Honda xr650l or yamaha xtz660 tenere
 

I am looking to buy one off these bikes.I can get both of them for reasonable prices.I am going to do a few europe trips next year but the big trip is one through africa and the end off next year.My partner is going to join me for the trips in europe but the africa one is alone.Which bike would fit the best for my situation.How good is the yamaha off road and will me and my girlfriend fit on the honda?Is this spesific yamaha very reliable?
Thanks

They're both pretty similar bikes. I parked my XRL up against an XT the other day and the major differences are the height (XRL is considerably taller) and the finish (XT has alot more road stylings).

Off-road the XRL will be better, but two up with gear that advantage would be pretty much negated. And I reckon the reliability would be better too, the XRL is a very simple bike and is easy to bodge if things break. I'm not sure the same can be said of the Yamaha.

For riding alone, I reckon a 650 dual sport is king, two-up is doable but forget about carrying much luggage or being able to go off-road.

No expiriences with Honda, but riding XTZ 660 Tenere for a years. With appropriate tyres ( I am using Michelin T63 ) Tenere is good bike for offroad, no problems at all. Bike is very good for long trips, reliable, average fuel consumption around 5 l; engine has real 46-48 PS, but is smooth and with excelent torque, no vibrations comparing to others singles. Bike is big but easy to handle. Just be sure that oil cosumption is regular and if searching for older type, chage voltage regulator with ones from newer model ( double headlights ). Wind protection is excelent, seat is not so comfort as on F650 or Transalp, for example. If you find good ones ( try to find newer model ), it is worth money. Change stoch exhaust with aftermarket, Arrow or Sebring if possible.
I like this bike, past huge mileage and never stoped me on the road !