1st Post, Talk me over to the dark side

[avc8130]

I have been lurking around for a few weeks and I figured I better post now before I jump off the ledge into Tenere ownership.

I was/am a die hard sportbike rider. Up until a week ago I owned 2 Buell 1125s and a Triumph Speed Triple. Last summer a coworker and I challenged each other to ride to work from Memorial Day to Veterans Day. This started a new chapter in my motorcycle life. We also took a trip, 8 days, 2601 miles from NJ to NC to ride the BRP and Tail of the Dragon. Yet another change to my riding philosophy.

So let's fast forward to right now.

I am down to just the Speed Triple in the garage . This is technically the wife's bike, but I can use it to feed the sportbike need whenever I want.

I am 90% sure I want an adventure bike. I want something I can do longer trips on, with more comfort. I want something that commutes well. I want something that I can take down any road (paved or otherwise). I have done all of that on my Buell 1125s, but I think I am ready to take the plunge to a "proper" bike for the purpose.

Apparently at 30 I have hit the transition point.

The Tenere appeals to me. 24k mile valve adjustments. The concept that I can "go anywhere". Ability to add luggage. Super comfortable ergos (I spent close to 2 hours at the dealer sitting, standing, playing).

My fear:
It's big, heavy and slow. Now, I have never ridden one, and probably won't be able to unless I purchase. No dealers in my area allow test rides. 575 pounds is A LOT more than I am used to. Previous bikes have been in the 440 range.

I have a dealer sitting at $12322 plus sales tax and I do my own title/registration. I am strongly considering taking the plunge tomorrow.

Talk me out of the plane!

ac

 

[troll]

just open the door and jump - you have nothing to lose and everything to gain... ::26:: ::26::

 

[Z06]

I spent years riding sport bikes. Make my living manufacturing parts for them. Then spent 4 years riding a Goldwing. Now have Super T and no regrets at all. More fun everytime I ride it.

 

[Bigbore4]

Just do it.

Once it's rolling it is fairly fleet of foot.

I have an FJR and was really impressed with how the Super Tenere handled when I got it. And while it aint no sport bike, it still accelerates hard enough to put a grin on your face.

You will not regret the purchase.

 

[dcstrom]

My fear:
It's big, heavy and slow.

It's not THAT slow, but it's not an R1 either. No doubt you've seen thread about the ECU flash. Seems like an easy way to get lot of bang for the buck if you need a performance boost. You're getting a killer deal on the bike, throw another $500 or so (don't quote me) at the bike to get the performance you want...

... however, you may find that you don't care. This bike has a completely different feel to anything I've ridden, including the V-Strom. It can be peddled hard, but can be ridden in a relaxed fashion too. I don't feel as much need to go fast. When riding the Vee, I tend to get on the gas a lot more just because thats where the engine is most fun. The S10 makes it fun in the mid-range.

trevor

 

[rem]

Welcome on, avc8130. WEll, I can only think of one thing to say ... "Try it, you'll like it". I can't imagine your being disappointed in the Tenere but I guess it's possible. Highly unlikely, however. A test ride is always a good thing. But most of us never got the chance, either, and doesn't seem to have made much difference. Let us know which way you fall. Good luck, and ::004:: . R ::022::

 

[terrysig]

after 20+ years of sport/sport touring bikes I made the switch two weeks ago. The other bikes I was consiering was the FZ1, another JFR (would have been my 4th) and the S10.

The 5 hour ride home from the dealer convinced me that I made the right decision.

Although I will admit to having owned at least one DP or dirtbike for the the last 43 years and ride offroad at least several hours a week....that might have clouded my judgment >

 

[avc8130]

Looks like I'm jumping. $12500 from a dealer MUCH closer to my house (actually the closest).

I'll have the bike tomorrow.

ac

 

[Boostedxt]

I had a new ducati multistrada before the S10. It was not only lighter but it was considered faster. Before that I had a 636 ninja and 749S ducati. I sold them all and only have the Tenere. It is not crazy fast, but it is by no means slow. It will keep your speed bug fine, but also keep in mind that 40mph on a dirt road with trees feels faster than 120 on the track.

congrats and you will love it.

joe

 

[avc8130]

I was lusting for a Multistrada last year...and then reality hit me. $15k minimum to get in. Make it $20k if you want bags and cool stuff (suspension).

Then I started REAL research. The maintenance is INSANE. Sure, the valve adjustments are 15k, but I can' t find ANYONE who has done it themselves. Add in the reports of Shock ECU failure and owners that say "you can't own this bike without a warranty" and I am reminded all too quickly of Buell ownership.

That is when the Yamaha set in. 24k valve interval, looks easy enough to do myself. I can't find any REAL problems ANYWHERE on the internet with the Tenere. Am I not looking hard enough?

ac

 

[Boostedxt]

I was lusting for a Multistrada last year...and then reality hit me. $15k minimum to get in. Make it $20k if you want bags and cool stuff (suspension).

Then I started REAL research. The maintenance is INSANE. Sure, the valve adjustments are 15k, but I can' t find ANYONE who has done it themselves. Add in the reports of Shock ECU failure and owners that say "you can't own this bike without a warranty" and I am reminded all too quickly of Buell ownership.

That is when the Yamaha set in. 24k valve interval, looks easy enough to do myself. I can't find any REAL problems ANYWHERE on the internet with the Tenere. Am I not looking hard enough?

ac

add in plastic gas tanks that swell and deform over time to the point of being not usable and you have a real winner!

you did the right thing. I dont miss my ducati at all.

joe

 

[maddog5150]

Looks like I'm jumping. $12500 from a dealer MUCH closer to my house (actually the closest).

I'll have the bike tomorrow.

ac

::015:: It looks like it only took you about 5 posts to be convinced!! I hope you go through with the deal! And on the Tenere that commuting challenge will be a breeze!!! I commuted 112 times last year and I only go into the office 4 days a week!

Welcome to the club! ::022::

 

[dcc46]

Congrats on the new bike. You will be surprised how light the bike actually feels, it has a nice low center of gravity like the Uly. It is a big bike , but it's no dog i assure you. The power in S mode and the handling will keep the permagrin on your face. That and you still have money left in your wallet for farkles. ::024::

 

[GrahamD]

Had a friend sit on the S10 the other day. He rides a GSX750F.

The first thing out of his mouth was "It's light isn't it?"

He sat there getting some mean angles on the thing saying bullshit a lot.

So I suppose after a Super lightweight [insert crotch rocket of choice] it may feel big and imposing, it really disappears after a couple of hours in the saddle. It just feels light.

There are a bunch of things YAMAHA did with this bike that are not immediately noticeable but you will appreciate them over time. A lot of thought went into many things on this bike. There are a few things where too much Saki was probably involved but not many.

 

[Buelligan]

AVC,
I saw your white 1125 over on the badweb, and lusted over it bad! Glad to see it found a good home.
I've got 5 Buells, tubers, an XB, and an 1125CR. I also have a DR650 and a Honda ST1300. I'm hoping the Super T, can replace the Honda, and maybe one of the Buells.
I've test ridden the Super T, and loved it. During my "unescorted" test ride, I took it up the local curvy road, and, while it's no Buell, it certainly was no slouch, and impressed me very much. I then took it down a muddy, dirt road, that I frequent on the DR, and it handled it all well. The final test was the freeway, and triple digits. Again, no problem.
The bikes weight is not noticeable, at all. It is very impressive how Yamaha managed to create a bike that can do so much, and yet, still be manageable.
I'm still waiting for mine, but have been actively lurking here for about two months.
Pull the trigger, your going to love the bike...

Bart

::004::

 

[ThatsLife]

I was in your shoes not long ago actually. I'm 33 and the thrill from my GSXR was just not satisfying my two wheel needs. I wanted to go on longer rides, all day out of the state. I looked at the Multistrada long and hard but after riding one, I did not want to own one. That motor is a riot but the bike as a whole did not inspire confidence in the reliability department. Plus the vibration from the thing wasn't pleasing and numbed my hands pretty quick on the test ride. Then you start adding the options on.......... $$$$$

After much reading and input from the great group of people on this forum, I bought the Super Tenere and honestly could not be happier. It's everything I hoped it would be. The bike is all day comfortable and I can throw hard luggage on it (Jesse bags arrive on Monday). The engine is great, it has good useable power and is really surprisingly smooth. All in all, this is a very well put together bike and I have no regrets and I doubt you will either.

 

[3putt]

I was lusting for a Multistrada last year...and then reality hit me. $15k minimum to get in. Make it $20k if you want bags and cool stuff (suspension).

Then I started REAL research. The maintenance is INSANE. Sure, the valve adjustments are 15k, but I can' t find ANYONE who has done it themselves. Add in the reports of Shock ECU failure and owners that say "you can't own this bike without a warranty" and I am reminded all too quickly of Buell ownership.

That is when the Yamaha set in. 24k valve interval, looks easy enough to do myself. I can't find any REAL problems ANYWHERE on the internet with the Tenere. Am I not looking hard enough?

ac

I also sold my MTS 1200 (standard) 2 months after I purchased the Super Tenere. The slower turnin and lower RPM working area of the Super Tenere is a big difference. When I changed out my rear spring it raised the rear almost an inch, much sharper turnin now. I have long forgotten how fast the MTS12 was, the ST fits me much better. This bike will grow on you, believe it or not I spend most of my time in "T", every time I get into "S" mode, I try to act like I have a MTS12 again.

 

[oregon-rider]

I was looking at a BMW R1200 GS but they were a ton more money and the maintenance was expensive. I do all of my own work on my bikes and pulling the valve covers and checking the clearance every 6 thousand miles and pulling the 2 cams on each cylinder to change shims would be a pain in the ass. The dealers response to me after I told him what a pain it would be said " what's the big deal spending 300.00 for a service on a 22000.00 bike" that was enough for me. I have owned Yamaha motorcycles for years and have never been stranded along the road. I guess I will just be the poor white trash guy on the Super Tenere ::009:: ::022::

 

[avc8130]

Went and picked up the bike this morning.

In the middle of the showroom I pulled off the right side cover and installed my heated gear harness.

I started my journey in T mode. The first half of the journey was basically 2 lane through towns. I varied the throttle and loading as best as I could but one thing stuck in my mind: WHERE'S THE POWER? The bike felt totally neutered and I seriously was getting concerned I had made a HUGE mistake.

About halfway home I stopped at a traffic light, told the wife I was taking the long way around the lake and through the hills. As I turned left from the light I nudged the mode switch to S. THANK GOD this bike has S mode. The bike woke right up and felt a LOT more like what a 1200 should feel like. I was impressed with how well the bike carved through twisties. I was going just as fast as I would on my old sportbike (both limited by speed limit/fear of cops). However, I was MUCH more comfortable.

I couldn't believe how calm and quiet it was riding behind a windscreen. The seat felt comfy. The pegs were nice with the rubber inserts.

The only thing I did notice: the bike seems to "burp" as I am taking off from a stop in 1st.

I also noticed that the suspension is WAY wrong for me. The front seemed very harsh and the rear just didn't feel right. Tomorrow I will play with sag settings to get started and then move on to the adjusters. My good friend owns a Penske dealership, so I am anticipating new springs (I'm 250lb) and maybe some upgraded valving up front along with a custom rear shock for the rear if necessary.

I got the bike home and immediately pulled out the hair dryer to remove the warning stickers.

So far: ::012:: ::012:: ::012:: ::012:: ::012:: ::012::

ac

 

[ThatsLife]

Congrats! I knew you would like it. I gaurantee every ride will reaffirm your decision.

From a stop in first gear can feel like a light switch at times but I'm much better at milking the throttle now. It's hard not to yell "Weeeee!" in my helmet though when it does explode from an intersection!

I'm very happy with the handling and I think the suspension feels pretty tight also. I'll finish the break in and let the suspension settle a little before I adjust anything.

This windscreen thing is new to me also and it is a welcome change. I get to try out my new Calsi screen tomorrow!