I can only 2nd JMo's comments. I've ridden my Tenere 10 000 kms by now, and it's not vibey at all (but I'm used to Guzzis, mind you). Cruising at 80 mph/130 kmh all day long is not a problem. Did a couple of those days this summer. But I must admit it's on the twisty roads, with or without gravel, that the Tenere is in its ace.

Seat: I'm having mine redone. It's not a big problem with the standard seat - I just stood on the pegs once in a while to un-numb my butt. But I want another seat, perhaps a tad higher too.

Tank: Yamaha hasn't done any technical alterations to the 09-model compared to the 08. Also on the 08 Yamaha states 23 litres fuel capacity. I've seen several magazine reviews stating 22, but I think on this one I'll trust Yamaha.

So the core message here is: Get one!

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HansP
All you wanted to know
about riding in Norway

I popped into Touratech Wales the other day while running mine in and Nick showed me a sheet of Touratech goodies for the Ten that were being launched at Intermot as we spoke. All the usual protection and gadgetry.
Nice bash plate with a tool box on the front. Grant J was at Intermot and took some pix (below).

After 4 whole days I like mine - especially 74mpg/26kpl which should = nearly 600kms to a tank. But the screen is too low for me (6 1) and makes riding much noisier than no screen at all unless I crouch. TT do a Universal windscreen spoiler which might help and the best thing is it's only £73!
Touratech UK Webshop

IMO the seat is no worse than many other big singles I've owned. Not sure the seat step is the problem; it's just half the width of the average adult human arse. Standing up briefly helps as Indu said.
Vibration seems pretty normal to me but like JM I'm used to big singles. Assume it may get smoother still but I'm about to take off the bar ends to fit guards so it may not.

Mine pops and bangs on the over run or even just a gear change but pulls smoothly. And matey at the first service place said running on leaded is not the engine-wrecking disaster the manual makes it out to be - it had me worried for a bit. The self diagnostics will get round it he said, even if you pull the lambda sensor and cat pipe.

I got the OTR rack (TT do one too now I guess) which is nice and light, looks tough but tricky to fit without help (mine was out by 10-15mm at the pillions). Just got some Barkbusters and TKCs too and off to Morocco next week to ride some tracks. It should be a lot of fun!

Ch

XTZ 660 Tenere review - Adventure Motorcycling at 5000 miles

Attached Images

 

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Adventure Motorcycling Handbook 8 • Morocco Overland 3 • Overlanders Handbook 2 • Twit

Chris, please let us know how it works in the rough stuff in Marocco. I have only been roughing it around on Norwegian trails this far, so a good write-up of the Tenere's sandblasting abilities would be very much appreciated.

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HansP
All you wanted to know
about riding in Norway

Chris All the best on your next adventure, look foward to the trip report.