A Dutchman from Switzerland says 'Hi'
 

Well, 'Hi' :-)

New to this place since this morning, to be able to search your wealth of information on all things XT!

I don't own one, but I'm looking for a bike to take me half way around the world in 2016/2017 and I believe that the XT660Z (or perhaps XT660R) is one of a few candidates to help me achieve that dream. In my eyes, the bike needs only a few essential modifications or accessories to prepare it for the trip. The reason I am looking to buy an XT660Z now, is that I want to get familiar with the bike before I set off. Getting to know it by doing my own services and modifications and learning about the potential problems is essential on a trip from Switzerland to ~Australia via the back of beyond.

I have a question for you connaisseurs already:
XT660Z with or without ABS? There will probably be an increasing number of off-road sections as my confidence builds, but I read that the ABS cannot be turned off? I have a bad feeling about the ABS unnecessarily releasing the brakes on a bumpy stretch! Is there a simple and practical way to turn it off while still remaining good braking control?

I'm sorry if this question has already been answered somewhere on the forum, but the term 'ABS' is apparently too short to be accepted by the search function (strange..)

Thanks! Cheers,
Mark

Welcome on board Mark and your plans sound wonderful!! You sure found the right place to learn all about the XT range of bikes and perhaps the Z would be a better candidate for the much larger fuel tank?? But some experts will surely reply to you soon. Good luck!!

:006: Welcome on board Mark.

Pull the fuse, or fit a switch on the bars to cut the supply? Warning light will come on while it's disabled, so it'll fail an MOT (or whatever road worthiness test you have) and your insurance will be invalid, but I guess none of that matters particularly off the public highway?? Anyhow, you can refit the fuse/flick the switch back easy enough...

Only had one bike with ABS, a GS, and TBH it was (the ABS) nothing but a pain in the arse! Not in terms of braking, but the fact it kept breaking! ;)

:hello: and :welcome: to :660:

Welcome mate, if you want to serach ABS add ABS* to the end of the 3 letters.

Hi

Thanks for the welcome and the good tips. I'm leaning towards a non-ABS version right now. I've read some disturbing stories about XT660Z ABS with knobbly tires on a German forum ( http://www.xt-660.de/forum/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=10893).

Disabling the ABS with a switch can be interpreted as a "deliberate act" by an insurance or the law. A "burnt" fuse can't :D

Thanks guys
Mark