Review: Yamaha XT660Z Tenere 

Thanks for the feedback Steve, much appreciated. When I think of my experiences in riding the Tenere, the Husky Terra 650, Honda XR650 and BMW XChallenge, I think there's something special about the 650cc single for travel-trail... Best JB

Don't you just hate it when you missed the bottom of the market?! £4000 looks to be the new bottom of the market. Hey ho.

Thanks for watching!

D C

Thanks Timothy, much appreciated. Enjoy!

Well said!, thanks for sharing.

Thanks Manuel, glad you agree with the review. You can imagine these reviews are made after a comparatively short amount of time on the bikes (compared to ownership) so I'm relying on over 20 years as a moto-journo to make these assessments as much as time on the specific bike. Will try and get onto the AJP some time. Depends on availability of test models. Best, JB.

The issue at the rally was the safety cover, they couldn't get either ambulances or helicopter rescue up to the venue. Riding around locally (at lower altitudes was as you can see, fine - as long as you didn't encounter ice). Best JB

@@RustMotoCollective Ahh, I see JB. I didn't realise you were talking about the rally!

#done :)

Hi TRP, the one (two!) thing(s) about the Tenere 660, that count against it, is height and weight. At 174cm and 61kg you might find it a challenge. If you don't, then it's an excellent bike. The CB500X is very much smaller, but less off-roady and a little less engaging character-wise. If you apply say the Rally Raid Products modifications (wheels, suspension etc) it does become very effective though. Much also depends on the kind of rider you are. The Tenere is, despite its weight, pretty good in the dirt, it has decent off-road biased geometry. The Honda has road oriented geometry, so while it's capable it's a little more work off-road and you'll probably need to ride a touch slower. You might also consider the BMW G310GS - sounds too small on paper but the engine is plucky and strong and again if modded to RRP-spec with wheels and suspension it becomes RTW capable. Comfortable, frugal, reliable and decent off-road. Read more about the 310 here: rustsports.com/rrp-bmw-g-310-gs/ and more about the BC500X here: rustsports.com/honda-cb500x-adventure-by-rally-raid-products/ Hope this helps, best JB

@@RustMotoCollective thank you for the reply and valuable input....well noted. Any thoughts on the servicing and service intervals for the Tenere....?

@@therollingpebble2138 The Tenere should be relatively cheap and easy to service being a single. Oil changes are every 6000 miles (10,000km) as I understand. Valve clearance check every 12,000 miles (20,000km) - Yamaha valves are good and generally stay within tolerance for long periods (I've known Yamaha's with 30,000 miles on and no need to adjust - still within tolerance). I think it's a fair to safe choice on the reliability and maintenance front.

Hi Grahew, this is why I prefer print to doing video - you can double check everything, take your time, get it right and not feel like a nonce trying to project 'personality' to a camera. And it's a job to remember your own name let alone the exact tank capacity when doing a seven-minute monologue (in sub-zero temps) without the aid of an assistant correcting you when you go even slightly wrong on your facts (want a job?). Besides if you ever look up spec sheets you'll see no two ever read the same on all details. Long and short of it, 200kg is a lot when slipping around in the mud. Even then - great bike. Anyway, the video is not the main course here - the magazine is, so please check that at www.rustsports.com (issue 36). And if you feel you can do better, please be my guest ;-) All that aside - what do you think? Good bike?

@@RustMotoCollective yes i see your point re facts and videos.... on to the bike ive owned many bike from big powerful ktms to Ducati's triumphs etc but the xt660z is in a class of its own its a odd bike and it never fails to amaze me in its ability, I've just purchased a 65 plate which is the last of the last with the intention of keeping it to end of my biking days. Ill have a look at your magazine now........cheers

@@grahew632 I like your thinking, I think its a great bike despite the obvious shortcomings, certainly a great travel bike and if you could only have one bike in the garage, it's a very good choice. I think a modest suspension fettle is about all it really needs, just for comfort and a little more accuracy when riding off-road. Then its just a matter of enjoying the fun of adding what you want to personalise it. Enjoy your riding, hope you like the magazine. Best JB

Answer my own question. Yes it's brill. Owned it for a month now and done one or two byways on it, it's excellent

Fantastic, great to hear you're loving it. We love mid-size adventure bikes for their versatility too.

Hi TK, as long as the engine maintenance has been kept up with it should be fine. It's a great choice, we really enjoyed riding this one.

Hi there Cracotator, I'm riding a V-Strom 650XT right now too. And for sure the Tenere is a more off-road bike. Depending on the kind of roads and trails you're intending, each has their strengths. For more road work and light trails, take the Suzook. For more committed trail work the Tenere. And two-up - why not? For inspiration check out the travels of Jon Florea and Anna-Maria Hogas in their 'Into the World' styled travels... anything is possible! Happy adventuring... JB

the point there being Jon and Anna-Maria are riding a Tenere...!

@@RustMotoCollective we just tried the ténéré, I think it would have been ok if there were not so many vibrations ! But I loved the style of the bike, it think for just one (tall) person it's would be the perfect bike for travelling...but as you said, everything is possible ;)

@@cracotator If money is no object - I'm a journo, it's always an object - I can see the new Tenere 700 being the answer, with that 700cc twin engine it'll be about right, can't see it being vibey. Only we're probably talking around £8000 in the UK (which will be a good price for this segment for a new machine) and of course we have to wait until later in the year...

Hi Benjamin, unfortunately I didn't get to ride the 250R, not ridden one yet. So can't say. There are plenty of reviews out there though.

Hi there, I'm 6'0 which is about 1.78 metres, is that right?

I’m roughly 5’8 / 5’9 ish, just wondering whether the Tènèrè would be too tall lol. I’ll probably have to get a lowering kit haha.

@@intotheskyaviation You just might be okay. Depends on your experience and where you ride. The more experience you have the more you can cope with elevated perches. I was riding recently with an American lady who's all of 5'0" (I'd say) but she had plenty of skills and determination, so she was just fine on a BMW 1200 GS rallye. So it depends on your confidence and how much you're prepared to do a bit of hopping when you start and stop! Best, JB

Rust Sports Sounds like it’ll be just fine then! Haha, I’ve been riding for around 4 years or so now. Lived in Norfolk, UK my entire life so plenty of trails around here, I think I know what my next bike will be then! Haha, cheers for the info. 🙂

@@RustMotoCollective would it suit me being 6, 4

Ahh, well spotted, thank you for pointing this out, Stefanos. Is this the case even if a restrictor is fitted?

I ride mine in at A2 license they don’t look into it for just 1 or 2 hsp difference