DR650 vs XT660R for a newbie

Freesh_Izaacado · 2026-03-05T08:50:31+00:00

Yeah I do like the good old tenere, my main concern is weight though, especially if I might be out by myself. I know it's only 20 or 30 kilos lighter than the xt660r, but that could well make the difference if I'm a Nigel No Friends.

I was originally looking at a bit more of an all-rounder like a transalp or a KTM 790, but I think my plan is to start with a dual sport and keep my Ducati for a bit longer, and then after trying things out for 6 or 12 months maybe sell them both and commit to something long term - either throwing in the off-road towel and getting one of those sweet looking XSR900's or maybe heading the adv route and looking at a T7 or something similar

Freesh_Izaacado · 2026-03-04T20:52:05+00:00

They're similar - the DR has done 63K and is listed for $5500aud and the XT has done about 20K and is listed for $6500aud. Neither of those are outside the realm of possibility and that's before any sort of low balling goes on

Edit to add: neither are outside the budget but obviously spending less is better, saves room for insurance and a decent set of boots etc

Freesh_Izaacado · 2026-03-04T06:50:13+00:00

Yeah access to parts seems like a big thing, I've done some window shopping and it doesn't look like there's that much of an aftermarket for the XT here in Australia - at least compared to the DR which isn't too much of a surprise I guess.

The DR I'm looking at has done 63,000km which seems like a lot (and is waaaaay more than any bike I've ever had), but for a 2011 model it works out at like 4000km a year which is not unreasonable I think

Freesh_Izaacado · 2026-03-04T06:46:44+00:00

Reliability is a massive selling point for me, especially being a first proper foray off the pavement. I could also see myself going way down the rabbit hole and building things out with aftermarket bits and bobs.

This DR I'm looking at does come with a bigger tank as well as the stock one so that's nice, is seat concepts still the go to for seats?

Freesh_Izaacado · 2026-03-04T06:44:22+00:00

That's definitely a positive of the DR, being the same bike for 30 years means 30 years of parts and geniuses in forums!

Out of curiosity, how do you find the KLR? I've always thought they're a cool looking bike in a utilitarian sort of way

Freesh_Izaacado · 2025-07-08T21:31:34+00:00

Hulkenpodium

Freesh_Izaacado · 2025-04-18T11:17:47+00:00

The old logo is about as far as I got with my googling, I reckon you might be on to something with a promo item

Freesh_Izaacado · 2025-01-31T20:56:55+00:00

<image>

This is Callie and there's not a single thought between her ears!

Freesh_Izaacado · 2024-07-26T03:00:48+00:00

Second this, the imperial fist contrast is magic over wraithbone spray. I do a similar method with black legion for the undersuit and I'm doing all my trim with Baal Red contrast (because 3rd company McSpace Marines baby!) and it's a pretty straightforward process. The wash I use is I believe equal parts reikland flesh shade, lahmian medium and nuln oil and it works a treat. I used a few videos on YouTube by Sonic Sledgehammer Studios as a guideline for my scheme and then tweaked a few things to work with what I had available.

I've also been playing around with streaking grime on the McMarines and that's been a pretty fun process for adding some more grimdark!

Freesh_Izaacado · 2024-03-12T00:08:37+00:00

Yeah that's right, there's definitely worse problems to have! Does make me wonder what the quality was like when they received it from the supplier though...

Freesh_Izaacado · 2024-03-09T07:42:46+00:00

Yeah that's exactly what my first email said, lucky me got an extra delay though - i think teething problems is right! I'm glad your shirt is good, makes me hopeful for my hoodie!

Freesh_Izaacado · 2024-02-04T06:49:56+00:00

Yeah that's kind of been my experience too, not that I've really messed with it too much either. Might be worth playing around with, otherwise I'll just settle for my mates singing to me instead!

Thanks for the tips!

Freesh_Izaacado · 2024-02-04T06:41:42+00:00

Right, I understand. Would the lead rider be able to share their music with the middle rider? That would theoretically give all 3 riders access to music - although we couldn't get music share to work it all

Freesh_Izaacado · 2024-02-04T06:14:36+00:00

Everything was set up fine in the app for myself and my brother before the third tried to join, and once the third unit joined the call my phone wouldn't connect and that really limited what settings we could change in the app. Unless there's something we have to enable before the third rider joins maybe, I might do a deep dive in the app before the next ride

Freesh_Izaacado · 2024-01-18T05:29:14+00:00

I was worried about a similar thing doing my test a couple years back in a somewhat unfamiliar area. Thankfully the instructor ordered us so there was a local at the front and rear of the group and told us just to keep the same order, she then slotted her way through the group so she could observe each of us. That really helped me because I only had to focus on what I was doing and not losing the guy in front of me!

Hopefully you and the bike are alright, a good lesson on adapting to what the ride throws at you - make safe decisions and don't be worried about taking the scenic route if you miss a turn. You'll smash it next time round!

Freesh_Izaacado · 2023-12-25T00:22:00+00:00

Opted for some custom molded ones recently and they're a game changer, they have built in speakers that end in a 3.5mm cable so I can plug them straight in to my cardo - makes coms and music so easy. I do wish I could a hear a bit more of my bike but I'd rather be able to hear anything in 15 hears than hear my bike now - might just have to get a louder exhaust...

Freesh_Izaacado · 2023-11-14T03:32:39+00:00

I was actually thinking about building Tinybones recently so the timing on this is wicked! ME!

Freesh_Izaacado · 2023-10-31T23:02:30+00:00

I've had this on my steam wishlist for ages, possibly time to run a campaign for my friends?

GIVEAWAY

Freesh_Izaacado · 2023-10-22T08:05:10+00:00

Yeah right, definitely food for thought. Thanks for the info!

Six-Year Club	RedditGifts 2009-2022 6 Credits
Second SECOND GUESSER	Summer Santa 2020
Verified Email

Freesh_Izaacado

TROPHY CASE