2013 Tenere 1200 Purchase.... need opinions please.

[lv2keepfit]

Hello,

I just joined the forum and would like opinions on Tenere 1200 from owners. I own a couple KLR 650's and really enjoy them but for two up ridding I'm in need of something more comfortable for both my wife and I.
I definitely am impressed by reviews all over the internet but hearing it straight from owners would be more beneficial I feel.
I have my choices narrowed down to two adventure motorcycles 2013/14 Suzuki V-Strom or the 2013 Tenere 1200.
My ridding style in mainly road, with very little dirt or trails. Though you never know what the future holds... as far as terrain choices.
I just love the ergonomics of adventure bikes and their ruggedness.

Thanks in advance!
D

 

[limey]

Welcome Dave, I'm just around the corner from you. I've had my S10 over a year went to the Yukon and Alaska for 6 weeks and just love this bike, the best bike and most fun I've had on any bike.

 

[AlsoRan]

I have owned both the V-Strom and Super Tenere and the Yamaha is in a different league really. Definitely the Yamaha is better in the dirt - no comparison, and for the 2-Up street as you say you need it for the Yamaha is much better as well. My wife is more comfortable on the Super Tenere. The bike performs better all around but one very noticeable difference is the forks do not flex like the V-Strom. The Strom corners a little better but not enough to complain about.

Both bikes are super reliable.

 

[markjenn]

I think the S10 appeals to a lot of KLR riders looking to upsize and move into a much more sophisticated bike. It has that same sense of utility, practicality, ruggedness, modest (for its displacment) engine performance, and no-nonsense value. But do keep in mind that you're moving from a 425-lb bike to a 575-lb bike; they're night-day in terms of feel.

I assume you're looking at the recently-announced new V-Strom 1000. Hard to compare since it is not expected to ship for some time. I suspect it will be good bike, probably a grand or two cheaper than the S10, probably a bit faster, and with cast wheels and chain drive. Suzuki made some good improvements in the Wee with the 2012 and I would assume that the 2013/2014 Vee will be a nice improvement on the current bike (which is getting rather dated).

- Mark

 

[tubebender]

I had the exact same criteria. The Strom is a nice bike, but my wife and I are really pleased with the Tenere. We have and will continue to explore the places less traveled.

BTW, welcome to the forum.

 

[rem]

Welcome on, D from Ontario. YOu won't go wrong with the Tenere. You will be able to do anything with it ... tour, cruise, off-road .... comfortable and capable. Let us know. Glad to see another Canuck. ::004:: R. ::022::

 

[erenet]

::004:: from your neighbor, I can't help you with a V-Strom I've never ridden one, my Tenere puts a smile on my face every time I ride it.

 

[lv2keepfit]

Such a great forum, I really appreciate the feedback from all of you.
This truly is making me lean towards to Tenere 1200!

Great forum, great people!

Thanks to all of you!

Dave

 

[MurphCO]

I think there is ONE guy on here that doesn't love his bike, yet he still owns one and rides one.....


You aren't going to find a lot of people that have a negative opinion of this bike.


Negatives:
People think its too tall, they are typically short
People think its too heavy, they are typically too short


So if you are short, it may not be the bike for you....

 

[TNWalker]

Welcome from Tennessee! I believe the Tenere is a great bike for many different needs. It's very versatile. You would not be disappointed.


Steve ::022:: ::26::

 

[MikeBear]

Hi. if you came looking for negative feedback on s10, you came to a wrong place. everybody here loves their bikes. i do have one question thou: why 2013? it is same model as 2012. so you might get a better deal by getting 2012. and if you like some particular color, them pait it leter. just a food for tought. good luck ::022::

 

[GrahamD]

So if you are short, it may not be the bike for you....

::004:: along.

That's a good point that is often overlooked. The big Bruisers do require a certain height and strength to deal with when things get a bit out of square.

Before that though it's all roses, but do bear in mind that this bike is good at many things not great at one. A ride around the block at the dealers will not tell you that much except it's good at that and pretty well behaved. It's when you get of road that it gets a bit surprising, because it's also good at that but not great, and then when you go touring it's good at that but not great, when doing two up it's good at that not great.

Then it finally hits home that it's good enough at most things that you don't need all the specialist bikes in the shed and don't need an SUV to tow them all to the specialist locations. It's a good feeling for me. ;D

But it it gets a bit much when you get into virgin forest and mud, then you may want a 250cc or smaller.

As far as I am concerned this is a purpose built RTW bike, not a jacked up pretender. Will generally get you anywhere within reason.

The best thing for me is it prevented me swapping my Strom for a DR650 or KLR. Managed to improve the touring experience, the commuting experience and the off road experience all at once. It was looking like a lot more compromise before the S10 rocked along.

Having said that, Suzuki have traditionally favoured the "jacked up street bike" style. No one knows what the new model Vee will be exactly but the old one and the new wee are both a bit like that. With that kind of set up you traditionally have to go a bit smaller/lighter to manage the nervous tendencies off road. The more "twitchy" a bike is the more surprises you will have to deal with. They previous motor had good "traction" for off road but it was high strung for plodding along in difficult stuff.

You will have to wait a while to know for sure though.

 

[barkingllizard]

there is no comparison between the two, plus a simple hello, lv2keepfit.....

 

[lv2keepfit]

I'm not searching for negative comments from S10 owners, I just want to hear what people have to say about their awesome machine.
It was mentioned about weight and height of the bike and i think being 5 11" 185lbs would be an ideal fit for this motorcycle?
I've narrow my choice to the 2012 Blue or the 2013 White model. The White Tenere is actually cheaper to buy ( $16, 725 taxes in ) than the Blue... plus as much as i like the blue colour, everyone seems to have it. So something a little different might be the way to go.
You've all been great in helping me out here,
Thanks again!

 

[markjenn]

It was mentioned about weight and height of the bike and i think being 5 11" 185lbs would be an ideal fit for this motorcycle?

I wouldn't say "ideal", but most folks of your stature handle it fine. It all depends on how comfortable you are with big/tall bikes. The S10 has a adjustable seat with a low position which helps, but it still may be pretty tall for you.

Make no mistake about it, the S10 is a big motorcycle and relatively heavy, even by adventure touring bike standards. It's significantly heavier than a R1200GS or KTM990 and basically in the same ballpark weight as bikes like the Explorer. It's only 60-odd lbs lighter than a FJR! On pro-S10 forums like this, you'll get a lot of comments that it "carries its weight well" but weight is weight and picking one up off the deck will typically require a Herculean effort and/or friends. Size-wise, it's in a whole different zip code compared to a KLR.

If you think this size/weight of a bike is an issue, then I'd downscale to the 800's (F800GS or Triumph 800), or maybe even a new Wee. These bikes are a lot more manageable. But they be a step down without the shaft, relaxed highway cruise, weather protection, and comfort.

There's no free lunch - nobody has invented a 450-lb adventure tourer that matches the big bikes on the open road.

- Mark

 

[GrahamD]

It was mentioned about weight and height of the bike and i think being 5 11" 185lbs would be an ideal fit for this motorcycle?

Same as me, and I'm fine. Can even pick it up. I don't want to be doing it all day though and mud is another matter. Need to pack some running spikes I think.

 

[coastie]

I'm 5'7 190 and have no problems. Long freeway days ill even put the seat in the high position no problem. This motorcycle is extremely well balanced, you will have no problems.

 

[Rasher]

I would not pay much attention to weight stats, they are only half the story at best, on paper it weighs a lot more than the GS it repalced, but even pushing it around the driveway it feels no heavier and when riding it carries the weight very well and feels lighter than the GS.

It is also easier than some adventure bikes to reach the floor, the GS used to splay my legs so although the seat heights are about the same, it is easier to touch terra firma on the Yamaha.

I too wanted a do-it-all bike that would be rugged and reliable for two-up use and the bike fits the bill as well as anything, and probably better than most.

I do think in the UK the full list price is a bit steep about 20% more than a basic GS, whereas in many parts of the world the Yamaha is considerably cheaper, but that is just Yamaha pricing in the UK - plain crazy! Luckily I got a deal on an ex demo and saved enough to make it viable.

The shaft drive was something I wanted, and although I am not too bothered about all the elecronics, the fact it is there is handy, so although many bikes are cheaper most of them are also far more basic on spec and have chain drive.

So far I have found it great one-up and two-up, performance is plenty enough to have fun without ending up at a-hundred-and-silly-something after nailing through a few gears, and the motor has good low-mid range grunt - ideal for hauling two people. Room and comfort is pretty decent as well, again as good or better than most other bikes in my experience.

It should be a long term keeper so I have started investing in various mods to get it just how I want it. That's not saying there is anything wrong - in fact less so than most other bikes I have owned / test ridden, just like most production stuff it is a bit of a one-size-fits-all approach with a smattering of cost saving along the production line - and the effects of rather stupid emmisions regs in Europe that tends to bugger up low down fuelling (Easily & cheaply sorted)

 

[howie ronic]

I went from a Strom to the Tenere. I had the Strom for six years. After I bought the Tenere the poor Strom sat in the garage totally neglected for six months before I sold it. The Tenere was better in every way. My significant other really likes the comfort and ride quality of the S10 compared to the Strom. She knows what she likes and so do I. A white one would be pretty cool. Around here if you wore a white helmet everyone would think you were a cop. Enjoy the ride. Barry