Didn't find turbulence/wind buffeting bad at all on the Tenere, no worse than on the other bikes but there's a bit of vibration through the bars that's all, although not too bad at speed.

Hi and welcome to the forum

after owning both r and z I'd go for the z again, it's better for the adventure riding but if you where just doing smaller runs with more off roads I'd say r with a high raised can. Each have there strengths and weaknesses but it depends what you get use to, can live with/tolerant

Pepsi, thanks for making my choice harder...... :)

But isnt the 950 much heavier\bulkier to maneuver offroad than the Z? I think that could also be a slight deal breaker for me. Im sorta looking at a 2006 950 with a number of mods and 65000km on the clock for US$6000. A good buy??

Maxwell, hi and thanks. You dont own the Ten anymore?

Still got a tenere but don't get to use it as much due to changes in work but I still llove to get out on it, off road, two up, wee few hour rides

A lot has been said and I would like to add few bits:
The Ten for me looks better, has better front brake due to the double disc, has larger tank - here it will be important to answer yourself how you are going to use it? For long trips or for few days fun. The R's tank is enough for between 300 and 340 kms while the Ten will easy cover more than 400. But..... the Ten is heavier due to the mentioned double front disc, larger steel tank and probably few other things. The R, with few mods, can achieve 160-165 kg wet weight which is very good for this type of bike.
Check this out: http://www.twobikesrunning.co.uk
And this: http://horcamoto.com
Both of the above will give you some insight
The engine is practically the same but the Ten is almost surging free which might be an advantage
The R has on board diagnostics while for the Ten you will have to buy a tool.
The list can go long but to sum up I would suggest get the one you like as both are magnificent bikes.
And last but not least - the engine is really bulletproof and the longest running without a problem, here in the forum, is more 190,000 kms a respectful result for a single cylinder.
Would I buy again the R, he'll yes, but I also wouldn't mind a Ten in my garage also :D it is that bad

The Tenere tank is plastic, the R/X's are steel.

As both R and Z weights are quoted wet, you can take off 6Kg from the Z (if you carried like for like amounts of fuel) to make a true comparison, making the Z 19Kg heavier than the R.

Some of the extra weight is indeed in the front hub/discs, the big tank, the fairing assembly and protective plastics, but also the Z has been designed with a much more substantial (and heavier) subframe to support the weight of the Yamaha accessory panniers and top case.

I'm in Oz and we are lucky enough to get access to a lot of big single adv bikes. I currently have an XT660Z Tenere, prior to that I had a 2011 G650GS and prior to that a 2011 KLR. I have bought and sold each of these bikes in rapid succession looking for the "right one".

KLR: Tall and heavy, but has a carbie and therefore no surging and easy to live with. It's old skool but I would have another if I had to. Hardly any vibes. Didn't have the "wow" factor

g650GS: Good allrounder for me. Commuted beautifully, lower seat and hardly any vibes. Had no buffeting problems but head was always in the wind. Didn't have the "wow" factor

Tenere: Vibrates like a ******* but only had 2100km on it when I bought it. Has over 3000km now and seems to be getting smoother!? Throttle is surgy and annoying but I am getting better at rolling on and off to smooth it out. Very tall and heavy with a full tank but I am surprised how more balanced it is than the KLR under same conditions. Newer design and technology than the other two. Looks as sexy as hell and definitely has the "wow" factor. I am really starting to love this bike and look for reasons to ride it, even around the neighbourhood. The screen is very good but wind comes up through the forks and buffets your helmet around. I had to sell my AGV AX-8 because its flimsy peak vibrated right through the helmet, through my earplugs and into my brain. Didn't have this problem on the other two bikes but I also don't get as wet because of its better wind/rain protection. Solved the vibration/buffeting by getting a Fly Trekker helmet. Will also put a bar bag on to break up the funneling wind a bit more

I am a 177cm 5'10" tall very new rider so the Ten is a bit threatening to me with it's size and weight but I love riding it and while I do almost all road riding I do get out and enjoy dirt roads and smooth tracks. Not skilled enough to go any harder but that's why I bought a 660 single - so I could ride for ages and check stuff out at a leisurely pace, while still pick it up if I went arse over. Sits on highway speeds all day long.

Get the Ten. You'll love it and it won't break down. Farkin' expensive though for a single here in Oz because it's made by you highly-paid Europeans and not in a Japanese factory. Every time I look at it I go "phwoar that's a nice bike."