After a random call to another dealer, finally got to ride an XT over the weekend, unfortunately only for 1/2 hour.

The lack of power (compared to my SV) didn't seem that noticeable around town. Unfortunately the dealer was near London so there wasn't much country or fast road to try it out on. Up to 50mph I don't think it suffered from the same vibrations as the KTM and was doing about 3000 rpm at the time so that would make me think it wouldn't be too bad at full motorway speeds. The engine is definitely a bit of a thumper though, considering it was 2012 model they've definately stuck to a tried and tested design.

Compared to the Tiger XC (test rode a few weeks ago) I definitely had to play with the gears more and the ride wasn't as refined but for 75% the cost of the Tiger I can accept some of this.

I loved the commanding view you get from the seat even compared to the XC and it seemed fairly comfortable from someone who's over 6ft. Just about got my feet flat on the floor. Considering the ride height it felt fairly stable on the road and round roundabouts, shame I couldn't get to try it in the twisties.

Overall for fun per pound, it was a very enjoyable bike to ride and it does tick all the boxes but I wouldn't say I fell for it as much as I did the Tiger XC. Ultimately it's going to come down to whether I liked the bike enough to part with the money, the jury is still out on that one.

Have to see what Wales brings and see if a day off-roading with the XT660 brings out the best of her.

Bit late to this as you've managed to ride one, but I'm another that bought my Tenere without riding it... 33,000 miles ago.

My opinion is that if you've owned or ridden any of the 'old tech' faired/big tanked dual-sport bikes - DR650/750/800 (I came from a DR800), Dominator, XTZ660 etc - then you could buy with confidence, there'll be no surprises in terms of handling, power, weight. The Tenere is basically an old-school 1990's bike, but with every single part of it made better with 2000's tech.

There is still no comparable bike in the KTM range - the 690R is an enduro bike on steroids, I'd say you'd have to be doing more off-tarmac than on- to even think about it. I actually quite like the look of the 690 Duke, but it's a very different machine and a very different engine.

__________________
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

...unless you put the mapping in sissy-mode, like I did: it'll eat out of your hand and gas-response is similar to the XT.

agree. The KTM isn't a comfortable tourer...

__________________
Riding the Mad Mule !! ... no more... went orange...