exegete
Oh, snap!
So I'm about to make the dive into Yamaha territory after many years on the Suzuki side of the fence. I am headed to Prescott AZ later in the week and hopefully riding a 2014 Tenere ES home.
I've never ridden a big adventure bike, but research on this forum and ADVRider have lead me to believe that the Tenere is the way to go. Reliable, priced well, and pretty darn capable. I'm planning on the ES because of the adjustable suspension. As a big guy (6'5" ~385lbs) who hasn't adventured before, it seems a good idea to have more adjustability to learn what I want/need, and then possibly upgrade to a different suspension package as needed.
I'd love any feedback on mods to the bike that are "necessary" from the showroom floor. I've read about the Clutch Switch Mod, which seems to be less of an issue with the Gen2 map? Also, the steering head bearings seem to be worth a big look, a bucket of lube, and a torque wrench.
A bit of history, I've been riding since I was a pup, and have 17 years of road experience under my belt. Here's what I can remember:
That's it, hopefully I'll be seeing you guys as I learn about the Tenere and post ride reports.
I've never ridden a big adventure bike, but research on this forum and ADVRider have lead me to believe that the Tenere is the way to go. Reliable, priced well, and pretty darn capable. I'm planning on the ES because of the adjustable suspension. As a big guy (6'5" ~385lbs) who hasn't adventured before, it seems a good idea to have more adjustability to learn what I want/need, and then possibly upgrade to a different suspension package as needed.
I'd love any feedback on mods to the bike that are "necessary" from the showroom floor. I've read about the Clutch Switch Mod, which seems to be less of an issue with the Gen2 map? Also, the steering head bearings seem to be worth a big look, a bucket of lube, and a torque wrench.
A bit of history, I've been riding since I was a pup, and have 17 years of road experience under my belt. Here's what I can remember:
- XR600 - Daily rider in high school.
- Honda Sabre 750 - Daily commuter for a couple years after high school.
- 2004 GSX-R 600 - "Must go faster.... OW MY KNEES!"
- 1999 Hayabusa (bone stock). Inherited when my dad's neck got so bad he couldn't handle the position. It was always "My Dad's Bike", and I didn't ride it enough, and eventually had to let it go to someone who would.
- 2006 DRZ-400-SM. I imagine this is what riding a Grom feels like. Easily my favorite around-town bike, and great for some light off-roading (forest roads, and minor single track).
- (Hopefully) 2014 Super Tenere ES. I'd like to do more long-distance travel. When I can't take the kiddos, why not ride? Have a good time on the way and at the destination. Plus, I might actually get the lady-friend on the back of this one.
- 2012+ KTM EXC 500. This is my reward if I can get my fat butt down to 285lbs. 'nuff said.
That's it, hopefully I'll be seeing you guys as I learn about the Tenere and post ride reports.
