Decade after Decade - I make the same modifications

[creggur]

Nothing wrong with your or Creggur's intended purpose for the Tenere.

But take the dirt-bike riding out of my agenda and suddenly some of the poser ADV bikes aren't really posers. (Like the Big Triumph and new V-strom)

But ALL of them would still get the same farkling by me. I'm hopeless.

Beauty of this bike... I simply couldn't imagine a better all-around platform.

I'd all but decided on the big Triumph...right up until I rode a Tenere...10 minute test ride was all it took. With all the research I'd done on the bikes I was considering (R1200GS, Multistrada, Explorer 1200, and Tenere) the Tenere was dead last until the test ride. That ride coupled with Yamaha's reputation for reliability and expansive dealer network sealed the deal for me.

Not one regret!

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Like most others here, I also mod my bikes in ways that will make it the way I like it. I almost have it down to a science. The first bike of a model gets my standard stuff, and it is also a bit of an experimental platform. But after owning 3 Stroms, and 2 Teneres, the next bikes to come into the fleet are setup with exactly what I know I want. They are usually completely setup within the first few weeks and rarely ever tweaked much beyond that.

But like RonH, I have also discovered things that disappoint me, and I stop messing with those things. For some reason, suspension is one of those items that has always eluded me. I've been told enough times that this suspension mod, or that suspension mod will make a huge difference. But in the end I'm immune to noticing long term improvements. I don't doubt there are people who can feel the difference, I'm just never been one of them.

 

[snakebitten]

Like most others here, I also mod my bikes in ways that will make it the way I like it. I almost have it down to a science. The first bike of a model gets my standard stuff, and it is also a bit of an experimental platform. But after owning 3 Stroms, and 2 Teneres, the next bikes to come into the fleet are setup with exactly what I know I want. They are usually completely setup within the first few weeks and rarely ever tweaked much beyond that.

But like RonH, I have also discovered things that disappoint me, and I stop messing with those things. For some reason, suspension is one of those items that has always eluded me. I've been told enough times that this suspension mod, or that suspension mod will make a huge difference. But in the end I'm immune to noticing long term improvements. I don't doubt there are people who can feel the difference, I'm just never been one of them.

There is likely an explanation. You aren't numb or insensitive. But if I had to guess, you are not a jumbo American?
Still, as much as you enjoy off-roading, it seems like you would have experienced the harsh high speed damping of the front forks. It's pretty jolting when they pack up. Washboard surface was brutal on my wrists.

Regardless, be grateful you aren't compelled to spend the big bucks.

 

[Downtown]

I just realized I need those Touratech handguards to keep the top of my hands out of the wind. You know, it looks like a long hard winter ahead. And I will be posting up about the Laam seat I just got back on Friday.......

Well if you need them in New Mexico, I certainatly NEED them here in the Midwest! (I used to ride out of Farmington/Durango). Thanks for pointing out that lack of knowledge on my part. SEE, this is exactly what I am grateful for about this forum. I learn things everyday!

 

[viewdvb]

I owned an accessory and parts company with the accent on high performance for 20 years so I have seen both sides of the fence. On the engine performance side, unless it was for racing, most purchases were plain unnecessary (though very welcome!). Pipes, K&Ns, camshafts, piston kits - most made the bike a less pleasant ride and any increased performance was rarely used. That was in the days before manufacturers deliberately screwed up their fuelling as an easy way to meet emission standards so I quite understand the re-flashing of ECUs and the like. Cycle parts mods were a bit more practical. I can't argue with improved brakes and suspension though manufacturers have improved design so much that it is often superfluous now. I remember selling thousands of dog-legs levers then the manufacturers started fitting span-adjustable levers and thus ended a profitable product line. Improved comfort is also worthwhile and I am appalled at how many current bike seats still owe more to overall design and appearance than any attempt to provide a decent platform for a rider and, especially a passenger. Ever had a BMW dealer offer you the optional extra "comfort" seat? A de-facto admission that the stock seat is not comfortable! And at their prices! So I have never owned a BMW.
Despite my history, I can't understand accessory junkies. Maybe its the result of too much disposable income or a neurotic desire to prove individualism but I am puzzled by bikes littered with uneccessary junk, the worst examples being aftermarket exhausts. Lighter? Maybe but if you didn't know, you would never feel the difference. Louder? Certainly but what's your point? Look at me I'm a rebel? If so - go buy a Harley. Improved performance? Unlikely but even if true, what possible use is a couple of extra BHP and at what cost? Still. it provides a living for someone and its your cash to spend so go right ahead - what the hell.
I'm not saying that I never change anything on a bike but only in response to a definite need. I try to keep that need to a minimum by very careful evaluation of alternative bikes before I make my purchase. That purchase is in mostly informed by how closely the bike fits my needs in standard trim without any mods. I have many times rejected my dream bike because of unchangeable features like the footrests were badly placed or there was no centre stand available. If most other parameters suit well, I look carefully at how practical it would be change what I don't like. I've re-designed the seat on an FJR1300 because the rest of the bike worked well. I also changed the panniers to Givi because the OEM panniers were too small and badly designed (did the same on the S10) but all this costs wads of cash and I resent spending it after the cost of what should be a properly designed bike in the first place.
In the case of my Super Tenere, it is the bike that has needed the least changes of anything I have ever owned. For me, that is the best compliment I can pay any machine.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

There is likely an explanation. You aren't numb or insensitive. But if I had to guess, you are not a jumbo American?
Still, as much as you enjoy off-roading, it seems like you would have experienced the harsh high speed damping of the front forks. It's pretty jolting when they pack up. Washboard surface was brutal on my wrists.

Regardless, be grateful you aren't compelled to spend the big bucks.

I'm annoyed that I've crept up to 192lbs, but I guess I'm still not qualified as jumbo.

Yes, washboarded roads do suck, but I have little faith that anything I do to the bike would fix that.

I'm jaded by meeting a magazine writer who had $4K worth of suspension put on his ATV. He wrote a glowing article about the wonders of the upgrade. When I met him Kawasaki had loaned him a stock version of his ATV for use that weekend out at Hatfield McCoy. At the end of the day I asked if he was miserable riding stock again. He thought for a moment, then said "I didn't notice a thing." He had that big buck suspension on his ATV for over a year. He's saved me a lot of money.

 

[snakebitten]

I wish I could creep down to 192.

But honestly, the whole 160-190 population is blessed with being the actual engineering TARGET.
So it really is a different experience.

No different than if cars didn't have adjustable everything, as they do today. If all you could do is slide the seat forward and back, it would be far harder to make the driver "fit", regardless of their shape-size.

Another example is loading an F150 down like it the owners manual says you can. But if you really did keep it loaded at or near max, you are not going to like the way the truck handles. Make a few suspension upgrades, and now the truck regains a confident stance.

Its just physics. But you are right in the OEM sweet spot. So we look crazy to you.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

But honestly, the whole 160-190 population is blessed with being the actual engineering TARGET.

I'm going to see if that engineering target weight comment gives me enough motivation to get back to where I'm supposed to be. I suspect today's two doughnuts may have moved me one step closer to shopping for Ohlins. ::010::

 

[creggur]

I wish I could creep down to 192.

But honestly, the whole 160-190 population is blessed with being the actual engineering TARGET.
So it really is a different experience.

No different than if cars didn't have adjustable everything, as they do today. If all you could do is slide the seat forward and back, it would be far harder to make the driver "fit", regardless of their shape-size.

Another example is loading an F150 down like it the owners manual says you can. But if you really did keep it loaded at or near max, you are not going to like the way the truck handles. Make a few suspension upgrades, and now the truck regains a confident stance.

Its just physics. But you are right in the OEM sweet spot. So we look crazy to you.

I'm in that "blessed" range (178 ) until I get geared up, jumped on the scale one day with my whole getup on (Klim Lattitude, Shoei Neotec, TCX Touring boots, and gloves) and it knocks me up to 196. I'd never realized I was hauling around an extra 18 pounds of gear...this stuff ain't light...

 

[rednax]

Here´s another thing I´m suprised noone has mentioned yet. Namely the two plates on the inside of the footpegs sometimes called healprotectin or brake mastercylinder protection or whatever.. Anyway, two times I´ve laid my bike on the side because I needed to put the foot down,and found my pantlegs hoocked. Both times maneuvering really slow on parkinglots, so no harm other then to my pride :-[...So I had someone weld on a plate on each one so that could never happen again. Looks good (I think) and much cheaper then buing from somewhere

 

[Mark R.]

Here´s another thing I´m suprised noone has mentioned yet. Namely the two plates on the inside of the footpegs sometimes called healprotectin or brake mastercylinder protection or whatever.. Anyway, two times I´ve laid my bike on the side because I needed to put the foot down,and found my pantlegs hoocked. Both times maneuvering really slow on parkinglots, so no harm other then to my pride :-[...So I had someone weld on a plate on each one so that could never happen again. Looks good (I think) and much cheaper then buing from somewhere

I got some from Touratech to replace the stock units. I have heard several stories about people dropping their bikes due to their pant legs getting hooked on those things. Bad design.

 

[snakebitten]

I'm going to see if that engineering target weight comment gives me enough motivation to get back to where I'm supposed to be. I suspect today's two doughnuts may have moved me one step closer to shopping for Ohlins. ::010::

LOL

Yea, I'm being rewarded for finding a method that worked for me. My reward for dropping from 260-220 is both being able to put my socks on without holding my breath, and being able to fit in an awesome Klim jacket that came up for sale by a fellow inmate here. Good guy too. (Feel a little guilty for benefitting from his donut misfortune )

Ironically, in theory, my Tenere is a bit over-sprung for the weight loss. But it's easy to remedy by simply keeping the bike geared up with baggage as ballast.
Truth is though, I actually like the firmness.

 

[HHH]

I am also contaminated by the MOD bug, however, I investigate a lot of MODs before I actually change them, if you just read people complaining about suspension, lack of power, weird noises, etc... it will get in that corner of your MOD bug affected brain and will work like a placebo pill, take me for instance, I am out of the weight "target" but for the lower side, higher rated spring for me...I guess not. Lower weight, well, that would make a slight difference on the power as well...heck, I almost installed seatbelts on my R1 because I was afraid of being pulled out of the bike by the wind.. ::025::

 

[Tremor38]

Everyone is different in what they like or don't like in a motorcycle and most must change things. I've been riding 43yrs now and I do the same thing to every bike too, and that is nothing usually. I guess over the years I fitted K&N filters and the Kerker pipe on old Kawasakis a few times. That is where I learned my lesson not to fool with those items again. Also fitted Progressive springs, tapered roller bearings in the swingarm and steering stem, Koni shocks. That's where I learned I don't really care about those things so no longer fool with those. Fitted lower bars which was a good mod on the old KZs for long distance, but risers or higher bars, never would consider them. Tried the big bore kits, aftermarket clutches ect, learned my lesson not to fool with those items. Never changed from a stock seat, but bought a few used bikes with aftermarket seats and all looked bad and they used vinyl, plastic whatever covers that would always rip to shreads right away, so I learned my lesson not to fool with the seat. I can adapt to any seat just fine.
So I guess I did do a lot of mods over the years and most I look back on with disgust and wished I hadn't. So that is my story why I stay stock.

I agree with that philosophy to an extent, but I definitely won't broad sword it to say OEM trumps aftermarket regardless.

-Sounds like lack of research resulted in you choosing a poor seat. I had a Renazco saddle on my last bike and chose marine-grade vinyl for he cover material. This material was equal or superior to the OEM cover, not to mention the seat was noticeably more comfortable. The 'lesson' to learn there is do the requisite research and be willing to pony up the money for quality saddle.

-I installed a large bore kit on my KLX250, but I did my homework there as well. For instance, the cylinder was a bolt-on from the OEM KLX300 and the two bikes share the same bottom end. They have the same carburetor as well, so getting the fueling right only entailed a jet change. The only 'lesson' I learned in that case is that there is 'no substitute for CC's.' The bike made noticeably more useful power. Now maybe the part you detest is that usually one mod begets others if you are thorough and want to get the bike running perfectly, I don't know.

-I agree with you to an extent about the exhausts. More times than not, the OEM silencer is going to outlast any aftermarket pipe by far. I accepted the tradeoff and changed to an FMF Q4 on my old bike, but only because the stock pea shooter was choking the engine too much for my taste (opening the size of a soda straw!). I intend to stay with the OEM silencer on the S10 because it has no such shortcoming and will last the life of the bike.

Suspension is a tough call for me. I acknowledge the potential for improvement, but can't really say the stock suspension has fallen short very often for my purposes. It's all about getting the bike to suit you better. I you are willing to 'acclimate (translates to suffer in many cases for me)' to any and all that is OEM, I suppose more power to you.

 

[Langolier]

As far as farkles go I find the older I get the more I buy. Perhaps I'm just getting to be a fuss but or have more money to throw at it. As I remember my first two bikes (dirt bikes) I never added 1 after market item ....... It was WOT till I had to fix what breaks. ::001::

 

[Tallgears]

Well - I semi fit into this thread.. although I don't have decades of experience farkling bikes yet.. As I've only been on the planet for a little over two decades..

My first couple of bikes I lightly farkled, but the Tenere is a whole different story.

I'll make a quick note about the suspension definitely being worth it for me. I'm about 240 fully geared at 6'5", and it definitely left me wanting in two situations.. 1) when the gravel roads finally turned into real ruts and rockier terrain. 2) When I was attempting to wear out the sidewalls of my K60's in twisties. O

I would say the argument that if you're within the correct weight ranges for the bike, an expensive suspension upgrade might not be worth it for you.

 

[Mark R.]

Well, I have to say that I am done farkling for now. The bike is just perfect now that I have farkled it up to this point.

No, really. I really mean it. I am done! For sure. No more farkling for me.

 

[snakebitten]

Tallgears!

Where the he\\ have you been?

 

[Tallgears]

Tallgears!

Where the he\\ have you been?

Avoiding this forum so I am not tempted to buy more mods!!!

But really - I've just been busy with work and school... Wishing I was out riding mostly! ...

I could see that I'll want to make similar mods on future bikes - IF i can ever find anything to replace this awesome-DoEVERYTHING-Tenere....