2009 XT TENERE, with pics

[Waihou Thumper]

where?

I only see trail/enduro bikes being used as short distance adventure bikes.

To me - on road comfort/enjoyment in a wide range of weather conditions is an essential part of a true adventure bike.

Last weekend I did a typical adventure ride - 450km over 12 hours of which maybe 100-150 was unsealed. I enjoyed 90% of the road miles and it was an important part of the ride.

I wouldn't enjoy riding a trail/enduro bike that sort of distance (although I know plenty who do - they're all masochists) .

maybe I'm just a softy

I don't class 380km range as a short distance adventure bike...
That is what the Husaberg is capable of. I loaded it up and it was more than capable as an adventure bike.

[marks]

I don't class 380km range as a short distance adventure bike...
That is what the Husaberg is capable of. I loaded it up and it was more than capable as an adventure bike.

your bum is clearly tougher than my bum

I simply wouldnt enjoy that many km in one day on a plank of wood being blown all over the place by every gust of wind.

spose it all comes down to what gives you your jollies

would you rather do 380km on the burg or the big?

[Waihou Thumper]

your bum is clearly tougher than my bum

I simply wouldnt enjoy that many km in one day on a plank of wood being blown all over the place by every gust of wind.

spose it all comes down to what gives you your jollies

would you rather do 380km on the burg or the big?

Again it depends on the terrain. If I was mixing it up with trails and rougher stuff, the Burg obviously. For the sort of riding I will be doing in the South, which I class as touring on metal roads, the Big will be perfect.
I never found wind or the elements or comfort a real issue. It does depend on what you are used to I guess...

[marks]

I never found wind or the elements or comfort a real issue. It does depend on what you are used to I guess...

there is no question - comfort is important to me (hence a klr and not a DR) - the older I get the more important comfort becomes (tents are for peasants)

to each their own

[Woodman]

Standard old argument really, I think each and every one of us has a different definition of adventure riding, some of us have the correct bikes for what we need and some don't but can adjust their riding to suit. Personally I shoulda got a xr or something more traily cos I don't do many road miles, but occaisionally I do and I think that the klr is perfect (for me) in the fact that you can switch from one to the other without having to do anything at all.
I don't actually think there is a bad adv bike out there really.

[dino3310]

gotta agree with woodman, at the moment the XR suits me down to a tee, or though the big will do the job aswell the XRs a lot less work in the rough stuff for my tired arse , plus when i drop the XR i dont cry like a bitch

[tri boy]

, plus when i drop the XR i dont cry like a bitch

You ride a bush pig now. Learn to squeal lil piggy.
Weeeeeeeee, weeeeee, weeeeeee.................................

[Racing Dave]

Another big day - 13 hours door to door, but worth every minute. Nine bikes attended, and all survived. We rode 150 km of perfect adventure terrain. Not trail riding, but in dry weather, which we had, it's all suitable for big bikes. The scenery is utterly stunning - some of the absolute best anywhere. Hills to 1200m, lots of river crossings, good condition clay tracks.

You will be pleased (?) to know that the Tenere's crashability has yet to be tested, and it coped very well. Fuelled up in Culverden on the way north (via Inland Rd) and rode to the tracks, spent 7 hours exploring, and rode 200km home, and have yet to add more fuel.

The suspension, full pre-load on the front, one back from full on the rear, is plush and soaked up all the rocks and ruts, yet never bottomed on bigger hits.

With bar risers and cleated footpegs (YZ85) it's OK to stand all day.

Yes, the weight is felt, and it's no worse than other similar bikes, but in the conditions, and in the company of bikes from CRF230 to F800GS there was little to fault.

[Padmei]

Looksa good dave. What was the event - organised or bunch of mates outing?

[NordieBoy]

Proof that Tenere riders will resort to anything...

Helium in the front tyre. Whatever next...

[Racing Dave]

Helium in the front tyre. Whatever next...

Light weight, plenty of power...

The venue is the Clarence Reserve, managed by our friends at DoC. It runs from the Inland Kaikoura Road to the Clarence River, starting at the bridge over the Kahutara River.

After vehicles being excluded for several years, they are having a number of "open weekends" over this summer, as a trial. We (friends of mine) swooped in on the first one, in case they change their minds.

There are to be three more - the first weekends in Feb, Mar, and April. Their website has all the details, but it's not particularly easy to find them. Type 4WD Clarence Reserve into the search function, and follow the leads.

[Crisis management]

My previous comments on the Tenere have been; too fat, under powered and expensive (I also thought it looked a bit tubby in the photos) and now that I have conducted an unbiased and extensive look at one I have the following to pass on:
There was one on the Far North Adventure Ride this weekend which really was an opportunity for everyone with a road legal trail bike to drag it out and ride around a great selection of farm trails, now I didn't see it in action but it was running more road biased tyres which would have made life difficult. Anywho, my extensive research brings about a revised opinion, it doesn't look fat, actually it looks like a bike I would enjoy using, seat height and general slimness seem appealing but I was disapointed at the general look of cheapness about the running gear.
I have no idea how good the suspension is but the conventional and slender looking front end did not thrill me, the lack of protection for bar ends and engine components concerned me and the extensive plastic panels seemed overly decorative and I wonder how well they will withstand lying down. The weight, I understand, is nearer 150kgs than 200 so thats good news but when you put it beside a KTM 690 (about the same $ value) I don't see any great advantages in the Tenere other than a more comfortable seat.

My revised opinion, Knock $4k off the price and it's a good buy.


PS, what's with the huge tow hook on the front, expecting breakdowns are we???

[Racing Dave]

...the lack of protection for bar ends and engine components concerned me...

...these are available.

Cheers,
Dave B

[dino3310]

...these are available.

Cheers,
Dave B

at what cost after the 15k

[Crisis management]

...these are available.

Cheers,
Dave B

I meant as part of the purchase price, not as extras requiring further expenditure.....

I will confess tho, that one of the 690s' on the weekend managed to mangle a clutch lever so the KTM bar end protection is a bit light as well.