Fuel Economy:
Well what can I say ?
One of the most important, if not THE most important aspect of any trip planning, is fuel economy and how many times you must stop. Your entire route planning is centered around where you have to fill up.
I can confidently say that the 23 liter tank on the Tenere 660 gives you an entirely different outlook to route planning, throttle play and just a nice gut feeling that you don't have to keep watching for the fuel light. Which is also a big plus having a digital fuel gauge on the dash.

I rode from Somerset West to Gansbaai and on to Cape Agulhas, a total distance of 214km and the electronic fuel level indicator still had two blocks remaining. If you look at the spec of 21.8km/L - one should be able to do well over 500km - but in the real world and with the way we ride on the weekends, its likely to be around 19km per liter.
Still - this is the standard tank - no need for expensive after market fuel tanks.

Seat Comfort:
The seat on the Tenere is a bone of contention - many say its not to their liking because you only have one position due to the recessed section you sit in.
I personally found it very comfortable and if you need to change positions you can easily sit slightly up on the Pillion hump for a few minutes. Needless to say it is a superbly comfortable bike.

Weight:
Dry weight of 183kg and about 207kg all fueled up, it still handles exceptionally well on tarmac and in the dirt. I did find with the Panniers and top box loaded as well, plus my weight of 98kg - she was really on the heavy side for this review - but that's exactly what one intends to do with an adventure bike...is it not?
Even with the massive load I assigned to the Tenere 660, she still responded as if there was nothing on the bike but the rider. the only time the bike was unstable was in very soft sand patches - but this is mostly attributed to the road bias tyres fitted. If I was going to namibia and beyond, I would have a set of MITAS EO 7's fitted and the Tenere will eat up the desert.

Wind Protection:
The standard faring is a bit too small. Add on aprox 10cm and you wont feel any helmet buffeting, depending on your seated height of course.
An additional bonus is the shape of the fuel tank - providing reasonably good wind protection to your knees and legs.

Vibration:
I was expecting the usual dose of vibration that is delivered by a single cylinder motorcycle - Surprisingly the Yamaha Tenere is exceptionally smooth. Mostly with 600cc single cylinders the vibrations starts around 120km / hour. With this bike I was able to cruise at 145km / hour and still not much noticeable vibrations. Beyond this one can expect it.

Power to Weight:
A wet weight of 207kg and a max output of 35kw would seem to indicate that the Tenere XT660Z is underpowered as it has been suggested. However, it is ever so slightly underpowered - but certainly nothing to complain about.
We know its not a 990 or 1200 so don't expect it to perform like one, the gear ratio is definitely more touring and cruising orientated than what you would find on an enduro bike - but that is why the Tenere is such a phenomenal long distance tourer. It will wheelie in first and second, but will struggle in third if the 23 liter tank is full.

Off Road Handling:
This is where Yamaha has succeeded in creating one of the worlds best adventure motorcycles of the modern age. Unlike most Dual Sport motorcycles which are based on road bikes with off road ability -
Yamaha have created an off road long distance touring bike - with amazing on road ability.
The front suspension has 210mm of travel and I loaded the bike up pretty heavy for the 2 days trip. The fork has Moto-X like absorption of medium to large size potholes, ditches, cattle grids and just about any thing you throw at it. Its truly what makes riding the Tenere a smooth affair.


On Road Handling:
Most riders dread the tar sections of their dualsport escapades, unless they on a huge 1200 - but then they only to happy to be on the tar again. For really long tarmac stretches, the 660 can be a little tiring - the Big Super Tenere 1200 would be the better option if you plan to do some serious mileage on tarmac.

In tight chicanes the bike can be thrown from side to side and even with a heavy load. At times I was concerned the panniers were about to touch the tar ! - the suspension is a bit soft for aggressive track or tar maneuvers, but its not what it was designed for is it?