As a road bike I think it would be good, but for other use a Twin is what I would want. I had a Tiger 800 and the Engine was too revvy for that. You want torque low down otherwise you don't feel in control of the bike. For me the S10 is much easier to ride everywhere than the Tiger800 i had.
Discontinuation of the S10?
- Thread starter Travex
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Cycledude
Well-Known Member
1200 Tenere definitely has a reputation for excellent low speed lugging power but in my opinion it’s low speed lugging power is terrible !
Is your bike flashed ?
Dirt_Dad
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I'll admit I usually feel all is right in the world when this thread starts up each year. Very consistant and predictable. But I do realize, sooner or later, this thread is eventually going to be correct and the Tenere will cease to be sold.
Fewer and fewer dealers carry the bike. Yamaha has shown no interest in making any changes to it in 9 years and counting. To make a competitive bike in the big cc adventure market would take a lot more than a minor refresh. It doesn't seem likely. Between European and Harley bikes, there's not room for a more expensive, under-performer in the market place. Do it big, or don't do it.
At this point, they kinda have the 1200cc budget bike market to themselves. Honestly it's falling into the high-end range of the KLR650 class. A bike that just stays around, doesn't get updated, doesn't have the modern bells and whistles, has a loyal following, the factory tooling was been paid off years ago, can linger on and on without much thought, effort, and no advertising budget. Maybe it will stay around.
The Suzuki philosophy, dr650 other than color no changes since 1996 and still sells.
The KLR is a good example. As is the TW 200. It's been around since '87. It hasn't had any changes in 21 years. Yamaha hasn't even fuel injected it yet.
Quique
Well-Known Member
Interesting. The KLR and DR650 are not sold in the EU for many years, but they are still sold outside the EU. Perhaps the ST will continue outside the EU too. Who knows.
lund
Well-Known Member
There are many different ideas of the meaning "competitive". If it's keeping up with the Jonne's in the newest then the S10 is falling far behind. But if it is to fill a niche, in limited numbers the S10 is a perfect fit.
The claim that the S10 is old is nonsense, the only thing that "MAY" date it in the minds of some is the lack of the newest electronics. But then that is why there are options out there for those that feel that.
There will always be a hardcore fallowing and the DR and KLR are excellent examples of filling the niche.
Just like there will always be those seeking the newest tech and internet ratings or their riding has changed style and the S10 no longer fits.
The S10 is a hard core adventure motorcycle not one that bridges the gap from comfy street and tech to off road, not everyone fits the S10
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tntmo
Well-Known Member
The Super Tenere was introduced overseas in 2010, so it's going on 13 years old. It's still a great bike. People get wrapped up on the electronic gizmos, but we all know it's not difficult to live without that stuff but getting new people to buy the bike means that it really should start implementing some of that stuff?
You're right, but what struck me is how have many joined with 2012s.
I think that may be down to people not being too concerned with the mileage. Mine didn't feel run in till 10 thou.
Are you talking about street or dirt? 'Cuz, to me, it almost has too much. If I'm taking off, especially leaned over, the back tire will break loose. TCS doesn't work leaned over. But even straight up, mine has plenty of grunt, especially considering it's carrying my 300lb ass. But I'm a pavement princess so . . . .
I agree, but '12 specifically. Are they buying new models, or jumping ship?
Dirt_Dad
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I agree. I loved all 4 Super Teneres I owned. But it's not the Jones they are failing to keep up with....it's the BMWs, the Ducats, the KTMs, the Triumphs, the Hondas, hell, even the Suzuki V-Stroms that have left them behind in the technology world. If you don't want all the stuff those others have to offer, the Super Tenere is the obvious choice at 1000cc or more market. Better priced and just a great, tried and true, shaft drive, reliable, minimal gizmo, workhorse of a bike. I think it has the market cornered.
In my personal opinion, which few people ever ask for...I think it would be a mistake for Yamaha to update the bike at this point, unless they go all in like Honda did with the AT. Making a more expensive bike that does not have the latest tech would sabotage their standing as the clear leader in the lower cost, highly capable, Adventure market. Just my opinion.
lund
Well-Known Member
About 2weeks ago the wife and I went on an overnighter. We pulled up to a street light on a slight up grade. Enough that you had to hold the brakes or the bike rolled back. Anyhow I was caught in a conversation with her, she on her own bike and forgot to gear down appropriately. Not knowing the light changed and off we went. Immediately I knew but the beasty 1200 lug its way up in third gear. BTW that was with camp gear on its back with rider, thats torque.
Try that with them others..LOL.
Purnong
Member
I agree with Cycledude, I find first gear too tall for paddock work & and it was the first thing I noticed about the bike when I got it home
I live on a farm with some pretty steep hills and to ride slow requires slipping the clutch, On the road it's fine
lund
Well-Known Member
I completely agree with that, I have mentioned it before that the S10 needs one lower gear, It would be easier to handle in soft tight situations and an excellent up grade combined with the 1200.
And maybe that's it. Remember way back when the other Big 3 tried getting into the long distance touring market? The Suzuki Cavalcade, Gen 1 Yamaha Venture, and that Kawi monstrosity? They were trying to topple the King 'Wing. One by one, the big tourers went away. Honda already had the rep as the one to get. Even the new Venture is a total different direction than the 'Wing; not going head-to-head.
Maybe the Tenere is a victim of that same niche. All the mags pick the GS. They have the recognition; the status. Maybe Yamaha learned their lesson about going after the #1 spot. We talk about people not knowing what the Tenere is. I don't think anybody would be able to ID an Africa Twin, V-Strom, Tiger, or even a KLR. They might be able to ID a KTM. Not many ugly ass orange motorcycles out there. (sorry D_D)
Cuz', there's nothing "wrong" with the Tenere. It's just that other bikes have more bells and whistles. And nowadays, that's what sells.
Travex
Lost is my destination.
Nicely put, lund.