XT660Z vs KTM Duke 690
 

Hello,

Sorry this may seem like an odd comparison.

I'm looking to get a new/used XT660Z but having a lot of trouble finding a demo one. My local dealear suggested I try out the KTM Duke as it has a similar single cyclinder engine.

After an hours ride out the KTM seems like a really fun bike, very puncy off the line but at higher speeds (60MPH+) the vibrations coming through the handlebars would seem to great for comfortable long distance travelling also in order to keep the KTM responsive at these speeds I had to stay in a lower gear which made the vibrations even worse.

Has anyone got experience of both bikes and can offer a comparison or are the points I mentioned a trait of all single cylinder bikes?

Thanks in advance

I never rode a Katoom, but I can say that the XT660Z is a smooth bike, for a thumper. Still now at over 82.000km's, it's runnin' very smooth, hardly any vibes, even the mirrors have a clear view on the highway at higher revs. At least on mine, in my experience. Although both are thumpers, they're completely different bikes, hardly comparable imho. If you seek power, go for the KTM; if you want an allround allroad travelbike, which also performs well offroad, go for the XT660Z.
Just some thoughts, greetz, Hans.

New Duke 690 is around 70 bhp, quite a bit more than XT660, & also much lighter. Tenere goes offroad, Duke does not. Not sure why your dealer suggested the comparison.....
I have an X, which may possibly be compared to a KTM 690 SM, but even then, they're very different machines.

The only similarity between the two bikes is that they have one cylinder? Both designed for totally different purposes; like comparing chalk and cheese! ;)

Thanks for the replies so far, I was kind of thinking in the same thing myself.

I don't want to unfairly discount the XT as the upright seating position and 23 Litre tank will really be suitable for what I want to do. Reading some other riders adventures doesn't make me want it even less


Guess I better keep hunting around.

When I was in your position I just went on Auto trader and found a dealer with one in stock and went and took it for a test ride! It's now mine :)

You already know the answer......


I would never rely on a dealer (or anyone else trying to sell me something) that one bike is like another in any respect (apart from maybe the number of wheels or colour, possibly even fuel type).

You have to decide if you are willing to buy a bike without a test ride (like many Tenere owners have, me included), or not. That is all you really need to do, after that the rest will follow.

The Tenere is a very able bike, but not everyone likes it. If you crave power, then it's probably not for you, if you have a problem with a high bike, again it's probably not for you.

I always like the phrase "you can go fast, but I can go anywhere", it suits the Tenere well.

Are you related to Socrates, sir? Good philosophy, and very true imo.

I am going to use that one on my brother and his poofy road bikes. Always bagging out a humble Tenere owner. Bad brother.:bootyshake:

I hasten to add that I am referring to my brother's road bikes, in case anyone gets upset thinking I'm bagging out their moped. Whew...

There are some things to note ref vibes.
They are worse at 4k so stay above or below that. If it has had the oe bar weights removed the vibes will be worse.
Once it has been fitted with the pipe, filers, fuel mode it runs better.
A big single needs a change in riding style and attitude.

I bought mine over the phone from a dealer and never tried one first. I have absolutely no regrets. This machine does what it says on the tin and more. You just wouldn'd believe where it's been. Takes me where I want to go.

I definitely don't crave power guess that's why I'm happy with my SV (except on longer rides) but I have already rode the Triumph Tiger XC and loved it which would seem more road capable yet doesn't have as big a tank for the longer unsupported rides. The other competition is the F800GS.

Both of these bikes are bigger 800cc compared to the XT, the XT got on the list because of it's height and large tank size. The question is still out on if I'd take it off road or not.

While it's a capable enough road bike, if that's all you were going to use it for there are better bikes out there imo.

What makes the Tenere so appealing is its easy do-it-all nature, as has been pointed out already. It thrives on its versatility, I think. Just restricting it to the road would require a dramatic re-think to most people, since it asks for a more patient approach to road work. And, to be honest, dirt work as well, since it's no mx-er. But it copes remarkably well, even outside its design brief, again imo.

That's the point! After the first 250 km (about 155 miles) I decided to give it a try in deep mud. And I really did not expect such a good performance, as my other moto is a 50 kg lighter dirt bike. Even this sh*tty Tourance tyres worked quite well, if you keep their street orientated profile in mind.

I really feared to get scratches on my new bike, but as the weight distribution is very good I got now problems besides a little bit of dirt...
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Cia�
Solitario

HI if you wan't bling go for a KTM, no off road capabilities.Yes a few vibes.The xt660z is a bit in the middle ride at the right speed no vibes,yes it has off road capabilities altho basic.KTM parts are expensive.Yamaha some are some arnt. :102:Yes ive had several KTM'S i think the xt660z is a better all rounder.:gbxtank:

Now here I can comment. There is a very slight overlap between the XC and the XT. The XT is capable of going everywhere the XC is, only it has half the power, so overtakes are a little more 'considered'. The XC isn't as 'long range' comfortable as the XT and the XC has an awful hand/peg/seat geometry that needs money spent to get it right. The XC is much more of an open road bike, it doesn't handle tight twisty mountain road anything like as well as the XT.

I would say, if you image a chart, and at one end is dirt, the other end is motorway (Urgh!) or fast open road, the XT will ride the dirt better, and fading off towards the motorway. The XC is not, and never will be a dirt bike (despite what Triumph say), but is very good on open fast roads, or motorways. I would never take the XC too far away from a well equipped dealer, but it is a mighty fine 2 up tarmac bike and the OE luggage (at �500) is better value than most. It does kick out allot of heat so you need to keep moving.

Tank range on the XC is around 180miles, but mine only has 700 miles on it so it might change. Some claim well over 200, even as high as 250, which I imagine is possible with a calm right hand.

I was hoping for better be honest. I got 150 miles out of my SV on a trip to Scotland and it hadn't even hit reserve. We did a trip round Applecross on the tour and got to admit was getting a little worried about lack of fuel stops

What sort of MPG/Miles do people get out of the 23lites on the XT660Z?

Besides the generally more upright seating position the (hopefully) long tank range is the real plus for me of the XT, to get anything like that size on another bike I'd probably have to look at tourers which is a definate no no.

Once its run in and the cat is taken out then 300 mile tank range (using reserve too). Mine gore onto reserve anywhere from 215 to 240 miles depending on riding style.

I am on my second Z'ed (the first got nicked!) and I set my GPS for 220 miles and when I fill up I always zero the trip. I have on many occasions done at least more than my 'guessed' mileage before reserve, but I have NEVER put more than 18 litres in to refill the tank, even when I have gone into the reserve by maybe 20 miles. I do ride enthusastically and have the DNA filter and Kev mod.:038:

What concerns me is that if I never use the reserve fuel, will it go 'off' over time?:102:.............or have I missed something?

I bought my new Tenere without even sitting on it let alone riding it!

Isn't the 'reserve' the same tank on these bikes, & indeed X & R variants also???

well it is... I used to own a Yamaha MT-03 and a XT660Z Tenere and now own a KTM 690 Enduro.

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A XT660Z Tenere vs KTM 690 Enduro does make sense...

...or a MT-03 vs KTM 690 Duke does make sense.

Before buying the MT-03 I also test drove a 690 Duke.

The KTM LC4 690 is quite a bit different then the Yamaha 660 engine. In short: the KTM aims at 'sport' while the Yamaha aims for 'comfort and endurance'.

That is why the KTM is viby (less balancing weight), rev's up quickly (lighter flywheel), a 'two stage' power curve (felt the power kick at 5000rpm?) and a bit twitchy on the thottle (unless you put the mapping on 'soft') and needs to be ridden with some dedication: keep the revs up.

That is why the Yamaha feels so smooth (for a big single), revs up without to much hurry, has lots of bottom power and is easier to ride: it will toddle along and pull you through any time. An aftermarket slip on muffler, K&N filter and Kev-mod will make it more ... uhm... lively!


So if you want a sporty ride: go KTM. If you want long distance touring: go Yamaha.

Sure you can try to make a tourer out of a KTM, or an athlete out of the Yamaha but it will always show its true nature...

HJ

Even on older bikers I thought it was same tank just with a two different outputs. One part way up the tank the other at the bottom and that's why you risked getting gunk in your engine if you used reserve.

Have I missed the bit where you bought a Tiger?

The only comment I would add on this apparent concern over fuel range is that we live in the UK, there really are quite a lot of petrol stations, and if you are really concerned about not being able to find one within 200 miles then carry a fuel bottle.

Oh and I bought my Tenere without a test ride having ridden big singles before (DR600 x 2) and went from a Hayabusa to it. First ride I thought what the f uck have I done?! It's not at all like the DR's, it's 50kg heavier with the same power output. The seat is uncomfy, the shock is dire, the ergonomics for wind deflection are a joke, the bars are too low if you want to stand up and it isn't very quick at all.
that was 30,000 miles ago.

Yes Tom, i now have a Tenere and a Tiger.

Keep up......

Crikey. I best fasten my seatbelt.

Given up trying to find a dealer with a demo XT so I figured why not tryout the XT in it's true home.

Just booked to go on a days offroading in Wales with the Yamaha Tenere Experience where I'm apparently guaranteed of getting to ride the XT660Z.

Should be fun and hopefully get to see how it rides both on and off road :headbang:

That's right - with a carbed bike (and fuel tap), typically the 'on' position draws from the top of a tube, and the 'reserve' position from nearer the bottom - any 'gunk' is nothing to do with the level of fuel or 'old' fuel, only debris that might be sitting at the bottom of the tank itself (due to gravity), such as rust from a traditional metal tank... To be fair, all fuel taps [should] have a gauze filter as part of the tube, so its unlikely anything would pass into the fuel line - but its worth fitting an inline fuel filter on an older bike, just incase there is residue rust in there for example.

On an EFi bike, there is an electric fuel pump typically sited at the base/lowest point of the tank, which has it's own filter in... the 'reserve' light comes on when a float (typically at the top of the pump) is activated, once the fuel level drops below that point.

However, to answer Steve's original question - fundamentally the fuel is all in the same tank on any bike (unless you have an auxiliary tank on a rally bike for example), so every time you fill up, the new fuel mixes with the older fuel still left in the tank...

Jx

Good plan! If that doesn't convince you to buy one, nothing will!

Jx

I was only joking:053:

I still recon that the Ten has one of the biggest 'standard' tank ranges out of all of the current bikes available.
Even hard riding I can get at least 250miles before having to fill up.:coolsmiley:

Hee hee - I'd sort of hoped you were - thank goodness! Jx

After a random call to another dealer, finally got to ride an XT over the weekend, unfortunately only for 1/2 hour.

The lack of power (compared to my SV) didn't seem that noticeable around town. Unfortunately the dealer was near London so there wasn't much country or fast road to try it out on. Up to 50mph I don't think it suffered from the same vibrations as the KTM and was doing about 3000 rpm at the time so that would make me think it wouldn't be too bad at full motorway speeds. The engine is definitely a bit of a thumper though, considering it was 2012 model they've definately stuck to a tried and tested design.

Compared to the Tiger XC (test rode a few weeks ago) I definitely had to play with the gears more and the ride wasn't as refined but for 75% the cost of the Tiger I can accept some of this.

I loved the commanding view you get from the seat even compared to the XC and it seemed fairly comfortable from someone who's over 6ft. Just about got my feet flat on the floor. Considering the ride height it felt fairly stable on the road and round roundabouts, shame I couldn't get to try it in the twisties.

Overall for fun per pound, it was a very enjoyable bike to ride and it does tick all the boxes but I wouldn't say I fell for it as much as I did the Tiger XC. Ultimately it's going to come down to whether I liked the bike enough to part with the money, the jury is still out on that one.

Have to see what Wales brings and see if a day off-roading with the XT660 brings out the best of her.

Bit late to this as you've managed to ride one, but I'm another that bought my Tenere without riding it... 33,000 miles ago.

My opinion is that if you've owned or ridden any of the 'old tech' faired/big tanked dual-sport bikes - DR650/750/800 (I came from a DR800), Dominator, XTZ660 etc - then you could buy with confidence, there'll be no surprises in terms of handling, power, weight. The Tenere is basically an old-school 1990's bike, but with every single part of it made better with 2000's tech.

There is still no comparable bike in the KTM range - the 690R is an enduro bike on steroids, I'd say you'd have to be doing more off-tarmac than on- to even think about it. I actually quite like the look of the 690 Duke, but it's a very different machine and a very different engine.

...unless you put the mapping in sissy-mode, like I did: it'll eat out of your hand and gas-response is similar to the XT.

agree. The KTM isn't a comfortable tourer...