A place for riding impressions

[Firefight911]

Day one impressions after Matt asked if I really liked it or was jaded by the lack of riding thanks to BMW........

That's an excellent question. One that I spent my first day riding, FINALLY, to try and answer.

First 30 minutes was nothing other than the dog in the car with the window down. Riding again after so much headache, heartache, and worn out fingers from typing so much.

After that, I got down to business. Yes, I really do love it. She had three miles on her when I picked her up so she was truly tight and, therefore, had some buzz and stumble a bit. Took about twenty five miles to fix that. After this, I found that I was extremely comfortable in the cockpit. Natural reach to the arms, great seat, good ergos. I didn't much care for the wind management off the screen but I wasn't surprised as many others have reported the same. I have another screen already and am going to play around with it as well as I have a new windshield mount coming that allows infinitely more adjustment as well as incorporates my GPS mounting.

Motor is a true freight train of torque. It just pulls and doesn't really care where it is in the rev range. You can tell it has the big bang firing order as the power is delivered in a tractor like fashion. Still breaking her in so no upper end assessment yet as I only saw that range for a split second here and there and then allowed cooling cycles to intervene.

Transmission/Clutch is wonderful. This is an amazingly slick transmission. Shifts like butter. Snick, snick, snick is it for both up and down. Clutch is a bit different but I put that to my not adjusting the lever to my liking and having to learn its engagement points. Very easy modulation with the hydraulic clutch though.

Suspension is tight. I have not touched it. This is how I always deal with a new suspension though. I set it at the factory recommended settings and leave it for five hundred miles so the bushings and mating surfaces he time to introduce themselves and, therefore, reduce stiction for when I properly set it up. Initial assessment is that it has a bit much in the hi speed compression area but I won't really now until I do my suspension set up next week.

Brakes are still bedding so I can't give a good assessment on overall power yet but the are very linear in response and the communication is fantastic. Again, modulation under the use I have given is great. Haven't played with the unified braking yet but the rear brake is nice. Once bedded in I will be out playing with this more.

Haven't delved in to the traction control or ABS yet. The drive mode is great. It offers two modes; touring and sport, or as I like to call them, trail and street. There is no power change through the fly by wire throttle system, only a delivery change. Softer in trail and more immediate in street. Noticeable difference and quite easy to flip between the two modes on the fly. Traction control has three modes. ABS is defeatable.

The controls/dash are wonderful. Intuitive layout that is adjustable and easy to use/read.

What else? At this point I give her an A- with an asterisk. The asterisk is for break in, familiarity, and set up. More to follow.

Oh, and so far I am seeing just over 40mpg. Reports indicate this improves post break in. That gives great range on its six gallon tank.

 

[CREnorth]

I agree with many of the things Phil said. The motor is just amazing with way more torque than I thought. The next bigest suprise is the gearbox. I think it is the smothest most precice i've ever rode.

The suspension is also very impressive. So far only tarmac but it seems to think it has a sportbike heritage. Cuts in very good although it seems to like some counter steer to keep it down but at only 200 miles maybe I need to adjust a bit.

So far I like the ergos with the seat in the high pos. Ah the seat, still not sure about that one. Im going to need many more miles to decide. I guess the only complaint I have at this point is the kick stand, it seems to short. Maybe it is designed to have lots of gear/weight on but empty and light it lean's over so much im worried its going to tip.

With that said I think this thing is frick'n amazing, so worth the wait.

 

[TierHawg]

I also replaced a BMW (F800GS) with the XTZ. Last time I rode the F800GS was back in February, and since then my riding has been on a WR250R.

As I rode it 110 miles home from the Roseville dealer, I was comparing it to my old bike, and wondering if I made a good choice. If not for the announcement of the Super Tenere in late '10, I probably would have traded in my '09 lemon 800GS for a '11 model year.

First off, I was taking the back way home riding through Roseville and Folsom to the backroads. My GPS was suffering from operator error, and for the first 30 minutes, I was just riding along in the correct general direction on surface streets. The engine and drivetrain sounded like crushed gravel shaking in two coffee cans. Not the smooth sounding engine of the well broken in F800. Oops, did I make the right choice? I was told to keep the revs below 3900 rpms, and the bike has a weird shudder/noise at 3.5k. After I fixed the GPS issues, I began to relax alittle more, and the traffic lightened up. On the correct heading towards home now, I noticed the engine seemed to be getting smoother, and the tranny shifting just a little better.

Once the route was dialed in I began to take mental notes and see how the XTZ felt. The seat height was perfect for me. I'm 5'9" and 29" inseam, and had no issues with the seat on the low setting. I had ordered a lower Yamaha seat, but it was not installed yet. The windscreen was set on the high setting by the dealer. The wind is hitting me above the visor, just at the curve of the helmet. I rode the entire 110 mile home with my visor open, something I've been unable to do prior.

The suspension was untouched from the stock settings. It felt tight, and I could already tell it was vastly superior to that of the F800GS.

The route home consisted of surface streets, backcountry roads, and several highways (not freeways). I tried to keep the engine revs between 2.5k to 3.9k. Yes this engine pulls, but I have a feeling I'll be riding it in the 4k rpm range and above once broken in properly. I think part of the sound I was hearing was the driveshaft and the firing order of the XTZ engine. I did leave the bike on the "T" setting on the ride home. Closer to home I took the XTZ down some rough roads that would make the F800's suspension cry. Did they paved these roads over the past 6 months? Don't think so, but it felt much different.

So, after I got home I began to ponder on the new bike and the choice I made. The XTZ needs more miles on the engine and I need more seat time. It is heavy, but is nimble once moving. The throttle control is good. No jerkiness noticed, and the engine will idle slowly through low speed turns

Thinking back about the F800GS: I had to spend about $1500 to be able to ride it more than 50 miles comfortably (suspension/springs and oil, new seat, and new windscreen). The BMW throttle issue was never fixed, just something I learned to live with.

[size=14pt]Long Live the XT1200X!

 

[Packy777]

I work at a large dealership and get to ride almost any Japanese bike made. I set my bike up and instantly had a grin that could not be wiped off.
Felt like my XR650R with ALOT more grunt. Love the little thumpy shake of the engine. I have been riding a Vstrom650 for the past two years...its all that and alot more.
With the seat in tall position, the pegs seem low, which is awesome since my knees are not that great. After 120 miles, the only thing i dont like is the throttle cables block my view of the clock, and the grips are typical hard rubber.
My hands tingle after an hour drive. I'll install the same gel grips all my bikes have. Brakes are very firm compared to the Weestrom, and the suspension doesnt dive. You can swap lanes so fast it will catch you by surprise. Doesnt feel big at all once moving!!
Anyone who didnt get one is missing out. Tonight my 16 yr old took a new 2012 Goldwing home and tried suckering me into swapping bikes at the half way point. He wants one next year. That pretty much says it all
;D

 

[colorider]

I work at a large dealership and get to ride almost any Japanese bike made. I set my bike up and instantly had a grin that could not be wiped off.
Felt like my XR650R with ALOT more grunt. Love the little thumpy shake of the engine. I have been riding a Vstrom650 for the past two years...its all that and alot more.
With the seat in tall position, the pegs seem low, which is awesome since my knees are not that great. After 120 miles, the only thing i dont like is the throttle cables block my view of the clock, and the grips are typical hard rubber.
My hands tingle after an hour drive. I'll install the same gel grips all my bikes have. Brakes are very firm compared to the Weestrom, and the suspension doesnt dive. You can swap lanes so fast it will catch you by surprise. Doesnt feel big at all once moving!!
Anyone who didnt get one is missing out. Tonight my 16 yr old took a new 2012 Goldwing home and tried suckering me into swapping bikes at the half way point. He wants one next year. That pretty much says it all
;D

Welcome to the Forum!!!!!

 

[3putt]

Just back from an early morning stretch. I had adjusted my lights up couple days ago, so wanted to see how much difference I had made. Jean is going to the local club meeting 2up with me this morning, her bike is down while I wait on couple more parts to finish oil cooler install. I had added a bunch of preload to rear shock last night, so it cancelled out my light adjustment to where it appeared the same as last time. Low beam is too low barely to see up the road and high beam tends to be too bright and high for on coming traffic.

Motor and transmission VERY smooth now at almost 1300 miles. My flashing E came on as soon as I cranked. 226 miles on the trip. I stopped at 255 miles and took 5 gallons!!! That is 51 mpg, okay I must be riding like a grandmother on sunday! May have to switch to S mode and step it up some. Suspension is firm for me, but not way off, hopefully some miles will lighten it up some.

 

[switchback]

Tried both T and S modes yesterday and there is a noticable difference. T feels lazy and very much controlled where S is free revving and has more instantaneous thrust. I am 5' 9.5" (32" inseam) and tried the windscreen in both positions. In the low position the turbulence is not bad until I get to freeway speeds where my XD3 peak vibrates uncontrollably. High is completely unbearable from 20mph on up with the XD. I need to try out my X11 now but I could throw the XD3 in the trash right now. I will likely look at a MRA Vario windscreen but looking for other reports and experiences. Only other thing I am getting used to is the rear brake pedal. Just different than the Ducati.

 

[3putt]

Our first run to town and back 2up (about 50 miles). SO reports the seat is firm and some heat while moving. Not so much when stopped. I checked the muffler, no heat around that baffle. I think it is the air going through the radiator blowing out and then ducking back in with the air stream when moving, thus some warm air getting to the passenger.

It was 105f out, pretty dang hot everywhere.

I was impressed with the solid feel of the suspension 2up and great handling.

SO adds, overall a very nice luxury ride, very similar to the K12GT. Plenty of room from seat to pegs for comfortable riding position. Not sitting up as high compared to the Multi or Tiger 1050. Nice smooth wind (windshield was in low position). She is 5' 2" 26" IS and 130ish.

 

[Koinz]

Tried both T and S modes yesterday and there is a noticable difference. T feels lazy and very much controlled where S is free revving and has more instantaneous thrust. I am 5' 9.5" (32" inseam) and tried the windscreen in both positions. In the low position the turbulence is not bad until I get to freeway speeds where my XD3 peak vibrates uncontrollably. High is completely unbearable from 20mph on up with the XD. I need to try out my X11 now but I could throw the XD3 in the trash right now. I will likely look at a MRA Vario windscreen but looking for other reports and experiences. Only other thing I am getting used to is the rear brake pedal. Just different than the Ducati.

Switchback, I'm about your height and inseam dimensions. I felt alot of wind with the Screen in the Low position and seat in low. I raised the stock screen to the high setting and installed my "wings" and I'm getting a nice clean breeze of air through my vents in the top of the helmet and no turbulence. I have never felt any breeze in my helmet before. So, I think I found my position. I also have the tall screen that came with my adventure kit, but I'll only use that in the fall. I like a short screen in the summer months.

 

[elizilla]

Plenty of power, light handling, very comfortable ergos. It was vibrating a bit when I drove it off the dealer lot but with 70 miles on the odo it is already smoothing out nicely. The suspension seems to be softening a bit too; it was harsh on the ride home but it's close to the perfect amount compliant now.

I haven't engaged sport mode yet - I am going to wait until I have at least 100 miles. It feels plenty powerful in tour mode, so it's not like I'm feeling any lack.

I have been taking little ten or twenty mile loops around near home, and coming back to tweak things. I think it is more important to give it some heat cycles, than to impress people by finishing the break-in quickly. I think I have the gear shifter in the right spot now, and the bars and controls.

My biggest complaints so far are things that I'll adapt to and never notice again in a few weeks. The passenger seat is so high I can hardly swing my leg over the back. Once my weight is on it, I flatfoot the bike with the seat in high position, but when I take my weight off it rises, so getting on and off is awkward. The sidestand is hard to deploy; I'm still getting the hang of how to reach it with my foot. So right now, every stop and start includes a little fumbling.

The combined braking is different from the combined braking on the NT, so I'm having to retrain myself. The NT applies rear and a little front when you brake with the foot pedal, and front only when you brake with the hand lever. The S10 applies front and a little rear when you brake with the hand lever, and rear only with the foot pedal. I think the traction control engaged today. I applied both the hand lever and the foot lever, and got more rear brake than I expected. I heard the rear tire squeal and then hook up again, without any fishtailing or sliding or feeling like anything was going on back there. I don't think that was ABS; I didn't feel any pulsing. I think that was the traction control. But there was no drama at all. I think this will be a confidence inspiring bike! Not impressed with the tires, though, if the rear could break loose that easily. Hopefully it was just the fact they're not yet scrubbed. (My bike came with the Bridgestones.)

The headlights are better than the NT. But that's true for any modern bike - the NT just barely beats my 1980s bikes, in the headlight dept.

I'm missing having some luggage space. I have a tank bag and cases, but the tank bag needs that gas cap adaptor ring, and the Givis need the case racks. I've got them all ordered and they should be here sometime next week.

Right now our weather here is spitting just enough rain to wet the pavement, and not enough to rinse the slippery away. I don't want to go skating on a new bike, so I came home to work on setting that clock...

 

[jajpko]

Thanks for the ride report.. I can't wait to get mine out, still working on putting it together.

 

[trinc4me]

Plenty of power, light handling, very comfortable ergos. It was vibrating a bit when I drove it off the dealer lot but with 70 miles on the odo it is already smoothing out nicely. The suspension seems to be softening a bit too; it was harsh on the ride home but it's close to the perfect amount compliant now.

I haven't engaged sport mode yet - I am going to wait until I have at least 100 miles. It feels plenty powerful in tour mode, so it's not like I'm feeling any lack.

I have been taking little ten or twenty mile loops around near home, and coming back to tweak things. I think it is more important to give it some heat cycles, than to impress people by finishing the break-in quickly. I think I have the gear shifter in the right spot now, and the bars and controls.

My biggest complaints so far are things that I'll adapt to and never notice again in a few weeks. The passenger seat is so high I can hardly swing my leg over the back. Once my weight is on it, I flatfoot the bike with the seat in high position, but when I take my weight off it rises, so getting on and off is awkward. The sidestand is hard to deploy; I'm still getting the hang of how to reach it with my foot. So right now, every stop and start includes a little fumbling.

The combined braking is different from the combined braking on the NT, so I'm having to retrain myself. The NT applies rear and a little front when you brake with the foot pedal, and front only when you brake with the hand lever. The S10 applies front and a little rear when you brake with the hand lever, and rear only with the foot pedal. I think the traction control engaged today. I applied both the hand lever and the foot lever, and got more rear brake than I expected. I heard the rear tire squeal and then hook up again, without any fishtailing or sliding or feeling like anything was going on back there. I don't think that was ABS; I didn't feel any pulsing. I think that was the traction control. But there was no drama at all. I think this will be a confidence inspiring bike! Not impressed with the tires, though, if the rear could break loose that easily. Hopefully it was just the fact they're not yet scrubbed. (My bike came with the Bridgestones.)

The headlights are better than the NT. But that's true for any modern bike - the NT just barely beats my 1980s bikes, in the headlight dept.

I'm missing having some luggage space. I have a tank bag and cases, but the tank bag needs that gas cap adaptor ring, and the Givis need the case racks. I've got them all ordered and they should be here sometime next week.

Right now our weather here is spitting just enough rain to wet the pavement, and not enough to rinse the slippery away. I don't want to go skating on a new bike, so I came home to work on setting that clock...

So I missed something here.....did you purchase the Tenere? If so, SWEET and congrats Katherine!

 

[Koinz]

Plenty of power, light handling, very comfortable ergos. It was vibrating a bit when I drove it off the dealer lot but with 70 miles on the odo it is already smoothing out nicely. The suspension seems to be softening a bit too; it was harsh on the ride home but it's close to the perfect amount compliant now.

I haven't engaged sport mode yet - I am going to wait until I have at least 100 miles. It feels plenty powerful in tour mode, so it's not like I'm feeling any lack.

I have been taking little ten or twenty mile loops around near home, and coming back to tweak things. I think it is more important to give it some heat cycles, than to impress people by finishing the break-in quickly. I think I have the gear shifter in the right spot now, and the bars and controls.

My biggest complaints so far are things that I'll adapt to and never notice again in a few weeks. The passenger seat is so high I can hardly swing my leg over the back. Once my weight is on it, I flatfoot the bike with the seat in high position, but when I take my weight off it rises, so getting on and off is awkward. The sidestand is hard to deploy; I'm still getting the hang of how to reach it with my foot. So right now, every stop and start includes a little fumbling.

The combined braking is different from the combined braking on the NT, so I'm having to retrain myself. The NT applies rear and a little front when you brake with the foot pedal, and front only when you brake with the hand lever. The S10 applies front and a little rear when you brake with the hand lever, and rear only with the foot pedal. I think the traction control engaged today. I applied both the hand lever and the foot lever, and got more rear brake than I expected. I heard the rear tire squeal and then hook up again, without any fishtailing or sliding or feeling like anything was going on back there. I don't think that was ABS; I didn't feel any pulsing. I think that was the traction control. But there was no drama at all. I think this will be a confidence inspiring bike! Not impressed with the tires, though, if the rear could break loose that easily. Hopefully it was just the fact they're not yet scrubbed. (My bike came with the Bridgestones.)

The headlights are better than the NT. But that's true for any modern bike - the NT just barely beats my 1980s bikes, in the headlight dept.

I'm missing having some luggage space. I have a tank bag and cases, but the tank bag needs that gas cap adaptor ring, and the Givis need the case racks. I've got them all ordered and they should be here sometime next week.

Right now our weather here is spitting just enough rain to wet the pavement, and not enough to rinse the slippery away. I don't want to go skating on a new bike, so I came home to work on setting that clock...

I noticed the same thing about the engine and suspension. Engine is getting smoother and I'm beginning to feel the plushness of the suspension.

If you haven't tried Sport Mode, you're in for a pleasant surprise. Enjoy.

 

[Firefight911]

Back home after just shy of 350 miles today. Oh, how I love thee!!!!
The wind management is in need of work. I had to stop and take my ear plugs out as the buffeting was bad at speed. New windscreen going on and I am ordering the adjustable bracket for it.
A lot of engine braking when stuffing it in to corners and downshifting. Slipper clutch would be nice if it were only going to be a corner carver. Not a complaint by any measure though.
Super smooth and the brakes are great. Need to adjust the rear pedal as it is too high for my liking. Gonna wait til I install my PivotPegz.
I love this bike!!!

Oh, and the best part of the day was waving to another Tenere going the opposite direction on I-80 outside of Sacramento this morning. He saw me, I saw him, we waved, it's a Tenere thing!!

 

[fredz43]

I have only got a couple hunderd miles of rustic country roads on mine, but I find it interesting about the comments on engine braking. My initial impressions are that it is perfect in the engine braking department in that I find it very easy to downshift smoothly when going into a curve or uphill, with no excessive engine braking. This may be due to my having ridden my VTR1000 Super Hawk V twin since 1997, which has a lot of engine braking. OTOH, my ST1300's had very little engine braking, which I thought was not good. For my riding style I find that in this department it is very easy to ride briskly on knarly twisty roads because of the ease I find in matching engine speed with wheel speed when downshifting.

Different riding styles, I guess.

 

[CREnorth]

After a 300 mile ride today I now think the seat is not that bad with the right shorts and pants on. So now the issue is the windscreen. Tryed it high and low and for me high is better but it is loud, not realy buffiting but just noisy. Standing the noise almost goes away. Any concerns so far are going to be an easy fix. I TOTALY LOVE THIS BIKE ! I did not want to stop riding today and for me that is HUGE.

 

[ptfjjj]

After a 300 mile ride today I now think the seat is not that bad with the right shorts and pants on. So now the issue is the windscreen. Tryed it high and low and for me high is better but it is loud, not realy buffiting but just noisy. Standing the noise almost goes away. Any concerns so far are going to be an easy fix. I TOTALY LOVE THIS BIKE ! I did not want to stop riding today and for me that is HUGE.

I am 5'10" and have the large CalSci screen. I did my first 50 mile trip at mostly highway speeds this morning and it was pleasantly quiet with no buffeting. I have owned only one other bike with a windshield/fairing, the C10 concours, so that is all that I have to compare it to. The engine is smoother and the stability is better, too. I may swap back to the OEM shield and take a short trip just to give a good comparison. If you want peace and quiet, as far as wind goes, you may want to give CalSci a look.

 

[protondecay123]

Did 390 miles in temps up to 110. Arkansas is extremely hot. Did do 35 miles of logging roads. The Battle Wings will soon be replaced by Hiedenau K60's. The Bridgestones are 99/1% tires. They are no good in gravel or washboard. Also I thought the bike was better in the gravelly washboard with TC off. In the wash I actually preferred T mode as it wasn't as susceptible to the bump/throttle snatch on washboard.
.

Here's a pic on a logging road in the middle of the forest.

On the street it's so silkly your thinking slow, but it's not. The engines power delivery is very confidence inspiring on the logging roads. It's no WR450, but It's shocking how good it is with these basically street tires.
Heard lots of complaints about can't lock up the tires in the downhill gravelly stuff. So went down about 200 yds of gravelly half assed washed out logging road mostly just working the rear and feathering the front and it was great. Never skidded, but never needed to. I had my reservations going up the stuff, but downhill was easy breezy.
The low center of gravity and smooth power delivery really do alot to make this one awesome Adventure Tourer.

Picking up the bike at the dealer.

 

[JohnB]

If you ever wanted a big twin cruiser but didn’t want the feet forward riding position or the bone jarring slammed suspension or the wimpy brakes attempting to slow 800 pounds of chrome, then buy this bike.

 

[GrahamD]

I rode a 77 KZ650 to the dealer, rode the new bike home and walked the 15 miles back in 3 1/2 hours to retreive the old Kaw. Pretty good day.

You walk fast! Sounds like a happy camper ;D