Some answers on the new Tenere!

1. Yes the cat is in the silencer box, so if you removed the original silencer (it is a single box with two exit pipes, like a Ducati Multistrada/999 for example) then you could replace it with either a single or double can system with or without a cat. I believe the twin Akrapovic set up from Yamaha is available without a cat, but it is very expensive - there are a number of other aftermarket options too though...

2. Personally, all I did was fit some TKC80 tyres, some handguards (KTM wrap-around) and changed the foot pegs for something larger (this was really just personal preference, the stock pegs are fine, just a bit small). I'm currently riding my virtually stock Tenere in the USA, and the bike has been down loads of times (especially on the Rubicon Trail). So far I've found no need for additional engine protection - although a metal skid plate might be an idea if you envisage really rocky terrain - the bike has plenty of ground clearance as standard. The factory tank protection panels really do work well.

3. I'm with you on the Michelin UHD tubes (I use them in my other bikes), unfortunately, Michelin don't do the UHD in 17"... However, I understand Bridgestone do offer similar UHD type tube in that size, and most manufacturers offer a 17" Heavy Duty, if not 'Ultra' or 'Super'... The standard Tenere tubes are Pirelli btw. and although I fitted the front with a 21" Michelin UHD as a precaution, I'm still running the stock rear tube and it seems very good at 25psi...

btw. A good website for all things Tenere is XT660.com - they have a specific XT660Z section, and you'll probably find the answer to any question you might have there...

xxx