yamaha xt66o or bmw gs 650??
 

hi people ...general question ..probably an old favourite....what is the consensus of opinion of choice between these two bikes for a silk route trip ...
1. yamaha xt660....what would be the best year of manufacture?
2. bmw gs 650....what would be the best year of manufacture?
3.if we wanted to resell these machines in Mongolia /siberia again which would be the better bike.

Allways use Japanese bikes before BMW. Japanese are way more reliable for real traveling BMW are "cooler" to ride to Starbucks and back...

Do you mean the Yamaha XT660Z Tenere or the XT660R? If you mean the Tenere I can tell that Im trying to take such a bike around the world for the moment but most likely I will not be able to endure it because of an endless stream of problems. Despite several rebuilds of engine it wont run as it should.
Its the second heaviest single cylinder bike ever made (after the Suzuki Dr800 mk2) and the engine is known for being prone to surging etc due to lean set up. Not the qualities you would want for a overlanding bike.
A BMW GS650 is lighter, uses less fuel and the 650 engine has been around for ages so it must be pretty solid.

if you're talking about xt660z tenere get a after 2012 year model (better suspension), definitely avoid 2009 year (gearbox problems). Generally very reliable and capable bike if taken care of.

Which BMW?
 

As per the general discourse of the past couple of postings, your question is less than defined.
Do you mean the F650GS single cyl model (often referenced as the bike with the rotax engine; a brand of engine used to power various micro-light aircraft because of the reliablity factor)?

Somewhat later came the G650GS with the same engine along with the twin cylinder F650GS based on the F800GS model i.e. using a 800cc engine in both of those bikes.

Then there are the G650X, G650 X Challenge and G650X Country that pretty much round off the range of these bikes fitted with the rotax engine; manufactured for only a short period of time.
Oh, yes, there are the Dakar and Sertao versions of the F650GS and G650GS respectively.

Youre absolutely correct. The one I was referring to in my answer above her is the single cylinder GS650 with the Rotax engine which I believe is a well proved engine.

.
 

Thenks for the info so far
The yamaha is a xt660r 2006 or 2008
The bmw is a gs650 f 1 cil 2002

In that case you are considering the earlier version of the 650GS single that has the single spark firing (I run the twin spark version engine that came along about 2004/05).

There's nothing wrong with that as such; it may be slightly less fuel efficient than the twin spark but not by a lot, probably.

I forgot to give an honourable mention of the BMW funduro which was the forerunner of all of this range of Beemers - that was the bike with the "original" rotax engine. :innocent:
Tough as an old pair of boots, arguably.

Apart from well recorded issues with the water pump of the rotax design, which requires an eye to be kept on the purpose designed "weep hole", there are few or no issues with the engine aspect of the bike, all IMO.

After that, it depends on how miles each bike has run, what the maintenance history is of each bike, how they have been used and/or abused, the asking prices and such factors.

Also, which one do you actually like!!

Hey Snakeboy,

What problems have you had with your Tenere XT660Z?
Mine's been pretty good, but I think probably has a lot less miles than yours....

The list is too long to be mentioned here but but a sudden increase in fuel consumption by 25 % that despite a lot of investigation and check ups havwent been solved and including two top end rebuilds it havent gone back to normal. Its really annoying that a 48 HP 650 cc bike on + 200 kilos weight uses more fuel than my dads car who weighs 1400 kilos and has a 1,6 liter engine of 125 HP - and that while Im riding constantly in fuel saving modus which is max 80-90 km/h and no hard axelrations.
The ECU ans thus the bike died in the australian outback.
The gearbox and the clutch melted together down in Patagonia, a total split of the engine neccesary.
Two top end rebuilds and the bike still consume oil like a two stroker.
Sometimes it doesnt start in rainy conditions.
It eat chain and rear sprockets, rear sprocket wears out twice as fast as front sprocket. Its supposed to be the opposite, isnt it?
In general - a huge lumpy piece of utter shit...

Sounds like a dud bike to me.

Who did the rebuilds? Did they do the valve guides as well? Valve guide seals?

No excuse for an ECU dying, though....

Sorry to hear that, mate. I wouldn't have persisted that long with it...

First rebuild was probably not great performed but the last one was done by a very skilled mech who own a Tenere himself and all parts were new, cylinder, piston, rings etc.

Im about to give it up myself now. 5000 kms after the last rebuild I still need to top up 0,5 liter oil every 1000 kms. And last fuel milage was 19,5 kms/l riding 80-90 kms/h max.

A bit difficult to get rid of a not decent working bike half way around the world. I heard of an aussie guy who had his Tenere rebuild and massively repaired in Salta northern Argentina just so it broke down again after a few hundred kms and he had to get it trucked to Buenos Aires and shipped back home to Australia. Im not there yet, but probably not far away...

I'd check the receipt for parts for valves, guides and seals; if they were not done and it is still using oil, they are the likely culprit and an easy fix; be a shame to dump the bike for oil use on that basis; mpg is 55 - about average for these bikes. Just my two cents; there's probably a lot more that has happened which makes you sick of that bike......

100k miles with all original parts, engine, clutch, even front brakes etc..



lemons happens from time to time, most often on other brands though.


p.s.
I have only 20k km on mine but I treat my tenere like a dirt bike, often hard off-road, went for one rally even. No problem whatsoever.

I didnt get a receipt but the mech who did the job I know personally through a good friend and he have sent me photos all the way through the process. So I hvae no doubt is done properly. The bike didnt use oil the first 2-3000 kms after rebuild, but then it started. So its the bike thats the cultprit.

When the bike was newish I got 27-28 kms pr liter, when I changed sprockets to 15/48 and loaded it up for overland travel I still got 25 kms/l without having to ride in fuel saving modus all the time. And now I get around 20 kms/l riding max 90 kms/h. Thats ridiciolos lousy fuel milage! All other similar bikes I have been riding, even the carburated Dr650 got 24-25 kms/l. Bmw 650 gs rotax engine get 25-28 kms/l, Suzuki Vstrom 650 25-28 kms/l. Hell even the Triumph Tiger 955 I had got a whole lot better fuel milage if I rode it easy (which I didnt do often though) No something is clearly very very wrong...

A single bird doesnt make a summer...

oh please, that single bike (lemon) is just yours. Look at the statistics and happy travelers on tenere all over the world. Your rant on all teneres is just silly, I understand you're angry it happened to you on RTW trip, everybody would be but be realistic. Every brand has issues from time to time, for xt660z tenere was the only year 2009 that few gearbox problems occurred. Before i got mine in 2015 I did detailed research on this, as I like to know what I'm getting into. That's why I didn't get bmw F800GSor R1200GS and today I won't get Africa twin. Put tenere engine failure on google and see what you get...nothing. Try this with other brands...


Also this bike is know for very good mileage, I'm still getting over 500 km per tanks as on day one. No oil taken.

If you were a tad less ignorant you would very easily see that there are heaps of problems with the XT660 range. Take a look at the XT660 forum where you will see heaps of idiotic problems. Take a look at different facebook groups and you will find ditto. That is - if youre a bit less ignorant and one track minded. Tenere get acceptable fuel milage when theyre newish but it will soon decline. Come back and share your experiences when you have done half the distance I have...

ok, I rest my case, waste of time with you kid.



another RTW on tenere, no promlemo

Yup, it is very true this model has had it's fair share of troubles including gearboxes, regulator/rectifiers and some frame problems/corrosion. I hadn't heard of oil usage but that can affect any bike as all machines can have material problems or assembly defects. However, it is probably better than the BMWs, if not as good as the wee-stroms and I haven't had any real hassle with mine... Sorry you had the troubles you did; good luck with the rest of your trip.

Hello

I'm sorry to hear of your many problems.
What is the year and milage of your Z and when started the problems?

I do not think that this is normal and representative for most of the Z's on the road.
There are reports of gear and bearings failings on the net, but overall the 660 engine is very reliable.
I know that doesn't help you, I wish you all the best to solve your problems and save your trip.

It's not what I've experienced with my '08 Z.
Did 105'000km 2 years RTW with some problems but nothing that stoped me for too long.
Started with a new bike. 0km.
27tkm: rectifier, bad contact, saldered the pins and good, no parts needed.
35tkm: rear break disc bended, due to overheating, the break didn't open properly. Replaced disc 4tkm later.
45tkm: hit a rock and had to bend the front rim in a 20t press, 2-3 loose spokes for the next 70tkm.
50tkm: new steering bearing, not enough lubrication at manufacturing.
65tkm: suicide of a kangaroo, after treating the pipes with the press, still slightly bended front fork for the next 50tkm.
80tkm: headlight broken inside, maybe from the accident, stuffed it with foam. No parts.

Valves: checked at 50tkm, o.k. at 105tkm 1 valve needed adjustment.
Fuel consumption was normal at all times, 4.75-5.5 l/100km depending on my riding.
Oil consumption was not measurable until 50tkm, then maybe 1l/10tkm.
Not sure if it was the engine that burned it or the oil vent through the breather hose, a problem of the '08 models.

The spring in the rear suspension lost 2-3cm tension, better to take a stronger spring

At home:
110tkm: a small hole in the radiator caused by a screw of the ventilator mounted on it.
115tkm: bowdon cable of the gas broke.
117tkm: finally I burned the clutch while riding in the snow, got surpriced, used too much grinding clutch.

I would recommend the XT660Z to anybody as a RTW bike.
Perfect bike for someone with limited mechanical skills who treats it not too well, like me.
The R needs some modifications but is lighter.
Can't say anything about the BMW.


sushi

How many continents have you crossed with your Tenere? And how many years on the road on a RTW trip did you say you have done?

Come back when you have done half the milage I have done and share your experiences, if you ever will go that far, something I doubt very much...

This weeks problems in some of the fb-groups:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1812...7520316291792/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1812...5725573137933/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/4737...6241850913351/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/4737...6222055948351/

Mine is a 2011. It has now 153 k kms on the clock but in reality it has done somewhat less. Its ridiciously overgeared OEM so I have changed the rear sprocket from 45 to 48 and now ride with a 47.
Anyhow - problems started at around 70 k kms. Suddenly fuel consumption went from 25 kms/l without thinking about riding slow to 20 kms/l. And to this day spending huge amount of cash on technical checks, top end rebuilds etc the fuel milage is still 20 kms/l riding 80-90 km/h max. And this is not right at all. A 650 cc efi bike should have a fuel consumotion something like 25-28 kms/l if its ridden moderately. And the low output Teneres should probably have less. Mine had 27-28 kms/l km when it was new.
Oil consumption started around 50 k kms, and has increased since. Its not uncommon for certain bikes, the problem with the Tenere is that it still uses oil after a recent top end rebuild. I have had numerous problems with oil leaks too. Some have ben easy to fix, some not. For a time I had a oil leak and none could even find out where it came from. But its not there for the moment although Im sure it will come back one sunny day...doh

Valve checks - they are supposed to be done every 20 k kms, mine has been done and Im always told they are way out of specs.

Its a clear myth that the Teneres are reliable. Every time I meet or hear of a Tenere I hear about all the problems they have had. I rode with a german guy in Australia and his rectifier died. His cush rubber drives worn out after less than 10 k kms. An australian guy in northern Argentina spend heaps of money on a rebuild and repair and travelled by bus to Santiago Chile to get spare parts. When done he rode 2-300 kms on it and it broke down again. He had to truck it to nearest shipping town and ship it back home to Australia. Not exactly what you had expected on a RTW trip?
I know a couple of guys back home with Teneres. One of them blew up his engine after 50-55 k kms after numerous problems before that. He had a long case going with the local Yamaha dealer who refused to replace anything under warranty as he had added the Kev mod on his bike. He wasnt very happy about that and rides a KTM today.

Adding that the Teneres are very heavy, in fact the very heaviest single cylinder bike except the very ancient mk2 of Suzukis old Dr800 and that the engine is set up so lean that it requires adjustmenst that void the warranty - dont even think about it.

Hello

Thanks for the reply.
150tkm is a lot for 1 cylinder. No matter what kind of model the bike is, RTW counts triple compared to riding back home.
Mine was done after my trip for passing a road safety inspection in Switzerland, but I could have done more RTW, but not trouble free after the 100tkm.
Even bikes with 2 cylinders have more problems in the 100-200tkm range.

The Z has had a problem with the "ventilation of the engine" and the oil goes out through the breather hose. Yamaha changed something with the airbox. Sorry, don't know the correct explanation in english.

Would have done that had I found enough Yamaha service stations along the way.

Yes, the rectifier, small cause (bad contact of a pin), big problem.
Just break the plug open and solder the pins directly to the rectifier, seal with silicon or something else, before the problem occurs.
Cush rubbers, use a piece of old tube around them and change the tube everytime you take off the wheel.
I used new cush rubbers at 18tkm and again back home at 110tkm.

I don't know how often problem are mentioned on Facebook or xt660.com.
I'm active in xt-660.de, covers the german speaking countries.
Over 3000 users since 2004 starting with the first 660 engines.
Sure, most ride just at home, few RTW but I think thats not much different on the english speaking site.
There were few with gearbox or engine failure, but it happend.
Long thread on rectifier. Overall still very reliable.

I haven't had the chance to meet a fellow Z rider on my trip.
But, I met lots of riders with other made bikes.
One rider on a KTM 690 had 4 breakdowns where he needed transport just in southamerica, on the same route I had two minors problems with no need of transport.
At first I was doing research on F800GS and found many stories of breakdowns so I droped the idea of buying one.
I don't think the Z is a legend that never breakes, but, I think it's a good bike for the money you pay.

Anyway, just my opinion on the Z.
wish you good luck for the rest of your trip.

sushi

Well - last top end rebuild I got a completely new cylinder mounted and new piston, rings etc. Top and valves overhauled and machined - but the bike still uses oil and fuel consumption is still shitty.
I had a Triumph Tiger 955 earlier on and at one stage that bike also started to use a whole lot of oil. But I got it rebuild and it was good as new, no oil consumption and fuel consumption was never an issue on that. Its strange to think about that if I rode the tuned 950 cc Tiger with around 110 HP in 80-90 km/h it used notably less fuel than my 48 HP Tenere at the same speed. Fuel is the single biggest expense on a RTW trip so it bothers me a lot, and especially since the Tenere newish I could get 27-28 kms/l.

I would like to hear more about the «ventilation of the engine» issue with the Tenere? Mine is running hot too for the moment, I have had thought about oil circulation issues or the PVC valve and the breather box. Breather box was improvisedly fixed at one stage. But unfortunately Im not very mechanically skilled so I dont know...

KTM 690 has many issues that I have read about, at least the earlier models. But then again its a highly tuned high performance machine. Its not a tractor like the Tenere. Anyhow - KTM was not a part of TS questions...

Hello
what is that in l/100km

Know this thred in german:
Modifizierter "Ölabscheider" - Seite 4 - XT-660.de
Google of the part number 11D-E5371-10 I found that, hope it helps.
https://www.xt660.com/showthread.php?t=12331&page=2
https://www.xt660.com/showthread.php?t=8394
After 50tkm I had always oil in the pipe, so I removed the cap on the pipe and put a cigaret filter in it. So the oil droped out, couldn't measure how much went through the pipe or got burned in the motor.


Hope it helps


sushi

Thanks for answer

27-28 kms/l would be 3,5 l 100 kms - and thats what a fuel injected 650 should get if ridden moderately. Lets say 25 kms/l if throttled up a bit. I have tried many other bikes myself and measured fuel milage and talked to many other riders on different bikes and I have spend quite some time and energy researching this issue. Even a BMW GS 1200 with a pillion got better fuel milage than I have, then clearly something must be wrong. I had a Suzuki Dr650 on New Zealand and even the carburated old school Dr got waaay better fuel milage than me.
20 kms/l will be 5 l 100 kms which is what I get nowadays riding max 80-90 km/h.

I have never paid any attention to the oil drain pipe. The last posting in the longest thread you linked to was from 2010 so maybe Yamaha has changed this?
I have never had any oil in my airfilterbox, then I never ride it at speeds above 100 kms/h for a long time. So I dont know....

Hello

3.5l/100km on a XT660Z?
Not in my wildest dreams. Never read that someone achieved this over a long term back home.
I did 4.75l/km riding really relaxed on small dirt roads.
Up to 5.5l/100km on highways but hardly over 100km/h due to saving tires.
Wind and lugguage play a big part in fuel consumption.
So to me, 5l/100km on average is nothing to worry about with the engine.
I bought an other used Z (better than restore the old one) and it uses the same amount of fuel.


Yamaha changed the part on the new models and on the service if complained by 08-09 models.
I bought my Z new in 2011 BUT Yamaha Switzerland had too many 08 models on stock, so they slipped me a 08 in black.
Because of the rectifier problem I didn't go for a used 08-09 model and bought a new one... Found out on the road, best indicator ist the seat, 08 model is made of only one piece , then of course the VIN and Google.

sushi

3,5 l/100 kms is what I had on the Ten when it was newish. And 4l/100kms after changing sprockets to 3 teeth more on the rear and loaded up for a RTW trip.
And now 5l/100 if constantly ridden in fuel saving modus.
Its obvious that something isnt right, and thats with your bike too. A carburated Dr650 has 25 % less fuel consumption, a new V-Strom has 25-40 % less fuel consumption, a BWW 650 GS with rotax engine the same as the V-Strom. I could go on until we both fall asleep of boredom. 5l/100 kms on a fuel injected bike ridden moderately is faaar too much. My dads 1400 kilo 125 HP car uses less fuel than my Tenere....dohdohdoh

My Ten is a 2011 for sure. So then I can stop thinking about the oil drenage problem I hope....

Hello

The above written 4.75-5.5 l/100km is what I remember by simple calculating in the head at the gas Station.

Just had a look at my statistic of my RTW.
I wrote everything in a excell, but only xx.x Liter, so there is a statistic error, in reality it's higher than that:
104150km 4.55l/100km

Big brother has more data:
https://www.spritmonitor.de/de/ueber...30&powerunit=2



sushi

no you didn't, 4.XX is what you can get most of that engine unless you're riding on neutral downhill...
3.xx gets my nc750x parallel twin and not always...

Yamaha XT660Z Tenere MPG - Actual MPG from 65 Yamaha XT660Z Tenere owners

BTW is it your first bike?

p.s.
Dude, and you really think that RTW trip tests the bike reliability the most and makes you more important ??? Number of steady, empty kilometers accumulated ??? I can as well put bike on stand in my garage and make it run all night.
:rofl::rofl::rofl:


:funmeteryes:

I have told you what fuel milage I got and if you dont belive it its your problem not mine.

I have had 9 bikes alltogether. And I have rented many different models to try them/test them. I have been on organised bike tours with different models and I have borrowed friends bikes - so I have experience on around 20 different models.

Yes of course a RTW trip or a long overland trip is the ultimate test for a bikes quality. Because that let the bike be tested with under all kinds of climates, all kinds of road conditions etc etc often loaded up with gear and equipement. Actualky that goes without saying. This forum is actually intended for overlanding and RTW-trippers. Im sure there are a forum that suit weekend riders like you somewhere out there...

Yes, but did he specifically replace the valves, guides and guide seals??? Sounds , like he lapped the valves in to me, possibly re-cut the seats, which implies he reused the valves. Even if he put new valves in , did he replace the guides???

I do suspect new valves, guides and seals would solve your oil problem and possibly your fuel mileage problem as well, although it isn't actually that bad at 55 mpg imperial.

Its difficult for me to say. The top and valves job was done at another workshop than the rest of the job so of course they can have been easy on that part.

About fuel milage - you must consider Im riding maximum 80-90 kms/h, and sometimes far slower than that. Average out on 65-70 km/h I suspect.

But thanks for the advise, I will definetively investigate about the top and valve job...

Hello

To return back to the original topic....

How many miles/KM have those bikes?

When I buy a bike I count KM x years.
A single cylinder bike has payed its dues after 100'000km or 10 years.
Past that point you have to put money into the bike.
No problem if you are a skilled mechanic but expensiv if not.
For RTW I'd advise to buy as new and few KM as you can affort.
Repairs on the way are not only expensive but most important not easy since "our" bikes are not common, not ridden by the average population, mostly by "the rich".
So, I'd calculate the length and time of your RTW and add this to the bike you'd like to buy.

Since I only had japanese bikes and remember every bad story of a non japanese bike I hear, I'd take only a japanese bike.

have fun
sushi

Please, tune your tone, it's Horizons Unlimited.

I think you need to be very specific with the mechanic if you take it in. It is a straightforward job but I think the head has to be heated; you will need someone who can measure the valves and ensure they are in tolerance or replace them and of course seals must be done at the same time.

Be sure the oil is being burned, not leaked.

Finally, while it is apart, it would be worth pulling the cylinder to make sure there are no silly mistakes - a common one is not gapping the piston rings properly or fitting the oil scraper ring upside down.

Does it need a cam-chain while you are in there?

Good luck with it man - let us know how you get on.

Kind regards,

Sean

Thanks for advices and help, much appriciated.:thumbup1:

There are no visible oil leaks so I do think oil is burned. When I throttle up the bike while parked to 4-5 000 rpm I can see that exhaust is black. Btw - exactly as it was before.
The piston rings - well I was present when the old cylinder was pulled off and then the mech showed me that the two uppermost rings had the opening on the same place. Thus I do think he put new new rings on the correct way including the oil scraper ring. Although 100 % sure I cannot be.
It did get a new camchain on the first rebuild, some 15-16 k kms ago. I wouldnt think thats needed now.

I agree, won't need a new cam chain.

Worth considering other causes for high fuel consumption and black exhausts - is the mixture too rich? Last air filter change?

For the oil burning, I would ask the previous mechanics if they did the valve guides and seals before tearing into it.

The piston rings should not have the gaps aligned, rather be opposite sides of the piston....

Touring Ted on this forum is an experienced and very knowledgeable bike mechanic - it would be worth soliciting his thoughts as well before take down.

Black exhaust smoke presumably
 

When I was a young man, black smoke was an indicator of burning too much fuel.
Burning oil results in blue exhaust smoke.

I have had the exhaust measured and according to the results it was very near «perfect» aka 100 %. What more can I do....?

Kev mod is turned to zero and have been so for a long time. Is there any other way to adjust air/mixture without altering ECU etc?

Suggest get rid of the Kev mod and return bike to stock. Renew air filter. Check diagnostic codes (plug in is behind the dash for power and under seat for diagnostic tool input). Diagnostic tool is about 100 euros from OTR or Yamaha dealer.

But honestly, 55 mpg from a loaded and modded bike is not bad....

No-no-no not back to that extremely lumpy, jerky surging thing that was before I added the Kev mods. I rather walk than that.

Listen - I had no problem getting 70 mpg (imperial) when loaded up and running 15/48 sprockets when I started this trip and not thinking about saving fuel. Now with 15/47 I can barely get 55 mpg riding slooowly and in fuel saving modus all the time. So dont come telling me that everything is ok with the bike

Btw its runnig very hot too, fan is on immediately when stopping at traffic lights. Something that hardly happend before - and most people would think is because its running lean.

Said it before and will repeat it - there nothing, absolutely nothing logic with this bike.

Can you run a disgnostic tool on the Tenere? I have had the bike at a Yamaha dealer (in Australia) and they couldt connect it to any of their computers. On the XTR and the XTX it is possible, but not on the Tenere. Thats what In told both from the Yamaha dealer and from the forums.

This is the link to the tool:

https://www.off-the-road.de/en/tag/d...xt660z-tenere/

It is a Yamaha service tool, not aftermarket; dealer in Oz was probably too tight to pony up for one...

Tire pressures and chain condition/adjustment can also roger your fuel consumption....as can third world gasoline...but I agree, if the fan is frequently on there might be another problem...

I don't think everything is OK with your bike, it's drinking oil and overheating, but it is hard to say the fuel consumption is bad when it has a mod that increases fuel air ratio and different gearing to stock (and even from when you started your trip).

Presumably it has coolant, a new air filter and right spark plug? What does the plug look like? White, black or light brown?

My first F650 was only troubled by wiring loom issues. The second one ate a VR then a water pump then destroyed the cylinder head due to overheating. The paint fell off the engine. All badge and no substance IMHO, although if they want you to get hooked on the brand you have to wonder why they thought a **** Aprillia would do the trick.

I failed to break an XT600e although the exhaust rotted and you did have to top up the oil between services.

I vote Yamaha, but there is no right answer. Time is more important. You need enough to find out what needs doing on your exact bike.

Andy

Sorry to TS - this has been too much about my personal bike...

First of all - bike was rebuild 5000 kms ago, and before that it was drinking oil as of 800-1000 ml pr 1000 kms. Now after the rebuild I changed oil after 2000 kms as a run in precedure and after that I have had to top up 0,5 litres. Still dont know exactly how much it uses. But it shouldnt use any oil at all after a rebuild with mostly new parts...?
The fuel consumption issue started 80 k kms back. I have been through 5-6 sets of tyres and 3-4 sets of sprockets/chain on that time so I can assure its not about that. Wheel alignment tested, exhaust tested, injector/throttle body cleaned (was very dirty but didnt have any impact on fuel consumption) tried without the O2 Kev mod, replaced O2 Kev mod - nothing have helped!

First I did when I bought the bike was getting both Kev mods and DNA airfilter, bike had Leo Vince pipes. So those have been on all the time.

Cripes, i wouldn't have waisted all my money on all those rebuilds:oops2:
It would have been cheaper, to put a secondhand lump in it. Low miler. Job done.
Don't throw anymore money at that engine SB.
It is ready for the skip?c?

If I have been able to see into the future I wouldnt have bought this huge f***** peace of utter shit at all! But such is life - you got to stick with your choice. I have had other bikes rebuild and oil consumption was zero after the rebuild, like new. But not so with the Tenere. Oil consumption is approx 250-300 ml pr 1000 kms. Ridden slowly at max 95 km/h. Less than 10000 kms after rebuild. Fuel consumption is as before the rebuild, shitty!

I have for sure thought about getting tid of the Tenere and buy another bike. But it isnt easy to get rid of a bad functioning bike on another continent. And buying a bike from another traveller isnt that easy either. Documents, insurance, bordercrossings etc etc...

What does the spark plug look like?

Yeah but no but SB. Obviously your engine is had it. Rebuilt engines are never as good as the original. Replacement engine about £400. With 10k miles on it. Should be ok for another 40k miles. Gvfm. Job done.
I feel for you.
I hope you get sorted

You didnt quite get it, did you?

First of all - A replacement engine, second hand engine, used engine - you never ever know what you get. You might be lucky and get a decent one and you might be unlucky and get a even worse one that you have. Have heard several stories about that...

Secondly - Im in south-America now, to be more precis BRAZIL. Do you know ANYTHING about this country and this continent? For example here in Brazil its totally illegal to import any used vehicle part whatsoever. To pay for a second hand engine, inclusive expensive shipping here - just to get the engine confiscated by the Customs which they do always when it comes to used vehicle parts. That is what you suggest me to do? Smart, really really smart....

They make the Tenere here in Brasil too, maybe get a used engine here? According to my brasilian friends at least 90 % of all used vehicle parts for sale here in Brasil are stolen. And first of all I wouldnt support that kind of thing, secondly I would be in big trouble if I buy and mount an engine from a stolen bike when at crossing any border where they might check the engine number. Or any other border they might check engine number.

Send the engine to another country in south-America you said? Well let me tell you this little story. Last year in Santiago Chile, the probably most «civilised» and organised country in south-America I ordered 3 spare parts from the main Yamaha dealer there. It will be here in 15 days the Yamaha dealer said. After +30 days a packet arrived from Europe, but «sorry sir, your spare parts didnt arrive, we must reorder them» **** you, get lost, Im ordering the spare parts myself I said, and did so. After another 3-4 weeks of waiting my parts were delivered to the wrong adress in Santiago because the company that I have ordered the parts from made an error about the adress and the chilean postal service returned the spare parts to Europe despite endless telephone calls and promises that they would deliver the parts to the correct adress. So I had to go back to the Yamaha dealer in again with a very low tail and ask them to reorder my parts. Which they did, but only on 1 out of 3 parts arrived after another month of waiting. So 3 months of waiting and only 1 out of 3 parts arrived.

With this in mind - would you order anything at all from Europe to south-America? Remember very high taxes, very high shipping costs and as I have mentioned you never ever know what you will get buying a used engine. And that is if it ever arrive here....

If I were in Europe, yes I might have done that. Or I might have put the bike on fire. The latter seem the better option. But I am not in Europe now as I have mentioned several times in the last few postings...I will stick with it a bit more. I dont give up that easily despite some :rain:

It looks completely normal to me. But then again Im not a mechanically skilled person....

Oh deardoh

OK, try again.

What color is the plug electrode -- White, light brown or black?

Is it oily?

Light brown, maybe “offwhite” is a better description. Not oily or wet...