New Yamaha XT660Z Tenere - Michelin Sirac's Fitted as standard

**kentfallen** · #1 26 May 2008

I note that the brand new Yamaha XT660Z Tenere has Michelin SIRAC's fitted as standard. I have just fitted these to my XT600E (1999) at a cost of £120.

2008 XT660Z Tenere

Yamaha XT660Z Tenere motorcycle new 2008 motorbike - P&H Motorcycles

Nobody else ever seems to consider these as an option for BIG trail bikes. I was wondering why this is? Could it be that these are not widely known about?

For those wanting to know more, here is a link - Michelin Sirac

Description: Mixed tread pattern for better grip on both street and trail: wide channels for water or mud dispersal; staggered tread blocks for grip, and maneuverability on asphalt. T speed rating (up to 118 mph). If you enjoy the adventure of discovery, check out the Michelin Sirac. While it easily handles the demands of everyday riding, it's always ready to explore dirt roads or trails. Best of all, this versatility comes at a surprisingly reasonable price - £120 for front and rear (120/90 17, 90/90 18).

I was attracted to them by their Beefy no-nonsense "Agricultural" apearance. They simply looked the part compared to Michelin Anakees which I did consider for a while. My decision seems to have paid off because so far they stick to the tarmac like glue. They are pretty good on dirt too and their self-cleaning properties are good for an all-round trail tyre.

I suppose the Michelin SIRAC's must be pretty good bearing in mind that Yamaha have chosen them as standard equipment for their new Tenere...

Anyone else considered them or had them fitted? I'd be interested to learn your opinions...

**forestry** · #2 3 Jun 2008

My XT660r came with them on, the rear had to be changed in The Faroe Islands(4000 miles) somewhat unexpectedly on my return to the UK from Iceland. In fairness the Icelandic roads are hellish on tyres, we met several people suffering from the same problem.
It was replaced in the Faroes with a Vee Rubber (£120 fitted) which has lasted only 2000 miles.
I am changing both now for Michelin Tourances (£113 pair from blackcircles.com)
Front Sirac 6000 miles Rear Sirac 4000 miles.
How does this compare to other peoples experience of Siracs ?

**quastdog** · #3 3 Jun 2008

The Sirac's may not be there for any reason other than they were what was available during the production run. You could see a different set of tires on the bike somewhere else, assembled during another time period.

Tires are tires - not religion.

**Walkabout** · #4 3 Jun 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by quastdog

The Sirac's may not be there for any reason other than they were what was available during the production run. You could see a different set of tires on the bike somewhere else, assembled during another time period.

Tires are tires - not religion.

Precisely - purchased in bulk at the lowest possible price that Yam can negotiate with the tyre manufs.
There will almost certainly be other tyres fitted as OEM.

**kentfallen** · #5 3 Jun 2008

Yes I take your point but -

Last week I emailed Yamaha (UK) and asked a few questions about the new Tenere which incidently I am considering procuring. Apparently Yamaha went through a very gruelling test regime to find out which tyres were most suitable. The Michelin Sirac's were chosen because in the testers opinion they represented good value for money and performed well right accross the test structure. They confirmed to me in writing that ALL new Tenere's will indeed get the same footwear - Sirac's.

With regard to your Tourance's, I have heard great things about these tyres too. I understand that BMW have chosen this tyre as OEM on their new big adventure beasties. I also observe that KTM have chosen Pirelli Scorpian's on their adventure heavyweights.

We riders must trust our lives to a few inches of rubber. I know it's not exactly captivating stuff for most of us but they are vitally important parts of a modern motorcycle. We rely upon the manufacturers to keep us all as safe as possible by recommending the best performing parts.

Ahhhh, it's starting to look a bit brighter outside after 3 weeks of constant rain! Might even consider going out for a n evening blat. What do yer fink?

**leigh** · #6 3 Jun 2008

Just had a look at a new tenere in my local dealer, it is wearing a pair of tourances, which are standard on the model I am informed by my dealer.

**kentfallen** · #7 3 Jun 2008

If you look at ALL the road tests they are all clearly wearing Sirac's. With regard to your dealer, I can only think the bike has been adapted for someone? Yamaha UK tell me it is a standard OEM fitment throughout the WORLD.

It's wearing em here too - YouTube - Yamaha XT660Z Tenere 2008

and here - 2008 Tenere - ADVrider

here - sTTeve's fotoalbum : photos : XT660 Tenere- powered by SmugMug

here - White xt660z Tenere | . : XT660.com The #1 xt660 resource : .

here - BikesZone - Motorcycles, racing, touring, reviews, cycling, India, Bangalore - Rebirth of the Yamaha Tenere (2008 XT660Z)

All very clearly MICHELIN SIRAC's not a Tourance in sight, I could go on.......

**stuxtttr** · #8 3 Jun 2008

leigh, what dealers have the tenere in. The missus gave me the go ahead and now I cant find any unsold bikes left. It means I will have to wait till next year, or look at the BMW, which seems more roadified.

I was thinking of a black Tenere I like the idea of fitting some yellow racing graphics to the bike a bit like the red on white Tenere.

**leigh** · #9 4 Jun 2008

The tenere I saw was not a special order, I arrived at the bike shop and helped them uncrate it. They peeled the plastic off so I could sit on it! It is a white one and I want it so am not telling you where it is!

**kentfallen** · #10 4 Jun 2008

Stu,

Whats the betting it's somewhere very near to - WATFORD!