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!!!

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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....

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 so I couldn't help you very much...

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Bikes, trips and farkles at: http://traildreamer.com/

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.

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http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=988891 'South Dakota to South America'