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Making it mine...
Hi everyone - just paid my deposit on an new 660Z and pick it up next week...
Having been a long time Honda fan, I must say, when I saw the new Tenere in the flesh I was totally sold - it seems to offer everything I've been looking for in a do-it-all dual sport touring bike... and for once, there is not much I want to change... However, there are a couple of mods I'd like to do, and I have had a trawl around the forum without finding any definitive answers so far... 1) There is a thread saying WR footpegs will fit the XTZ - Has anyone done this yet? Do they mean from the previous (steel frame) WRF's or are they the same as the current aluminium frame WRF's? 2) Side stand cut-out switch bypass. I'm presuming this bike has a tedious side-stand cut out switch? Is this likely to cause problems (as it can with a DRZ for example). I'd rather disconnect it anyway - does anyone know the right way to do this, or is there a bypass kit that avoids cutting any wires? 3) Found a thread regarding wiring up a GPS - goodo! 4) Rear lights - has anyone considered fitting orange LEDs inside the rear light lens to act as indicators? I don't suppose there is a kit available (yet?) You could then removed the rear mudguard extension piece and tidy up the rear end - making it less vulnerable to damage off road? Other than that, it seems pretty damn perfect out of the crate - I can't wait! All advise/pointers gratefully received! JennyMo xxx |
Hello, good choice of bike! =)
1. Haven't heard anyone who have tried it, but I'm intrigued. 2. It has a cut-out switch but I haven't had any problems with it. 3. GPS rox. 4. That would be illegal here in Sweden so no, but removing the whole plastic blob back there with something lighter and tougher is a good idea. But as you say you want to make it your bike experiment a little. :002: |
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I have a combined rear light/brake light and indicator unit on my Ducati Monster (red and orange LEDs behind a clear lens), and thought it would be great if someone produced something like that for the back of the new Ten' - especially as it has twin side by side rear lights already? The company (clear-alternatives.com) who make the one for my Ducati also do loads for sportsbikes, but as they are a US company, I don't see them doing one for the 660 as it is not a US model, at the moment at least... I'm sure I could get something together myself, although it would work better with clear rear lenses - I just hope someone reads this and produces it commercially and with OE quality? Thanks for the other info too... JennyMo xx |
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As for my bike, I managed to find a black one in the UK still for sale (they were pretty much sold out here as we only had an allocation of 150 for the year!) I've found a couple of other dealers have one left, but they are all the desert khaki colour - the white/speedblock colourway was most popular here I think, but personally I prefer the black, it looks more subtile and at the same time expensive? The sort of bike BMW should have made? I plan to do a lot of traveling on it this next year (retiring my XR650R from that duty and keeping that for rallye riding) - I'm going to take the Tenere to the USA (just to make them jealous!) for six months, then, well, who knows... xxx |
hi jmo was it you that went across america on a xr650r that was in tbm magazine if it was iam very jealous good luck with the tenere
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Usa....
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Which reminds me...has anyone heard anything in that direction lately ??? |
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The XR is an awesome bike, but not great over long road mileages (I've just got back from 6000 miles round Europe & Morocco this summer), and tends to use oil at high (constant) speeds... it is fantastic once on the dirt though, and an excellent rallye bike the way I've set it up. But since I want to cover a lot more ground on my next trip, I reckoned the Tenere was the way to go - better security, EFi, more comfortable over long road distances, and ought to be just as reliable (if not more so) and not use so much oil! Although it is quite a bit heavier than the XR650R, I reckon for the sort of trails I was riding in the US, it will be more than capable. Sure I might think twice if faced with a really nadgery section, but then I guess it's best to be cautious when traveling solo anyway? I think the overall refinement over long distance will more than make up for missing the odd trials section... x I spent a lot of time and money getting that XR the way I wanted it - but ultimately it is too hardcore for distance touring, so if I keep it, it will be as a (rallye) race bike now. Glad you enjoyed the TBM series! xxx |
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Personally, I think the 660 is the best compromise if you genuinely need a machine that is good both on and off road? Of course I just hope my presumption is correct... 7 days to go! xxx |
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I/we love the XTZ and Yamahas in general. I do not think you will be disappointed provided your legs are not too short. So how did you shift your bike stateside ?? |
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Hi Jacked thread - sorry Jmo
I could live with it being a 1200 even if it the intention was to steal BMW customers purely because its a Yam. I like the reliability and am more that happy to sacrifice technology and power for the guarantee of getting there. For me personally although I would like a go anywhere no matter what bike, but as I ride 2 up, a bigger "Trail" would suit me better. I would like to cruise at about the ton to get to the good bits. I would also like them to fit human beings and not giraffes. Horses for courses I suppose. Having said that the XTZ is perfect for now. OGRi |
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As for shipping to the USA, Motorcycle Express are probably the easiest way to do it, although they do charge for that simplicity... However, in general, the protocol seems to be to use a shipping agent in the country where the bike is (as they know what will be required to get the vehicle out) - so when I brought my XR back from the US I used a local Las Vegas shipping company who were great - it cost me around �700 to have it picked up from my address in LV and flown to Manchester, and the customs admin was all taken care of by them (remember to tell them it's going as a tourist machine, not an import). The agent at this end who handed over my crate at Manchester are arranging the return journey (although it will be the Ten' in the crate not the XR this time), they seem pretty thorough, having made me aware of all the typical EU burocracy - you'd hope it would be as simple as it was leaving the States?! The cost will be similar (based on same size and weight of the crate), although fuel prices have risen considerably since I brought the XR in in January. For a bike, flying really is the best way to go - far simpler logistically, and the bike is there in a few days, not three weeks. The price is essentially the same too - I was quoted �720 for a bike via sea, although that was roll-on-roll-off, no need to crate. Hope that helps? - there is plenty more info about shipping on the Horizons Unlimited forum too. xxx |
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KTM have proved you can build a similar bike with just as much (in fact significantly more) performance using a litre engine, and I think it would make sense for Yamaha to utilise an existing (and proven) powerplant, or a derivative of it at least? The adventure trail market may be a growing segment, but it is still tiny in comparison to sportsbikes and nakeds? xxx |
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Two nights ago, I was on the autobahn going at 150km/h or 93mi/h, it was solid and stable albeit some vibration which was less than I thought. Now I just changed the airfilter to DNA - i am taking baby steps in mods - I was just going on autobahn at 140-150 km/h and it's already much smoother and feeling a touch more power. I don't think you need to legally go faster than that in the US or anywhere, except German autobahn and Chile's section of transamerica highway. The wait is painful I know, I waited for a month!! But you will be very happy with it. |
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Anyway, back on topic!
I spent the afternoon in the garage, and have started to mod my Tenere - nothing major, just a few enhancements for traveling... 1). GPS power. Sorted the GPS wiring (see Scottnet's thread) - seems the connector behind the dash panel is not to be used, so I reconnected the length of cable I'd cut off, and routed it under the tank to the battery for now - Yamaha UK tech dept don't recommend hooking into any block connectors on the loom as they are specific, he suggested taking a positive feed from the rear brake light switch if you want GPS power switched with the ignition. I hate to cut into such a fancy loom though... 2). Handguards. Fitted a set of KTM plastic wraparound guards - I like these as they offer good weather protection and are surprisingly strong for plastic guards. Good value too at �38 for the whole kit. The inserts for the ends of the bars fit into the threaded standard Tenere bars (or you could go for Renthals etc.) and the guards fit either 7/8th or Fatbars too. The clutch side fits straight on (you might need to move the clutch perch in slightly so the lever end doesn't foul), the brake side is fine too, although you need to cut a crescent out of the deflector part of the guard in front of the fluid reservoir so the banjo/hose clears - a couple of minutes with a dremil x 3). Footpegs. Contary to what our dutch test rider chap said, WR pegs do not seem to fit straight on afterall (certainly this is true of the Pivot Pegz I bought, which they say are a like for like replacement fit)... although they can be made to fit quite easily. The width of the WR peg where it pivots in the frame is 30mm while the Tenere is about 25/26mm. I simply ground the tubular part (where the spring sits) of the peg down a few mill until it fitted in the U-bracket on the frame - this still leaves plenty of room for the spring. I fitted the pegs and they sort of looked ok, but I realised they were drooping and pitched forward. Basically the block of the footpeg is a little too short to touch the U-bracket, so the peg droops down and forward. I remedied this by drilling a small hole in the flat face of the footpeg block about 8mm deep, and inserted a 5mm dome-head allen bolt as a spacer between the peg and the U-bracket - this was slightly too thick, but can be easily filed down until the peg sits level and true. Result! (ps. I'd like to say I tapped the footpeg block, inserted a helicoil and can therefore remove/replace the 5mm allen bolt as required. In reality, I drilled a 4.5mm hole and bashed the ba*tard in with a hammer until it sat flush... x So, I have GPS, protected hands and comfy/grippy feet... next on the list is to do something with the ugly elephant trunk tail... chop chop! xxx |
Tank protection
Perhaps I am being a bit precious, but was concerned that the shiny new black paint on my tank would soon get scratched/worn - especially if you have dirty knees when standing?
Of course an adventure bike is going to show the scars eventually, which is why the self-coloured Acerbis plastic tank on my XR is so good... Still, I've cut a sheet of self-adhesive clear vinyl for each knee area of the Tenere tank (I swore I'd never buy anything made by Motrax!) and will see how it fares once I get the bike proper dirty... it may prove unnecessary... xxx |
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JMo......
:needpics[1]: Sorry, Please post some piccys. |
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I'll try and sort something soon unless someone has another idea? xxx PS. popped into see Paul at Metal Mule this afternoon (he was just back from the photoshoot with Steve's bike and MCN) - and had a look at their luggage... excellent quality, but the price? - gulp! I do quite fancy the taller screen though, as I do seem to get a lot of wind noise above 60mph (in fact at all speeds), if I duck down a bit it seems significantly less though? The screen they sell is about 4 inches higher, so I'm going to try the cerial packet and a gaffer tape to see if that hight will make the difference, before I shell out my �50... btw. I also mentioned to him my ideas about a single (left) side silencer and a tool tube on the right side, plus integrating the rear indicators into the brake lights (like the Clear Alternatives one for the SV650 for example) using orange and red LEDs in each light, and clear lenses... (and therefore being able to remove the lower portion of the mudguard and relocate the number plate directly under the lights). He's going to mention those suggestions to his suppliers and see what they think from a commerical/legal/emmissions etc. point of view... xxx |
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Edit: Looks like they have a stubby for me so it might not look all crap after all. |
Yes I met up with Paul from MM today and we put more goodies on my bike in readiness fro the MCN shoot. He brought a new alloy chain guard, a new hugger and ,bling bling a small cover to protect the sidestand switch! (Which he let me keep!) He also brought another set of MM panniers and top box for the shoot which we put on as well as the prototype crash bars. We met up with a couple of MCN chaps one of which has a White Tenere for long term test. See this weeks MCN page 40, a guy called Mykel, he was the photographer, forgot the name of the other person. Good talking to them and excellent time watching the shoot etc. Mykel has only had his bike for @ 80 miles but wants to buy it once the test is over! and he has ridden loads of bikes! PS the test notes on his article claim 162.3bhp and top speed 182,3mph! I think the editor has not got it wrong methinks!!!!!!!!!
The article should come out in two weeks time, it will be interesting to see how much space is allocated! Had a good ride down in bright sunshine and anticipating rain on the way back put my overtrousers on. Got halfway back and no hint of rain and getting hot and bothered took heated jacket and leggings off, didn't see rain until Leeds! All in all a good day and hope to see some of you down in Dartmoor, Princetown to be exact, the Plume of Feathers pub to be specific where Paul MM will be and BMW GS owners, c'mon lets gate crash! (I am!):smilies0349: I did ask about a tool box and disc lock bracket to get him thinking and mentioned that the chainguard would look really good with XTZ punched into the side, lets see what happens. Cheers SteveD:woo: |
Argh I'm a very impatient person. Have fixed all the parts for the plumbing just waiting for my stubby exhaust to be delivered, also waiting for the 14T front sprocket and the DNA air filter. I hate waiting for deliveries. Haven't found a good tail light yet to use for the remodeling of the rear either. Have mounted my TKC80 though and I'm extremely happy with them. Wonderful on gravel and very capable on the tarmac, even took them for a spin on the racing track this weekend. Ain't got any pics of the Ten on the track yet so one of my buddy on his XTR have to do :):
http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/3488/rickeih2.jpg |
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1. Footpegs - WR (up to 2006 model) Pivotpegz didn't fit straight on, but needed approx 5mm grinding off the tubular part (that the spring sits round) of the main pivot, plus an M5 dome-head allen bolt inserted into the block of the pedal so that it sat level in the existing Tenere frame bracket. http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/r...x/DSC09173.jpg The new pegs offer loads more grip, but Pivotpegz do feel a bit weird at first if you are used to regular pegs... however, they should help with fatigue, allow you to change gear more easily whether sitting or standing, and shouldn't eat away at the soles of your boots... they look cool too x http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/r...x/DSC09271.jpg |
2. GPS wiring... after various discussions about the suitability of various connector blocks, I called Yamaha UK's tech dept and they recommended the following - if you want a switched positive, it's simplest (and safest) to cut into the loom on the rear brake light circuit, and take the positive feed from there, and earth back to the battery.
So that's what I've done, and used a waterproof mini blade fuse holder to keep the fuses common throughout the bike. http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/r...x/DSC09248.jpg I use a Garmin 2610 (it really isn't as big as it looks in the picture btw.) and have mounted it above the bars for easier access to the touch screen when riding... http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/r...x/DSC09276.jpg |
3. Controls and handguards - I fitted foam grips for comfort, and KTM handguards for weather protection, and which are surprisingly strong for plastic guards too. They do fit with the handlebar cross brace in place, although due to the position of the switchgear in relation to the lever perches, the tips of the levers are very close to the guards, so I chopped an inch off each lever (which takes courage when the brake lever is �33!).
http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/r...x/DSC09263.jpg The only modification needed was to cut a small section out of the brake lever side to clear the banjo bolt - although this was partly because I like my levers pointing downwards. http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/r...x/DSC09275.jpg |
4. Tail chop... this is phase one - repositioning the (smaller 7x5 inch) plate and removing the lower section of the fender, and utilising an LED numberplate light.
Ultimately I'd like to do away with the standard rear indicators and reflector section, and mount the plate directly to the rear plastic, but this will do for now until Clear Alternatives (or someone) finds a way to integrate the rear indicators into the tail-light assemblies... http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/r...x/DSC09268.jpg http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/r...DSC09270_2.jpg |
5. Rear fender bag - You make have noticed in the pictures above the rather neat tapered bag by Touratech, that seems to have been designed for the bare tail section of the Tenere?! It's actually for their BMW GS rack, but suits the Tenere down to the ground... this is the Enduro 1 version (approx 5 litres capacity) which is big enough for a tool roll, tube, tyre levers puncture kit etc. There is also an Enduro 2 version which expands to 8 litres.
I like it a lot. http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/r...x/DSC09272.jpg |
Tail Tidy
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Hi JMo,
Like what youve done to the number plate/tail, could you tell me where you sourced the number plate light from? Is it R&G? I was looking at the Motrax Rresnd Universal bracket to move the indicators up towards the exhaust pipes. Cheers :icon_smile: Ian P.S. Since asking the question about the number plate light ive found out that R&G sell a numberplate light for �15. |
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I got mine from: http://www.project-r.co.uk/ - I searched on ebay for 'LED numberplate lights' and they came up with a buy-it-now... xxx |
Touring seat for the z
Hi just a quick photo of my new bucket seat with gel. I'll post a better picture later but at the moment I'm having a lesson on uploading photos.
Hope you like it as much as I do. http://i458.photobucket.com/albums/q...9102008012.jpg http://i458.photobucket.com/albums/q...9102008013.jpg |
New Seat looks great. Did you use the original base? Have you tried it out to see if it is comfier? :applause:
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Hi,
Yes I was able to use the original base. It cost �110 but �60 of that was for the gel insert. The front front of the seat is fitted with a gel pad which I am assured will make life more comfartable for the long trips. I've only had chance to sit on it but first thoughts are it feels great... Obviously a proper ride will be the proof in the pudding. I am doing a charity ride of 1600 miles in 4 days with one day being 800 miles. I am reserving my proper feedback until after then. (21/11/08). :106: |
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That's great.
Where did you get the seat from ? Is it lowered? Or the same, but with added gel for comfort ? Russ |
That looks really great, we must meet up and have a chin wag. I'm only at Huddersfield, not too far away. would like to compare notes on other mods that you have done as well. Cheers Steve
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looks a great seat you've had made and i too look forward to your opinion on it.
would like a lowered option if available yet? |
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