My 2010 Tenere has just turned 42,000 miles, it's been heavily abused off road, been to Nordkapp in 2012, (5000 mile trip taking in most of Scandinavia), loaded with camping gear. Last year I rode from Ireland to Italy with two other XT660Zs and an XT660R and completed the Stella Alpina off road event, well over 9000 feet in altitude. All four bikes performed faultlessly and 3 of them had over 30,000 miles on the clock. Engine and gearbox still trouble free. Only problems have been a dry head bearing which was replaced by Yamaha and a derailed chain that caused damage to the rear suspension arm - this could have been prevented by myself being more diligent with adjusting the chain. With doing so much off road work I tend to run with the chain a bit looser than Yamaha recommend. A chain guide has since been fitted. I fastidiously change oil and filters at the recommended mileage and often do an extra oil change between the recommended ones. My experience of 660s is that they are extremely reliable and rugged engines. Kev's fuel mod and O2 mod really help to get the best out of them too.

I wouldn't worry too much, especially if you're buying new.

:-)

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I done a lot of research into the reliability before buying mine, for a single cylinder engine they are one of the most reliable out there.
I also change my oil more frequent than recommended.

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All I know if I read these threads a year ago. I would have chosen a ktm.

Cos you think that KTMs are reliable???????? Blimey.

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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 think he means exactly what i think - if you got a bike that can potentially fail and you read some scary stories about this... you better off with the bike that is more powerful, has better suspension, is lighter, and better in nearly every aspect. Yes - the rumors are they are not reliable, but to me Yamaha isn't either. This is why i decided to go for 990 ADV. If it will go wrong at least i know why :-D

I have just canceled my order and not sure which way to go now but I'm rather positive I don't want a thumper anymore...

My last bike was twenty years old and hammered all it's life. And likewise so were my other bikes before , with zero wear related problems. Unfortunately, I've just come to the realisation after one year of ownership that with the tenere that is not gonna happen. Perhaps true of Any thumper. But if they are all gonna fall to bits then I would have preferred the ktm for its weight and specs. I thought I did my research but I hold my hand up, didn't do it well enough. What seems now to be common knowledge that thumpers are not designed for a long life. Is not publicised very well.
As far as my tenere goes. I think it the best designed ride I've had the pleasure to ride. I can't describe it really. It feels like how cruisers should feel but it's high and takes a good bashing off road. It's not got that wanna go faster inspiring feel like sports bike. It's totally surreal.

As far as ktm go, you go on their forums and suggest they are unreliable you will immediately get the same backlash as if it were here. And yes the points bout forums predominantly being places were people are looking for fixes and help is equally valid in their case too.
I think the focus should not be about defending the model or maker but rather how best to avoid these problems and the best way to fix them if they occur.
I've read a guys blog in an Australian forum who has been through a few teneres with engines issues. He's on his third. More than bad luck. Bearing failures being the cause.
Unfortunately I'm not mechanically minded but would love to hear kevs opinion about this. Not about the statistics but what can we expect from these engines in terms of lifespan, prevention and cure.

Marques, you can hammer your Tenere. Give it heaps. But:
1. Warm it up first, and
2. Don't ever make the engine slog. It WILL die. Imo...

Now I'm really worried. What do u mean by slog

when I'm afraid about the engine reliability, I read this thread:

http://www.xt660.com/showthread.php?t=19698

Afterwards I can sleep like a Baby


Ciao
Solitario