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 20 Dec 2008
Haakonbj's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Oslo
Posts: 129
The new xtz Tenere 660

Hi there
I have been driving the old tenere 660 for years and years, and its now time for my long lasting iron horse to retire.

I am really curious about the new Tenere. It looks great, specially the the red and white one. I noticed there are some realy stupid features like the plastic engine protector... what the f.. is that about?

If anyone has first hand experience with the bike, please share

Cheers
Haakon
__________________
Haakon
Check out: North Africa 2007 and The Great African Run
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 20 Dec 2008
Big Yellow Tractor's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: England
Posts: 649
I have read a couple of pretty comprehensive reviews on here. Have a little search

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...nd-stuff-36605
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 20 Dec 2008
Haakonbj's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Oslo
Posts: 129
Thumbs up

Thanx a lot man, you saved me som time
It looks promising.

Cheers
Haakon
__________________
Haakon
Check out: North Africa 2007 and The Great African Run
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 20 Dec 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Saintfield N Ireland
Posts: 148
Pop on to the www.xt660.com forum which has all you need to know about the new tenere and the XTR/X.

There seems to be quite alot of people interested in it as there loads of people signing in say "ive just bought myself a new tenere..."
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 5 Jan 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Burton On Trent, England
Posts: 45
I saw one in the flesh today for the first time. It's much bigger than I thought and my initial impression was good. I feel a test ride coming on.

Only thing that concerns me is how the single would cope with high mileages. No point being good on the rough stuff if it cant get you there in any form of comfort. Hmm thinking cap is on.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 5 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 521
The new Tenere is surprisingly smooth for a single. Mine became smoother as the kilometres piled up. I toured extensively with it last summer. It behaved well. I have no hesitation to take it even longer.

My write-up here.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 5 Jan 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Burton On Trent, England
Posts: 45
Hmm. I am swaying towards it after seeing it in the flesh. I just dont really know what style of riding I am into. I think thats the main problem. I do like having something sporty but that just isn't suitable really for going any distance. Then I'm thinking of the more off road adventures. So that would take me to a bike such as the Tenere.

Not to mention the fact you dont really want to take them over 80, so that can only be a good thing for the licence. Either way its too late to get one now. I'm off to Morocco next week. Wonder how many times the R6 will get dropped lol
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 5 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: California
Posts: 866
Quote:
Originally Posted by Haakonbj View Post
I am really curious about the new Tenere. It looks great, specially the the red and white one. I noticed there are some realy stupid features like the plastic engine protector... what the f.. is that about?
It might be made of plastic, but it works... and that's all that really matters right?

(Johnny Cambell still uses the OEM plastic bash guard from the XR650 on his Baja1000 CRF450 bike too)

If you want an off-road travel/adventure bike, you will love the new Tenere - it really is very well thought-out and constructed... I've ridden over 10,000 miles on mine already over here in the USA, and every day I'm more impressed... it will handle anything you are prepared to ride on/over/through - sand, desert piste, slickrock, forest trails, mud, water, serious rocks (and I mean serious), then cruise home at 80mpg all day on the highway should you wish to...

The XT line of singles have always been excellent at high mileages, they may not produce on-paper performance figures like KTM (yawn), but in the real world are grunty and have plenty of performance for this style of bike, together with long service intervals and minimal maintenance - perfect.

As others have said, for any specific questions and owners opinions, XT660.com is an excellent website... and of course technically to avoid confusion, the new bike is the XT660Z Tenere (not the XTZ660 Tenere which was the previous version from the 1990s).

I'm sure you won't be disappointed if you get one!

xxx
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 9 Feb 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: London
Posts: 6
Quote:
Originally Posted by JMo (& piglet) View Post
...As others have said, for any specific questions and owners opinions, XT660.com is an excellent website... and of course technically to avoid confusion, the new bike is the XT660Z Tenere (not the XTZ660 Tenere which was the previous version from the 1990s).

I'm sure you won't be disappointed if you get one!

xxx
Thanks JMo for the kind words on .: XT660.com - The #1 XT660 Resource :. (who's piglet by the way?)

I would like to add that in the space of 7 months I have witnessed a massive worldwide interest toward this new version of the Tenere, in facts the XT660Z has soon achieved a fantastic 100% positive review from all the people who have bought it. And you know what is more astonishing? I would say that a great part of these people were previously GS1150 or GS1200 owners who found the beemer to be too cumbersome and too full of faults in comparison with the smooth and reliable running of the new Tenere. There have been of course a few minor issues when they were first launched but Yamaha have been quick in rectifying these and we are hearing nothing but praises from those like JMo who are putting them to the roughest of test.

Proof is that they are still in high demand in the dealerships and nearly all new deliveries are spoken for. Plus they have been out for almost a year now and used ones are still pretty hard to find.

Test ride one, you will be amazed too.

Last edited by CaptMoto; 9 Feb 2009 at 21:57.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 9 Feb 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Glasgow
Posts: 296
Hi, i only got my Tenere a few weeks ago and these are my initial thoughts about riding it;
seat is tall (i am 5 11 ), this can be easily altered with a lowering kit from Metal Mule.
Bikes engine, suspension, brakes and handling are excellent (for a 660 single )
Fuelling below 2000 rpm is terrible.
Over geared for offroading (fit a 14T front sprocket )
Instrumentation is excellent
Build quality and finish appear good but time will tell.
I was worried about the weight but it carries it well and even when manually pushing the bike it does not feel too heavy.
Overall i think it will make an excellent long distance tourer that can handle the rough with the smooth. Andy
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 9 Feb 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Slovenia
Posts: 43
At the moment I'm the owner of the old XTZ660. I bought it very cheap and in like-new condition. I'm wondering what are the differences in the real world between the old one and the new one. On the papper, the old one is lighter with the same power and torque. The brakes are for shure much better on the new one. I'm especially interested in off road ability.

Is there any owner of the old one who bought the new one? Is it worth the difference in the price (5.000 EUR in my country)?
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 9 Feb 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: London
Posts: 6
Quote:
Originally Posted by mladen View Post
...
Is there any owner of the old one who bought the new one? Is it worth the difference in the price (5.000 EUR in my country)?
Yes there are actually a couple of owners of the previous version on .: XT660.com - The #1 XT660 Resource :. and I believe one of them still owns the old one as a relic and because its worth to him more in sentimental value than for its financial one, in other words it wouldn't be worth selling it so he keeps it for the odd occasion.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 10 Feb 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Slovenia
Posts: 43
Thanks for the answer. I registered to the forum and spent a lot of time searching through the posts, but I couldn't find anything related to the old XTZ. They eaven don't mention it in the history of the Tenere.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 11 Feb 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: California
Posts: 866
Quote:
Originally Posted by Andysr6 View Post
Fuelling below 2000 rpm is terrible.
Over geared for offroading (fit a 14T front sprocket )
Hi Andy - I'd agree with you about the gearing if you're tackling some serious terrain... I'm going to fit a 47T rear next time, and see how that fares...

However, I'm surprised the hear you've got poor fueling below 2000rpm? The glitches with the previous XTR/XTX bikes have been sorted with the new XTZ, and even running on crappy 85 octain fuel here in the US, it's certainly not bad... maybe you need to ask the dealer to take a look/reset the EFi as it ought to be very smooth, right off the throttle stop...

Yes the bike may feel a bit 'lumpy' below 2000rpm, but that is the nature of a big single, not the fueling itself - that ought to be smooth - check with your dealer...

xxx
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 6 Dec 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Brussels
Posts: 3
How are the tires on a new Tenere?

Hi all,,,,,I'm about to pull the trigger on a new Tenere and am planning a trip to Morocco on it in March/April.

How are the stock tires delivered with a new bike? Are they suitable for variety of on and off road riding or should I look into some alternatives?

Thx
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
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 13:45.