Crossover with street sport character
Over 50% of respondents classified supermotard in the street sport category rather than on-off (11,5 % only). And indeed the XT 660 X (X stands for crossover) is the first supermotard which is more than just a modified on-off. The wide 17 inch tyres and the big 320 mm floating disc brake with a Brembo 4 pot calliper are ingredients from racing, as well as the modified stiffer suspension. And the XT 660 X is the first big supermotard by a major manufacturer, which is fully fit for road use without restrictions. This proven engine is reliable enough to ride it in all the various conditions of daily life on the highway, in city traffic or on alpine roads. Its 15 litre fuel tank provides enough range even for longer journeys and it handles a passenger.

The XT 660 R on the other hand is a true dual purpose machine to its best. The concept has matured over the years and whether used for touring, city riding, light off-road or adventure trips, the XT 660 R will do the job.

Totally new hardware
In spite of both concepts, supermotard and dual purpose being well defined and known for years, the bike's "hardware" is totally new. Only the displacement of 660 cc was carried over from the former engine used in the XTZ 660 Téneré.

The new single features a new 4 valve cylinder head with larger diameter valves and is feed by a fuel injection system. To make this high performance single benefit from the latest technology developments, a new aluminium cylinder runs a forged piston in a ceramic composite plated bore.

The generator's new lightweight rotor supports an instant throttle pick up. Combined with the advantages of the injections system the new single offers an astonishing throttle response already at low rpm, which makes sporty riding more exciting. The new 5 speed gearbox is developed to offer smoothness and efficiency whatever the riding conditions are.

Engine Technical Highlights

• 660cc liquid-cooled single cylinder 4 stroke
• New SOHC 4-valve cylinder head design
• Rocker arms equipped with roller bearings
• 10:1 compression ratio
• Forged piston and ceramic composite plated cylinder
• Compact radiator with cooling fan
• High torque output across wide operating range
• Fuel injection with big bore 44 mm throttle body
• Dual exhaust ports
• Dual stainless steel up-mufflers with dual catalysers
• Complies with EU-2 emissions regulations
• Compact overall dimensions for a 660 cc engine
• Lightweight rotor
• Durable slick-shifting transmission
• Separate clutch cover for easy maintenance

Chassis
The redesigned chassis is still a tubular construction, which offers the best performance for a dual purpose machine like the XT. However to increase rigidity (now 60% stiffer) the new chassis has two top frame tubes instead of one on the previous models. To keep the weight as low as possible the engine is a stressed member. To complement with the stiffer chassis, the Paioli front fork has thick 43 mm tubes and 225 mm wheel travel to ensure comfort on all type of terrain.

The rear suspension with 200 mm wheel travel has a 5-step preload adjuster to compensate for a wide variety of load conditions. An immobiliser system and U lock storage space helps to protect the bike against theft.

Chassis Technical highlights

• Tubular steel diamond type frame
• Dual tank rails
• Taper roller steering head bearings
• 43 mm diameter Paioli front forks
• 225 mm front wheel travel
• 5-step preload adjustable Monocross rear suspension
• 200 mm rear wheel travel
• Lightweight aluminium wheel rims, 21" front, 17" rear
• 298 mm floating front disc brake
• 2-piston Brembo front caliper
• 245 mm rear disc brake
• Single piston Brembo rear caliper
• 15-litre fuel tank with integral fuel pump
• New design front fender and fork protector
• Low level rear front fender
• Multi-reflector 60/55 W headlight
• Compact headlight cowl with windscreen
• Multi-function LCD digital speedometer
• Main switch with immobiliser
• U-lock storage space 

The XT is totally new in 2004, but the designers and engineers took great care, that the bike still has the soul of the XT. It is simple, reliable and easy to work on. Good accessibility of spark plug, valve adjustment and many other parts make it fun to work on. The honest thumper engine will do exactly what the rider wants and bring him anywhere. Like in the previous decades of XT, riders will have a long-lasting relationship with this machine.

Photo Gallery: 2003-XT660X and XT660R

Click to enlarge.