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 George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 6 Dec 2009
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,077
The stock tyres are Michelin Sirac which are OK for gravel trails but no use whatsoever in sand or mud. A better tyre is the Continental TKC80.

Tim
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live,"
Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 6 Dec 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: California
Posts: 871
As Tim suggests, I'd say the TKC80 is the definitive tyre for the Tenere if you are planning some on-road/off-road touring, and would be perfect for the terrain you'll find in Morocco - in fact I'd be surprised if you couldn't ride all the way there and back on the same set...

Other than a set of hand guards, that really is the only preparation you need to consider - soft luggage is very easy to secure on the rear seat/grab handles too:



xxx
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 6 Dec 2009
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 381
Lower Seat?

Metal Mules site doesn't yet mention a lower seat?

Anyone tried lowering the bike or know of a lower seat currently available?

Is the two level standard seat like that because of whats underneath? i.e. would a lower seat and a flatter seat be mutually exclusive? One or the other?
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 6 Dec 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: California
Posts: 871
Quote:
Originally Posted by grizzly7 View Post
Metal Mules site doesn't yet mention a lower seat?

Anyone tried lowering the bike or know of a lower seat currently available?

Is the two level standard seat like that because of whats underneath? i.e. would a lower seat and a flatter seat be mutually exclusive? One or the other?
Not sure any does a lower seat (there are a few options for taller, flatter seats), but as you surmise, you couldn't really chop much out of the stock seat due to wants underneath, and it would make it very thin and uncomfortable...

On my rally bike, I took the step in the seat out and recovered it, but the seat is still the same height in the rider position...

If you want to lower a Tenere, both Metal Mule and OTR (Off-the-road.de) make lowering links, and you can drop the forks though the yokes to even things up...

In fact, Off The Road do a complete lowering kit, including front and rear springs/shock and linkage - check out their website for more info:

XT-660 Z Tenere

xxx
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 7 Dec 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Glasgow
Posts: 296
Hi, i fitted a lowering kit from Metal mule, i dropped the forks 10mm and increased rear preload by 2 clicks to compensate. i also had to shorten the side stand by 22mm. Travelled over 12K with no problems. Andy B
Reply With Quote
Reply


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

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
XTZ 660 tenere damandaz Yamaha Tech 3 9 Aug 2009 01:25
84 Tenere front brake light switch same as 86 Tenere? Yobbo Yamaha Tech 0 28 Jul 2008 07:38
Rear Rack for 3AJ Tenere & XT660Z Tenere SAME? GeoffE Yamaha Tech 2 23 Oct 2003 16:38
TENERE 83-85 or 86-87 ??? mervin Yamaha Tech 4 2 Apr 2003 14:59
XT tenere IVJ cut out ? arioch Yamaha Tech 0 2 Mar 2001 20:20

 
 

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 23:40.