Opinions/info wanted.

[BenR]

Hi all. I've been looking at Honda XRV africa twins & yamaha XTZ super teneres on ebay. They seem to be a bit pricey particularly as they all seem to have high mileage. Was wondering if anyone had owned one of these bikes or had any experience of them. What are they like running costs wise? Are they very heavy? What power are they? Any info would be appreciated ta!

Have also been looking at the yamaha TDM also, are these any good?
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Current bikes: suzuki RG125UN wolf. Yamaha MT-07

[G]

What do you want the bike for? I've always thought these bikes share a rather odd 'niche' of being both pretty heavy and relatively under-powered. Generally you go for one or the other, not both together.

[BenR]

Touring really. They certainly look comfy. Just wondered what sort of power they made i.e would they be ok for fast cruising?
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Current bikes: suzuki RG125UN wolf. Yamaha MT-07

[G]

The Africa Twin makes about 60hp, the XTZ a tad over 40hp I believe.
They wouldn't be my choice, personally. If you like the position, I'd probably go for something like the TDM for road work.

If I were going off-road, I'd choose something much lighter (in my case a KTM LC4 based bike.)

[chris-red]

[pa_broon74]

I have a TDM, while others will probably disagree, I like it. Upright, tall so good for visibility, good amounts of power and with the right rubber on, good handling.

I toured on mines last year and it was very comfy. You just need to make sure and check it out thoroughly before buying. I bought a pup, that said, even with all the faults, the engine just goes and goes and goes... Its a tank in that respect.

I fancy an africa twin but they're highly sought after I assume because they're pretty indestructable, but as G said there, they do seem under powered (like the transalp.) I also looked at the tenere which lends its engine to the MZ Baghira (a 660 single.) My BMW F650 is far superior in terms of top speed than the MZ. Thats just the engine mind, although its more comfy too.

For looks, I love the new Tenere in the khaki colour scheme the XT660Z (the touring version) has a bigger tank and other long distance extras, that would be my choice. Although for old school looks, the Africa Twin wins hands down.

The TDM is a good bike, I won't sell mine, it's a love hate thing.


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Didn't catch anything.

[BenR]

Only 40bhp? That's really poor from a 750 Vtwin. A DRZ400 makes over 40. Perhaps you're right then leave them alone. Cheers.

Found this TDM though, low start.
https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=220421653290&Category=9809&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26its%3DI%26otn%3D2
Any good?
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Current bikes: suzuki RG125UN wolf. Yamaha MT-07

[KevTM]

Out of those bikes I'd chose the TDM. Someone I know had a Tenere and sold it for a KLR250 as it was faster, lighter, cheaper too run (especially on petrol).

[yen_powell]

Ask yourself, why have they all got high mileage?

If you want to bomb down a motorway at more than 90mph for hour after hour get something else. Under 90mph it's fine from one end of the country to the other (barring a thin seat of course but that can be fixed). Africa Twins should be able to do about 220 miles before hitting reserve.

Super Teneres don't last as well although they may be a little quicker.
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Blackmail is a nasty word........but not as nasty as phlegm!
XT1200Z and a DR350 in bits

[BenR]

[pa_broon74]

88hp?

Yeah, but I reckon you'll be hard pushed to find one that's still shoving that out due to the 850 model going out of production (i think) sometime around 2001/2??

Don't know exactly.

A Super Tenere is going to be ancient surely? I'd leave them well alone. Better off with a decent TDM, silver and yellow is the best colour...


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Didn't catch anything.

[Charlie]

If you want an Africa Twin, I'd snap this up before the guy changes his mind:

https://www.xrv.org.uk/forums/sale-wanted/37467-africa-twin-superb-1990-xrv750l-africa-twin.html
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Past: Honda x8rs, Honda City fly, Honda Hornet 250, Honda VFR750, Yamaha xt600e.
Current: Honda CBR929RR & Yamaha XT660Z Tenere

[chris-red]

Personally I would go for a newer TDM each model up has been been a fair improvement on the last. Have a look on Carpe TDM and ask for advice there. I would go for at least a MK2. The 850's are known for drinking oil so you will need to watch that. Coils are also a weak point on the 900 and maybe the 850's I'm not sure.
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Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

[BenR]

[Kickstart]

[G]

I am, my bad, didn't read the initial post properly.

[user]

I'm suprised they claim as much as 81hp for the AT, I'm led to belive the tenere is the faster bike.

Generally, Africa twins are more expensive than the super tenere. Most of these bikes are old now, but both engines are capable of high miles (well over 100k). Problem is the rest of the bike falls apart around them. Look out for cracked frames, creative wiring, rust, that sort of thing. Both of the bikes have well documented 'weak spots', reg/rec and fuel pump on the AT and reg/rec and emulsion tubes on the S10. Expect to have to do some work unless you find a really good one.

They are heavy bastards. Weight is carried very high as well, with 27L of petrol sloshing about a meter above the floor. You don't want to have to push one anywhere.

Fundementaly they're flawed bikes. Great fun to ride though

[MarJay]

[Skudd]

I've had two ATs, great bikes, almost bullet proof, they do eat chains and the brakes need to be kept in good working order, other than that they are great. They are happy plodders, can do 85mph all day two up with no problems, sometimes forget about the pillion it is so easy to ride. Big on presence, people move over for you even if you don't want them to, you can see for miles over hedges and cars so can make good safe progress. Great for touring and short hops.
I gave my nephew my last one, put a restrictor kit on it for him, it was only noticeable at top end ( 87mph from 115mph) but the pull up to that didn't alter. A big bike not for the short arsed or weedy rider, but if you are tall with a bit of beef on you it is a good all round work horse of a bike.
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Famous last words of Humpty Dumpty. " Stop pushing me "
Petty Anarchists look at "1984".............. The Visionary looks at "Animal Farm".

[G]

Various unreliable sites from google such as bikez.com list the AT as 60-62hp.

[yen_powell]

[yen_powell]