Hi All

I've done a search, but not found anything relevant to this. I am looking for information on what updates the bike has had in which years. More importantly, what I want to know is whether it matters much which model year of bike I buy?

I will soon be changing my BMW GS Adventure and replacing with a Tenere. I'm not especially worried how old the bike is and when looking, an older bike that is well sorted, has some good extras and luggage would probably appeal to me more than a newer bike on which I will need to spend a fair bit to equip it for adv touring and off road use.

But have their been any updates to the bike since its launch that means I would be better off avoiding certain years and buying a bike from a particular year? If so, I'd be happy to go that route.

Appreciate any advice you can give.

Other than the colours and graphics, and the seat having changed slightly (getting some coloured stitching to match the paint scheme), there’s really very little difference between the model years.

The main two differences/changes to be aware of are with the regulator/rectifier and the crankcase breather.

Some (but not all) of the early T�n�r�s from 2008/2009 (11D1 and 11D2 models) suffered from the regulator/rectifier connector failing and causing no charge and flat batteries. The general consensus seems to be that the connectors weren’t snapped home properly on assembly, whether that was the dealers fault or the factory’s fault is debatable. Those that failed within warranty were replaced (reg/rec unit and loom), but the replacements fitted have exactly the same part numbers so are probably unchanged – just better fitted? Many of the early bikes have shown no sign of this trouble (mines a 2008 and everything is fine still). It is probably now safe to assume that if this connector was/is destined to fail, it would have done so by now anyway, so not so much of a worry with second hand 2008/2009 bikes. If it does fail, there is an easy and cheap fix available using an FZS600 rec/rec assembly and a bit of soldering.

The crankcase breather baffle chamber was modified from 2009 to reduce the amount of oil blown out into the airbox/breather drain hose. Again these could be replaced on 2008 bikes with the new part whilst under warranty. Some people had them changed, others didn’t. Mine still has the old type breather and it’s really not a problem emptying the drain hose and it only backs up after a long ride a relatively high engine speeds. The improved part is the only one available now and isn’t expensive, just a bit of an arse to fit.

In a nutshell, there’s so little difference, you’re aim should be to search out the best one you can afford in the spec you want, regardless of age. Mileage and how well it’s been looked after are probably more important factors to consider rather than age/model year.

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Obviously there is also the ABS model which has different ride height as well as the ABS gumpf.

Another 2008 owner here (from new) and no problems with the Reg/Rect in 38,000 miles. I took the precaution when I got mine of greasing the connection and ensuring it was well clicked home. I had the crankcase breather changed under warranty, you'll know if this hasn't been done as the hose and airbox will back up with oil.

Coming from a GS you'll find it slower, more turbulence, vibey, lighter, slimmer, more amusing and no dodgy CANBUS

Good point about the ABS model - was only available for a fleeting glimpse in the UK for 2011. They only sold a handful, so they promptly stopped selling it in Britain.

That also reminded me of another short-lived/easily forgotten version in the UK - the Tenere "Touring" which appeared and disappeared just as quickly in 2013. It came with panniers, centre stand and handguards as standard and was equipped with the low suspension and seat height of the ABS model (but without the ABS). This one's easy to spot as (like the ABS version) it has no preload adjusters on the fork tops (and its obviously lower!)

Both the ABS and Touring models are as rare as hen's teeth secondhand in the UK. Strangely both these models sold well in the rest of Europe?

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Thanks guys, that's really helpful. Looks like I can simply choose the bike with the mileage and extras to suit me rather than have to try and buy the newest that I can.

I have had a test ride on one and know it'll be very different to the GSA, but that's fine. The GSA is utterly brilliant, but it is also too smooth, too big, too enveloping and too complex. I ride in quite hot weather a lot of the time and there is too little airflow. And I now want to take in more off road riding as part of my touring rather than just Tarmac. I have done that on the GSA but you are so preoccupied with not dropping it that it detracts from the fun.

Other subtle difference are;

Mid 2013 onwards bikes were fitted with a better headlight reflector/unit solving the issue of the main beam hitting the ground at roughly the same spot as the dipped beam. Now the main projects much further and higher than the dipped beam as it should.

2014 bikes have different mapping making them run even more economically e.g. my friends bike (late 2013 achieved 180 miles to reserve out of the box and my 2014 bike achieved 232 miles) granted we have different riding style but both these figures are first/second tank numbers so pre first service. Apparently EU emission regs. changed for 2014.

Fork pre load adjusters have altered with a much better indicator as to the level of pre load. 10 mm spanner required to alter the loading but Yamaha have still left the 10 mm allen key in the 'tool kit'. Not sure if the internals have changed or if this will affect upgrading to Hyperpro springs as yet.

Can't see any other changes as yet. Still a great bike.

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DickyC

Gun Metal Grey 2014 XT660Z
'Advice is sought by someone who knows the answer but doesn't like it'

'The adsence of alternatives clears the mind marvelously'