True, joy to ride is the word :thumbup1:. Well AT is a twin afterall (and a really great bike), but the big single here is quite smooth for it's kind.
The lack of grunt in the low RPM zone can be sorted out with a different, less restrictive exhaust can and bigger rear sprocket, but it's still a single. On the other hand, i have both, the super tenere and 660. Guess which one has been sitting in a garage for a year now (well, shame on me but i can only ride one bike at a time :thumbdown: and 660 is much more versatile :innocent:) ...

BTW, is that a coffe mug on the exhaust in the second photo?? XTZ/espresso?

Correct, the previous owner was quite fond of coffee stops. Should I add a cup holder I will place it somewhere else (it interferes with my sidebags).

This weekend I am going for a 450km drive to check out an old property me and my brother are considering buying. My very first adventure with this bike (:

Just a small update on this bike. I have logged almost 5000 kilometers with it since I bought it.

I have stiffened up the suspension to suit my weight better, and added a cool black MRA touring windscreen. And I have also added two cigarette lighter sockets, a digital temperature+volt gauge with blue backlight (looks the biz!), and a new chain + sprocket set is on the way from Germany as I type this (DID VX + JT Sprockets, 15x45).

I also own an Africa Twin, and well, the AT is getting a LOT of rest these days (:

Here are some pictures:

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._4351279_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._4713397_n.jpg

Added the MRA (and myself):
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._7446673_n.jpg

My dad trying it out, he loved it to bits:
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._3626892_n.jpg

My babies:
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._2973591_n.jpg

This queen has been quite jealous the last few months, but I still love her too:
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._4638253_n.jpg

Have to say it but doesn'nt the AT look a bit lardy and bulky parked up next to the Tenere? :clap: hehehe,no offence

For distance work i fitted a 40 tooth rear sprocket,this brought down the revs enough to cruise at 70mph/110kph at less than 4k revs.keeps the carb under the crossover point for the 2nd choke to kick in.

Tenere is a brilliant bike,only just reluctantly sold mine after 5 years and bought a Cagiva Navigator.

Andy

Haha, I agree, the XTZ stands so tall and slender compared to the slightly overweight queen.

That is very interesting! Was there any impact on fuel economy? I am considering ordering a 16 tooth up front for swapping in for the long hauls (norwegian speed limits are 80, sometimes 90, and 100 tops here and there (km/h)).


The Navigator looks sexy, haven't come across those before. I read that the engine is the same as in V-Strom 1000! Cool!

I have an XTZ Super Tenere sitting in my garage, and it hasn't turned a wheel since I got my XTZ660 tenere.

I also came from an AT. Sold it because my girlfriend got pregnant, and I wanted something lighter for off road exploring. Since I lost my pillion, there was no need for such a big bike anymore. In my opinion it is a very underrated bike. The only think I miss from my AT is the power. My XTZ seems really lazy. I tried with an aftermarket exhaust and it wasn't better. Anyway, just to check if my engine is OK, what is your top speed? My stops at arround 155km/h.

I tried the new XZ660Z the other day and wath a surprise, eaven if they have same hp (48) the new motor seemed much more powerfull and ready to go. Very nice.

Hi mladen! Your top speed sounds about right. The new XT660Z has fuel injection and very good mapping which gives a better hp/torque curve. When the XT660Z can be had used for a fair price I will buy one. The mpg you get from them is outstandig.

Hi there,

Great engine except for problem with nut loosening to balance shaft, which may (will) cause seized engine

My 660 in my MZ went from smooth to wrecked engine in 200 mtr. at 70 mph on the motorway. (at 50,00 miles)

Good job it didn't happen whilst away travelling!

See this thread in MZ forum :-http://www.mzriders.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2268
Look at fourth entry from Bill Jurgenson.

Best wishes - Alec

Thanks for the replay!

So it means that it is just lazy.

That is very interesting. I will look into this! Thank you very much (:

Hi again! Turns out my engine indeed has the symptoms for this, although in a very very early stage. I have ordered a new side cover gasket + loctite + oil + oil filter + clutch friction plates -- might as well go all the way when I pop that cover (:

In other news: I still love my XTZ to bits, what a splendid bike this is! My poor Africa Twin must be awfully jealous (:

Don't you still have warranty on that bike of yours?
If you do, Yamaha should do all that for you for free!


Vando beer

Warranty on a 16 year old bike? I would have liked that! :clap:

Ups!

Thought you were talking about the newer XT's doh

Yeah, 20year or limited miles warranty would be great indeed!


Vando :cool4: