Hee hee - Patrick, I fear we are guilty of hi-jacking a Honda thread with all this talk of Yamaha and Suzuki!

But to answer your questions (and hopefully convince Leevtr that the new Ten' is the way to go, especially as he is in the UK and there are a couple still for sale in Carlisle I believe...)

• You're right about UK bike journalists, they tend to compare everything to the latest sports bike, and the vast majority have limited if any experience riding off-road. I'm actually a freelance contributor to TBM magazine (amongst others) in the UK, who specialise in dirt bikes and adventure riding.

That said, most of the press in the UK has been surprisingly positive, once they've actually ridden the bike... many test it against the Honda Transalp 700 and the new BMW 800GS, and it still gets a good review in that company - the conclusion being that if you genuinely want to do some off-road riding, the Tenere is the pick of the three.

• I know what you're saying about weight, but really, the Tenere is very well equipped right out of the crate, the only thing you need to add is some hand guards and a more comprehensive trail tool kit (which is what I've done), then it's good to go. I'd go so far to suggest that the extra weight also helps with stability with luggage on board, as the % difference is not so great? Certainly that seems to be what the BMW crowd say... x

• As for comfort, while the magazines don't really mention it (maybe they don't ride all that far?) one complaint from owners on the XT660.com site is that the seat can be a bit uncomfortable. I think the problem stems from Yamaha scooping out the rider's part a little too much? Presumably in an effort to get the seat height down a little (although for those used to riding dirt bikes, it is not so intimidating). Not only does it make the padding a bit thin, but it produces a marked step in the seat that some rides don't like as they can't move around so much. Personally I find it ok (but not brilliant), and the step actually makes quite a nice perch when you are semi-standing off-road.

• As for crash worthiness - fortunately I have yet to find out, although it did drop off the sidestand the other day on an incline (my fault). The plastic 'cheeks' on the edge of the tank are essentially sacrificial (and pretty robust at the same time), protecting the main tank in the event of a fall. If they do get damaged they can be replaced as a pair for around £30.

The fairing/screen is narrow enough not to hit the ground in a sideways tumble, and likewise the exhaust cans are tucked in very neatly under the seat, and the large plastic grab handles will take the brunt of any fall at the rear.

The body work is painted rather than self-coloured plastic, so it will show scratches eventually, although my black bike has black plastic underneath, so the visual impact should be minimal.

As you surmise, it seems a very well thought out machine, especially for the price (it's considered very cheap for a new bike in the UK). One neat touch is the clutch cover has a small protective plate over the lower edge, to stop any damage from the brake lever in the event of a fall. The gear lever is spring tipped and steel (so can be bent back into position in a serious crash). The bike comes with braced alloy bars, that look like Renthals but are a copy. Some say they are weak in comparision, but that might just be with the weight of a 183Kg bike on them?! No matter, Renthal etc. are a straight swap replacement should they get bent.

• I agree with your thoughts about a new engine, same goes for the XR650R - it's a big old lump of an engine, and no matter how many fancy wheels, forks and shocks you fit to a bike, the engine and frame make up the majority of the weight.

The Tenere engine is large, and the frame is steel. The KTM 640 Adventure used to weigh in at 158Kg in a similar specification, so it is possible. But like I say, the Tenere carries it's weight well on the move, it's only a struggle picking the bastard up!

• The bike comes with a huge Euro 3 compliant catalyst exhaust, I'm sure losing that would save a few Kg, and even liberate a couple more hp? - it would certainly feel less 'bunged up'. As for mpg. The tank holds 23 litres, which is just over 5 UK gallons. I reckon you've got a range of around 300 miles on that, so around 60mpg would seem reasonable? - maybe a touch more if you are gentle.

xxx