Hi from a Super Ten wannabe owner

ChrisMD

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Joined
Jan 12, 2021
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16
Howdy all,

Been lurking on and off for a couple years while I circled round the idea of what my next new-to-me bike should be. Being 6'4" and long in the leg, motorcycle shopping has always been difficult, and I've never owned a bike that actually was a great fit, but ADV bikes seem like the way to go. My current "ride" is an '80 Suzuki GS-1000G, which is almost big enough to fit me, but then again I've spent many more hours working on it than actually riding. With limited time for hobbies, I'm looking to add something reliable, comfortable, versatile, affordable, and tour-able to the stable. My riding will likely be 99% on-road, but I like the idea of being able to comfortably handle rough logging roads, etc. Eventually want to ride up to the Arctic Circle, either Alaska or the Tuktoyaktuk run (or both). Also considered Triumphs and BMWs, but I've learned to value simplicity and reliability over status.

Recently moved from New England to mid-western Maryland, and yes, I will be chiming in on the recent MD thread in the Debate Room :D

I'll almost certainly be buying used, looking for something in the sweet spot on the depreciation/age curve (I'd consider new, but only if it were a sweet deal, which ain't happening right now). Preferably a non-ES 2nd gen, but I'm not opposed to 1Gs. Maybe it's just that it's winter, or Covid, but even the used 1Gs these days are asking close to 2G amounts. Checked in at a local dealer this week to see if I could throw a leg over one - he seemed surprised when I told him what I wanted, and immediately steered me over to a Tiger. Looks like I'll have to drive a while to even take look at inventory. Used market isn't great right now, and it seems like the time to score a deal was back when they were trying to unload the last of the 1Gs. So now it's a waiting game. I'm guessing that '21 is the end of this generation (hopefully not the model), so maybe I'll have to hold off another year or two to score a deal. We'll see.
 
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Abercrombie tenere

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Welcome aboard Chris. I think you're looking in the right direction thinking about a Super Tenere for a comfortable reliable bike being 6'4". A deer totaled out my 2012 in 2014 and I replaced it with a hold over 2013, I had too many accessories that wouldn't move over from gen1 to gen 2 but if I were to make that decision again I think I would've moved up to the second gen 2014+. I think they really did make a lot of refinements to make it worth while although the only thing I really long for is the cruise control since a throttle lock on the Tenere doesn't hold speed that well in hilly areas and requires constant adjustment. Petty problem, I know.
 

~TABASCO~

RIDE ON ADV is what I do !
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WELCOME !

If your not opposed to fly and ride, there are many "good deals" on many Tenere's. "Good deal" is in the eye of the beholder. Because of miles, maintenance, Etc. I have a 'little' experience with these bikes. I would also say that if you find a bike that has been taken care of, dont be scared to buy one with 50-75K miles. If it was the right bike I might buy one with 100K miles. Ive worked on many with over 100K miles and they work fine (engine) and if maintained perr like a kitten.
It always cracks me up when I come across a 'For Sale' post and someone says something like, "sorry for the high miles and the price". The miles are 23K (or something low).

At the end of the day, keep this in mind. If you find a well maintained bike, with an owner that is proud of his bike(well taken care of), and it has 75K miles, go for it. Ive seen some up around 200K and still going good.

My good buddy has 115K miles, and because of Corona it's been low on input of miles for 2020. He has every intention to run it over 200K. His bike still sounds and runs like new (with proper normal maintenance & full annual look over)

Im sure you can find a high miles for a great price, I often see them, and shocked because its SO MUCH bike for a few grand !
 

Sierra1

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Tabasco know his stuff with his "small" amount of experience. :rolleyes: He won't steer you wrong. I personally have to go with the previous recommendation of a Gen 2. You'll be able to find a Gen 2 for the price of Gen 1. I would further recommend an ES. There's nothing wrong with a non ES, but I feel it's worth the extra cost. Especially if you're going to take those trips. Factory heated grips, and easy to adjust suspension. Good luck with the search.
 

SuckSqueezeBangBlow

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Whitby, Ontario
I agree with going with the Gen 2, but then again that is what I have so I might be a bit biased. Depending on the price that you are looking at spending you may be able to get a brand new old stock one or even one that is a few years old and has a few miles for a pretty decent price. More used ones would come up in the spring I would think but with Covid affecting peoples income you may be able to get a steal on a used one. With the Gen 2 you should find parts are more accessible and farkles easier to find also and with your height you may want to look at those foot pegs that you can lower, can't think of the name of them right now but I am sure that someone will chime in (SW-Motech?). I am 6' and find it good at my height but you may want to drop them down a touch just to stretch your legs out a bit more and make the longer distance more comfy.
I personally tend to stay away from the BMW's but I do like the Triumph as they have more goodies like an electric windscreen and their dirt mode is way easier than on the S10. That being said maintenance and repairs on the Yamaha are easier and cheaper than on the Triumph. Both good bikes, and not likely to ever let you down.

Good luck with your search.
 

ChrisMD

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Jan 12, 2021
Messages
16
I had too many accessories that wouldn't move over from gen1 to gen 2 but if I were to make that decision again I think I would've moved up to the second gen 2014+. I think they really did make a lot of refinements to make it worth while although the only thing I really long for is the cruise control since a throttle lock on the Tenere doesn't hold speed that well in hilly areas and requires constant adjustment. Petty problem, I know.
Having never ridden either (only thrown a leg over a gen 1 quite a few years ago), it's great to have perspectives on both. I certainly like the idea of the power refinements, clutch pack improvement, etc., though I understand that stuff is workable on the gen 1 as well. As for cruise control - I'm not yet spoiled by that, but I definitely see the value. I suspect once you have it, you never want to go back.

Thanks for the welcome!
 

ChrisMD

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Joined
Jan 12, 2021
Messages
16
WELCOME !

If your not opposed to fly and ride, there are many "good deals" on many Tenere's. "Good deal" is in the eye of the beholder. Because of miles, maintenance, Etc. I have a 'little' experience with these bikes. I would also say that if you find a bike that has been taken care of, dont be scared to buy one with 50-75K miles. If it was the right bike I might buy one with 100K miles. Ive worked on many with over 100K miles and they work fine (engine) and if maintained perr like a kitten.
It always cracks me up when I come across a 'For Sale' post and someone says something like, "sorry for the high miles and the price". The miles are 23K (or something low).

At the end of the day, keep this in mind. If you find a well maintained bike, with an owner that is proud of his bike(well taken care of), and it has 75K miles, go for it. Ive seen some up around 200K and still going good.

My good buddy has 115K miles, and because of Corona it's been low on input of miles for 2020. He has every intention to run it over 200K. His bike still sounds and runs like new (with proper normal maintenance & full annual look over)

Im sure you can find a high miles for a great price, I often see them, and shocked because its SO MUCH bike for a few grand !
Thank you!

Yeah, for a few grand, I'd be happy with a first gen bike in the 50-100k range from a responsible owner. I'd definitely prefer a bike that's been ridden and cared for to a garage queen. Most of what I've seen recently seen are dealer listings with what seem like high asking prices, but I'm sure I'll get a better feel for the market in the spring.

I'm definitely not opposed to fly & ride for a well sorted bike - seems like a good excuse for a road trip. Hell, I even came close to doing just that on a used Ural a couple years back, but thankfully common sense (my wife's, not mine) prevailed :)
 

ChrisMD

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Jan 12, 2021
Messages
16
Tabasco know his stuff with his "small" amount of experience. :rolleyes: He won't steer you wrong. I personally have to go with the previous recommendation of a Gen 2. You'll be able to find a Gen 2 for the price of Gen 1. I would further recommend an ES. There's nothing wrong with a non ES, but I feel it's worth the extra cost. Especially if you're going to take those trips. Factory heated grips, and easy to adjust suspension. Good luck with the search.
Yeah, I'm sure ES is nice to have, though the opinions seem to be all over the place on whether a dialed-in aftermarket suspension is better. Honestly, I haven't done any serious research yet on aftermarket options, and I know if I did go that route I'd be getting something affordable, so it may well be that the ES would be a better bargain, especially on a used bike.

Heated grips - that's another item I've never had, so I don't miss not having. But people do seem to love them... I wouldn't say no :)
 

ChrisMD

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Joined
Jan 12, 2021
Messages
16
I agree with going with the Gen 2, but then again that is what I have so I might be a bit biased. Depending on the price that you are looking at spending you may be able to get a brand new old stock one or even one that is a few years old and has a few miles for a pretty decent price. More used ones would come up in the spring I would think but with Covid affecting peoples income you may be able to get a steal on a used one. With the Gen 2 you should find parts are more accessible and farkles easier to find also and with your height you may want to look at those foot pegs that you can lower, can't think of the name of them right now but I am sure that someone will chime in (SW-Motech?). I am 6' and find it good at my height but you may want to drop them down a touch just to stretch your legs out a bit more and make the longer distance more comfy.
I personally tend to stay away from the BMW's but I do like the Triumph as they have more goodies like an electric windscreen and their dirt mode is way easier than on the S10. That being said maintenance and repairs on the Yamaha are easier and cheaper than on the Triumph. Both good bikes, and not likely to ever let you down.

Good luck with your search.
Thanks - I do have more research to do on the foot pegs & general fit, but it's good to know that there may be more options out there for gen 2s.

Yeah, I do like Triumphs, and would definitely not say no to a Tiger 1200 (for that matter, wouldn't mind a Bonnie, but that's a whole other matter). But for price and reliability for touring, the Tenere feels like the better bargain.
 

Sierra1

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. . . . Heated grips - that's another item I've never had, so I don't miss not having. But people do seem to love them... I wouldn't say no :)
The first bike that had heated grips was the RT. I quickly decided that all bikes should have heated grips. . . . and we don't get that cold, for that long. World of difference.
 

escapefjrtist

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Welcome from metro Seattle! Go with a GEN II non-ES, add aftermarket suspension and you'll have a great machine.

Good luck with your Tenere search. Lots of bikes out there and don't overlook a fly-n-ride too. Great way to get to know the machine. Happy hunting!

~G
 

Tenman

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Dec 7, 2013
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Natchez Ms USA
Welcome aboard Chris. I think you're looking in the right direction thinking about a Super Tenere for a comfortable reliable bike being 6'4". A deer totaled out my 2012 in 2014 and I replaced it with a hold over 2013, I had too many accessories that wouldn't move over from gen1 to gen 2 but if I were to make that decision again I think I would've moved up to the second gen 2014+. I think they really did make a lot of refinements to make it worth while although the only thing I really long for is the cruise control since a throttle lock on the Tenere doesn't hold speed that well in hilly areas and requires constant adjustment. Petty problem, I know.
Get you a McCruise. They are flawless. I see too many people saying that cruise and heated grips being the main reason for changing models.
 

Cycledude

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Traded my 2013 for a brandnew 2018 ES mainly to get cruise control but I was also pretty impressed with all the other minor improvements, I highly recommend generation 2 with ES ! But if I had known Honda was going to upgrade the Africa Twin with cruise control and tubeless tires I definitely would have waited and bought a new AFrica Twin with DCT, my opinion it’s a far superior bike.
 

ChrisMD

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Jan 12, 2021
Messages
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Welcome from metro Seattle! Go with a GEN II non-ES, add aftermarket suspension and you'll have a great machine.

Good luck with your Tenere search. Lots of bikes out there and don't overlook a fly-n-ride too. Great way to get to know the machine. Happy hunting!

~G
Get you a McCruise. They are flawless. I see too many people saying that cruise and heated grips being the main reason for changing models.
More votes for McCruise + heated grips - thanks! I'm sure my hands will be thanking me for many miles to come...

I certainly wouldn't mind ES, but also am of the mind of "less things to break". I don't need the flexibility to quickly switch from 1up to 2up (my wife has made it clear that she's not going to be my luggage), and my off-road riding will be infrequent at best, so an aftermarket setup dialed in for my rather heavy mass + gear is probably for the best, especially since I'll be installing it myself.
 

ChrisMD

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Jan 12, 2021
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Traded my 2013 for a brandnew 2018 ES mainly to get cruise control but I was also pretty impressed with all the other minor improvements, I highly recommend generation 2 with ES ! But if I had known Honda was going to upgrade the Africa Twin with cruise control and tubeless tires I definitely would have waited and bought a new AFrica Twin with DCT, my opinion it’s a far superior bike.
Thanks - another vote for the Gen2!

I'm a Honda motorcycle fan (my first bikes were an beat Nighthawk followed by a bulletproof VFR), but I get the impression (from reviews, not personal experience) that the Africa Twin is better suited for offroad/mixed than on-road touring, and I'm also not sold on DCT on bikes. But I also know that I'm pre-judging based on my own ignorance & bias. Guess I owe it to myself to go through the AT vs S10 thread on advrider... :)
 

Cycledude

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Chris have you ever ridden a DCT ? I have taken three different test rides on the Goldwing equipped with DCT and liked it more every time ! Also have a friend with AFrica Twin DCT, he says he will never buy another bike without DCT and he is a pretty serious rider. Yes there are a bunch of little details that need to be learned about DCT but once learned everyone Says they are pretty simple .
 

ChrisMD

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Chris have you ever ridden a DCT ? I have taken three different test rides on the Goldwing equipped with DCT and liked it more every time ! Also have a friend with AFrica Twin DCT, he says he will never buy another bike without DCT and he is a pretty serious rider. Yes there are a bunch of little details that need to be learned about DCT but once learned everyone Says they are pretty simple .
No sir, I haven't yet but from what I'm reading my preconceptions about DCTs may need to change. Haven't test ridden either the AT or the 'Wing but I guess I should keep an eye out for opportunities. The real risk, of course, is wanting yet another bike ;)
 
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