Supermotard - the Yamaha way

The XTX’s 660cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke single is built to last, but it’s also built to perform. It boasts a specially designed SOHC 4-valve cylinder head with high intake efficiency and a 10:1 compression ratio.

Inside the lightweight cylinder head, rocker arms with roller bearings are fitted (the first Yamaha motorcycle so fitted), reducing friction-related power loss (50% less than without bearings).

Inside that formidable cylinder lives a lightweight aluminium forged piston, with an anodised head surface treated to reduce oil consumption and increase heat resistance.

The aluminium XTX cylinder is ceramic composite plated to improve heat radiation and reduce oil consumption, while a cylinder skirt cutaway reduces pumping loss.

Throw in a light crankshaft for low reciprocating mass, and a return-less fuel injection system with 44m bigbore throttle bodies and you’re looking at a smooth, crisp delivery, instant grunt and an exhilarating mid-range when you need it.

A lot of lightweight dirt bikes might feel nervous on the road, but remember, this is your road bike that just happens to be your supermotard…

While the steering might be pleasantly quick, the strong, diamond frame and steel swing arm boasts plenty of torsional and lateral rigidity.

The lightweight 17-inch Excel front wheel carries a 320mm floating front disc gripped by four Brembo aluminium piston calipers, while a plush Kayaba shock with five step preload adjuster and beefy 43mm Paioli fork with generous 200mm travel cope easily with rough secondary roads