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F650GS (old) vs XT660Z Tenere F650GS (old) vs XT660Z Tenere
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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 1 Sep 2010
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F650GS (old) vs XT660Z Tenere
Likely been asked before (if so please post a link).

My wife is just about to take her test and then we'll be on two bikes rather than one. Currently we have a KTM 950 Adventure, but it will be good for me to scale down to something lighter for the trails, and we want to have the same bike (spares, tools, etc). We'll be doing longer range trips together, as well as using them for regular commuting, so they need to be comfortable for several hours in the saddle. I'll be using mine for technical trails as well (not afraid of getting dirty and dropping it).

Now, the problem is that I'm 6'4" and she's 5'5". Believe me, I've tried stretching her on the rack, but it's getting us nowhere.

I'm focusing on two bikes right now: XT660Z Tenere, and the old style F650GS (Dakar for me, regular version for her). Anyone got any comments on either of these bikes for short arses, and how they fair given the type of riding described above.

(When it comes to it, if anyone fancies swapping a fully kitted KTM 950 adventure for a fully kitted one of the above please let me know - UK based)

Ta,
Rich
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Old 1 Sep 2010
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If your wife is new to riding then I would suggest the F650 route. The Tenere is a great bike (I have one) but I would imagine it would be an absolute nightmare for a new rider at 5'5 as it's quite a tall bike.
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Old 1 Sep 2010
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Hi Steve,
thanks for the reply.
I had a sit on the Tenere yesterday, and the guy in the shop said that it is possible to make it suitable by:
- taking some foam out of the seat and having it recovered
- dropping the forks through the triple clamps
- 'making' some kind of dog leg adaptor to drop the rear suspension (it's this bit that worries me - or does anyone make this?)

what are your thoughts on this?

(edit: just seen another HUBB thread talking about lowering kits - so maybe this is doable)
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Old 1 Sep 2010
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You can lower it, but:

Taking foam out of the seat makes it less comfortable as it reduces padding.
Lowering the suspension (points 2 and 3) will work to an extent, but it's always a compromise and realistically you are not going to lower it far enough for your wife to be comfortable on. If I remember correctly the lowering kit only lowers the bike about 2 inch, which I still think would leave it too tall, I'm 5'10" and couldn't get both feet flat, not on opposite sides of the bike anyway

One other option would be to look at the Yamaha XR660R for your wife, and the Tenere for yourself. The two bikes are very similar, but the 660R is a bit lower in the seat and doesn't feel as top heavy as the Tenere



That said I still think your wife would be happier on the F650GS
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Old 1 Sep 2010
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Had a sit on the 660R in the same store and wasn't that sure it would be right for her. Also the guy in the store said that only a very few parts are shared between the Tenere and 'R'. Is this right, or is he just trying to get me to spend more?

Again, thanks for this.

Have seen that Off The Road do a £500 kit that reduces the seat height by 85mm - I'm assuming that is unloaded. Kit includes new rear shock, and new fork springs and oil. the cost of this could be factored in to how much we want to spend on the bike. Next step is to get her on the BMW and see how that works. Anyone gots any views on the (old) 650GS?

Ta
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Old 1 Sep 2010
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Not the greatest comparison shot, but this should give you a reasonable idea about the size difference of the XT660Z and the XT660R, the 660R is certainly a lot easier to manage than the Tenere

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Old 1 Sep 2010
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Nice shot, and thanks.
Out of interest, how do you find the two bikes handle off-road / trails, and is there much difference between them?
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Old 1 Sep 2010
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Regarding sharing parts, the two bikes share the same engine, which I would suggest is the main thing, unless you were planning on carrying lots of other spares.

Just been looking on the XT660.com website and there is a longish thread on there regarding lowering the Tenere:

.: XT660.com - The #1 XT660 Resource :.
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Old 1 Sep 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by steved1969 View Post
Regarding sharing parts, the two bikes share the same engine, which I would suggest is the main thing, unless you were planning on carrying lots of other spares.

Just been looking on the XT660.com website and there is a longish thread on there regarding lowering the Tenere:

.: XT660.com - The #1 XT660 Resource :.
followed link, but it's saying I don't have permission to view it.
Just registered with the forum, but waiting for authorisation.
Will view soon (I hope)

ta
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Old 1 Sep 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by riti View Post
followed link, but it's saying I don't have permission to view it.
Just registered with the forum, but waiting for authorisation.
Will view soon (I hope)

ta
Arse, I should have checked to see what thread it was in before I posted the link !!! Sorry about that.
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Old 1 Sep 2010
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There is another option for lowering the bike

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Old 1 Sep 2010
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like it
what inside leg do you think this works for?
I'm thinking 'Jimmy Cranky'
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Old 2 Sep 2010
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lowering links
I have recently bought a XT660Z and was given the lowering links for the 'height' problem. I'm 6' 1" and even though it's a bit high I'll happilly sell you the lowering links for a meagre donation..! (ie,you pay the postage and they're yours!!) I'll just have to dig them out of the shed.
I'm heading off on friday for Europe but will be back for the end of the month... Let me know. XT660Z is the way ahead, stick the BM up yer arse!!
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Old 2 Sep 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by geoffshing View Post
I have recently bought a XT660Z and was given the lowering links for the 'height' problem. I'm 6' 1" and even though it's a bit high I'll happilly sell you the lowering links for a meagre donation..! (ie,you pay the postage and they're yours!!) I'll just have to dig them out of the shed.
I'm heading off on friday for Europe but will be back for the end of the month... Let me know. XT660Z is the way ahead, stick the BM up yer arse!!
Sold!!
PM me with your details and we'll tie everything up.

Thanks,
Rich

(even though we've not properly decided yet for the cost it's too good to pass up)
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Old 9 Sep 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by geoffshing View Post
I'm heading off on friday for Europe but will be back for the end of the month... Let me know. XT660Z is the way ahead, stick the BM up yer arse!!
Spoke too soon..... I'm broken down in Toulouse, ha ha ha! Still wouldn't have a BM though!

Lowering links get to you ok? Fitted and seated better yet?
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