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After being asked about my Tenere a lot, here are my mods and thoughts.
After looking for sometime at different adventure bike options around 700cc I settled on the Tenere as most people here know. My 2nd choice would have been a modified DR650 like the ones Vince Strang is selling ready to go for 10k. The only other two new main stream bikes I entertained the idea of were the KTM690 and the BMW800. After researching the BMW I reckoned it was too expensive as are spares and accessories and the KTM well it’s a KTM ha ha it needed an aftermarket fuel tank, it didn’t have a pillion suitable seat, screen, and the cost of spares. I couldn’t find a 2007 low klm 640 adventure, had I well I would have bought one in a heart beat and gone to the dark side. Others I looked at and rode included the KLR650 which I felt had no ground clearance, damn ugly, poor suspension, zero performance although they are cheap but so are Chinese pit bikes ha ha.
What I knew about the Tenere was that it had a reliable engine, plenty of available accessories, I liked the look of it and it had enough power to keep me interested.
I also knew it would need the suspension modified but I don’t all bikes really. The two big downs were the seat height and the weight.Yamaha only bring into Australia blue and Black Tenere’s and I thought the blue looked gay IMO. I was looking to buy new but Chicken located a near new Tenere with only 3500kms on it. It had a set of Leo Vince pipes and Bark Busters and was black.
The bike had near new Dunlop 606’s fitted front and rear as a bonus.Here it is basically as I got it, well the morning after. I took it home and fitted the grip warmers and the high front guard. I also threw my Andy Bags on although the rack broke that day
The pannier rack was a home made then modified by Mal5.1 Rating for the racks 7.5 out of 10. (Its still a prototype, its light and strong but need a tweak) then 10 I reckon. Also in the pics below with the rack are the Leo Vince pipes which made a sweet horny mating call. Rating for these puppies 10/10 they sound phat, cost?? They came with the bike but money shouldn’t be a thought for something that sounds so sweet
Visited Craig at Tee n Cee and had tank protectors made and fitted. Craig has made them out of a tough clear and in the day light they are hard to see but you have the piece of mind when your knees are rubbing against the tank that your paint is protected. 9/10 and cost $20
I didn’t want to spring for a Power Commander yet ($600 AUD) I looked around and found this on another web site and E bay. It is a variable rheostat. It is fitted the air intake sensor signal wire, the return signal then to the ECU is then changed by the variable resistance thus causing the ECU to believe the air is cooler then it is. The ECU will then add fuel to compensate for the cooler air (well the ECU thinks it is and that’s all that matters) I need to set it up on Battyes Dyno to get the air fuel ratios correct. I didn’t fit it before Cameron Corner as it will obviously alter the fuel economy I left it until later. And keeping in mind I am happy with the performance. I can’t rate it yet as I haven’t used it. Cost $60 Purchased from XT660.com
I was told the headlights were worth around $400 and when looking at it I felt that could be that dear so I purchased a Touratech headlight protector direct from Touratech. Cost $78.71. Easy to fit, 2 screws. Rating 8/10
I purchased a slightly taller screen to reduce the buffering. The screen was purchased from http://www.off-the-road.de/XT-660-Z-Tenere/
They list it as Flyscreen, high, XT-660 Z Tenere ’08- smoke grey
The screen offers greater protection from wind and rain than the original windscreen. Turbulence around the helmet is minimised which results in a more enjoyable riding experience, even on longer distance rides. The fly screen is about 8cm higher than the stock screen Product rating 9/10. Cost $117 delivered
A B&B bash plate with foam to stop mud build up between the engine and plate. It is a bastard to fit and the bolts keep falling out, although lock wiring has fixed the problem. I will be having the bash plate modified later to include a water tank and more water pump protection. Cost $160, foam free. Rating 7.5/10
I fitted a WER steering damper, it works but I don’t think it is strong enough for such a big bike. Unit was 2nd hand, cost $400. Rating 6/10
I fitted heated grips, purchased from Sutto’s, cost around $32. These are excellent have never missed a beat. They aren’t the most expensive on the market or the cheapest. Rating 8.5 out of 10
I also fitted a set of softer grips at the same time, from Sutto’s Mal recommended them and they are awesome. Pics above. Rating 9/10
High front guard. I tried an Acerbis motard front guard and it’s been a failure through no fault of the guard. Plain and simple its not designed for the job and I don’t know what I was thinking. Product rating for the guard and its quality 9/10, fitted to the Tenere and the job it does 2/10
For added crash protection (something I have tested) I purchased a set of SW-Motech crash bars. They are made of heavy duty mild steel. These crash bars are designed to provide maximum protection, optical integration, and high quality fit and finish. They are taller all in one unit were developed to provide protection to the radiator from side impacts/falls. The bottom of the bars keep the ground from hitting the clutch and water pump areas in a crash. I have put a rubber sleeve over the water pump inlet hose see below. I purchased the bars through Sutto’s for less then the recommended retail of $299. Rating 9/10 they are excellent and work a treat as I speak from first hand experience
The right hand bar has saved the side of the bike twice now, but the body work is unmarked so they work
I removed the rear rack the bike came with and sold it on ADV, I then got a B&B rear plate style rack. Rating 8/10
The aftermarket rack the original owner had fitted below
I didn’t like the bar sticking up, below the new B&B
I fitted a 12v power supply, got it from Supercheap Auto $5.95, it works well and has a spring loaded water proof lid. I fused the power and earth to be safe. Rating 9/10 again
I also purchased a Garmin CSX60x and it rips, I use Basecamp and Shonkymaps with it. I bought the mounting system from Johnny Appleseed (http://www.ja-gps.com.au/) and it’s worked a treat. The whole setup I would and have recommended. Rating 10/10 for the software, the GPS and the wiring
The GPS is hard wired and again fused both the earth and power wires
The other GPS is and Aldi unit, the later Blue tooth one and it goes ok, cost $199 Rating 7.5/10
Tyres used thus far, firstly the Dunlop 606’s fitted front and rear. The tyres offered the best grip I have had on the bike since I got it. I thought they both should have worn better but am rethinking that since I have run a continental TCK80 rear. I got less than 4000km from the Dunlop’s and the same can be said about the TCK80 at this stage. Rating for the 606’s Front 8/10. Rear 7/10
The TCK80 offered no grip to speak of in any conditions although its behaviour was very consistent. I also used a Pirelli MT21 front which seemed OK, I will try something else but as I wasnt that happy with it although it has done nothing wrong as suchPirelli MT21 front new Rating 7/10
TCK80 new Rating 6/10
I have this afternoon fitted a MT21 rear it’s a 130/90-18 and will post my thoughts later
I also have been using Michelin ultra heavy duty tubes. These are the best IMO
Teknik’s upgraded the suspension, they fitted emulsion valves in the forks, changed stuff and fitted the right springs for me. The rear shock had stuff done and it’s a different bike, it handles now really does. The rear would bottom all the time but now never does and the front no longer dips drastically when braking hard. Cost $1150 Rating 9.5/10 (If I leave it alone and don’t change it)
The shock was stripped
Shim stacks
Rebuilt, magic done and tested on the shock dyno
Completed
Inside the forks stripped
Emulsion valve fitted
Andy Strapz Expedition Panniers soft.
• Carefully developed with ease of use and longevity in mind.
• A fraction of the cost of hard panniers.
• Elegantly simple and functional.
• Ideal for Dual sport adventures or long distance touring.
• Tough as nails, 12oz reinforced Aussie canvas.
• Dust proof, highly water resistant, waterproof with optional liners.
• Variable volume via roll top closing.
• No zips to break or get clogged with dirt.
Also I have been using Andy Strapz and these are the ducks guts 10/10 seen here in pics below (Green in colour)
The Tenere is not a Honda so it’s not all beer and skittles as there are some product problems
– The cush drive rubbers have been replaced once under warranty being just before Cameron Corner. They again seem to be worn and in need of replacement (3600kms) and I will be speaking with Yamaha again.– Filling the radiator is a tool of a job, it’s the worst radiator access I have ever come across. I had to make a special tool for the job and wonder how you would do it on the trail?
– Some of the bolt heads seem to rust, maybe its just mine but I think they shouldn’t
My bike has 11,355kms on it now, here it is as it stands this afternoon 3/11/10 ready for the Ships Ahoy Adventure ride.
It had 3875kms when I picked it up. Am I happy with it? Well yes I am now. I had trouble with the handling on the Cameron Corner ride which was purely my own doing as I had fiddled with the way it came back from Teknik’s. Would I recommend one, yes. It’s a great bike IMO and if it hadn’t come up to spec, well I own it outright I would get rid of for something else.
Fix the cush drive rubbers Yamaha
TB
Wow TB I did not realise how much stuff you have changed from original and I like the bag set up.My question is what tyres should I buy for my NX as it is only used on the road I want something nice and smooth for the tar.You should be happy with the perelli M21 I still have one on the front on the XR and they last a while the dunlop are softer and wear quick.
Good write up TB, glad you are happy with it now,maybe now you will be able to catch me on the NX :laugh: Hopefully I can have a quick blast on it sometime this weekend.
micknmeld wrote:
Quote:Good write up TB, glad you are happy with it now,maybe now you will be able to catch me on the NX :laugh: Hopefully I can have a quick blast on it sometime this weekend.Ha you will have saddle bags this weekend with clothes, tools, tubes etc so that will even the playing field somewhat so you wont be a problem.
A ride on my bike :laugh: you jest surely :silly: Maybe if you play nice. Moose on the other hand he will be getting some saddle time I promised him
TB
Boony wrote:
Quote:Hey my question is! how did the foam on the bash plate go towards keeping out the unwanted mud,,,Crickey them things collect some shit…Boony
It’s all to do with space Boony, if there is something in the space like the coarse foam well mud, leaves and crap can’t fit in the space occupied by the foam can it :blink: Its not normal foam either
Works so well I purchased one for the XR
TB
Roundeyedevil wrote:
Quote:My question is what tyres should I buy for my NX as it is only used on the road I want something nice and smooth for the tar.You should be happy with the perelli M21 I still have one on the front on the XR and they last a while the dunlop are softer and wear quick.I have a set of Metzeler Tourance that I didnt include in the write up but will when I do a 15,000km update. They are a great tyre, real good in the wet on the bitumen and will handle a dirt road or 3. Front, 90/90/21. Rear, 13/80/17 for your NX mate, ring Jay @ Sutto’s 47379566 tell him Greg sent you and you are an Old Bull he will hook you up.
TB
Trailboss wrote:
Quote:Roundeyedevil wrote:Quote:My question is what tyres should I buy for my NX as it is only used on the road I want something nice and smooth for the tar.You should be happy with the perelli M21 I still have one on the front on the XR and they last a while the dunlop are softer and wear quick.I have a set of Metzeler Tourance that I didnt include in the write up but will when I do a 15,000km update. They are a great tyre, real good in the wet on the bitumen and will handle a dirt road or 3. Front, 90/90/21. Rear, 13/80/17 for your NX mate, ring Jay @ Sutto’s 47379566 tell him Greg sent you and you are an Old Bull he will hook you up.
TB
I have used Michelin Anakes on my previous GS BMW’s and have found them to be an excellent tyre for more road going adventure riding. I prefer them to the Metzler Tourance (which I have also used) which are still an excellent tyre. Niether of them is much good in slippery mud though as you would imagine when you look at the tread pattern. I used to get about 10,000k’s+ out of a rear Anake on my GS1150 and 20,000k+ out of a front tyre. The Metzler Tourance I found lasted longer but did not give quite as good grip cornering on road. The only problem with these tyres is the higher cost relative to other brands out there but with the weight of the bigger bikes I think it is worth it.
Mick
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