Buying a High Milage Tenere to Replace My KTM 640

[DamMechanic]

Just kicking around an idea.
I have a KTM640 enduro that I hardly ever ride anymore. With tools on it and a full tank of gas, it weights 340lbs. I already have a Tenere but it is also my long distance touring bike.
What if I buy a USED Tenere, pitch the windshield, stock exhaust can, rear seat, grab rails, rear fender and anywhere else I could ditch the stuff I really don't need. Stiffen the suspension, add some knobbies, folding mirrors and real hand guards. If I buy a 60K mile bike, it still would be more reliable that the KTM and smoother to ride. Some of the stuff I could take off my 640 and resuse.

Anybody ever have the same thoughts?

 

[magic]

Interesting idea. You could save some more weight with a lithium ion battery and don't forget to get rid of the passenger footpegs and mounts. Also, the ABS pump and all the related plumbing would be a huge weight saving. That is if you can do without ABS off road.

 

[DamMechanic]

I didn’t think of the ABS/linked brake system. Been riding for 45 years without it, I guess I could go a few more years without. 8)

 

[Don in Lodi]

I don't think you'll get much below 500#. But getting one you ain't skeered to bang up a bit wouldn't be a bad idea. ::26::

 

[Cycledude]

The biggest gain would be in reliability

 

[Checkswrecks]

I don't think you'll get much below 500#. But getting one you ain't skeered to bang up a bit wouldn't be a bad idea. ::26::

I'd agree with both points.


Somewhere are photos of a (Australian?) Tenere which was stripped down after encountering a tree. It has a pair of round headlights replacing the entire front assembly, including the mounting frame for the headlights and windshield. There's simple aluminum sheetmetal covering the vulnerable bits in the side panels.

 

[DamMechanic]

500 lbs would not be that bad since the weight is low in the chassis. I have probably a 1000 miles of forest service roads around me and I prefer to take the Tenere but I tend to explore at a fast pace and at some point I’m going to be crying when I finely washout the front end in a mud hole at 30 mph that I normally would wheelly across.
I think the only thing I would be giving up is log crossings.

 

[stutrump]

Would love to see a pic of that Australian one

 

[eemsreno]

 

[Checkswrecks]

That's it. Thanks Steve.
Note the finely tuned and weight saving custom exhaust system. The diamond plate under the seat implies he's done something where the ABS pump would be. The skid plate is almost a mandatory item unless never ever leaving the road. Personally I would want to protect the radiator a bit better. Not sure how it'd run with no fan, unless he somehow put it inboard of the radiator.

 

[Don in Lodi]

Aww, no picture showed for me. Not even an X.

 

[stutrump]

No pic for me either

 

[greg the pole]

You're not going to be able to loose much weight. Battery yes, ABS is brilliant off road, not sure why you'd want to ditch it. Install an on/off switch for the really hairy stuff.
Where the ST falls down is the 19" wheel. The extra weight and small wheel make the bike difficult to ride on tricky stuff (quad trails etc). Also with better suspension, it can handle moderate bumps, but doesn't do so well when airborne.

I'm selling my 89k km tenere, and going to an AT, as my only road/adv bike. I have a xc300 for the truly shitty stuff (Canadian Rockies single trail)

 

[tallpaul]

No pic for me either... :-(

 

[eemsreno]

That's it. Thanks Steve.
Note the finely tuned and weight saving custom exhaust system. The diamond plate under the seat implies he's done something where the ABS pump would be. The skid plate is almost a mandatory item unless never ever leaving the road. Personally I would want to protect the radiator a bit better. Not sure how it'd run with no fan, unless he somehow put it inboard of the radiator.

Checkswreck
Why would these guys not be able to see this picture?
Some weird setting?

 

[eemsreno]

I'll repost it another way.

 

[Cycledude]

You're not going to be able to loose much weight. Battery yes, ABS is brilliant off road, not sure why you'd want to ditch it. Install an on/off switch for the really hairy stuff.
Where the ST falls down is the 19" wheel. The extra weight and small wheel make the bike difficult to ride on tricky stuff (quad trails etc). Also with better suspension, it can handle moderate bumps, but doesn't do so well when airborne.

I'm selling my 89k km tenere, and going to an AT, as my only road/adv bike. I have a xc300 for the truly shitty stuff (Canadian Rockies single trail)

I highly agree about the 19” front wheel.
If I was switching ADV bikes the Honda AFrica Twin with DCT would very likely be my choice. I would love to hear what you have to say after owning one for awhile.

 

[Dogdaze]

Looks like that's been 'Mad Max'd'!!

 

[tallpaul]

It's...erm...different! Functional you might say.

Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk

 

[Don in Lodi]

Picture! ::008:: Wow, what a beast. I remember the story that lead up to the bike being destroyed, never heard about the rebirth. Very cool.