Cant make up my mind for my first two up trip from Spain up to Amsterdam....Should it be a 600 xt or 750 tenere
Doing my research im swaying more too the 600 as it seems to have easier access to parts,,Better reliability,,Better mpg.
But!
A 1993 l reg super tenere 750 which is apparently a rare dakar version has cropped up for sale near where i live....
Please oh please can you fix it for me to make up my mind....
The trips not till next Aug/Sept so plenty of time for preperation....
Many thanks..

While it's perfectly possible to ride a XT600 from Spain to Holland (plenty of us have done this), riding two up isn't something I would recommend you do on one.

The XT600 series of bikes are legendary Round the World tools BUT they do have their limitations in terms of comfort and two-up riding.

If you want a cheap reliable workhorse capable of effortlessly pulling rider and luggage around the world then the XT600 makes sense.

BUT A single cylinder is never going to be fun on high speed tarmac. Two up it's going to be even less fun.

If you intend to ride without a pillion and take B class roads and travel at no more than 60 MPH, then your idea becomes more worthy.

Not many Super Tenere's left in good / low milage condition. It's still very easy to find good low milage XT600E's in Europe. I'd be surprised if your Super Tenere hasn't already been ridden to almost destruction. If it's not been then it's a keeper. Bit like the excellent little DR350's - not many left. Pity.

I paid £1,600 for my mint low milage XT600E (1999). That's a lot of bike for little money. I'm sure it's possible to find good examples (Private sales) for between £1,000 and £1,500. Retailers will sell the same for a premium so my advice is to find a private sale.

Having said all that, some people do RTW trips on mopeds!!!!

I wish you well whatever you decide to do.

__________________
Triumph Bonneville 800 (2004), Yamaha XT600E (1999), Honda XBR500 (1986).

I agree with "kentfallen":forget two up and/or high speed on tarmac with XT 600 or any single cylinder bike in general.It's a real PITA.
Single is good if you are alone,even RTW,especialy on bad/off road.
You can find good S10 for 1500 eur.5o ooo kms is not a lot for this bike.My has over 100kkm and run like a charm.It's fast enough even two up and with luggage.I like my TT600R for solo off,but on tarmac with S10 I can't stop smiling !

And forgot to put in that their will be a week of off roading in Italy Camping and the like....Would this still be a bad choice of bikes

I assume "off roading in Italy" for you is synonym for "Mc.Adam".
In this case take twin! Any "big enduro" will do the job.

Thanks for the advice...And all taken on board...
I usually do these trips by old land rover so am no stranger to slow and noisey...
I have made up my mind that as ive never really done trails in Italy on a bike before(but lots by landy) and reading storys of peoples rides two up on mopeds etc to go for the lighter more nimble xt 600...
I am going to look at a 1989 xt tenere, electric start with the twin headlights for 550 quid tomorrow(which i love the look of)
Also a 2001 xt 600....
Im guessing that the older would be better....
Many thanks again...

I think it was the idea of riding with a pillion that caused so many of us to discourage you. Most of us love the XT series of bikes but we also know it's limitations...

For a One rider RTW trip 60% tarmac 30% light offroad 10% hard-core offroad the XT makes sense but for 100% high speed tarmac two up it makes next to no sense (to me anyway).

Personally I'd be looking at a twin cylinder trail bike- something like a Honda 650 Transalp for instance.

Just because a bike happens to be a rare / sought after model it doesn't neccessarily mean it's the best buy for your purpose... Most older Tenere's will be worn out /high mileage and in need of extensive work.

A classic older Tenere (pre 1995) WILL be worn out if it's up for only £500. Unless you want one for restoration, keep well away. The more modern XT6E is a better bet for what you have in mind because it's likely to be in better nick and lower mileage. If it looks well taken care of then it's probably a good safe buy.

You can find okay XT6E's for around the thousand mark in the UK. Be very wary of any bikes for less. A mint low mileage example (like my XT's) can be found for £1,500 if you look hard (private sales not shop).

Best find a twin / multi cylinder alternative if you still intend to embark 2 up.

Good luck.

__________________
Triumph Bonneville 800 (2004), Yamaha XT600E (1999), Honda XBR500 (1986).

I ride my Super from Holland to Mongolia without any troubles; it's from 1991. If you find one for € 500, let go, let go! That can only mean troubles! A good one will cost you app. € 1500 / 2500! So buy a good one or none.

Greetz,

Jan