I think that's what most of us did! However, it cost under �5000 at the time... whereas I can see what GLUGo is saying - that is a lot more money to put down on something you've not seen... still, Ducati buyers do it all the time x

That said, If it is half as good as the 660 turned out to be, their money will be wisely spent x

I bought my 660 s/h through a private sale without riding it first.

I wouldn't have done the same buying new. In fact one of the things that ended my thoughts of buying new was the reluctance I experienced from dealers to let me ride the bloody thing - one basically said "if you agree to buy it, then we'll let you ride it". Eh?

(the other factors were the price rise, and the end of the 0% offer)

But I know plenty of people who have bought bikes they've not even seen brand new, even over �10k. Funnily enough with what JMo said, the one that springs to mind is a mate who's currently got a deposit down on a new Multistrada, which he'll see for the first time when he picks it up in April.

I know why I am getting the 660 Tenere next.

Nice try.

Right, just back from 'seeing it in the flesh' at the Dortmund Bike Show.

Firstly, I should say that it was on a revolving pedastal, with a bannner and video loop behind it (vizualise a mixture of sand dune shots with technical blueprint-type images, with usual Sudenese/Egyptian/North African music) and .... they wouldn't let anyone near it, let alone sit on it/paw it/remove bits!!

I read all of the comments on this and other threads. I was of the opinion that I'd be interested in buying the bike myself, accepting the fact that it was never going to be a more-powerful version of my 660Ten. Now that I've sen it my thoughts are ...... unless it rides exceptionally well (and I do mean exceptionally well), I won't touch it with the proverbial barge pole. All of you who said it's like a lardy Varadero .... I think you're right, even more apparent in the flesh. God it's ugly. That tank, from the rear view is IMMENSE, just like the Honda's. It is clearly a road-biased machine, with the name of an adventure bike. If I'd not seen the hype and was just looking at it 'cold', I'd say it's a slightly 'adventurised' FJR1300!!

In other words, I think it looks like a tourer. Nothing wrong with that, if it turns out to perform better than other tourers, or you want an semi-adventure looking touring bike (V Strom?), with a Yamaha badge. Won't know until I ride one, but I'd be surprised if it tours as well as an acknowledged 'tourer'. Anyone who takes it off-road is uber-talented/careless-of-risk/has more money than sense. I just can't see it. If it does fall (and it will), I think the people here are right .... expect a lot of expensive damage. Hell, though I didn't sit on it, I'm doubtful as to whether you'll be able to stand properly without adding 3 inch bar risers.

To sum it up for me, as a few people have already said, I'd DEFINATELY take the 660Ten (let's say �4,000 for a low-mileage used one) and something like a V Strom 1000 for touring (let's say �3,000 for a low mileage 04/05 model) and a good little technical trailee (lets say a DR at �850 or an EXC at �1500). Total cost around �8,500 + a few hundred for additional insurance/MOT/tax/etc. It would, of course, be possible to change that combination of particular bikes of course, but the general point is valid I think.

Being called for my dinner, so will post later on specifics about orders/availability/ABS/engime modes/protection/etc.

Watch this space ....

..... a few questions I asked, mostly om behalf of OGR (previous post). Please remember that this is from Yamaha Germany:

- Ordering/Delivery? - in two stages I was told. Place order online (from about a week or two's time) then foolow-up arrangements to collection from nominated dealership.

- Room under seat? - not the rear, which is remvable to be used for extra luggage etc. Yes, under the front. Apparently, the front seat height is adjustable, which should enable at least provide enough room for comms system, etc. He would not show me however (even when I stayed till it had closed and no-one was around). Interestingly, he said the right hand side front engine panel, covering the fuse box, has been deliberately designed to allow extra room for comms devices and the like (!?).

- Can you switch off ABS? - No.

Any protection for the suspension F/R? - No. Up to the individual. Yam view is that it could hide or mask problems (huh?) like oil weeping under fork gaiters and the like. Unlikely to be offered as an extra.

- Traction control? - can be turned on and off apparently. Affects throttle only, not engine power, cuts-in when sensor detects loss of grip.

- Engine modes? - 'T' touring for economy and smoother delivery. 'S' for sport, more rapid response on throttle. I'm not at all mechanically minded, but I think he was saying that, again, it changes throttle/delivery and does not change/reduce power.

Couple of other things that are not Super Ten but might have some bearing. New Multistrada .... lovely, especially in white, looks slim in comparison, but .... has a similar two-stage seat. When I sat on it (take note Yamaha - what ya got to hide?) the rise to the rear bit really gets in the way, you can feel it pushing against your back. Limits options to move round back and for.

- KTM 990 Adventurer .... nice when standing, has that same proper 'higher front-endy feeling that the 660 Ten has. But what a seat. Think you'd be likely to spend the entire journey standing up!

Bikes I liked best (personal subjective and nothing to do with Super Ten but) .... KTM990SMT/SuzukiRMZ450Enduro.

Most boring bikes ... all the Hondas (yawn). Mind, they did say the decision about a bigger/lighter adventure ike was still being discussed. If it goes, likely to be more like a 1000cc transalp than a varadero.

Finally, count yourself lucky to be bying in the UK. Clothing etc even at the show were a good 20% higher than the equivalent in the UK. I went to buy an Airohs4, some Tech3's and a digi cam, but have decided to get them mail order from UK, much cheaper, even with postage costs.

Enjoyed it all the same.

:icon_lol: great review, what was for dinner :yahoo:proof will be in the pudding!

Thanks LOOPYDOG that is most informative,

Piss poor show that they would not even let you sit on it or look under the seat. Perhaps they have only got the one ready so far and it is doing the circuit.

I've still got the green light from SWAMBO but am not 100% sure myself. I still love my 660 but as said before it is not big enough. My GSA is adequate but I do not trust it....

Decisions.....decisions.

I can afford the �13.5k provided I ditch the GSA and SWAMBO wants me to keep the 660 but it is difficult to store it when you live in a motorhome. (The 1200 will be on a trailer whilst in Europe).

BUT, �13.5K is a lot of money and it does not stop there, when I park the MH up and jump on the bike to do the RTW bit, the carnet fees will be horrible. For example, for Egypt: �13.5k x 8 = �108k deposit required in a bank or just over �5k for a years insurance (just for the carnet)

I will probably make my decision on Monday when the web site allows orders....

Ray

I see exactly where you're coming from Ray.

If you're truly looking for a trail-style tourer, with good pillion comfort and an engine that won't be stressed, it might, or might not, be the best one on the market. In a way, that's the difficulty of the choice - there's no real way of telling until you ride it, preferably a mate's for a weekend at least. Doesn't seem likely given the price and limited supply. In other words, it's going to be bought blind, a gamble that might bring massive disappointment or a smug, self-satisfied grin!

It also has the all-important tuning forks of course. And the undoubted pleasure that comes with owning something that's new and exclusive.

I was in a similar, but different boat. Was seriously considering one, as I'll keep my XT660Z & EXC250, I was really looking for a replacement for my VStrom Thou - a bigger, pillion-friendly, trail-style TOURER, but much more modern and hi tech. I thought the new Super Ten might have been that bike. Having seen it, it still might be, but I'm not so sure now. Enough to make me wait. I was just so disappointed when I actually looked at it - especially when I was sitting on other bikes that would have fitted the same bill for me for less money and were more of a known quantity.

Having ridden VStrom/Varadero/Multistrada/Capanord/Adventure, I just can't see it being 8-10 grand better (�3-�5k for a good low mileage example) for a very specific role. In other words, the exclusivity and branding come at a very expensive cost. It was when I looked at it that way that I realised my heart was trying to rule my head.

I'll stay with the Strom for now, until we know for sure what the bike is like. I'd guess prices (used and new) will drop in a year or two.

I hope you make the right decision for you. Let us know what you decide and we look forward to hearing the reports (u can see that if I was a betting man I'd bet on you getting one!!!!)

You were correct......just ordered one. I had a struggle justifying the cost but SWAMBO nudged me into it.

Lets face it, if your boss wants it too, what more could I need to make the decision. Thanks again for your help.

Ray

Absolutely right Ray .... ALWAYS do what the boss says. Over the moon for you both (and just ever so ENVIOUS lol). It's going to be fun .....Enjoy!

' For those about to rock .... WE SALUTE YOU'