Considering a return
 

Hello folks - I've been away for a while and am considering a return to Tenere ownership.. How are you all?

After I sold my 59 plate Ten I've had a few different bikes, BMW GSA, Triumph Daytona 675R, KTM 990 Superduke R and now I just have the one bike my wonderful KTM1290 Superduke R.

I'm looking to get another thumper mainly for commuting and road work so I can keep my 1290 in track trim. My short list of bikes are:

XT 660 Z Tenere
Husqvarna 701 Enduro
KTM 690 Enduro R
KTM 690 Duke R

I hadn't really considered the other XT models until writing this, so perhaps they should also be here. Having owned a Ten before I know what a superb bike they are and the others are clearly more powerful which is the real weakness in my mind of the Ten. If only KTM would make a 690 Adventure.... There's a Yamaha dealer a mile away from the office and of course owning a KTM I have a good dealer an hour away that I know and trust.
The tank range of the Ten with its good manners would make it a practical day to day bike.
Whats the consensus now on general build quality with the new Ten's and are the Cush drive rubbers still made is soft cheese?


Thanks folks.

Mark

'ey up Mark.

Ralley Raid do a nice kit for the 690....... I have a feeling it'll be my next steed

Hello GULG - hope you're all ok up there given the horrific weather recently?

Yes, Rally Raid are not far from me and I do like their kit - I guess you're right - why don't I build my own KTM 690 Adventure....

The Husqvarna has a slightly bigger tank I think.

Yes, I remember now the Rally Raid prices too now I've looked again!!

Good to hear from you again Mark.

Nothing much has changed really since you sold yours on. Aside from the headlight reflector design being slightly different and the forks having different internals, the Ten is pretty much the same as it always has been. The cush drive is still made of cheese, there's still no grease in any of the bearings and the fuelling is as lean as ever. Otherwise, as you are well aware, it remains a good versatile and easy to maintain bike.

+ Now Yamaha seem to be fitting a self adhesive pad to the frame where the injector wire used to short out. Well they have on Mine anyway.

You'll always be welcome to our family as I told you when you sold the bike and bid us good bye.

Thank you folks - the XT660 community spirit remains as strong as ever!!

You cant go wrong with the XT, if you are after some 1290 mods I have done a few: http://www.ktmsmt.com/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=6511