Hello,

Sorry this may seem like an odd comparison.

I'm looking to get a new/used XT660Z but having a lot of trouble finding a demo one. My local dealear suggested I try out the KTM Duke as it has a similar single cyclinder engine.

After an hours ride out the KTM seems like a really fun bike, very puncy off the line but at higher speeds (60MPH+) the vibrations coming through the handlebars would seem to great for comfortable long distance travelling also in order to keep the KTM responsive at these speeds I had to stay in a lower gear which made the vibrations even worse.

Has anyone got experience of both bikes and can offer a comparison or are the points I mentioned a trait of all single cylinder bikes?

Thanks in advance

I never rode a Katoom, but I can say that the XT660Z is a smooth bike, for a thumper. Still now at over 82.000km's, it's runnin' very smooth, hardly any vibes, even the mirrors have a clear view on the highway at higher revs. At least on mine, in my experience. Although both are thumpers, they're completely different bikes, hardly comparable imho. If you seek power, go for the KTM; if you want an allround allroad travelbike, which also performs well offroad, go for the XT660Z.
Just some thoughts, greetz, Hans.

__________________
XT rules! Make the world beautiful, get a tattoo. Nick Curran R.I.P. '77-'12

XT660Z Tenere '08 http://dallastx.smugmug.com

visit: www.hank3.com

SRV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NU0MF8pwktg

New Duke 690 is around 70 bhp, quite a bit more than XT660, & also much lighter. Tenere goes offroad, Duke does not. Not sure why your dealer suggested the comparison.....
I have an X, which may possibly be compared to a KTM 690 SM, but even then, they're very different machines.

The only similarity between the two bikes is that they have one cylinder? Both designed for totally different purposes; like comparing chalk and cheese!

__________________

Thanks for the replies so far, I was kind of thinking in the same thing myself.

I don't want to unfairly discount the XT as the upright seating position and 23 Litre tank will really be suitable for what I want to do. Reading some other riders adventures doesn't make me want it even less


Guess I better keep hunting around.

When I was in your position I just went on Auto trader and found a dealer with one in stock and went and took it for a test ride! It's now mine

__________________
'10 660 XTZ T�n�r�
London, UK
Geek

You already know the answer......


I would never rely on a dealer (or anyone else trying to sell me something) that one bike is like another in any respect (apart from maybe the number of wheels or colour, possibly even fuel type).

You have to decide if you are willing to buy a bike without a test ride (like many Tenere owners have, me included), or not. That is all you really need to do, after that the rest will follow.

The Tenere is a very able bike, but not everyone likes it. If you crave power, then it's probably not for you, if you have a problem with a high bike, again it's probably not for you.

I always like the phrase "you can go fast, but I can go anywhere", it suits the Tenere well.

__________________
>-------<

Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

Are you related to Socrates, sir? Good philosophy, and very true imo.

I am going to use that one on my brother and his poofy road bikes. Always bagging out a humble Tenere owner. Bad brother.

I hasten to add that I am referring to my brother's road bikes, in case anyone gets upset thinking I'm bagging out their moped. Whew...

There are some things to note ref vibes.
They are worse at 4k so stay above or below that. If it has had the oe bar weights removed the vibes will be worse.
Once it has been fitted with the pipe, filers, fuel mode it runs better.
A big single needs a change in riding style and attitude.

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

I bought mine over the phone from a dealer and never tried one first. I have absolutely no regrets. This machine does what it says on the tin and more. You just wouldn'd believe where it's been. Takes me where I want to go.

__________________
Touratech big guard. Yamaha handlebar guards. Pivot Pegz. Yam main stand. Camel Toe. 30 mm risers. 14 tooth front sprocket. Big balls. Old and not wise.