making it very fun to ride. The riding position is comfortable, with the rider sitting upright and legs well positioned against the tank.
On the road, the bike reaches a top speed of approximately 180 km/h. Fuel consumption varies greatly with riding style: riding more calmly, it can achieve between 18 and 20 km/l. In a more aggressive riding style, consumption drops to about 16 to 17 km/l. Despite being a tall motorcycle, its handlebars steer quite well, which helps with low-speed maneuvers.
Muito boa moto, confiável e resistente. Fiz uma viagem até San Pedro de Atacama no Chile com uma XT660R em 2015 sem problemas
Tive Ténéré 600 achava manca e bebe igual opala
Já vi várias com a biela quebrada ao meio dizem que foi na reduzida de marcha….as tenere600 de 88 a 90 aguentava e tinha muita taxa de compressao mas não quebravam chegava ser um absurdo dar partida nó pedal..a biela da 660 devia ser forjada ao meu ver foi um erro de projeto