I definitely don't crave power guess that's why I'm happy with my SV (except on longer rides) but I have already rode the Triumph Tiger XC and loved it which would seem more road capable yet doesn't have as big a tank for the longer unsupported rides. The other competition is the F800GS.

Both of these bikes are bigger 800cc compared to the XT, the XT got on the list because of it's height and large tank size. The question is still out on if I'd take it off road or not.

While it's a capable enough road bike, if that's all you were going to use it for there are better bikes out there imo.

What makes the Tenere so appealing is its easy do-it-all nature, as has been pointed out already. It thrives on its versatility, I think. Just restricting it to the road would require a dramatic re-think to most people, since it asks for a more patient approach to road work. And, to be honest, dirt work as well, since it's no mx-er. But it copes remarkably well, even outside its design brief, again imo.

That's the point! After the first 250 km (about 155 miles) I decided to give it a try in deep mud. And I really did not expect such a good performance, as my other moto is a 50 kg lighter dirt bike. Even this sh*tty Tourance tyres worked quite well, if you keep their street orientated profile in mind.

I really feared to get scratches on my new bike, but as the weight distribution is very good I got now problems besides a little bit of dirt...


Cia�
Solitario

HI if you wan't bling go for a KTM, no off road capabilities.Yes a few vibes.The xt660z is a bit in the middle ride at the right speed no vibes,yes it has off road capabilities altho basic.KTM parts are expensive.Yamaha some are some arnt. Yes ive had several KTM'S i think the xt660z is a better all rounder.

Now here I can comment. There is a very slight overlap between the XC and the XT. The XT is capable of going everywhere the XC is, only it has half the power, so overtakes are a little more 'considered'. The XC isn't as 'long range' comfortable as the XT and the XC has an awful hand/peg/seat geometry that needs money spent to get it right. The XC is much more of an open road bike, it doesn't handle tight twisty mountain road anything like as well as the XT.

I would say, if you image a chart, and at one end is dirt, the other end is motorway (Urgh!) or fast open road, the XT will ride the dirt better, and fading off towards the motorway. The XC is not, and never will be a dirt bike (despite what Triumph say), but is very good on open fast roads, or motorways. I would never take the XC too far away from a well equipped dealer, but it is a mighty fine 2 up tarmac bike and the OE luggage (at �500) is better value than most. It does kick out allot of heat so you need to keep moving.

Tank range on the XC is around 180miles, but mine only has 700 miles on it so it might change. Some claim well over 200, even as high as 250, which I imagine is possible with a calm right hand.

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Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

I was hoping for better be honest. I got 150 miles out of my SV on a trip to Scotland and it hadn't even hit reserve. We did a trip round Applecross on the tour and got to admit was getting a little worried about lack of fuel stops

What sort of MPG/Miles do people get out of the 23lites on the XT660Z?

Besides the generally more upright seating position the (hopefully) long tank range is the real plus for me of the XT, to get anything like that size on another bike I'd probably have to look at tourers which is a definate no no.

Once its run in and the cat is taken out then 300 mile tank range (using reserve too). Mine gore onto reserve anywhere from 215 to 240 miles depending on riding style.

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check out www.redbikejohn.com for all the latest race reports from the CHEC and enduroland.

I am on my second Z'ed (the first got nicked!) and I set my GPS for 220 miles and when I fill up I always zero the trip. I have on many occasions done at least more than my 'guessed' mileage before reserve, but I have NEVER put more than 18 litres in to refill the tank, even when I have gone into the reserve by maybe 20 miles. I do ride enthusastically and have the DNA filter and Kev mod.

What concerns me is that if I never use the reserve fuel, will it go 'off' over time? .............or have I missed something?

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If I'm not working, I'll be

I bought my new Tenere without even sitting on it let alone riding it!

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Isn't the 'reserve' the same tank on these bikes, & indeed X & R variants also???