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