I am very seriously considering a 660 Tenere for a 6 month trip around South America starting in July 2010. Great reports on the robustness and reliability of the base package on this forum have been very influential so thanks for that.

I have ridden an 09 model in the backroads and lanes of Yorkshire UK, and I did notice a lot of chain lash. I have not seen any aftermarket kits for this. Has anyone had any issues with chain lashing against the swinging arm over the rough stuff? Any solutions? I like to run loose chains on my off road bikes. Rivet them up, rely on the chainain guide etc....

At 1.78M tall, I thought the unloaded std model was somewhat tall ( was on my tiptoes). I am worried that with uprated suspension and loaded up, and with a flatter seat that seems needed for comfort/control I may struggle ?

What do folks think of the std forks for hard offroad touring (Bolivia! here i come..) I have seen the german triple clamps allowing the fitment of WP forks which I love on my KTM dirtbikes, but obviously pricey. Is it worth it? Or is switching out forksprings for heavier items and a good susp setup adequate?

Thanks, will be posting the build and RR as it develops in the UK spring.