Looking at my first test ride on a tenere
 

Hi all,
New to this,I've been looking at a tenere for ages and I'm going to have a test ride and make up my mind. Any advice on what to look for on a xt660z tenere,2010, 10 500 miles on the clock? Almost made up my mind anyway but would feel better to know if there's any year specific things to check out?
Looking forward to being a xt 660 owner.

The only year specific things relate to 2008/2009 bikes, namely regulator/rectifier connector problems (2008), crankcase breather failing to stop oil blow-by (2008) and one or two gearbox issues (2009). The first two are not really a big/expensive issue to sort, although most have been fixed anyway by now either by dealers or owners. The gearbox issue only affected a very small number of 2009 bikes only. A 2010 model should be fine.

Just look for all the usual stuff you would on any used bike. Particularly focus on bearings (headrace, swingarm, suspension linkage) as they weren't particularly well greased from the factory and suffer quickly if neglected. Check for regular servicing of these items (probably won't have ever been done on a 10.5K bike) and/or for play/slop/grinding/squeaking in these areas. Otherwise the Tenere is pretty much bullet-proof.

Thank you,I've been so liking the look of this bike. Can't wait to get a feel for the enthusiasm I've seen on this forum about this bike.

The tenere is great bike, just gets on with the job, I've a zx7r tucked away in the shed and when I get off the xt I have a bigger smile than when I get off the 7, though I still won't sell it, so you'll enjoy the bike.
Pleiades, what was the issue with the 09 gearbox?

Just to add something, I'd make sure of is that you get the original Red ignition key with the bike.

Well good luck and as the guys mention you really need to see that the bike has been well looked after, oild changes and stuff. These bikes are fairly bullet-proof so you should be ok. ENJOY!!!!

Thank you again. Have heard the red key mentioned a few times.what's that about?

You only really need it should you lose or break one (or both) of the normal black keys. It is the transponder coding key and is essential for registering a new key (or re-registering existing ones) with the ECU.

Thank you,I'll be sure to ask about that. Seems important.