Comparing a Super Tenere to a 1190 KTM from an average "C" rider

[EricV]

On the valve adj, I suppose some of it is what you're used to working with. Yamaha has a history of making valve covers an ass pain to remove, with tight clearance to the frame, etc. From my car perspective of belt driven twin cam motors, the S10's set up for the cam chain and tensioner are more normal than the KTM's, in that you're going to have to fight position when pulling the cams.

Too bad HLAs can't handle the steeper cam lobe shapes. Could be worse, the Desmo's are really fun!

 

[mayassa]

I don't think this was a fair review, you never switched modes on the S10 but told us all about the snappy modes of the KTM. Also what the heck are you thinking riding at 100mph with tennis shoes on and a dirt bike helmet? One good bug into those fancy glasses if they are not shatter proof and you will loose an eye.

 

[ballisticexchris]

I don't think this was a fair review, you never switched modes on the S10 but told us all about the snappy modes of the KTM. Also what the heck are you thinking riding at 100mph with tennis shoes on and a dirt bike helmet? One good bug into those fancy glasses if they are not shatter proof and you will loose an eye.

The shoes and glasses were a stupid idea for sure. I just had the jacket and helmet on hand. Left my moto boots behind. I did switch it from the two different modes but could not really tell much of a difference. I was riding the S10 much more mellow than the KTM. In fact, most of my testing on the Yamaha was on straight highway in bishop and slow speed drills in the parking lot.

Your point is well taken......

 

[mayassa]

Yeah I wasn't trying to be an asshat just seen to many people running around this year without gear on

 

[ballisticexchris]

Yeah I wasn't trying to be an asshat just seen to many people running around this year without gear on

I hear ya' for sure! I see the squids every day riding without protection. It's kind of embarrassing to see myself in that picture. But getting back to the bike, I do know what I want. I'm looking for a reliable touring/commuter that's not afraid to hit the dirt when needed.

 

[snakebitten]

Re: Comparing a Super Tenere to a 1190 KTM from an average "C" rider

Pluric is a squid.

 

[Christoforos T.Pilitsis]

Who's pluric?

 

[3putt]

I would say the ergos of the two bikes are very close. Better windscreen on the KTM after adding MRA wing and finding the sweet spot in the adjustment of both the screen and wing.

I like the drop in weight for sure of the KTM. If you get riled by traffic and forget what you are on, yeah a ticket is waiting, does take will power to stay in your little group of traffic.

MPG is as good or better than the ST. Had to take out the allen wrenches and put torx in my toolpak.

29,000+ miles on the ST, only 2700 on the KTM (one trip to three sisters in Texas), so little early to get a feel for longevity. Starting to get the urge for E07s, but holding off. Next big trip, probably Idaho or Salida, CO.

 

[eemsreno]

Tiger you sure go through a lot of bikes.
The guy that bought your Tenere still has it but he feels like he is getting a little old for the weight and might switch to a scooter.

 

[Donk]

I also had the opportunity to ride both the S10 and the KTM 1190. I think I am able to be pretty impartial as I don't own either. If I had to choose one to buy I would pick the Super Tenere all day, every day. Here's why. The KTM is one of the best bikes I've ever ridden. That said it has bank angle sensor for traction control and abs but no self cancelling turn signals? No cruise control? The KTM is full of really cool wiz-bang stuff that is of little to no use In the real world. I for one do not have the kahonas to grab a fist full of throttle in mid corner to see if the TC will work, and I have been accused of riding aggressively now and then. I don't trust road conditions or the front tire that much.. I leave that kind of riding for the MotoGP guys. The S10 surprised me. I expected it to be a bit of a dog in the power department. Not so. During the test ride I pulled out to pass a car in a 45mph zone, looked down and I was doing 85 before I knew it. The bike handles great, has plenty of power, is smooth, and just works. Shaft drive, cruise control, now those are things that are nice to have in the real world where I ride. Best part is from what I read its pretty easy to pull another 20 rwhp out of the S10. One nice thing about the S10 is for 2014 you have the option of electronic suspension. I think it was so smart of Yamaha to offer the bike both ways. Lets you choose what YOU want on the bike. Ergos were great on both bikes, stock windscreens were not, although I didn't mess with adjusting either screen. My gut feeling is after 2 years of ownership the S10 would prove the better value. I don't know for a fact but if the KTM drops in value anything like a Ducati Multistrada you'll get hammered. Even with all the leftover S10s out there the price isn't in the basement. Says something about the bike. I really thought that riding the KTM would put me off the S10 but quite the opposite. The Explorer isn't going away but there will be an S10 joining it by years end.

 

[XtreemLee]

It bumps the rev limiter in 3rd gear at just under 100mph.

Well whomever ends up with this bike will at least have it broken in correctly ::025::

 

[3putt]

Tiger you sure go through a lot of bikes.
The guy that bought your Tenere still has it but he feels like he is getting a little old for the weight and might switch to a scooter.

Yeah, sometimes intentional, sometimes opportunity knocks. I had fun with the Griso, but wifey quit riding and we sold her Duc, felt I needed a 2up machine for distance again. Happen to sell the Griso in St. Louis area, and the local KTM dealer had 14 1190 for demo, well the rest is history, LOL.

Now the Hyper is made obsolete by the KTM, so it is on the chopping block. The Hyper is perfect weight and HP, but little wind protection for distance and the 1190 is only 70 lbs more with better everything.

Must admit I'm caught in the middle, should I stay on the road, or prepare for offroad? Maybe I should trade the Hyper for the street legal 500exc.

P.S. I thought I was getting too old and the ST was too heavy also when I decided to sell, thus the HyperStrada.

 

[2wheelhuble]

A few days ago I was thinking of how fun it would be to ride that KTM. Today while crossing a hay field (k60 tires) sport mod and traction control off the Tenere hooks up rarely. Loved every minute of it. 150 HP wow. 100 hp still really to much off road unless I put 6inch nails in my tires. Where are my nails?
Always a fan of the KTM but the Yamaha goes the distance.

Looks like you guys had a good time. ::021::

 

[archer]

First: love the evaluation comparing the KTM and the Yamaha ST. Dead on.
Second: I've been riding naked bikes, with a Multistrada S thrown in for good measure. LOVE -- the power and handling. HATE -- tiny passenger seats, chain maintenance, small gas tanks, and a lack of locking luggage.
Third: I've been joyfully riding a Duc 848 Street Fighter for the last year, and WOW! What a great bike -- tremendous fun in every riding situation (obviously on road only). Love this bike. However, I have to say that the Yamaha Super Tenere is a better bike. It can take my wife on rides we comfortably enjoy. The Tenere is great in commuting, in canyon strafing, in picking up groceries, in sport touring, for adventure seeking. I'm not saying I am great at all these kinds of riding, but the Yamaha is. It is fast, comfortable, quiet, smooth, great handling, sensitive and strong brakes, cheap to run, and even practical. Will I miss the Duc? I will fondly remember it, and be very grateful for the enduring qualities of the Tenere on every ride over the hills and through the woods. The Super Tenere is the invisible BEST BIKE of the world, not making the cover of every magazine. ::021::