2014 Tenere

[tnrider]

I am very interested in the 2014/2015 Tenere and was anxious to see the magazine reviews. Motorcycle Consumer News reviewed the 2014 model in their last August magazine. The only major concern they mentioned was that the tweaking of the two D-Mode engine maps resulted in now the S-mode's response feels too sharp at lower rpm and the T-mode's feel is too lethargic. I would really appreciate anyone's evaluation that now owns or has ridden the new model in regard to these comments. Just how "lethargic" is the response and what does that mean? Thanks for any responses!

steve

 

[JRE]

Though I only have about 350 mi on my '14, I'll weigh in with my thoughts. The sport mode can be "snatchy" to the point where those with poor throttle control may have trouble doing low speed navigation. To me, it feels like it could be smoothed out a bit but I'm not having any issues with it. The T mode does feel sluggish to me in comparison and IMO is most evident when starting from a standstill. You really have to rev it more to avoid lugging the engine. Trying to emergency pass on the interstate is more challenging as well depending on what RPM range you are in.

 

[Lutsie]

I think the ride modes are great on my 14'. S is sharp but it's nice much more aggressive for riding the bike in the canyons (my previous bike was a cbr600r, S feels similar to it, just takes more effort to come off the line anf pay attention to what you are doing but perfectly useable). T mode is great for around town and commuting because you can be a little lazier coming off the line in terms of not having to try for a good shift. If you snap on it in T mode it will go and go strong, it just won't straighten you out like S mode does.

I was happy with T mode the first 1500 miles of my bike, no complaints, tried S mode and my wife asked me why I had a shit eating grin when I got home.

I have ridden a stock 13' and didn't really notice a difference between the modes.

 

[Kwatters]

With only 200 miles on the clock I have only been in S mode enough to see how peppy the engine was. I find T mode easy to manage and short shift mostly to ease the break in process. One of these days I will have a better opinion on the S mode. I did find that in S mode with traction control off this thing will come to life and lift that front tire!

 

[Vanderwho]

With about 900 miles and two months* on my '14 ES...

Neither of the modes is ideal. I quickly decided to settle on the S mode, and get used to it. I think I have. Yes, it can be a little snatchy. I generally have the rear brake applied gently when transitioning from off throttle to on in a corner... balances things out for me.

I doubt I'll ever use T mode, unless perhaps in the rain. Maybe.



* We had a fair amount of snow in February...

 

[Harry Dresden PI]

2014 ES first 700 miles.

For me T works fine for most purposes but I am coming off a 2012 Suzuki 650 Wee Strom. (DL650a)

T is nothing like my ex rides such as 2008 GTR1400 (Connie) but sort of like my old BMW GS1150.

Passing on the interstate in T mode is fine for Florida sea level flat roads

 

[snakebitten]

Magazines form their opinions with incredibly small exposure. A day? 2 maybe?
And then comparing that a year or more later when they ride a newer model. I doubt seriously they can do a legitimate A-B comparison from memory. I suspect they do a fair bit of rewriting the marketing kits they are given, to make it sound like genuine expertise.

I know how I sound. Skeptical.
But after riding for nearly 5 decades, I just can't put the Moto journalist on that pedestal anymore. They're human.

I haven't experienced a 600lb Tenere that felt real "snatchy". I agree S mode is not nearly as tame as T mode, but never got the feeling that the Tenere was chomping at the bit.

I bet with a few thousand miles under the belt, it will feel a lot less intimidating. This bike has historically been reported to change quite a lot over the first 4-6000 miles.

 

[klunsford]

On my 14 ES, I use S on the street and it is "snatchy" (Snake, sorry I borrowed your term, you can have it back now) enough to raise the front wheel even while the traction control is engaged. I personally only use T when I riding off road and find that it is enough to keep the bike well under control. Now, when I want to feel more dirt bikish....I use the S mode while off road, but mostly T. Smooth is more of a term I would use for riding in T mode on the street. That is really what it is made to do. Working as designed my friend.

 

[shredmeister]

If this is the "only major concern", I would not be concerned at all. I recently turned over 1,000 miles on my '14 non-ES. The difference in modes is certainly noticeable. Here are my comments...T mode is great for off-road and riding with my wife. The initial throttle response is soft, which is a good thing in regards to my previous statement. I notice when twisting the throttle past about 1/4, the bike still accelerates well. S mode is great for having fun on the pavement. Better initial throttle response and just plain fun. Every motorcycle will have its "riding characteristics", the different modes on the Tenere are one for this bike. Really not a big deal and easy to get used to. To me, this bike pulls like my 7.3 diesel truck without really working the engine. LOVE IT!

 

[Donk]

I think the ride modes are great on my 14'. S is sharp but it's nice much more aggressive for riding the bike in the canyons (my previous bike was a cbr600r, S feels similar to it, just takes more effort to come off the line anf pay attention to what you are doing but perfectly useable). T mode is great for around town and commuting because you can be a little lazier coming off the line in terms of not having to try for a good shift. If you snap on it in T mode it will go and go strong, it just won't straighten you out like S mode does.

::026::

That's pretty accurate. If you're not happy with the mapping you can always have it reflashed. Cheap fix or I should say, improvement.

 

[tnrider]

Thanks for the replies. I need to find a demo or better yet one I can rent for the day to make my decision. Presently my rides are a 2010 Honda ST1300 and a 2000 Harley Softail Classic. My thoughts are to replace the Harley.

steve

 

[JRE]

FredZ43 would be an excellent resource for a comparo between the ST1300 and the S10...he may have even posted about it on here before if you do a little searching - try using this tip: http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=14231.0

 

[catang5oh]

I agree with most here, S mode is snatchy just like the GSXR I recently parted with( maybe why it's called sport mode). T is a little lethargic, so as to keep your significant other smiling and enjoying the ride. I think at the end of the day we can't please everyone. My stable includes a Grom, a KLR, a Husky 310, and the Tenere, so I go from 125cc of 15hp demon to 310cc of 50hp, the Tenere seems to cover the range of power well between the 2 modes.

 

[snakebitten]

Love the 7.3 comparison!!!
T mode is a stock 7.3
S mode is a chipped 7.3

My favorite Truck motor of all time too. Sitting in the back seat of a 2001 F350 while I type this.
Sweet Lariat with only 85,000 on it.

Perfect description. Never straining. Just pulls.

 

[RCinNC]

I have 6300 miles on my S10, which I got in September of 2014. My personal experience has been that the "S" mode is a little finicky at low speed, and I tend not to use it when I'm tooling around town, and especially when I have a passenger. I save it for the twisties.