Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
Old Tenere - new 660 engine - good idea? Old Tenere - new 660 engine - good idea?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
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



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 6 Jan 2012
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Galway, Irleand
Posts: 29
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
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 6 Jan 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: yorkshire
Posts: 362
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
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 7 Jan 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: BC, sometimes
Posts: 578
Smile
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.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 7 Jan 2012
kentfallen's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Bexhill, East Sussex, England, UK
Posts: 673
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.
__________________
Triumph Bonneville 800 (2004), Yamaha XT600E (1999), Honda XBR500 (1986).
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 8 Jan 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Wiltshire, UK
Posts: 118
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...
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 8 Jan 2012
R.I.P. 25 November 2021
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 688
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.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 9 Jan 2012
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Galway, Irleand
Posts: 29
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
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 9 Jan 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: N.Ireland
Posts: 1
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.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 21 Jan 2012
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Galway, Irleand
Posts: 29
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
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 21 Jan 2012
R.I.P. 25 November 2021
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 688
Its a super Tenere (750cc) twin cylinder not single cylinder.

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

Mezo.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Engine Gaskets Question preppypyro Yamaha Tech 8 6 Jan 2012 10:42
Tenere fan not kicking in...! geoffshing Yamaha Tech 9 29 Dec 2011 09:42
XT600E 2002 Engine Oil Trichelia Yamaha Tech 17 17 Nov 2011 15:25
Egyptian around 30 states Heeso North America 6 13 Nov 2011 02:06

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 14:58.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top