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XT660Z Reviews The "Z" - Good or Bad

 
 
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Old 18-08-10, 11:54
The Crow The Crow is offline
Newbie XT-Moto
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Posts: 11
The Crow is on a distinguished road
XT660Z Tenere or 800 GS

Trying to (finally) decide between a new 800 GS or 660 Tenere. I know and understand that I'm not comparing apples with apples, but that is exactly my problem. BM feels more road biased and Tenere more dirt biased.

This is NOT a "VS" thread.
And a KTM or KLR is not an option as KTM is way TOO expensive in South Africa and KLR not to my liking.
GSA or Super Tenere also not as I don't want or like a bike of it's size, bulk, weight and intended purpose.

I will use the bike to
* commute in the summer / spring (20k's round trip five days a week)
* do weekend trips that will include some gravel
* do solo rides that will include some more adventurous riding
* aim to do one longer trip per year that will include gravel and unknown roads (Planning a Cape Town - via Namibia - Okavango Delta - Vic Falls - Zim - Mozam - Cape Town trip for next year)

I have demo'ed both a couple of times and have been on longer demo rides as well, but I'm still battling to decide.

My thoughts and considerations:
General
BM feels more road biased and Tenere more dirt biased. Planning to do both and dirt won't be gravel only. No single track or serious trails, but a smooth gravel road doesn't quite mean "off the beaten track" to me.
Both feel comfortable and there isn't much in the perceived weight.

Pro's & Cons
800 GS
- 16lt on the small side
- fork has a lot of dive. Will have to spend money to get it to my liking
- List price is R25000 more (Roughly $3500), but comes with ABS and heated grips
- Average service price is more and 1000km service is for my pocket
- Dealing with BM has a more corporate feel to it
- Throttle response is snatchy at lower speeds and RPM
- OE accessories are more $$$ than Yamaha's
- Every ride so far has left me a bit underwhelmed
- Not a "bikers" display (see +)
- Needs a bigger screen

+ Stronger engine
+ Less vibe
+ Comes with 3 year road side assistance on top of std 2 year warranty
+ Comes with ABS and heated grips
+ Easier to get my feet on the ground
+ Trip Computer gives useful info

660 Tenere
+ 23lt Tank big enough to cover longer stretches especially in Africa
+ Suspension handles dirt better, less dive inspires confidence
+ Can buy FULLY kitted Tenere for same price as stock GS
+ Services are cheaper and 1000km service is included in purchase price
+ Dealing with Yamaha feels like dealing with bikers
+ Was a lot easier to ride the Tenere smooth from the off
+ OE accessories are more affordable
+ Bike has surprised me on every ride
+ Like the cockpit better
+ Stock screen is okay, and still better than BMW touring screen

- During demo rides the single felt good enough for me, but not as strong or smooth as GS
- Vibrations is noticeable when climbing from Tenere straight onto GS
- Std 2 year warranty
- No ABS option or heated grips
- Seat is a bit high, but okay
- No trip computer to give range and fuel consumption

So when I look at the list above and read through my own thoughts, I wonder why not just buy the Tenere. It's all there!

BUT:
Unknowns:
* Just how much will the Tenere battle to pull with it loaded
* How will the single handle being two up and loaded (Yes, I know the GS will be better, but will the Tenere be bearable)
* ABS...will I look back and regret buying the bike without it
* How tiring will the single's vibrations be

Will the
* Afford ability
* Bigger Fuel Tank
* Feel

make up for
* less power
* no ABS (I've had one or two scares. One during a demo last week on a ABS-less Tenere...not nice)

Would be great to hear from rider's who have OWNED or RIDDEN both
 

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