XT660Z write up in this months BIKE magazine
 

This months bike has a fairly favourable write up of the XT660Z tenere.

Let me guess, they call it underpowered and complain that it doesn't handle like a sportsbike?

They will also say its really tall and top heavy. Mind it is seemingly getting more popular to praise adv style bikes, sportsbike are a dying breed:team[1]:

It takes me where I want to go and that can be some weird places. A GS would be out of it's league. Ask Fiddich. lol

I just read (most) of the article, which was actually pretty good. The comparison is Suzuki V Strom, Triumph Tiger, Honda Transalp & the XT Ten. The Ten got a good write up, & came in joint first with the Transalp, based on this type of motorcycle. I realise this is statistically pointless though! It was described as 'light', 'Easy to handle, especially off-road...' etc. Basically described as one of the better dual-sport machines available.
I have subscribed to Bike for a while now, but find the magazine seems to get thinner every month. A sing of the times mirroring the entire motorcycle industry, perhaps??

It pains me to say it, but what they say about the Tenere is pretty damn accurate.

what they said that
 

Your spokes will be a rusty mess within 6 months if they aren't polished daily?

Haven't read the article but it would be of more interest to me if the F800GS was included. That's the only other bike that to me (seems to) compare with the Tenere's ruggedness and fuel efficiency.

I agree, the Tiger... Transalp .. VStrom.. ?? they really are nothing like the Tenere, like each other yes.

Having both a Tiger and a Ten, I say they compliment each other. There is no way they are similar in ride, speed, delivery, ability they are all different.

Why wouldn't you throw a
 

KTM 690 R into the mix?

A friend bought one and thinks its great.