Preparing Yamaha XT660Z for my Next Trip - Modifications - Part 5

[@motorcycleadventures]

The Essential Guide to Any Motorcycle Traveler - Online Course: rtw-adventures.com/online-course-1.html

[@aledlloydwilliams963]

Nice to see an 'old' bike well maintained, well used, well adapted and well loved - you're an inspiration Pavlin, thank you for sharing.

[@motorcycleadventures]

My pleasure! Thanks for taking the time!

[@younelife1]

Hello, first of all, you are one of the best moto vloggers in my opinion I feel like your bike is like someone's home, you modify it according to your needs and you can call it exactly and literally your personal bike. And for me, that is better than to have a bike and not costumed to your personal needs, in that way it is just a bike

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks, man!

[@caroldave4037]

Pavlin you may not want too ..but yamaha should give you new t700 and buy your old tenere because it should be in yamaha's *museum* .😉😉😉.. atb cheers from dave

[@motorcycleadventures]

I will be more than happy to have it, but... I am not going to die if I ride my old Tenere.

[@robbland6312]

Hi Pavlin as always your videos are always informative and we learn a lot from your advice. You mention your dislike for the brake lever. Remove it, get a disc cutter/angle grinder with a stainless steel blade. Place gear lever in vice and cut the slot wider where the bolt pinches it to the gear shaft. That way you can do the bolt up even tighter. Hope this helps cure a problem. Kind regards Robert. 👍🏼😎

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thank, man!

[@osmanidris8494]

Instead of using the cable splitter use soldering gun to connect cables directly and to provide waterproofing for your cable connections you've made for gps and voltmeter use cable shrinks on them after you connect together. We're using those for our machinery and it never fails. There are several thickness for those cable shrinks and can be found in any electrical shop.

[@motorcycleadventures]

I might do it. Thanks, Osman!

[@allenhuling598]

I believe I have seen all of your videos on your bike mods. Still, I appreciated you taking the time for the deliberate walk around of everything as it is so well thought out and practical! BTW, I envy your mild weather because we have heaps of snow, and now some light rain on top of it....very icy! Ride safe!

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks, Allen!

[@pauldavison2116]

As always a well thought out video on a well thought out prepared bike. Like you said "It is good enough for me." and good enough for you is good enough.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks, Paul!

[@GPski]

Tip for using those electrical connectors like cigar plugs etc , put petroleom jelly or vaseline on them , a little greasy but they will NEVER RUST ! reapply as needed 👍 thanks for all the tips I will use em ..👍

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for the info!

[@marcelvanbodegom]

Very well explained Pavlin. But a little advice regarding the gps charger. Bring a spare with you on your travels. I had the same solution as you now have on my Cagiva and the charger didn't survive the vibrations of the single cilinder engine. I opened the charger after it failed and some components were loose on the circuit board . I now use generic 12v to usb plugs, if one fails I just put another one in. You can buy angled usb leads on Amazon. With generic usb plugs and generic usb leads you can replace parts fast and easy.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks, Marcel, but if it stops I just won't use it.

[@jothain]

Many people forget one thing. I'm also sure that your power cable is not rated for starting power, but the thing is that your not going to (hopefully) crank your engine for let's say 30s or more at time. Wire can heat, but as long as it doesn't burn it'll work. Sure you'll get more amps through bigger wiring, but if it works it works. And let's be honest that you will only overload that wiring during cranking.

[@grhmnz4648]

i like how you present your ideas in a practical informative way . It is great how you trust your bike ,as I think some of us are scared of higher mileage bikes .Great channel ,Pavlin.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks, man!

[@sujoydey8469]

I just love your practical ideas !! Please let me know which engine oil you use and how frequently u change your engine oil.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks, Sujoy! I use Motorex 10W60 and I change it every 5,000km. When I travel I can extend it to 10,000km because it is usually long roads without so many RPM.

[@WiltshireMan]

Good mods Pavlin. The bike has covered a high mileage but still sounds good. I hope your adventures go well. Sandy

[@motorcycleadventures]

I hope for the same!

[@dilwyn1]

@@motorcycleadventures Ride safe Pavlin ... I hope my 660Z lasts as long as yours, its done 25,000 miles and with a bit of luck will do twice that!!

[@motorcycleadventures]

I am sure you will! It is like a donkey!

[@dilwyn1]

@@motorcycleadventures LOL!!! As it was made in Japan I call it a "Rice burner" !!!

[@nealeburgess6756]

I like your spare clutch cable! My solution is to carry a universal inner cable. It was very easy to change when it broke while on holiday in Los Picos de Europa (Northern Spain). I carry a spare throttle cable (original type). I reckon I could pre fit it like you have with your clutch cable. I had one break many years ago on My Suzuki GT 250 while returning from Luxemburg. My temporary bodge made riding the bike"interesting"!

[@raulciska7503]

Super useful video. I loved the cable connected to the foot brake lever.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks, man!

[@riaanlaubscher8154]

I love the modifications... Thanks brother :

[@motorcycleadventures]

My pleasure!

[@equaliser2265]

You can put grease onto the Zip of the GPS. The best is from a diving shop that is used in the zips on dry suits. You can also rub white candle wax on the zip and it will be waterproof. 😆 Proper advice, learn from this man..

[@motorcycleadventures]

If I have a grease it will hold all the dust. The zip is well design and the water is not a problem because it never goes directly to it.

[@Nagraj_h_rao]

Very detailed modification review. Amazing. Thank you Pavlin. Ride safe.. Have an awesome journey.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks, Raj!

[@DonPedro6901]

Nothing to be ashamed of, especially as it goes to electric/wires. You seem to know what you have done and I am pretty sure of that. Good job, ride safe, bro!

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks, man!

[@laszlobauer5274]

I agree. Especially that he did it himself, so if anything goes wrong, he knows what he did are how he did it.

[@mohba01]

i assembled an IP68 26650 battery case with 2 batteries in them which are roughly 11000 mAh combined. since the batteries are lifepo4 they are very light. i power my phone (gps) and tire pressure management unit (because tube type spoke wheels) ... i tie the same with velcro to the handle bat foam like what you have and it usually last many days without needing a charge

[@motorcycleadventures]

Whatever works for you.

[@mohba01]

@@motorcycleadventures Cheap chinese TPMS are pretty good to have on spoked bikes as in case of puncture before fully flat. very very helpful for long travel and gives extra confidence . justsaying.

[@robertrobhog]

great video, Some good mods there.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks, Robert!

[@kabatja]

One of the best video about your bike ! I love it ! Thx. Lazlo

[@motorcycleadventures]

My pleasure Lazlo!

[@dougbach7105]

Great video my friend!!!! Thank You Sir!

[@motorcycleadventures]

My pleasure!!

[@woxiduswoxidus1167]

The great approach for modification! Sometimes bikers become more addictive to adventurising bike than spending time and money for traveling. What about for adjustable windscreen for better protection on highways and lowering on offroads, are there any plans on it?

[@motorcycleadventures]

No. I never worry so much about it. As I said I had a tall screen and it was not so good.

[@DanielSanchez-Fj1200]

Siempre que te veo, con tu gorra “España” pienso “no podría hacer estos vídeos en español “? Entiendo tan poco el inglés (el tuyo un poco mejor) que me quedo con las ganas. Un saludo desde España 🤗

[@RusCBR1000RAC]

Thank you, this video was helpful to me. I recently bought such a motorcycle. I wonder what and how it needs to be supplemented.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ioanc2]

Did you need to do any changes on your vehicle identity card after modifying brakes and lights? Did you need to pay to the vehicle registration authority for the mods?

[@randomrides]

Brilliant thank you 👍

[@motorcycleadventures]

You are welcome anytime!

[@ehteshamqureshi68]

great job love it

[@ATTESAfr]

Why don’t use SAE plugs for your battery cables et jumper cables ?

[@motorcycleadventures]

I had it before and I lost it. I couldn't find it in the shops.

[@jarosawskrzypek1373]

Very informative, I like that series of preparation videos, thank you. By the way, will you go for Swiss Moto this year and if yes which day? Cheers!

[@danielprinsloo2917]

thank you for sharing - good tips.

[@motorcycleadventures]

You are welcome anytime!

[@teneretraveller8980]

The main stand is a modification a lot of people leave off, because of weight and ground clearance issues, but think it has to go on for maintenance, tyre problems, etc etc. I have the same power source as you for my gps but did not know the brown live was already fused? Is that correct? If so I have 2 fuses in the circuit and can remove one to simplify things. These are great bikes. Happy travels

[@motorcycleadventures]

I will always prefer to have two kg less in my bag, but central stand on the bike. It is one of the most practical extras you can have. Yes, it fused because it is going through your ignition.

[@MichaelD1008]

Pavlin, where is your next trip going, what have you planned !?

[@motorcycleadventures]

Scandinavian countries but let's see first how is going to be. More info here: rtw-adventures.com/next-adventure-1.html

[@CarlosSilva-it1ms]

Hi Pavlin. When you change your handlebar for 28mm did you had to make any changes on controls or they just fit fine with no problems?thanks for all your videos. Very helpful

[@motorcycleadventures]

No Carlos, the ends of the handlebar are still 22mm

[@svendusmcveteraner]

@ Pavlin What have you done to the two exhaust pipes running at the left side of the bike i Had a XT660ZA Ténéré 2013 and went over 10000 km year with it a very nice bike but i became tired off having a roasted left leg and a heated seat (Original exhaust Pipes) in the summer and was not able to get rid of the heavy back ignition on my bike So i sold it for a Honda XADV 750 DCT i was actually thinking of a Ténéré 700 but because i doesn't ride mush Of-road to day and the Bike are a bit pricey it became a Honda 🏍 Celebrating 50 Years jubilee riding MC this year i think the Honda will serve me well. Keep up your nice reviews Thank You

[@motorcycleadventures]

I only changed the muffler.

[@laszlobauer5274]

Do you think that adding all these electrical stuff is okay for the alternator in every case? I mean you have heated grips, GPS, power outlet to maybe charge your camera battery or phone. I know most of them are not huge power consumers, but I am always afraid that the motorcycle manufacturer did not think that we will add so many additional electronics and the alternator can be overloaded. I know yours is okay, because these mods are for a long time and you had no problems but how about other brands or models?

[@motorcycleadventures]

I use GPS and heated grips. Never charged anything.

[@voodsky]

Nice video. What about smart brake indication system? Are you still using it?

[@motorcycleadventures]

Yes, and Smart Brake module as well.

[@stevenfarmwald6979]

Hi Pavlin, great video. Was it difficult to get the TUEV approval for the fork/brakes swap?

[@motorcycleadventures]

Legally it is impossible but the control is still not so bad. I have some friends.

[@nazmictak8945]

Здравей павлин. I m travelling to your homeland Bulgaria almost every month. Can you please advise best motoroads specially in Bulgaria. Will be pleased for Balkans as well. Thanks in advance.

[@gbner9991]

great video, thank you

[@motorcycleadventures]

My pleasure!

[@hajnus16]

Hello Pavlin! I really appreciate your videos, great job and keep it up. We need more that kind of solid staff on youtube. As an happy owner of 660 tenere as well I got a question, did you modify or upgrade the bulbs in your headlight? I mean low beam and high beam specificly. Whats actually nside there? H4 am I right?

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks, man! No, I am still with the stock bulbs. H7.

[@f.t.rguez.sanchez8520]

Hello Pavlin, greetings from Spain. Could you tell me where to find the rear side plastics that you have, where you have the number 5, I've been searching for quite some time and I can't find anything. Thank you and greetings!!!!!

[@motorcycleadventures]

They are from Honda xr650. Found it on Ebay

[@Braapncamp]

Interesting walkthru Pavlin, when are You starting your trip?

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks Mattias! 1st of June.

[@Braapncamp]

Nice, You are aiming for midnightsun i asume 👌🏻

[@motorcycleadventures]

Yes

[@Chris_Z.]

Please do a review on the Mitas E07 + tyres

[@motorcycleadventures]

I already have done it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqHXnKNufa5_eZY

[@Marco81323]

Hi Pavlin, great tips as always. How do you connect your GPS charger, voltmeter etc. to the ignition key? In other words, where do the wires at 19:17 come from?

[@motorcycleadventures]

It is connected under the dashboard panel to one of the side light cables.

[@Marco81323]

@@motorcycleadventures Understood thank you!

[@mr.t5610]

Pavlin; Because of you ;-), I'm thinking of doing a round the world trip (for one year, enough time , do you think ?) on a Tenere 700 in about 2 1/2 years from now (if i get relieved from work, that is), and I'm thinking of buying a new machine or at least a "semi-new" machine. My question to you is; What modifications would you do on the new Tenere 700 for at round the world trip regarding protection and suspension, or do you think that the machine is "good enough" for such a trip (almost) directly from the factory !? When talking about protection, I'm thinking of the packages that you can buy from the factory.

[@motorcycleadventures]

It is good to straight from the shop. If you are heavy guy you might need to upgrade a bit the forks.

[@mr.t5610]

@@motorcycleadventures Hi Pavlin and thanx for reply. Sounds good, and yes, I'm a bit on the heavier side (~ 100 kg), plus I'll have some luggage (panniers). Regards; // T.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Please ... don't use the panniers! You will ruin the whole idea of having this wonderful machine!!!

[@mr.t5610]

@@motorcycleadventures Pavlin, I want to bring a DSLR and four (4) lenses with me (+ accessories), tripod and a laptop. How do you suggest that I bring that in case i fell on the side without damage the camera equipment and the computer !? Before your answer, I know that you used to have an DSLR and now you're travelling with a small compact camera, but that isn't an option, (for me).

[@motorcycleadventures]

Take whatever works for you.

[@thangsiam]

Can you show us what and how to you do on your rear wheel. I think you changed it to 17". Any modification on sprockets?

[@motorcycleadventures]

I did nothing. It is the original 17 Inch Yamaha wheel.

[@thangsiam]

@@motorcycleadventures Thanks for reply. 🙂

[@jozielsc]

what is your opinion about the tank and engine protection bars, are they really useful?

[@motorcycleadventures]

Watch this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kISUg62Hjb11q6M

[@filipeguimaraes6842]

hello pavlin do you have a video with advice for traveling with a passenger?

[@motorcycleadventures]

Yes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnOalZh8qNl0iaM

[@brunoeesti1]

Which tyres do you plan to use next trip and what will be the pressure of front and rear tyre?

[@motorcycleadventures]

Mitas 07+, 2.2

[@ronnypastormalerbetrieb493]

Hallo! Ich finde die Plastik-Nummern-Teile mit der 5 an der Seite sehr gut! Von welchem bike sind die? Die sind nicht original.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Honda XR 650

[@ronnypastormalerbetrieb493]

Danke! Schnelle Antwort. Sind die Teile kompatibel oder müssen sie angepaßt werden?

[@googlelimp9834]

ok i found your info about the forks now thaks sorry to have bothered you and asked haha

[@motorcycleadventures]

Np problem!

[@libertyman3072]

✌🏿😜 VAS-Y MON FRIEND T'ES BON BON BON 💪😜 🏍 🏁 🏍️ 🏁 🏍️ 🏁 🏍️ 🏁 🏍️ 🏁 🏍️

[@motorcycleadventures]

Cool!

[@libertyman3072]

@@motorcycleadventures Yes ! Very Very côôl !! ✌🏿😎

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for taking the time!

[@materna5572]

Are all the factory parts still in the engine?

[@motorcycleadventures]

Yes

[@materna5572]

@@motorcycleadventures For a single-cylinder engine is very good result. XT660 It's a bulletproof machine, realy. Can't wait your next trip:) Cheers Pavlin.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Yes, it is. Thanks!

[@mikogarage]

More money to travel is better than more money to buy expensive motorcycle 😎

[@ioandragulescu6063]

How on earth did you manage to get your bike approved for road use (the TUV thingy) with so many modifications ? I know the Germans are crazy with their rules and regulations

[@motorcycleadventures]

You will be surprised how little these guys from the TÜV know about the different models.

[@c.t.4932]

👌👌

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for taking the time!

[@shankaranpillai2085]

U are a máster

[@motorcycleadventures]

Am I?

[@halmaten]

PC give you more torque 😜

[@motorcycleadventures]

True

[@Muzzy0085]

So you basically changed everything

[@motorcycleadventures]

Without the frame and engine.

[@angelite143]

Whatever you do, never sell this bike.

[@motorcycleadventures]

I won't!

[@maximilianpaech1944]

There is still no Patreon for a T7 ? Iam surprised 😂

[@motorcycleadventures]

Well...don't be! What we usually think is what we usually do! All the best!

[@maximilianpaech1944]

I dont know what you think. Thats why iam confused😁 I think i payed three bikes by myself, pay my travel by myself - thats it 😁 its so simple 👍

[@motorcycleadventures]

If you worry that just because you watched my videos this will pay for my bike and my trips? It is so simple, just don't!

[@maximilianpaech1944]

I will keep watching...and...with 200000 you can effort a t7 or 8🤗

[@motorcycleadventures]

I will keep making videos but not with the idea to have a free T7. I never started my channel with this in my mind. I will keep making videos because there are many people out there that really appreciate my work. Real supporters and followers. People who understand that KZbin is a free platform and whatever they get is a bonus. People who interested in motorcycle trips and do it one way or another. End of the conversation! Good luck on your trips!

[@maximilianpaech1944]

You talk a lot of improvements... You never showed us one in the making. Not even a simple valve clearence 👎🤔

[@motorcycleadventures]

Why should I? My channel is about traveling, not about how to fix your bike. I never talk about something that I don't know for sure, even that I always maintained all of my bikes alone.

[@maximilianpaech1944]

Iam confused. You teach and tell us how to prep and improve „your“ bike for travel. This includes also maintanance!? Please show us how to maintain and prep a Yamaha 660 ... 🤗

[@motorcycleadventures]

I already have a number of videos like this: Engine oil, Forks oil, chain, wheel bearings and many more go and find it on the channel. None of these videos got so much interest, why should I do it?

[@maximilianpaech1944]

Motorcycle Adventures Why? Because...its always the same: YTers want to tell us how to travel, how to prep blablabla. But...they have not even the simple skills like valve clearance exept of blabla 🤓

[@motorcycleadventures]

Right! I think that I already showed to you and many like you that I know how to travel. Even that I don't need to show you or prove you anything. My channel name is Motorcycle Adventures, not motorcycle maintenance. I think that it will be a great idea for you to start a new channel and show us how skilled you are. Of course, you will earn tons of money from it and you don't need to pay for your motorcycles anymore, sounds great isn't it?