2011 XT660Z Tenere vs 2012 DRZ400e

[barneyrubble]

I'm planning Vladivostok to London (well Bristol actually but you get the idea) next year (2015) and the mental debate is raging within me as to which bike to commit to the trip.
I've 2 bikes to choose from.

2012 DRZ400e


2011 XT660Z Tenere


Both bikes have had suspension work done and other bit and pieces. The Tenere has luggage racks fitted the DRZ doesn't but that's an easy fix.
I'm leaning towards the Tenere as it more comfortable both in seat and with protection from the elements.

About me: I'm not what anyone would refer to as small 6'4 and well covered. Have some off road riding experience - trail rides and outback trips

What would you do?

Smaller, lighter and carburettor VS bigger, fuel injected and heavier?

[DrWolle]

Hey Barney,
the choice which Bike to use depends on the Route. If you will go from Vlad to London on the Trassib-Highway, then the Ténéré will be first choice, will you try the western BAM and/or Mongolia offroad, the DRZ will be the better choice, because lighter (Bike) is more fun.
For offroad you need a fuel range about 350km, because there were not so much gas stations.
And i would propose that you use the waypoints from Walter Colebatch, sticky in the northern Asia thread.
And in booth cases try to take small luggage

[Chrispy]

G'day Barney,

Just done Paris to Magadan on a Tenere. Bike was fine both on road and off, my only problem was it was too tall for me, so I didn't do the western BAM with my other companions, but if your six foot then you will have no problem.

Like DrWolle says off road the DR will be more fun (especially in Mongolia, road of bones, western BAM etc) but in between those there are some big distances to cover. I found myself doing some 600+ km days with not a lot to stop for in between places. I think the DR would be hard work on those days.

I took a rotopax container and didn't need it at all with the capacity of the Yamaha. take a look at my blog below if you want more info.

Chris.

[mollydog]

Hey Barney,
Looks like your spoilt for choice. Both great bikes ... but with a few obvious differences. If you're going the off road/underwater route (per Colebatch), then the lighter DRZ may be the one.

With a wider professional seat, long range comfort should improve. I owned E model DRZ (not road legal in USA), not impressed with it's highway feel.
Not much top end (top speed 65 mph), vibrations were not great at 60 mph.
(I rode my E on/off road in Baja). Better at 50 or 55 mph on highway. E version has low gearing ... which you could change.

Two other issues with the E model are:
1. low alternator output.
2. no real rear subframe.

The "S" model DRZ may be the better street/tour bike, perhaps better for very long range touring. Dunno, depends how you get on with the E model. I like a few extra Watts for running elec. jacket, heated grips, bright lights. But the E is superior to the S off road. So trade offs.

Not sure how you pack panniers on a bike with no sub frame? ... but I guess guys have figured it out. Dunno? :confused1:

If you don't do the underwater route then the Tenere' would be my choice. I've never ridden one (not sold here) but seems a great bike if a bit porky. But as a big guy, I'm guessing you can handle it, if you're in shape should be able to Horse it around when required, even fully loaded.

Good planning! Have fun!

[barneyrubble]

Awesome feedback guys. Whilst there is a certain lure to go the BAM/Road of Bones way, as I'll be on my own(at this stage) I'm thinking the Trans Siberian Highway maybe the go.
I have taken the Tenere in to some fairly average places but it was a handful and it's no lightweight. It fits me really well and is comfortable.
Mongolia and Kazakhstan are both the theoretical path at the moment though

[Chrispy]

G'day Barney,

I did the road of bones on my own as my friends were doing the BAM at the same time. Not impossible.

If you stay at the Oasis guest house in Ullaanbator then you will probably meet some other travelers on bikes that will be heading the same way as you (we met four others on the road that joined us). Or maybe you could post here in the seeking travelers section. That's what I did and ended up traveling with someone who will be a mate for life.

Either way, and whatever bike you chose to use, your in for one hell of an adventure!!

Chris