Altrider?

[TimLaw]

A friend and I just bought two new '14's and are looking for the gear. I called Altrider a week and half ago and spoke to someone about sending me a catalog since I had a difficult time on the outdated website they have. The guy I spoke to sounded bored and not so helpful. Well, almost two weeks later I still have no catalog. I've read some negative feedback about them and I don't understand how a business can disregard two guys looking to spend at least 2k apiece?

Looks like SW Mototech or $$Touratech from here.

 

[HHH]

Timlaw, I think this is a topic that should be read as in YMMV, but I want to throw my 2¢, which is...well, do you really go by looking at catalogs? I mean, this day and age, everything is internet based, even if they are outdated on what fits the Super Ténéré '14, you can most definitely count on Forums like this one where owners pleasantly share their experiences on what has been working on the new models so far, go out of their ways, think together as one to narrow down and find out the resolution to a problem/fitting question.
I understand your frustration, however, a little bit of patience and some reading would do wonders.
I have no affiliation with Altrider, I only happened to own they engine protection bars and like the design.

 

[TimLaw]

Thanks for the clear thinking HHH. I tried to remove the post but was unable too. I guess I just expected more. ::021::

 

[~TABASCO~]

Just call me, we are dealer and I know the product inside and out.

 

[HHH]

Thanks for the clear thinking HHH. I tried to remove the post but was unable too. I guess I just expected more. ::021::

No worries TimLaw, usually I wouldn't interfere in topics like this, but I just thought it would be a shame you miss on some good Ténéré items just because you caught some of their reps in a bad mood.
You will be very pleased with the folks here, even digging and old thread will become a fun event, enjoy and congrats on your new Moto!! 8)

 

[TimLaw]

No worries TimLaw, usually I wouldn't interfere in topics like this, but I just thought it would be a shame you miss on some good Ténéré items just because you caught some of their reps in a bad mood.
You will be very pleased with the folks here, even digging and old thread will become a fun event, enjoy and congrats on your new Moto!! 8)

Thanks!

 

[Brick]

Hmmm doesn't Twisted Throttle handle all there stuff? TT has been super reliable for me. YMMV

 

[mrpete64]

My experience with Altrider was the total opposite. They were very helpful when I called them. Very pleasant on the phone and I got the impression that they "really" wanted my business.

Mr. Pete------->
aging hippie

 

[Bushyar15]

Rideonadv as stated would be able to get you what you need.

While I've got a ton of Altrider "stuff" on my bike, I've never dealt directly with them. Always purchased from some online retailer. I love their stuff. IMO, excellent design and excellent execution.

 

[Andylaser]

two guys looking to spend at least 2k apiece?

I didnt think they made that many accessories for the S10. I only spent £450, but also got a 15% discount by going through my bike dealer. ;D

 

[roger123]

My experience with Altrider was the total opposite. They were very helpful when I called them. Very pleasant on the phone and I got the impression that they "really" wanted my business.

Mr. Pete------->
aging hippie

+1, I recently bought tip over bars, skid plate and a rear rack. Web site was fine and the stuff shipped super fast. Also, got a million emails along the way describing where my stuff was. Happy customer here.

Oh BTW, the packaging was ridiculously good, every inch was wrapped and double wrapped for protection.

 

[HeliMark]

+1, I recently bought tip over bars, skid plate and a rear rack. Web site was fine and the stuff shipped super fast. Also, got a million emails along the way describing where my stuff was. Happy customer here.

Oh BTW, the packaging was ridiculously good, every inch was wrapped and double wrapped for protection.

Love my AltRider bars, and the buying/shipping was quick and easy. And I agree about the packaging, very good, although I found a scuff mark on one of the bars. Was going to call them, but I have added serveral significantly bigger ones. All fixed by some black spray paint...

Mark

 

[oldbear]

My experience with Altrider was the total opposite. They were very helpful when I called them. Very pleasant on the phone and I got the impression that they "really" wanted my business.

Mr. Pete------->
aging hippie

Ditto-I've got their luggage rack and crashbars-great stuff and had good experience with the company.

 

[TimLaw]

These positive comments I like to hear. After doing much research on skid plates and crash bars, I really like the Altrider gear. Looks like I will give them a shot.

 

[rem]

Thanks for the clear thinking HHH. I tried to remove the post but was unable too. I guess I just expected more. ::021::

There's nothing wrong with your post, TL. That's exactly what this Forum is here for. I have Altrider crash bars and really like them. I got mine from Tabasco, and he was very helpful with the installation. I told him they wouldn't fit, he said try it … they did. There are enough of these units (crash bars) out there to verify their reliability and fitment. You may have picked up some kid on the phone after a long night of rowdiness. I am amazed as well at some of the businesses out there. It is not at all unusual for me to send an email to a company requesting additional info, and they never respond. Pretty strange. I guess they are making so much money they don't care. Anyway, good luck with it. Let us know how you make out. R ::008::

 

[HoebSTer]

I don't know who answered the call Tim, but there is a high probability that several of the main contact people may have been in Europe for the recent bike show. When this happens, although not a good excuse as a small business, they had whomever possibly answer the phone.
Great luck and support from AltRider.

Jeff

 

[MikeShell]

I have bought several items for S10 from Altrider. The online service has been great. I did order a catalog back in the summer. I think I had to pay shipping for the thing....so it was not totally free.

Mike

 

[fleissman]

They make great products no doubt! One of the best in the market. But customer support is very poor.

Earlier this year I had my ES. Bought tneir crash bar and a skid plate. Unfortunately the skid plate was rubbing against the catalytic converter. Called them up and was told that they were still working a fix. A few weeks later they finished the product revision and in order to fix the "rubbing issue", i had to buy the new revised product as in the whole skid plate assembly. No exchange or retrofits.

What's annoying is that the guy from altrider didn't sound very supportive. They probably are aware that they have great products so naturally they ignore complaints.

I probably wont buy their products anymore. Just my opinion...

 

[TimLaw]

Just to follow up on my post, the brochure came in the mail today...it's all good.

 

[Salmon Sam]

My experience with them is variable. They are local and I certainly like to support "local". They are great sponsors of the Pacific Northwest Super Tenere Owners Group (PNSTOG). When I first bought their bars and skid plate, the owner installed them for me in the parking lot! Nice touch. Make mine Altrider ...

... however, I purchased the heel guards (master cylinder and universal joint) and subsequently found this thread on this forum.
http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=11398.45

I also felt the sharp cut out edges on mine vs. others. Mine were obviously the defected ones. They had worn holes in the inner cuffs of my pants and abraded a seam. Several PNSTOG contacted them on my behalf and I was assured that I could exchange them for ones that were properly smooth. I went to the shop to exchange them and the ones they got off the shelf did not seem significantly different (and not even close to the ones that I felt others had). As you can imagine, discussion ensued. They ended up taking them back and are issuing me a check. I am a little disappointed that I couldn't find a smooth-edged set, but Touratech's are lighter and cheaper anyway. Now, I stand up continually, when I ride in the dirt and maybe it is my technique of using my feet like a skier, so I wouldn't worry about them if you are part of the 89% that don't go offroad.

I still like their crash bars and they have proven themselves in and encounter with an Acura MDX on a forest road. The skid plate is a little concave from a PSSOR course and practicing log spanning exercises, but I haven't had the problems some others have reported.

We should start a "consumers" rating of protection available for the ST (bars, skid plate, etc.) and have everything summarized in one thread. Certainly lots of experience and opinions.

Again, AltRider has to be commended for supporting the Super Tenere. They do that more than Touratech. Twisted Throttle (out of Rhode Island) did initially do a "Twisted" Tenere that you could rent out of GSMotorent in Tennessee. Not sure how they support East Coast rally's, but AltRider certainly does in the Northwest part of the USA.