The following test is rather difficult to name. It will not be a comparison, but rather an exchange of impressions.
The "forces" at work:
- The Yamaha XTX 660 has been my companion for over a year, totalling some 11,000km and equipped with the "roule toujours" pack (handlebar and top case protectors), the rest being strictly original.
- The MT 03 with which I'm going to do a bit of riding has only 40 km ... so I'll be good with the right-hand handle ... I promise!!!
First impressions :
The XTX and MT 03 are side-by-side, and it's fair to say that the comparison is "sizeable": seat height of 875 mm for the XTX and 805 mm for the MT.
The MT 03 on its own gives a well-balanced look, and the bike is both engaging and rewarding. However, next to the
XTX, it looks small, and God knows how much a biker prefers to have a big one between his legs! On the other hand, the XTX's reasonable size means that the rider's feet are more likely to be flat on the ground, whereas if he's not at least 1.80m tall, he's more likely to be a dancer.
Still on the subject of statics, the MT has a more cosseted look: the stitched suede seat, the beefier controls, the front brake adjustment, the dashboard with rpm counter stamped with the MT logo...
On the other hand, the XTX is more stripped-down (apart from the seat, which seems more comfortable, especially for the passenger): no rev counter, just a digital speedometer, 2 trip masters and various indicator lights. Speaking of warning lights, those on the MT are almost invisible. With a smoked visor, it's not always easy to see if the green neutral light is on...
Allez hop ... contact:
The MT has not resisted the trend for sliding contactors. Its own is located on top of the attractive 15-liter fuel tank. Aesthetically, this clears the view, but when installing a tank bag, be careful not to magnetize the key-ring, or you'll end up with scratches.
When it comes to tank bags, the XTX doesn't fare much better. The pointed side of the tank, which has the same capacity as the MT, makes installation difficult.
The sound emitted by the exhausts is surprisingly the same! Despite, on the one hand, a double outlet passing underneath (be careful not to flatten them when crossing sidewalks!!!), and then on the side of the tank, the sound of the exhaust is surprisingly the same !), then on the side of the seat (the XTX), and on the other hand, a tailpipe that follows the engine sideways to join a single silencer that splits into 2 large tailpipes under the seat (the MT03), reminiscent of the SuperDuke.
In terms of handling, the biggest differences are noticeable:
Starting with an engine of virtually identical power (3hp less for the MT) and equivalent weight (give or take 500g), what could possibly cause these differences?
First of all, there's one less tooth in the drivetrain, and the MT's revs are much more deliberate, revealing a more playful temperament on smaller roads, especially 
since the fork does a stiffer and better-damped job than on the XTX.
The flexibility of the XTX fork means that you can't enter a bend at over 120km/h.
This famous tooth also has a negative side... at 5,000rpm, in fifth gear, the bike is travelling at... 100km/h. With the red zone at 7,500rpm, we're going to have to seriously select the roads on the MT itinerary!
As is often the case in Belgium, I was also able to test the rain protection, and here the 2 bikes are equal, but in different places!
The XTX's aggressive, high front mudguard doesn't stop the mud from painting your jacket, gloves and upper thighs, thanks to the water that runs over it.
On the MT, on the other hand, it's the no less superb lights/plate holder assembly that does absolutely nothing to prevent mud from staining the saddle, your back and your bag.
Unfortunately, given the gloomy weather, I wasn't able to get a precise idea of how the MT behaves when you "attack a little". In this respect, the XTX's footpeg rubbing is a real disadvantage. In fact, the footrests are surrounded by a rubber strip that rips off as you touch them ... not cool!
So, for a difference of 400 Euros, which one to choose?
Once again, the question is always the same: what's the main use?
If long duo rides are on the agenda, the XTX.
If it's limited to commuting, in town or on back roads, the MT. In both cases, these bikes are quite versatile, and will be of great service to you in any case, and look great too.
Whether you're a superbiker by temperament or a design enthusiast, both the XTX and MT 03 are made for you.
Happy riding.
A +
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha XT 660 X 2006 | Yamaha MT-03 2006 | ||||||||
Chassis |
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| Nombre de places | |||||||||
| Frame | |||||||||
| cadre tubulaire type Diamond | tubulaire type Diamond | ||||||||
| Fuel capacity | |||||||||
| 15 liters (3.96 US gallons) | 15 liters (3.96 US gallons) | ||||||||
| Oil capacity | |||||||||
| Seat height | |||||||||
| Seat height : 865 mm (34.06 in) | Seat height : 805 mm (31.69 in) | ||||||||
| Length | |||||||||
| Length : 2,175 mm (85.63 in) | Length : 2,070 mm (81.50 in) | ||||||||
| Width | |||||||||
| 860 mm (33.86 in) | 860 mm (33.86 in) | ||||||||
| Height | |||||||||
| Min height : 1,170 mm (46.06 in) | Min height : 1,115 mm (43.90 in) | ||||||||
| Ground clearance | |||||||||
| Wheelbase | |||||||||
| 1,490 mm (58.66 in) | 1,420 mm (55.91 in) | ||||||||
| Dry weight | |||||||||
| 169 kg | 175 kg | ||||||||
| Curb mass | |||||||||
| Weight when fully loaded | |||||||||
| 185 kg | 192 kg | ||||||||
| Brake assist | |||||||||
Front axle |
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| Suspension | |||||||||
| Telescopic fork Ø 43 mm | Telehydraulic fork Ø 41 mm | ||||||||
| Wheel travel | |||||||||
| 225 mm (8.86 in) | 130 mm (5.12 in) | ||||||||
| Angle de chasse | |||||||||
| Setting | |||||||||
| Brake | |||||||||
| Braking 1 disc Ø 320 mm (12.6 in), 4-piston caliper | Braking 2 discs Ø 298 mm (11.73 in), 2-piston caliper | ||||||||
| Wheel | |||||||||
| Front tire : 120 / 70 - 17 | Front tire : 120 / 70 - 17 | ||||||||
| Pressure | |||||||||
| 2.1 bar | |||||||||
| Handlebars | |||||||||
Transmission |
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| Gearbox | |||||||||
| 5 stage gearbox | 5 stage gearbox | ||||||||
| Transmission | |||||||||
| Secondary by chain | Secondary by chain | ||||||||
Rear axle |
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| Suspension | |||||||||
| Mono-damper | Mono-damper | ||||||||
| Wheel travel | |||||||||
| 200 mm (7.87 in) | 120 mm (4.72 in) | ||||||||
| Setting | |||||||||
| Brake | |||||||||
| Braking 1 disc Ø 245 mm (9.65 in), single-piston caliper | Braking 1 disc Ø 245 mm (9.65 in), single-piston caliper | ||||||||
| Wheel | |||||||||
| Rear tire : 160 / 60 - 17 | Rear tire : 160 / 60 - 17 | ||||||||
| Pressure | |||||||||
| 2.3 bar | |||||||||
Motor |
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| Motor type | |||||||||
| single-cylinder , 4 strokes | single-cylinder , 4 strokes | ||||||||
| Cooling system | |||||||||
| liquid | liquid | ||||||||
| Fuel system | |||||||||
| injection | Injection | ||||||||
| Fuel | |||||||||
| Starting system | |||||||||
| Timing | |||||||||
| 1 ACT | 1 ACT | ||||||||
| Number of valves | |||||||||
| 4 valves per cylinder | 4 valves per cylinder | ||||||||
| Displacement | |||||||||
| 659 cc, Bore x stroke: 100 x 84 mm | 659 cc, Bore x stroke: 100 x 84 mm | ||||||||
| Power | |||||||||
| 47.3 ch to 6,000 rpm | 44.4 ch to 6,000 rpm | ||||||||
| With compressed air | |||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| Compression | |||||||||
| 10.1:1 | 10:1 | ||||||||
| Torque | |||||||||
| 5.95 mkg to 5,250 rpm | 5.73 mkg to 5,250 rpm | ||||||||
| With compressed air | |||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| Émission sonore | |||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| Motorcycle can be restricted to 34ch (A MTT1 Permit) | |||||||||
| No | No | ||||||||
| Motorcycle can be restricted to 48ch (French A2 Permit) | |||||||||
| No | No | ||||||||
Options/Equipment |
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Practical information |
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| The advantages | |||||||||
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| The disadvantages | |||||||||
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| Performance | |||||||||
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| Price | |||||||||
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| Country of manufacture | |||||||||
Compare |
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Fuel consumption
Yamaha XT 660 X 2006
: 6 liters/100km (0.39 mpg)
Yamaha MT-03 2006
: 5.20 liters/100km (0.45 mpg)
Range
Yamaha XT 660 X 2006
: 250 km (155 miles)
Yamaha MT-03 2006
: 288 km (179 miles)
Torque
Yamaha XT 660 X 2006
: 5.95 mkg
Yamaha MT-03 2006
: 5.73 mkg
Power
Yamaha XT 660 X 2006
: 48 ch (47.30 hp)
Yamaha MT-03 2006
: 45 ch (44.40 hp)
Power-to-Weight ratio
Yamaha XT 660 X 2006
: 3.57 kg/ch
Yamaha MT-03 2006
: 3.94 kg/ch
Torque-to-Weight ratio
Yamaha XT 660 X 2006
: 28.4 kg/mkg
Yamaha MT-03 2006
: 30.54 kg/mkg
Speed
Yamaha XT 660 X 2006
: 160 km/h (99.40 mph)
Yamaha MT-03 2006
: approximately 165 km/h (102.50 mph)
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