Hee hee, don't worry... I write for TBM magazine, not MCN (ahem)...

xxx

An interesting (and honest of you) summary there Martin... seems you were blinded by the orange glow, and realise the 640A is not the perfect travel bike, rather a dirtbike with a big tank...

For the benefit of anyone considering the new Yamaha, if I might counter some of your (perceived) critisisms of the Tenere, with some experiance of the machine myself:

The EFi on the Tenere is both simple and ultra reliable - it too will always run (and better than the carbed KTM ahem x)

The Tenere will also go where the rider is able - Slick Rock in Moab, Desert in Nevada/Arizona and New Mexico, the high passes in Colorado (yep, snow) - and the KTM would certainly suffer at 14,000+ ft... it also made a pretty good fist of the Rubicon:



What is it about the bars?! They are a nice pair of aluminium braced jobbies (not Renthal, but not bad) - my bike has been down loads of times, and they are more than strong enough.

As for not being 'RTW ready' out of the crate? - mine bike is standard except for a pair of (yes, KTM) handgaurds - so that's 36 quid you'd have to spend... the reast is more than up to the task, believe me x

There are no documented flaws for the Tenere, as it doesn't seem to have any... ahem.

Nothing cheap about the Tenere either - and has quality parts where it matters (hell, it even has the same brakes as the KTM!)

The KTM tank is admittedly 4 litres bigger... you'll need that as it is more thirsty x

As for the downsides on the KTM, this is where the Tenere particularly shines in comparison:

Good fuel consumption (and no jetting problems of course).

Wiring failure?! what is that?!

Long service intervals (hell, they suggest you don't even need to change the oil filter for 12,000 miles!)

Tool kit is in a good place, however, the tool kit itself is the usual Japanese rubbish it must be said... (KTM isn't much more robust mind you - have you tried to undo a wheel nut with that spanner made of cheese?!)

As for comfort, some owners have complained about the seat - athough you can bet it is still more comfortable than the KTM perch!

I'd say you can quite easily take the new Tenere to those same 5% of places you mention, and have a whole lot less hassle on the other 95% too?

Don't get me wrong, I loved the look/concept of the old 640A, but that is what it is now - old. Of course should KTM ever produce an Adventure version of their 690 Enduro, then the tables may turn once again - but for now, it really is the Tenere that should be at the top of anyone's list...

xxx

Hello,
Dick's got that bike of his on ebay again, and its a really tempting offer.

My decision process has swayed to the XT660Z (comprehensively) but this particular bike is very tempting, and leaves some cash reserve...

Interestingly if youre following this thread, I have been changing my thoughts towards watercooled bikes.
I guess its because I now that I'm looking for a primary bike not a second dedicated use only bike I need something more all round capable.

XT660Z or the XTZ750 with the TDM 850 engine with £1000 spare cash. hmmmm

Cheers G

After following this thread for a couple of months now I have finally made the move from BMW to Tenere. Picked up the new bike last Saturday after finding a lcal dealer with an '08 black model sill unregistered, a real stroke of luck that, after much bartering (ney fighting!!), only cost me a piddling £4.4k. I haven't been able to get off the thing in the past 3 days... so much fun... nimble ...responsive and truly built for purpose
I got rid of the BMGS1200 privately to a mate who couldn't believe why I was changing but I'm sure he will catch on eventually

Thanks to all concerned for your unbridled and honest input... it worked for me!