Took xt in for service yesterday also scottoiler fitted, dealer remarked leave it with us you dont mind do you! He then said you can take the demo Tenere with only 700 miles on the clock.

So here we go this one had been slighlty lowered but I still struggled to get me leg over. Felt heavy stoppers good but nothing wrong with the xt, I did notice you can see over the top of most cars and hedges.

Better seat comfy wise, smoother ride, looks are good too, different ride altogether really enjoyable. Stopping at lights junctions roundabouts did not cause a problem getting foot to floor although tip toes. But getting on and off could be a real pain especially in winter clothing all trust up.

Result for me and only my personal opinion I enjoyed riding the tennere but I was happy to get the xt back nippier around town holds tarmac better. All you tenere owners I see the attraction and dont wish to offend only my personal riding prefference totally different bike for different riding and terrain.

Ranger6

Once you learn the 'dance' it's easy.


Funny really, I've just come home on a Versys 650 (MOT time for the Tenere) and though "what a pile of ... ." I find the Tenere much better, nippier and actually pulls away better than the Kwacker, roll on tea time when I can have her back.

Off topic, but would I have a Versys ?,,, no. Never. Ever. Shame really because I quite like the idea for the bigger Versys.

But I know people who love them, so it just shows, we are all different and like different things.

However, I also have a TTR and I find that much easier to wang in and out of traffic on than the Tenere, so I can see where you are coming from.

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Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

A mate of mine had a Versys 650 and the engine was very strong but the bike truly awful. The new Versys 1000 is I think completely different and an amazing bike!!!!

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(Now sold on, sob) 2011 Blue XT660X with gold wheels, was 26,500 km.
Engine mods: K&N Stage 1 filter, DNA Stage 2 filter, snorkel removed, Kev fuel mod fitted.
Plus: smoked Puig screen, Yam aluminium sump guard, Yamaha / Acerbis handguards, Givi Trekker aluminium side cases, Leo Vince X3 cans plus Kev front fork mod and Fender Xtender. Just fitted Michelin Road Pilot 3 tyres.

SOLD the XTX for a Super Ten 1200. And just bought a Raptor 700 so staying on here for some tips....

Without wanting to offend anyone (I know some people on this forum are a little touchy) I can�t see the point of owning an off road motorcycle, like the Tenere, unless you are actually going to use it off road.

If you are a rider who does go off road (and I don�t just mean up the kerb) then the Tenere is probably one of the best bikes on the planet, the original XT600 Tenere had a fantastic reputation and I know were used by many a RTW traveller.

It�s a little like the 4x4 car market, most will be used for taking the kids to school and never be driven off road, what�s the point ! So in my opinion a road based bike, with road tyres will always be preferable to an off road bike.

Of course it�s totally a personal choice and the designers have to cater for all tastes, if you like the look or the ride there�s nothing wrong with being different

Of course, you are aware that Green lanes, UCR and BOATs are roads aren't you ?

The Tenere isn't an 'off road' bike it's a multi-purpose bike, designed for long runs AND rough roads. If you are riding off road then there are much better bikes out there for that, the Tenere is a heavy bike that requires skill and commitment to take it anywhere off-road. It's home is fast fire roads, like the one in my Avatar, rough sandy or rocky roads.

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Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

............is this one of the 'roads' that you are talking about Darren?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-kUPGgcXCE

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If I'm not working, I'll be

The value for money and all rounder aspects are both very important points. Most of us have enuf funds for only 1 bike at a time so we need all rounders at a decent price. The XT660 range are by no means perfect but perhaps the best starting points on the market for long term, versatile and reliable transport full stop. AND great fun too!!!!!

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(Now sold on, sob) 2011 Blue XT660X with gold wheels, was 26,500 km.
Engine mods: K&N Stage 1 filter, DNA Stage 2 filter, snorkel removed, Kev fuel mod fitted.
Plus: smoked Puig screen, Yam aluminium sump guard, Yamaha / Acerbis handguards, Givi Trekker aluminium side cases, Leo Vince X3 cans plus Kev front fork mod and Fender Xtender. Just fitted Michelin Road Pilot 3 tyres.

SOLD the XTX for a Super Ten 1200. And just bought a Raptor 700 so staying on here for some tips....

Bang on the money there.

Mine has commuted, adventured and provided some rough road fun, I've been to Holland, Luxembourg, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania. Poland, Czech rep, Slovakia, Austria, Slovenia, Hungary, Romania, Greece, Italy, France, Spain and Portugal on mine, on all kinds of roads from motorway to dirt tracks, mountains to valleys, 40c to -10c. Not many bikes I'd be happy to do all that on.

Even managed 800+ miles with Stoic bloke's whip cracking above my head!!

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Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

Bum holes i like that comment

For my bum hole (opinion) although i havent tried the tenere (yet) ive had an R and found it a cracker all round bike, that can do the off roading/trails just as good as any other bike or enduro in some cases if its in the hands of the right person. So im on the idea the tenere is not going to be too far from this.

But for some people its not the off roading, style, looks, etc etc it just a bike that they are happy with, isnt a massive multi cylinder bike, has a good enough amount of power, wind protection, comfort, is pleasing enough to look at (how ugly is the gs and look how many people have them), doesnt cost them an arm and a leg to run/service etc

But look at how many more suppose to be 4*4 there are out there that either there driver would cry if it had to go on anything other than a paved road, or once it did go off road would either shake your teeth out/give you piles or the 4*4 would get stuck .

Any who i would still rather someone had a bike (or tenere) then buy a car/4*4

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Plough on

I have just got back from a 5000 mile tour of southern Africa on a rented XT660Z. My wife was on an XT660R which we also have at home. I had plenty of opportunity to ride the Z and R back to back.

The weight difference is very noticeable and the riding position on the Z is less aggressive. Both bikes had touring screens but overall the Z being better for longer distances. The R felt significantly quicker from rest and in the crucial 70-110kph overtake - probably down to the weight. There was no difference in terms of handling really but the slightly more aggressive position of the R making cornering feel more fun. The Z is better equipped and suspension seems to be better, especially at dealing with a rough road surface. Plusher I suspect is the term. I found the Z very uncomfortable - seat wise I was locked in place squirming around after about 100k and desperate to get of it by 150. The R gave slightly better mpg, again possibly down to weight or my throttle happy approach vs my wife's steady hand.

Overall I was more than happy with the rented Z but wished I was on my own R the whole time and I thought the other R was the better package despite being 2 years and 20,000km older.


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