660z Tenere vs 800GS - My test drive

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Justin

Race Dog
Joined
Jun 13, 2006
Messages
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Location
Centurion
Bike
Yamaha XT 660 Z
Yesterday I took a 600z Tenere and 800GS for a bit of a ride. Trying to determine the whether the difference in price equates to the difference in ride enjoyment.

This is not a Yama vs BM post, just my findings.


660z

Quite a jerky start (low revs), but as soon as the power kicks in it's all grins.
Easy standing
Very high (tip toes stuff at intersections)
It does remind me a lot of my KLE in regards to simplicity.
I couldn't push it hard on a highway, so I'm not too sure about cruising at 140...
Screen worked well at 110km/h. No wind on helmet.
A bit noisy, but the good kind.

800GS

Very smooth, lots of power
Lower ride
Difficult to stand (handlebar raisers a requirement. Also weird seeing as all BM guys like to stand ;) )
Little reservoir on the handlebars bobs around a lot (I would probably get used to it though)
I'm sure at 140+ it will be very comfortable.
Screen didn't block too much wind. Needs a screed adjuster.

Conclusion

In the end it felt as if the 800GS is a road bike that has been modified slightly to do dirt. The 660z feels like a true adventure bike.
Also, I grinned when riding the 660z and not when riding the 800gs.

Does anyone have the same conclusion? If not let me know.

 
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