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
  #31  
Old 13 Nov 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Venice, IT
Posts: 7
Hi Kev, personally I think that the new Tènèrè has a better look (OK, this is not very important maybe), it should have better protection from wind, more powerful brakes, and MORE ground clearance. Some people of the Italian Tènèrè Club went to an informal presentation at Yamaha Italy and they were told that the front suspension travel will be 230 mm instead of the declared 210 mm (but this is little more than a rumour). In addition, you have a 22 litre tank. Not bad.

On the other hand, it will be more expensive and heavier, but with an aftermarket exhaust you can save 10 kilos and maybe more (of course you can do the same with the XT R and it will always be lighter).

Ciao

Fran
Reply With Quote
  #32  
Old 13 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Wink Competition is increasing and improves the bloodstock

Quote:
Originally Posted by ADVKev View Post
have I missed something?

Cheers
Kev
Hi,
I suspect we are all missing the real comparison of the 660X with any other bike until we see it in the flesh - should be right next to the 660R at the NEC pretty soon!!

They both have to compete with the Aprilia Pegaso 660 as well of course.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #33  
Old 19 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Saintfield N Ireland
Posts: 148
ADV kev

i dont think your missing any thing. At the moment i have the XT660R, which is a good bike but you will need to spend time and money on moding it up to do off roading, spend even more time and money if you also want to include touring inthere. But as you have said the new tenere is just the same, the bashplate looks like paper, the panniers would need changed, you will need hand guards, etc etc but you have to do this to near any bike for off roading. even the BMW people have to do certain mods to a standard bike!!!!

Anyway i think if you have time and money to spend get the XT660R before you go on the trip, spend time with it, use it on daily commutes, get used to the bike then start moding it up with certain bits and bobs. (you dont have to go the same route as everyone else, why not try soft panniers, or even home made alu panniers) But if you just want a bike that you only need to spend a few months on before you go on a trip and spend less on mods then go for the XT660Z tenere.
Reply With Quote
  #34  
Old 20 Dec 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Iceland
Posts: 3
XT660R round the world

Hi

I and my brother finished a round the world tour in august on our xt660r. The bikes were ideal for our trip and we strongly recommend them as good all round travel bikes. You can read about our trip, bikes etch. on our website Round the world - 2007 - XT660R - Ferðalagið sjálft er ævintýrið! and Round The World - sverrirt.blog.is.

The Yamaha xt660z tenere looks great, we will consider this bike in the future.



Einar
Reply With Quote
  #35  
Old 15 Jan 2008
DarrenM's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Coventry
Posts: 126
Does anyone know what the GFK tank from off the road is made from ?

My impression is its similiar to Glass Fibre, others say Plastic and some Carbon Fibre. I have not had a suitable reply from manufacturer. If anyone has one please let me know.

How tough is it ?

Thanks.

On the Web I found this.....is a Nylon 6 (Polyamide 6) plastic material with filler: Glass bead, 20 %; Glass fiber reinforcement, 10 %.......... correct ??

Last edited by DarrenM; 15 Jan 2008 at 22:18.
Reply With Quote
  #36  
Old 16 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Saintfield N Ireland
Posts: 148
The offtheroad large tank is silly expensive. One of the guys from the . : XT660.com The #1 xt660 resource : . | The #1 xt660X, xt660R and xt660Z Tenere resource forum is touring africa and got one but has had a few problems with leaks, fittings, pumps etc etc Acerbis have told us they are going to make one for us for christmas but christmas has been and gone and no one has heard of anything from them, even after many emails. They said it was going to be in and around £200-£250

From my knowledge the offtheroad one is made from carbon moulded (as they told one of our forum member got told) so carbon fibre then.
Reply With Quote
  #37  
Old 17 Jan 2008
DarrenM's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Coventry
Posts: 126
Thanks for the response, believed it was some kind of composite. TT used to use a similiar material and had problems with delamination.

Dont think Acerbis will make one, it was in conjuction with Metal Mule and after speaking to one of their guys it seems unlikely now the Tenere has been launched.
Reply With Quote
  #38  
Old 17 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Saintfield N Ireland
Posts: 148
I saw a letter from acerbis that they said they would build one if there was enought interest in it. Thing is most of the people who are doing a longer jounery than there normal commute said they would buy one if it was was around £200. So acerbis said yes we will make one for christmas, but as true as most big manufacturers are they leave the little people out.
Reply With Quote
  #39  
Old 24 Mar 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Wexford
Posts: 8
I have just bought a 2004 XT660R earlier this month and I have to say I love it. It took a bit of getting used too at first but now that I have gotten used to the rev and gear range I am able to flick it around the bends like a supermoto! I am planning a trip around parts of Europe this summer and I am looking for luggage suggestions. Has anyone any pics they could post up here of their bike loaded up. I am thinking soft luggage to keep costs low. Any advice appreciated,

Sambo
Reply With Quote
  #40  
Old 26 Nov 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 2
I think you can go overland on a XT660R

Alot of people aren't sure if the Yamaha XT660R is capable as an adventure machine. I think it is, and so do these people I found on the net
earth-roamers.blogspot.com
They should answer most of the Questions
Reply With Quote
  #41  
Old 31 Dec 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 13
Quote:
Originally Posted by samboleary View Post
I have just bought a 2004 XT660R earlier this month and I have to say I love it. It took a bit of getting used too at first but now that I have gotten used to the rev and gear range I am able to flick it around the bends like a supermoto! I am planning a trip around parts of Europe this summer and I am looking for luggage suggestions. Has anyone any pics they could post up here of their bike loaded up. I am thinking soft luggage to keep costs low. Any advice appreciated,

Sambo
how is the xt660 at speeds of 70-80mph

lots of vibration?
Reply With Quote
  #42  
Old 31 Dec 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Posts: 28
Quote:
Originally Posted by anruari View Post
how is the xt660 at speeds of 70-80mph

lots of vibration?
With stock gearning and TKC80/K60 Scout tires my comfort cruise speed is about 100km/h. Can do thay speed all day. Vibrations and higer rev starts coming at about 110-120 km/h. It can do 140 km/h for shorter periods as well, but revs to high to be comfortable.

Im taking my 660R on longer tours, and it performs outstanding on gravel and smaller roads.
Reply With Quote
  #43  
Old 31 Dec 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 13
Quote:
Originally Posted by k1322 View Post
With stock gearning and TKC80/K60 Scout tires my comfort cruise speed is about 100km/h. Can do thay speed all day. Vibrations and higer rev starts coming at about 110-120 km/h. It can do 140 km/h for shorter periods as well, but revs to high to be comfortable.

Im taking my 660R on longer tours, and it performs outstanding on gravel and smaller roads.
that tended to be what i had expected ....

shame it couldnt hold its smoothness up to 120 kmph

but as a bonus my favourite roads are backroads and this is where i expect this bike to shine
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
Opinions: bikes & strategy RTW Part II glasswave Which Bike? 1 5 Apr 2007 17:04
18" wheels for yamaha xt660r? CU Jimmy Yamaha Tech 3 4 Mar 2007 16:23
Yamaha xt opinions robin A Which Bike? 10 2 Mar 2006 17:07
Yamaha XT660r pannier advice needed Punki-MunKi Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 3 13 Nov 2005 02:56
Yamaha XT660R XT Alan Which Bike? 0 16 Sep 2004 07:03

 
 

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 02:36.