Hi guys.

Thanks for a great site I have really enjoyed reading all the threads and comments.

I need some help from the more experienced guys.I am from South africa currently living in Zambia. I am planning a Cape Town to scotland trip mid next year and have decide that the only option is Yamaha. However I have read some great reports about the Tenere 660 and the super tenere. I would love the Super Tenere but I am concerned abou the weight. I also am realatiuvely inexperienced when it comes to offroad riding but have done some desert riding.

Would you suggest the 1200 or the 660 ? I want to buy the bike in the next month or two to give me ample time to get used to it.

Thanks

On balance, I'd say the 660 is a easier bike should you findyourself alone and stuck, but the 1200 has a much lower centre of gravity - OldGitRay will come along in minute, or Macca, as they have both had the 660 and now have 1200's, mainly though for the pillion aspect.

When you do come up through England to Scotland, be sure to let me know and we can have a cuppa and you can regale me with tales of your exploits (you pretty much have to pass me to get into Scotland)

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Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

Thanks bud I will def let who ever wants to know where I will be so we can def hook up for beers.

I will not be alone there are 3 of us doing the trip. The biggest concern is the weight and the agility of the 1200, my two mates are about 6"3 and 120kgs I am 6"1 an 68kgs, I just think that on the open road the 660 with all the luggage and us might be a little tired. Having said that I have not ridden one with weight so am relying on you guys for the advice.

Also is the theory the more spec the more there is to go wrong true for a trip like this?

Thanks.

Opinions do vary on this, and you are going to get both answers I suspect..

I have done several long trips with the 660 (the first being 8000+ miles a month after picking this bike up) and never felt it bcoming overwhelmed, even fully loaded, and I'm no spring chicken!. For all it is a 660, it has much better road 'presence' than bikes such as the 660R, XT600 etc and so it is quite happy on motorways if you need to cover miles quickly.

One consideration is the availability of add-ons for the 1200, things such as bash plates, luggage etc. Where the Tenere has plenty to choose from with lots of owners reviews to look at, the 1200 is pretty new in this area and the choice is more limited.

Another consideration, a busted 1200 is just a huck'o junk - mainly, again because it is new and I would guess that anywhere north of the 15th parallel is going to be difficult to get spares or repairs, with the 660 being an old motor, with less to go wrong (electronically) it is a much easier bike to bodge.

This off course is looking on the dark side, and you could argue that you should all take TTR600's for thier simplicity. I've not suffered a terminal problem on the road (once at home) that has stopped me moving on, so I don't know why I always look at what can go wrong as in muy experience it never does!

The Tenere does have big bike feel, for two consecutive years the Tenere has ridden the entire length of the Heroes Legend rally, it also leaves you more cash to spend on your trip.

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Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

all I can add to this is, when your riding through countries where the tarmac run's out you never say " I wish I had a heavier Bike "

I have tried them and now I'm back on a :tenere:

2 up off road with all our Kit is not a problem on the 660. I can also pick it up on my own fully loaded.

If your thing is mile after mile on Motorway's then the Bigger bike's will be better suited for that , for everthing else the Tenere is spot on.

Have a great Trip

Dazzer

ps leigh and I did a big run to the black sea back in 2008 on a XT660R and it was excellent, but were happy at the speed limit and just above. The bike did not miss a beat and was doing load's of mile's to the gallon.

Just cranked mine to over 800 miles on my 1200 (not got out much due to snow and ice arriving just after purchase)
The 1200 is a lot more stable platform than the 660 and wieght wise it belies its on paper specs, whilst it is fair bit heavier than the 660 it can make the 660 feel top heavy if caught on the hop .
Offroad the 660 should be easier to cope with picking up etc as weight will wear you down but its probably a bit more complex as the 1200 may actually be easier to ride due to lower CofG and better suspension stock.
The 660z can be improved but I found the stock sussies a bit short on springing and damping and if tempted into going as fast offroad as the bike appears capable of, it can quickly start getting messy with back end jumping about from full compression rebound and crashing forks (not apprarent when keeping speed down) buttock clenching at times.
On the road the 660 is a hoot but its still only a relatively moderately powered single so the 1200 has better capability for overtaking, with apparently amazing ABS and traction controls systems , though the 660 doesnt seem averse to a bit of backing in on the rear brake. Ultimately offroad both are a bit compromised by wieght and the need to run decent pressure to pinch flats at bay.

But I think the main reason for picking a 660 would be if costs were a big factor and you didnt want to carry the kitchen sink or pillion.
accessories for the 1200 are starting to come on stream but the manufactures seem to think prices can be tied to bike purchase cost !?

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ex XT660X Tenere, now XT1200Z Super Tenere

and to

It's pot luck when you come off, but the 660 does survive a spill in the dirt. Can't comment on the 1200 ??

I've sat here for five minutes trying to think of a single reason why you might choose the 1200 so as not to appear entirely one sided.

I can't

Get a 660.

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I spent a lot of money on travel and racing motorcycles - the rest I just squandered.

XT660Z - Commuter, Adventurer...Racer?

www.dashmoto.net

Other bikes >> MT-03 / CG125BR-J / ER-6F
Departed >> ZXR400L3 / EC300 / DR-Z400E / DR800S / GPZ500S / GS400

i can't coment on the Super Ten but I'm loving my Z (coming from a XT660X I may be biased). I have taken it off road and it'd pretty capable in my humble opinion. I wouldn't want to race it in an enduro but for touring on roads and trails I can't think of anything better!

Welcome to the party dude

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The journey is the destination.