Did a test ride on a new Rally Pro, and here is a couple of thoughts on it, coming from being on a Tenere for 7 years and 76K miles.
First is of course, it is 100+ lbs lighter. The clutch is very light and shifts really smooth. The clutch pull makes the Teneres clutch feel like a Harley, I had forgotten how much it takes. This was the first time with the clutch assist, and wow that is nice. Didn't have it completely figured out, but it was sure nice way to downshift on tight uphill switchbacks.
The bike is quick, out of the dealership, I put it in sport mode and got on it. Damn that thing was a lot quicker then I thought it would be, and I wasn't even winding it out. The Tenere stock "sport" mode seems to be right in-between the "sport" and "road" mode of the Tiger. Putting it in "off-road pro", and the dash flashes several times, and no more ABS, or Traction Control. It has a lot of low end torque, on par with the Tenere. With the 21" front wheel, it likes to turn, especially at slow speeds. The little stock windshield does a surprisingly good job, although I would want something bigger.
Negative on this bike is above 80 mph, it is buzzy. You really notice it. Salesperson tried to sluff it off as being the bike is more set up for off-road, then on-road. Yeah, no. It is not bad, but sure makes the Tenere feel like a Gold Wing at those speeds.
Interestingly, I thought of the bike as a young hyper kid eager to do everything and dart around, while the Tenere was the big mature heavyweight that could carry and do most anything, but at a more relaxed pace.
I want to ride the GT Pro, which is more road orientated. I am about 90% on-road, with the off-road being dirt roads/fire roads/easy two track/roads in national parks like in Utah. The GT Pro is supposed to have off-road ability, just not as much as the Rally. Wonder how much if compared to the Tenere.
First is of course, it is 100+ lbs lighter. The clutch is very light and shifts really smooth. The clutch pull makes the Teneres clutch feel like a Harley, I had forgotten how much it takes. This was the first time with the clutch assist, and wow that is nice. Didn't have it completely figured out, but it was sure nice way to downshift on tight uphill switchbacks.
The bike is quick, out of the dealership, I put it in sport mode and got on it. Damn that thing was a lot quicker then I thought it would be, and I wasn't even winding it out. The Tenere stock "sport" mode seems to be right in-between the "sport" and "road" mode of the Tiger. Putting it in "off-road pro", and the dash flashes several times, and no more ABS, or Traction Control. It has a lot of low end torque, on par with the Tenere. With the 21" front wheel, it likes to turn, especially at slow speeds. The little stock windshield does a surprisingly good job, although I would want something bigger.
Negative on this bike is above 80 mph, it is buzzy. You really notice it. Salesperson tried to sluff it off as being the bike is more set up for off-road, then on-road. Yeah, no. It is not bad, but sure makes the Tenere feel like a Gold Wing at those speeds.
Interestingly, I thought of the bike as a young hyper kid eager to do everything and dart around, while the Tenere was the big mature heavyweight that could carry and do most anything, but at a more relaxed pace.
I want to ride the GT Pro, which is more road orientated. I am about 90% on-road, with the off-road being dirt roads/fire roads/easy two track/roads in national parks like in Utah. The GT Pro is supposed to have off-road ability, just not as much as the Rally. Wonder how much if compared to the Tenere.