Yamaha XT660Z Tenere (2008-current)

Had one for a year now, done 4500 miles including a 2000 tour of Ireland in the summer. It is almost certainly the best value money bike I've owned. Its performance is excellent if you stick to A and B roads and OK on motorways (but I can't see the point in riding a bike on a motorway anyway!) Getting 55mpg/250miles to a tank and its been 100% reliable, using no oil at all. It has a great riding position (for me anyway at 6 foot), comfortable and suprisingly few vibes if you cruise below 5000rpm. I'm still trying to get the suspension setup right when loaded (Yamaha side cases, tent on a Touratech rack and tank bag). It handles nicely with full fuel load, but gets decidedly wobbly as the tank dries up - needs more weight over front wheel. Standard Metzeler tyres are great in the dry, Ok in the wet, poor off road and horrible on white lines and raised surfaces. Will be try Michelins very shortly. The mirrors need to be further out (I can only see my shoulders), although Touratech mount extensions have cured this. A bit disappointed in some of the build quality: Rattly fairing (sorted with lots of bits of old inner tube), rusty brake discs fasteners, exhaust headers looking very shabby and the speedo fogs up in cold weather. Basically its a great practical bike, looks the part, is excellent value and pretty good fun to ride. There are one or two build issues, but I've sorted most of them easily, but let's not forget it is cheap for what it is. I like it a lot and I can see myself keeping it for some time and I'd thoroughly recommend the Tenere.

Took mine from Bilbao to Calais two up just after the first service. No ball of fire, but lugged the load well enough. As many people have said, why do 100mph when 60mph is fast enough on the right bike.

Picked up black tenere on tuesday, 3 days later I have already done 600 miles, covered 460 of those yesterday, could have gone on longer. Comfortable, relaxing to ride and very economical (although only travelling at running in speeds) over 250 miles to one tank!!!. Can't really give it scores yet as not had it long enough so will just score average for now, will be interested to see how long tyres last, previous bike 1200 daytona less than 4000 so hoping to improve on that. Will score at a later date when I have done some proper mileage. So far I love it.

I looked at XT660Z Tenere at launch. Victimised by a 5ft 8in vertical stature, three distinct thoughts sprang randomly to mind, namely: Rope Ladder; Gary Glitter boots; and Growbags. Having admired Bruce Dunn's racing campaigns, I would dearly like to learn his esteemed impression of trying to scale a seat height demanding a 35inch inside leg. My comments should not in any way be regarded as Yam bashing as I've owned and greatly enjoyed various RD, DT Yams… brilliant machines, and the original XT500 was a peach. But the current Tenere is surely targetted at customers of Outsize Clothes Stores, please allow me to explain. The Tenere, at 183kg Dry, is already gross compared to my Husqvarna 610SM, and furthermore, upon adding 23 litres of fuel to the Tenere's tank… that;s truly lardy. Were I to place 11.5 bags of sugar on either side of my Husky's fuel tank it would doubtless morph into a Routemaster… "easy to carve through city traffic" Hmmm, not on my commute I suspect, just watch out for the Bus mirrors then. Come on Bruce, let us know your angle on the test.

I own an XT660r and I love it, the only small problems are: poor front brakes and pipes that go under the engine, which reduces ground clearance. Both of which have been dealt with in the Tenere; not to mention the injection, which has never bothered me? That’s what the clutch is for, unless you want to ride a scooter. These bikes are so good all-rounder’s I would recommend either, but the Tenere is the best. Only one negative both are good one-up tourers only. I would not recommend two up touring unless you want a divorce.

This bike is ace,its the 29th bike ive owned in 27 years, ive had a VFR,a BMW,a TRIUMPH,a Varadero and many bikes of different styles and all sizes,at last the bike ive searched for all these years,wish i was rich enough to go globe touring,im saving to do scotland and a couple of cheap european tours,never had a bike that made me want to ride as much as this,get one and enjoy.

i fancy a change from the pocket rocket and muscle bikes,i bought it blind just by going on the look of it.when i saw it in v&j superbikes.i didnt even test ride.so on my day of pick up 1/9/08 boy was i shocked, for a 660 it was a pleasure to ride smooth,quick and nimble for what seemed a big bike and it handles well to.i got just over 200 miles on one tank of fuel which i thought was good.in and around traffic it was a pleasure and the bikes gives a comfortable ride,did 100 miles straight off and no back or wrist ache like i get when i ride my blade.brillant

i'm an engineer and work on many technical engines so i'm so experienced on engines this engine has an Compression Ratio 10/1 its 11,3/1 in suzuki dl650 vstrom it means this engine has a life of more than 100.000 miles and 11,3 means it has 40,000 miles so yamaha has a really bullet proof engine only problem it must be lighter its 183 kg +22lt fuel=its over 200 kg and its far to be a off road machine its an perfect enduro with very good off road abilities and need to have a kick start too strench:bullet proof engine, very quality tranmission system, fuel consumption, very good buit quality weakness:it too high for short users,heavy for off road( but its lighter than its competitors) i dont know who decide this stars to this amazing bike

A cracking dual-purpose bike, maybe not as quick as a twin on road, but a damn sight better off it. Plus it's half as much to buy as GS, and probably more reliable too.

I agree with other owners review. Sorry MCN I don't know which bike you tested but I don't see any resemblance. Your unwavering support for the BMW seems unfounded to me. BMW quality and reliability? Would you be worried about oil consumption with a Honda/Yamaha or bolts seizing, frame cracking, piston wearing issues? Anyway I bought my bike just like the other reader having seen the release last september in MCN and following the enthusiastic recommendation of a Dakar rider (who also ordered his without seeing it). I can tell you this bike does not disapoint. The engine pulls smoothly to over a ton effortlessly, its very comfortable, great riding position for observation and handles better than I do. Whats more my last blast to Wales which included off road exploration (sorry daffyd) worked out at 88mpg! I enjoyed the bike so much I didn't get off it once in 7 hours and over 250 miles. A day with no fuel or food stops is a first for me... Hungry breath in a helmet... nice. To conclude; the bike is awesome, if you want a flashy badge and dvd box set of a trip you didn't do get a BM. I would have paid more for the Yam than the beemer, if this bike wont tour I don't know what will. (and i test road the 650 and 1200 beemers)