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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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