Now that does look great, though the cast wheels are not to my liking. And the rear brake caliper won't last long there.....:icon_rabbit:


I have a 12GSA in my collection, it can't be compared to the 660 Tenere, not at all.
It is a mile munching bike and we have had it loaded, two up and it doesn't struggle at all. But under no circumstances would I consider taking it off road. Way too heavy for me to recover alone, and that has always been the criteria of me using a bike off the tarmac, self recovery. Then again why take it off road, that is what I purchsed the 660 for, trips with off road section included. And this is where the Tenere 660 shines, it is perfect.

The artist pic supplied looks great, and I'd probably be very interested in a look at the bike if it ever materialises.......

Timpo.

Nah, in my own selfish way, I would not want to have a Super Tenere in the market. Why? Because it would be compared to the 1200GS and many other brands that come into this large, all-purpose market segment because of the GS, and frankly, I think 1200GS would outshine in this market segment, just like it has so far. Yamaha actually impressed me by coming with the Tenere the way it is, 660, nimbler, lighter, truly all-purpose (not just marketed), big tank, sturdy, no bells and whistles, easy maintenance, off-the-shelf RTW all-purpose, and still self-recoverable as Timpo said. IMHO.

But in our (660 Tenere) section, there is the KTM640ADV and the BMW 800GS and the old 650GS Dakar, they are all great bikes but as you say they have bells and whistles (LOL, I like that!), which the 1200GS and KTM990ADV have. But under their stature is a void which the 1*** Super Tenere would fill, and i reckon it would sell.
If a price tag was �7000ish, why not? A brand new bike with long legs and plenty of space, with no bells and whistles.... perfect!

Remember there is a hole left by the aging Africa Twins and Super Teneres, it's a huge gap..... I'd like to see ity filled by a cheaper challenger to the BMW and KTMs.

Timpo.

.............and the article on that design said that it would probably be a version of the TDM engine @ 1200cc, alloy beam frame and shaft drive! Certainly a head on against the BM alternative.

Perhaps it's psychological, but if a bike gets up to 1***cc, I would then expect bells "or" whistles, without them, then I would start complaining :Christo_pull_hair: Two things for me would become a paradox for a 1***cc bike, its light weight (self-recoverable in your words) and large tank: you just can't have both. I can imagine some japanese engineers along with the italians sipping over numerous espresso and/or sake over this issue :emot-words:

I agree (with both sentiments - MT01 is a great looking bike x)...

Personally I can't see Yamaha developing a whole new engine (or even a frame), for such a limited market machine... sure the Adventure segment is growing, but it is still tiny compared to supersports and cruisers in a worldwide market...

Therefore, it makes perfect sense to revamp the 900TDM (perhaps with a slight capacity increase to around a litre if the cylinders will allow), fit a 19 or 21 inch front wheel, raise the suspenson a little and fit some 660Z inspired bodywork. I'd also hope they would develop a slightly more robust factory luggage system too.

This way, the bike would be significantly different to the uber trailies (1200cc+) as to not to illicit direct comparision, and at the same time be both cheaper and more appropriate for true RTW travel.

That said, a litre/twin cylinder bike is still going to be inherently heavier, more complex, and while you might like the ability to cruise at 100mph on the highway, two up, with luggage - as others have said, the compromise will be less 'serious' off-road ability...

Personally I question the need for any more than one cylinder and any more weight/performance than the current 660Z offers on a true travel bike?

xxx

Curious Timpo, if you have to choose, which one would you keep?

Well, I have in my garage an XR600, G450X, F650GS, Serow250, R1200GSA and the Tenere.
And without sounding corny, but if I had to sell them all but one, it would be the Tenere that stays.
Sure, I would not be able to ride the stuff thet the Serow, XR or GX can get to, but I could still trail ride and cover the motorway miles with the Tenere.
The GSA was bought as a treat to myself after a year's graft. It was only purchased for road use, never to be trail ridden.

Timpo.

Like so many... hee hee x

Quite a stable you have there Timpo! Without dropping off topic, what do you think of the G450X?

xxx

Now now! I bruise easy....... like so many others.....:toothy5:

A very fast enduro bike that stretches my capability to the limit!
I had it up Chapelgate in the Peak District last week, the adrenalin was pumping for sure.
Service intervals keep me busy but twisting the throttle soons reminds you why.:120:

There's a couple more too...... old Ducati Darmah 900 and my latest purchase is a DRZ400E which is for trail ride leading, saves the GX for best!!!!

Timpo.