Hi there,

good idea to ride a bike around the world. Did you ask about the 1100GS/XT600 or 650GS/XT600??

yours question depends also on your budget, because parts for both bikes dont cost the same and are not available in the same places. sure you can ride around the world on a GS or on a XT, but they will both need parts along the way.

beemers are considered in most places (outside europe and the us) as expensive luxery bikes. the xt is used by many locals around the world to go to work etc. and in many places like you will find used parts.

I rode an XT600Z Tenere around the world for 6,5 years and I know that XT parts are easy to find (if parts are available at all) and quite cheap.

enjoy and take the bike that you like most, and than see what happens. its your journey ...

mika

I think I may hate you....

Jealousy: it's an ugly thing, I know.....

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Adventure: it's an experience, not a style!
(so ride what you like, but ride it somewhere new!)

Mate,

I had to make the same decision but with the Dakar vs 640A. I went the Dakar because I was happy modifying for performance rather than comfort. Forget about people winging about waterpumps. I was paranoid about it thinking it was a Rotax issue, but found that 2 people I asked (on KTM but didn't target KTM riders) had failed water pumps. But they didn't have a weap hole, so had to drop their oil. Rotax allowed for it, and all you lose is coolant. Which makes it better for being out in the boonies. I gues other bikes have the same issues.

People are assuming you're talking about the Tenere, which I reckon looks like a grass hopper. Obvioulsly there is a date difference between both bikes in terms of styling, and not sure I like what the future looks like. Again that low fender.

The Dakar is awesome on the twisties. The geometry is great. Quality of the FI GS got better in later models, so if you'd go for that I'd go for an 06/07.

If you're talking about the standard XT than you'll find that they are the bike of choise for Brazilians. Large tank available.

I don't know the Tenere, which would mean for me that if it were me I'd take the Dakar again. It's done it for years which means all the little things found on world trips have been ironed out by people, and mods are easily found. There is also some diagnostic tools for them. The motor is brilliant. Suspension sucks, but needs upgrading on all bikes for a trip like this anyway. I prefer to look at it like a Rotax with BM bits.

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Tacos Tyring Travels.com

Not sure which BM you're fancying but just for thought... I have travelled USA Morroco and most of Europe on a 1200GS. Recently changed to the new Yam Tenere and wouldn't have a word said against it.
The BM is more comfortable and will go most places the Yam can go, but with much more trouble.
The BM is too heavy if you're considering spending time alone, it is limiting with regard some of the terrain you will be encountering (especially if alone) and in some of the more remote regions you will be hard pushed to find spare parts.
The Yam will go almost anywhere and is fairly commonplace everywhere when you require spare and or repairs. With regard speed it will keep up with any other bike, of the type overlanders use, you wish to mention but who wants to speed and miss all the hilights you have based the trip around. True you do relinquish a little comfort on the tarmac but this is well worth it given the fun you will have when the going gets rough.
GO YAM TENERE and get around 350mile to the tank

Thanks for all the advice, I really like the look of the Yammy.

Does anyone know the cheapest place to buy one in the UK at the minute (i'm thinking new rather than used).

I'll probably end up phoning round anyway

cheers

Shaun

Try Ian Bell M/C's. Way way up north but got Tenere for £4500 otr.

Hi there
I been folowing this thread with interest and I was just wondering if you guys think that the new Teneere with injection is a safe card.
I have always thought that carb fed bikes is the way to go or am I wrong.

I myself is planing a trip thrue Africa and I would be nervus about injection.
Is that justified or just nonsens?

Good luck with your trip.

Hi Dogman,

Just thought i'd put my two cents in for what it's worth. I'd definitely recommend an XT as they're incredibly reliable but personally would go for the XT660R as opposed to the new Tenere (XT660Z).

It's basically the same bike, but it's lighter, has a lower seat and is a lot cheaper! Personally I'd say the only advantage of the Tenere is the larger tank, but given that you can pick up a 2-3 year old very low mileage for about 2 grand. Suddenly that Tenere's tank seems a bit expensive (If you want extended tank range buy a couple of plastic jerry cans!)

Buying an XT660R also means you can fully kit it for your trip for less than the cost of a stock Tenere.

There, I'm done!

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I'm confused - XT600 XT660 XTZ660 XT660Z - all different bikes... seems to me that some people are recommending certain ones, when what they mean is (or think other people mean) a different machine?

I don't consider myself a Yamaha aficionado (just yet anyway), but admit to being a bit of a pedant - if you are talking about the current Yamaha Tenere, that is the XT660Z... any other combination refers to the previous generation machine/s.

I can vouch for it's robustness, reliability and ability in all areas... 24,000 miles in the last six months over every kind of terrain imaginable - never missed a beat.

xxx

hey Nick

same here I pick up my 2008 model xt660 z (unregistered) on Saturday also. I manged to get one in white - what about yours

regards

Shaun

SATURDAY PROMISES TO BE A GOOD DAY FOR YOU GUYS.
I've had my Tenere 660Z 1 month now (from new) and like JMo can't bear to get off the thing. It's great fun, reliable and will cover all kinds of terrain.
I'm sure you'll enjoy the bikes
Happy days!!!

Thank you all for your advice, a fantastic offer of an XT600 came up which i couldn't let go and after last week feeling a bmw and the sheer weight of it, i had to go with the yam. It's coming saturday so finger's crossed!

folks, unless its a typo he's not getting a Tenere, so stop getting excited for him about his new Ten.

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AKA Peatbog.

08' Xt660Z Ténéré. Where shall i go?

BMW650GS will fail on you RTW..... Happens too often to ignore.

XT600E will chug on forever and ever with very little maintenance but it's not as comfortable or fast.

I really think the new 660Z Tenere would be absolutely perfect for the job

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Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.

In one word: Yamaha

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