Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10 Aug 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Belgium
Posts: 6
1992 tenere 660

Hi guys,

Great to be a (finally) a participating part of this community.

I am preparing for my first big trip, which will lead me from Belgium to Indonesia. Quite an upgrade from the weeklong trips i've been used to so far, but the dream was long there and now finally there is also the opportunity. (read: no downpayment/spouse/children and shortly no job). Only one impediment: No money either, so it will have to be done on a shoestring budget.

I currently own a suzuki gsxf 750 but I was planning to switch to an allroad, not for one because of my obstinacy not willing to return the same way I came, although i know that i made a wrong turn, has led me several times deep in the woods, or on some godforsaken dirt road between the fields. But i like to call this destiny Also, i can not imagine ever buying a bike with more power than that.

Anyway, i found a 1992 tenere 660 for 1500€ and i was wondering if this might be the right bike for me. It has less than 12000km but i find it hard to believe that this would be accurate. I have near to none off-road experience but am eager to get some. I'm 186cm (6"1). It seems that the earlier models of the tenere are somewhat more popular...

So i was wondering first of all whether this bike is good value for money. Also considering how easy it would be to find (cheap) spare-parts/add-ons, necessary tweaks. Second, if it would be a good bike for me. I'm going to test-ride it anyway, but i do not have much comparison with this type of bikes, so better to ask the experts ;-)

Thanks a lot,

Jochen
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 17 Aug 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Cambridge UK
Posts: 107
I own a 1991 XTZ660 and love it to bits.
It is surprisingly comfortable for long distance. The furthest I have done in one ride is 410 miles up to Scotland with full panniers and top box and only stopped once for fuel. I usually get just over 200 miles before having to switch to reserve.
I have done some easy green lanes on it and it was fine, but I wouldn`t want to do any serious off roading as the suspension travel is not as good as the earlier models and it feels a bit top heavy in mud. It is quite a tall bike and if you are much less than 30" inside leg you may struggle.
It will sit happily at speeds up to 80mph on the motorways, but get much above that and it gets a bit strained. It is more fun taking the back roads anyway if you are not in a hurry!
The only breakdown I have had in about 10K miles is a rectifier. This is a common failure. I carry a spare taped top the underside of ny rack now, just in case.
I reckon they would make a great RTW bike.
In the UK good ones go for up to £1500, but decent ones can be had for £1000. I paid £1000 for mine with 22k miles on it.
__________________
This old world keeps spinning round, it`s a wonder tall trees ain`t laying down.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
OLD 1992 XT660Z Tenere or new(ish) KLR or 650GS Dakar? johngore Which Bike? 7 9 Oct 2011 23:51
UK Registered 1992 HDJ-80 for sale in UK / SA WillCalderwood Overland Vehicles and Equipment for Sale / Wanted 0 5 Aug 2009 22:46
1992 KTM 600 LC4 Information and touring help cruthas KTM Tech 0 28 Mar 2008 03:09
panniers r80gs 1992 ian cole TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 0 2 Mar 2003 02:31

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 19:17.