XT660Z Passenger & Backseat
 

Hi,

I'm planning to buy an used XT660Z here in Istanbul. My plan is to use it for long distance travel, commute and some off-road (%60,%20,%20).

I'm absolutely in love with Tenere,although haven't ridden one yet :)

On paper it seems like a very capable bike....and looks good also. I have searched and read a lot about XT660Z's backseat and passenger comfort, but couldn't find anything in detail....

Just sold my bike, which was a Harley Davidson Nightster 1200....I've been riding for 8 years and I always rode cruisers/choppers.... I always wanted start adventure riding but couldn't allocate enough resource for 2 bikes...therefore I sold my custom Harley last week.

My only concern before buying a XT660Z is passenger comfort.... From what I read so far I always heard below issues with Tenere:

- Vibration
- Noise

As an Ex-Harley rider its very difficult for me to understand the level of vibration which irritates those riders :)

Again I don't think that noise will be a big deal for me....

Only thing remains is the backseat and how comfortable XT660Z for passenger for long distance travels (on paved roads of course).

I will be putting panniers and a top case.....Now with passenger on my back how comfortable XT660Z is ???

Are there any aftermarket items to improve passenger comfort ?

I checked both TransAlp and Tenere....TransAlp maybe more logical for me, but I have 0 intention to buy one....

Thanks for your feedback already...

Alp

Welcome on board mate and phew, another one is saved from cruiser culture hehe. You will never have a Tenere passenger as happy as a Cruiser passenger cos the bike is soooo much more slim and high up and built for the purpose, comfort is not a major consideration (well not really ever a minor one to be honest!!). I suggest some rubber covers on the footrests (to reduce the vibration) is a good idea, and then some seat cover or cushion maybe??? Comments please guys!!!

I have done a fair few Kilometres 2 up with my wife on the back of my Tenere, she seems to find it ok. I have a H&B Top box and she just rests back on that, I'm normally the one that wants to stop and stretch my legs before she does :)

I only had a very short experience with my wife as a passenger and she didn't like it very much but she always complain :tongue3: so I couldn't help you very much...

Thanks for the feedback guys...and same here Jaume :)

Well my previous Harley is basically a SportSter, which is not a huge one, but with a decent V-twin (1200). No back rest or sissy bar, nothing, therefore 2 up is pain in the a..

I test rode a TransAlp, nice bike though, but I'm more interested in Tenere.

@ Simon,

What kind of cushions I can use on Tenere...something like AirHawk ? or any seat conversion kits you can recommend to me ?

I rode Argentina to Las Vegas 2 up. It was pretty tight for me and her but she liked the feeling of being 'wedged in'. You have to consider yourself riding 2 up aswell. I had no room to lean back or stretch out so would become very uncomfortable. She had a small 'airhawk' as the seat is crap. As has been said, it's just not really designed for 2 up but it's perfectly doable.

Different opinions, my previous bike was a R1200GS and did a lot of duo rides. My girlfriend finds the Tenere just as comfortable as the BMW...

Best so far for my wife!
 

Since we've been married, I've had a BMW K1200S, G650X, KTM Super Enduro, and now the Lil Tenere. By far, my very long legged wife has enjoyed the sitting comfort of the Tenere better than any of my other bikes. I have a GIVI topcase that she rests against. YMMV.



As you can see, we are both very tall. But we are comfortable together on this bike.
http://i.imgur.com/DUmpnh.jpg

Good pic!!! I would try the bike with her and see what she thinks. If she finds it uncomfortable then I would leave her..........hehehe.

(Perhaps this is because I just left my wife and chose instead life with my 7 er 8 bikes...)