Nadpis

Yamaha XT 660 X Supermoto

I glanced across at my riding companions on this world launch. The European journalists already know all about the benefits of single-cylinder dirt-bikes with road wheels and brakes. Supermotard-style motorcycles are riding a surge of popularity on the other side of the world but Yamaha is taking a bit of gamble in other markets.

The XT660X goes on sale in Australia within a few months. If it can be priced around $A10,000 it has a fighting chance against middleweight naked bikes. This supermoto bike will be followed by an enduro version, the XT660R.

Where the XT stands out is its versatility and ease of use. The launch route reminded me of riding in California's San Gabriel Mountains and the coastal Highway 1. It wound from the Rocks in busy central Sydney, up freeways to dirt trails alongside the Hawkesbury River, and then some canyon carving on paved backroads. It's as much fun as you'll have on a bike and all within the legal speed limits of 35 mph in built-up areas, 70 mph on freeways and 65mph on country roads.