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Old Tenere - new 660 engine - good idea? Old Tenere - new 660 engine - good idea?
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  #1  
Old 6 Jan 2012
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Old Tenere - new 660 engine - good idea?
Hi all,
as a cash strapped adventurer who's a fan of things costing less than 1000 euro that take a battering without much guilt on my part I've got a dilemma.

I was saving for a new model tenere but...
I've been offered an old tenere with a damaged engine for small money.
I was thinking if I fitted a newer 660 model engine from a breakers yard I'd have a cheap adventure tourer with a modern economic engine and a big tank after a bit of bodging. Suspension mods are enevitable but it might be cheap enough.

Can anyone who knows their yamaha tech tell me if this is possible and more importantly if this is a good / bad idea?
Thanks
Ronan
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  #2  
Old 6 Jan 2012
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anything is possible ! But can it be done for 1000e ?
Have a Chat with Gadget ( Chris ) on here .BMWGS.co.uk :: Index
He is the man for info on this type of thing.
Dazzer
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  #3  
Old 7 Jan 2012
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Sounds like a lot of trouble to me - you will need new ECU, wiring loom, regulator/rectifier, fuse box, air box, fuel pump and injectors with all the appropriate sensors and exhausts. I'd stick with plan A and save for the newer bike.... but that's just me.
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  #4  
Old 7 Jan 2012
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NO.

NOT a great idea in my humble opinion.

If it can be done by a home mechanic (which I seriously doubt), it will be very expensive indeed if it's done safely. You will have to mess about with the frame and engine mounting ect...

Remember that manufacturers spend millions on research and development (R&D). You won't be able to test your invention to destruction in the same way...

Instead just buy a bike which suits your needs better? Don't waste your money or put yourself in jeapody.

I wish you well whatever you decide to do but please be very careful.
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Triumph Bonneville 800 (2004), Yamaha XT600E (1999), Honda XBR500 (1986).
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  #5  
Old 8 Jan 2012
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On the ferry to Le Mans last September (ok, I was only on the ferry between Pompey and Le Havre - rode my Guzzi the rest of the way..) , I saw a very neatly converted 3AJ with (I think) a 660 motor, USD forks and several other clever mods. It was so well done I didn't give the bike a second look to start with...

So it can be done...however, noting all the above good caveats I concur that you'll likely end up spending much more on the project than on buying a good standard bike.

Depends what you're after - practical, easily serviced adv bike, or interesting project and conversation piece: IMHO, you'll be unlikely to end up with both, esp if you're working to a limited budget.

Of course if the old bike is good enouigh to warrant a new engine, then rebuild it as standard...or break it and flog the bits off to increase your 660Z fund...
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  #6  
Old 8 Jan 2012
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3TB in a 3AJ
Easiest way is to bung a 3TB engine in there, 600cc air cooled.

This pic is a 3TB in a 1VJ (same as 3AJ) basically.



No need to chop & weld it drops right in, putting a 660 lump in there would be expensive & what will you gain apart from an very empty wallet?

Geoff has dropped a 3TB in one of his 3AJ resto`s without any drama`s.

And there`s a South African guy who dropped a 4PT in his 34L (bit more work involved).



Mezo.
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Old 9 Jan 2012
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Having read the replies I reckon I'll stick to the plan and wait for the 660Z, am currently justifying buying one on fuel economy for my work commute, so spending half the money on something that may not run reliably or well is false economy indeed.
thanks for the advice guys
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  #8  
Old 9 Jan 2012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RonanE_IRL View Post
Having read the replies I reckon I'll stick to the plan and wait for the 660Z, am currently justifying buying one on fuel economy for my work commute, so spending half the money on something that may not run reliably or well is false economy indeed.
thanks for the advice guys
If you don't want it, would you mind forwarding the sellers contact details to me? I'd like a look at that, need a project. Thanks.
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  #9  
Old 21 Jan 2012
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No problem,This is the ad, it's in Ireland so not sure it suits you:
yamaha DT175 for sale in Dublin : €1,450 - DoneDeal.ie
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  #10  
Old 21 Jan 2012
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Its a super Tenere (750cc) twin cylinder not single cylinder.

And for the record just bung a TDM 850 lump in there.

Mezo.
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