Quote:
Originally Posted by
tricky
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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Yes, that was me... I chose the red pill, and now I've chosen the blue pill!
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