Parked on a frozen lake
Can anyone tell me what model mine is? It's a 660 from 1992 but the registration papers call it a xt660z?

Not sure that's correct,I imported it from Sweden

https://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model ... n%2092.htm

The exact model is in your frame number.
For example, what we generally refer to as a 1vj is in fact mostly a 1vk, 2rw (‘87 Swiss) etc. The differences are just for local rules or restrictions. Smaller jets in Swiss carbs, reflectors etc.
You will probably change jets to suit your environment if necessary and remove any restrictive crap you don’t need.
They’re about 25kg heavier than the old ones but better suited to the open road.

Got out to the Big Bend desert in Texas this weekend for a little ride with the boys. Brought my XT500 while everyone else was riding DR650's and new Huskies and KTM's. I was definitely the odd bike out.







The type of riding was miles and miles of dry sandy washes and arroyos with long hill climbs up loose rocks. We went to the Big Bend Ranch State Park which only recently opened up their trails to motorcycles and watched big, new Africa Twins struggle up the hills. The XT500 was perfect, slow, and steady.





My buddy Drew is a better rider than me and he enjoys trying to break the 43-year-old bike. The bike prevailed.





2 years after breaking my second knee this was my first trip out on a bike, and it went well! The bike performed and I survived the trip without injuries.

Our friend's trailer lost a wheel coming home and ground to a sparky halt on the road that borders the Rio Grande River



Only one flat tire the whole trip



And only a little shenanigans





And amazingly the old girl finally rolled 15,000 miles. I bought it 4 years ago as a no start for $750 from the original owner and only needed to put a new CDI into it. Aside from tires and chains it's pretty much how I bought.

The 500 looks Mint! Also a total bargain considering the mileage

My tribute to my Tenere 700.
Hope you like my music video.

Life is a journey, let's ride | My Tenere 700 song

https://youtu.be/Nqkubb_5X6Y

Longtime,good to see all still ticking along here

Noraly Schoenmaker from the Netherlands, aka Itchy Boots, is taking on Asia on a heavily modified 1VJ, in season 8 of her travel saga. An excellent choice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dj-i8vMkm8w

Lots of pictures and videos!

Andy

Goofing around with the 500 this weekend. Trying to practice lifting the front wheel and maybe get around to a proper pivot turn. For now it’s passive rock sitting and mountain vistas.

Great way to spend a holiday