Ergo Issues With My Tenere

[TimNiceBut]

Hi,

This is my first post, although I did a lot of lurking before buying. I am the not as proud as I'd hope to be owner of a 2014 ES. I have now done 3,000 miles on it and have a couple of gripes that I would value your input on:

Seat - I find it unbearable after about 100 miles. I'm 5' 9" and weigh 11.5 stone (160 lbs). I've done the levelling mod (although I'm using 3D printed solid plastic buttons while I wait for the rubber ones to arrive). Although this has helped it has not increased my endurance limit any. I am kind of resigned to replacing the seat but all the main contenders are based stateside, whereas I am in the southwest of England. I'm loathe to splash out £400+ plus for a seat that needs me to be shipped my seat half way round the globe to have it rebuilt only to find it hasn't helped when it finds its way back to Dear Old Blighty. I know Sargent have a UK office and could be tempted but I need an order of magnitude improvement. I want to be able to empty the tank without having to stop because my arse is on fire. I've tried to analyse the issue and it appears to be twofold. I feel a lot of pressure on my pelvic bone and then the edges of the seat start to dig into my thighs. I know some of you say it's the best standard seat you've ever had, but it really isn't working for me at all.

Screen - I have the stock (short) screen, I cannot find a setting that doesn't deafen me, I also get a lot of buffering on the front of my jacket. It vibrates like a vibratey thing on a particularly vibratey day. Also, for the longer distance rides I have the wife on the back. She is also getting deafened. I'm considering a Calsci screen (medium) but wondered if anyone knows if it will help or hinder the pillion (she's 5'-1"). Would the winglets help the jacket vibrating. or the wifes comfort?

Apart from these 2 issues I'm loving the bike, but since I bought it to do the long miles it isn't currently fit for (my) purpose.

I could really do with some European help on this.

Cheers chaps,

Tim Nice But... In Need Of Relief

 

[Dogdaze]

::004:: from Zurich.

Search the forum or google, there are hundreds of threads about screens and seat.
Also depends on your helmet......
Get a bigger screen, period! Either a Calsci or Parabellum, get the tall version, you can always cut it down, I have the Calsci, the friggin windnoise was killing me and with ear plugs, now I can ride visor open at 85mph and nothing, just a minor wind noise, I'm on a bike after all.

The seat may take time to break in, you're not a heavy weight this will take longer. I love the seat, I can sit on it for hours. Call or send an email a guy called Tony Archer (google is your friend), custom seat builder, fast turnaround, did wonders for my last seat on the V strom, makes it to your spec ad I believe cost me £120 inc postage both ways (UK). Second, if you are feeling burning on your seat, change the type of under garment, seamless works wonders, and the flapping of the jacket , well I might suggest that get a better fitting on, or one with strap to tighten things up. Oh, and get the winglets, you'll be happier you did. I have ridden 900 miles in one day on the bike, even before double hip replacement (let me tell you about pain!!) now post op, I love the bike, except the rattle of the box of spanners thrown down the stairs.....

 

[Bushyar15]

Those were two of my complaints with my 2013... I'm 5'10" but weigh quite a bit more...

After trying fly-screens to super tall screens to madstad brackets. I found that a V-stream (medium size) and the "winglets" got rid of 90% of the buffeting. The large screen helped alot BUT restricted too much air flow making it hot during warmer temps... This setup still allows plenty of airflow without the buffeting...

And the seat.. like you a short ride had me squirming and constantly pushing away from the tank... I could maybe ride an hour and that was it... I went with a Corbin seat and now I can ride till I feel I need to stretch my legs....

Good Luck!

 

[Vanderwho]

I rode 1,074 actual (not odometer) miles on my '14 ES during a span of 19 hours on Sunday. I'm 5'8" and weight 160 pounds. Thoughts:

1. While underway, stand on the pegs for about a minute every 100 miles or so. Or more often, if necessary.

2. What are you wearing? Does the problem originate there? I wore LDComfort wicking tights under Aerostich Utility Pants.

3. Are you sliding around on the seat while riding? Do you shift positions occasionally, fore/aft, while riding? (I do.)

4. Did some jokester at your dealer substitute a concrete seat for the stock item? ::025::

 

[TimNiceBut]

My riding gear is tried and tested (by me). I've tried various trousers; I use Halvarssons Prince trousers for some journeys. I found these were worse before I sorted the seat slope (probably because of the multi layered construction). I wear morino wool leggings some of the time under my trews. I also wear kevlar lined cargo pants at times. Never had an issue before on my other bikes. Same goes for my jacket (STR) and Schuberth C3 helmet.
I'll look at the V-stream and maybe cutting down a large Calsci - thanks for those tips.

Does anyone know if the winglets (or screen) willing upset SWMBO as pillion? Or maybe improve her comfort?

I do stand up on the pegs from time to time, out of necessity, and I move about on the seat. But the need to do so comes far too early in the journey. I've put 100's of 1000's of miles on bikes so have a pretty good yardstick by which to judge this one.

It's good to know the Corbin made such a difference for you, but this is where google may not be my friend as comfort is subjective and google says the Corbin is too hard?

I'll have a chat with that with Tony Archer and see what he says.

Anyone of a similar build tried the Sargent?

Thanks for the help, keep it coming.

Tim Nice But... Grateful

 

[groundhog]

My riding gear is tried and tested (by me). I've tried various trousers; I use Halvarssons Prince trousers for some journeys. I found these were worse before I sorted the seat slope (probably because of the multi layered construction). I wear morino wool leggings some of the time under my trews. I also wear kevlar lined cargo pants at times. Never had an issue before on my other bikes. Same goes for my jacket (STR) and Schuberth C3 helmet.
I'll look at the V-stream and maybe cutting down a large Calsci - thanks for those tips.

Does anyone know if the winglets (or screen) willing upset SWMBO as pillion? Or maybe improve her comfort?

I do stand up on the pegs from time to time, out of necessity, and I move about on the seat. But the need to do so comes far too early in the journey. I've put 100's of 1000's of miles on bikes so have a pretty good yardstick by which to judge this one.

It's good to know the Corbin made such a difference for you, but this is where google may not be my friend as comfort is subjective and google says the Corbin is too hard?

I'll have a chat with that with Tony Archer and see what he says.

Anyone of a similar build tried the Sargent?

Thanks for the help, keep it coming.

Tim Nice But... Grateful

Tim I'm a new owner of a S10 too, and not far from you ! I find the seat uncomfortable and did the mod which has helped me a bit but I will be more sure after a 2000 mile trip later this month. I had a Corbin seat on a previous bike and it was fantastic but am not willing to pay double the US price to get one here. If my seat proves too uncomfortable I will take the stock seat to an upholsterer who knows bike seats to re scuplt it to a better shape. I used a frim in Andover last time. Again I had this done on my previous bike and it was a big improvement.

Regarding the screen I am the same height as you and a little heavier, and I find the screen okay, not perfect though. I get some wind noise but not much and no buffeting to speak of. I do however have the screen winglets and these may be why I am having less issues than you on that front. The thing I have had the most trouble with is the stock bars with their severe sweep back (see the handlebar posts on the main index) I have suffered severe neck and shoulder discomfort and have now changed the bars for one's with less than half the sweep back and will be trying them out properly at the weekend.

Would be happy to meet up some time to swap complaints and discuss ::025::

 

[Bryn]

Welcome along Tim ...as soon as I saw your name I knew you were UKBased ::013::

I've been through over 100 bikes in 35 years ::26:: and got on to 'Adventure' bikes back in 2004 when I discovered my first GS.. Since then I've had 10 GS's of various types, a Tiger 1050, and a GTR1400... I'm about your weight and height, and I've only had my 2014 S10 for a week, but I'd say the seat is on par with any of the others... In other words, after 100-150 miles I'll be ready to get off for a stretch.

Have you tried a sheepskin seat cover? i have one and it's made long journeys better on a few of my previous bikes 8)

I've got a standard screen and I'm expecting winglets in the post some time soon. Earplugs ?

::008::

 

[webbel]

You can always get a gel insert fitted to your seat.i did this on my last gsa..made a huge difference.
The 10 seat gets better with wear I think..at least it has for me and I also have a sheepskin cover.
The tall screen works ok but screens I feel are personal...whats good for one will be useless for another.
The winglets help.
I'm a similar build also.
Hope you sort it...the bike is awesome

 

[TNWalker]

For wind buffeting, I had great results on my 2014 with the Yamaha Tall screen offering. I am 6'1", 32"inseam. The side winglets help out as well. For total buffeting elimination, Parabellum and Cee Bailey's tall shields worked great on my previous 2012 Tenere'. Seat comfort was a huge problem for me as well with the stock seat. After trying Seat Concepts cover and padding (it helped only a little, went from a 75 mile seat to a 100 mile seat) I went with the Russell Day Long custom seat. It is by far the best mod I have spent money on for my bike. No other mod means anything if you can't ride the thing without being painful. I can see how it may be cost prohibitive to have one built for you considering where you live, however, the cost of an off the shelf solution such as a Corbin or the like could be even costlier if those don't work to your liking. Try and find a good custom seat maker, as one member already suggested, that can build the seat to your specifications and desires. Russell was great to work with in my case. Hope you can get it sorted out. When you do get it comfortable from tank full to tank full, you will then truly be able to enjoy this bike.



Steve ::022:: ::26::

 

[bmac]

It's good to know the Corbin made such a difference for you, but this is where google may not be my friend as comfort is subjective and google says the Corbin is too hard?

The Corbin seat worked well for me too, as it fits the shape of your butt. There are no pressure points with it. It is firm but that is the way it should be.

The two issues I had with the bike were the seat and the windscreen. The tall Yamaha screen (same as Powerbronze) and the Corbin seat were all I needed to do 900 mile days without issue. I absolutely hated the stock seat. I am amazed some folks actually like it.

 

[klunsford]

As far as noise behind the windshield, start with deflectors then get the taller Yamaha Windshield. I'm 6'2" and am sitting good when I have the tall screen in the next to highest setting. Gets me a little air but nothing that causes the buffeting. IMO, the defectors are a must for the Tenere.

 

[itlives]

I have the tall windscreen with a Puig adjustable visor. It works great for me.
On the seat, I have an Air Hawk cushion. The Tenere is the most comfortable bike I've ever ridden. Perfect for my frame -6'2" - 34" in seam.
Sorry no metric conversion from this old fart.

 

[2112]

I had similar issues with my seat and screen and have successfully sorted them out. I had my seat restuffed with a gel pad and bit of build up by the lovely people at Saddle Craft (www.saddlecraft.com) in the North East. They do mail order and are very good with a relatively quick turnaround, heartily recommended. I also fitted the wings and a Calcsi tall screen, which as Dogdaze rightly says you can always cut down. The screen was good but not quite 100% so I fitted a short MRA spoiler (search ebay) and it's now superb, although I am a bit taller than you at 6'2". I can ride this bike till it runs out of fuel now without an shuffling or discomfort - what more do you need ?

 

[Poohbear]

I'd recommend the MRA X-creen Screen and adjustable spoiler together with the winglets. The screen is wider and taller with the added advantage of the adjustable spoiler. I don't get any buffeting at all and minimal noise.

I can't comment on seats because I find it the most comfortable bike seat I've ever had. I did John O'Groats to Lands end (nearly 900 miles) in 16 hours, with no numb bum at all

 

[ejy712]

The winglets channel air downwards, they don't bother my wife at all.

 

[Rasher]

3 Easy Steps, cost about £200 for the lot.

1. Yamaha Winglets

Cannot be sure what difference they make as I had them fitted before the bike was delivered, but others reckon the difference is significant (hence I had them from day one - having sensibly lurked prior to buying the bike)

2. Givi Airflow Screen

Had one on the GS, if you can get over the odd looks they are great with more adjustment than anything else I have seen, worked a treat on the GS - and I would say it is just as good on the Yamaha/

3. Tony Archer Seat

Not even close to the best seats out there - but seeing as the best seats are only available for cars it will do.

I have never had a really comfy bike seat, and the Yamaha one was about as good as any other I have experienced, although admittedly that means far from great. For £70 I had Tony Archer add some foam and re-shape it a bit, this is the third bike he has done for me and all have been much better afterwards for a very reasonable cost.

On really long trips I chuck a blow up "Stadium Seat" on top for long motorway sessions, this works well for me, on twistier routes I have less comfort issues (probably due to moving a bit more) and the TA seat pretty much allows me to drain a tank, however the best trick is to stand up a little....

...Easy on back roads, and I tend to stand a bit on French Motorways as there is never much traffic about, just a few seconds to stretch the legs which I find cramp (I am over 6 foot with long legs) and this also gives the arse a rest.

I also throw my legs over my SW Crash bars for a bit on long sections, this also moves the place the weight sits on your arse, so overall I can do 200 motorway miles OK now.

 

[TimNiceBut]

Thanks for the input chaps. I now have a plan of action. The seat is the main area for improvement. There are enough options for the screen that I'm confident I can get that sorted, and the winglets seem a must. The seat is the main thing. I have spoken to Tony Archer and Saddlecraft. I have priced Corbin UK and Sargent UK seats as well. I am in contact with Russel as well. It's just a question of deciding which way to jump.

Groundhog: I'd be happy to meet up some time and discuss life, the universe,a nd everything - including the finer points of the S10 along with the more irksome aspects. I'm not far from Ringwood, where are you based?

Thanks one and all for the help so far, I'll keep you posted how I progress.

Tim Nice But ... Sofa So Good

 

[Tyke]

WElcome along Tim nice but...I tried sargent seats on my 2014 ZE and didn't like them although they did seem more comfy upon my inner thigh.

I've now covered 6000 miles and am used to the firm OEM seat so it's not a problem for me, I'm 6' 1" and 16 stone weight.

I recently fitted wings and they do improve the airflow and resulting comfort for both rider and pillion (I have the standard screen set 'high')

I do subscribe to the view that when riding my bike I expect and enjoy some degree of noise and buffeting..it's all part of the biking experience, when I want to get somewhere in quiet comfort I take the car

 

[TimNiceBut]

I understand the you're going to get some noise/buffeting/ etc. I've done over 30,000 miles on a Victory Hammer with no screen and no issues. I guess I expected the screen to not make it worse than no screen :-[ Currently I'd say the stock screen on any setting makes the noise/buffeting worse.
Interesting view of the Sargent, part of my dilemma is not wanting to spend 500 squids on a replacement seat (nearer 800 for Corbin) and find it doesn't help.
I need to get the seat sorted first as I want this to be a keeper and currently it isn't.

All help, comments etc appreciated.

Laters,

Tim Nice But ... On A Mission

 

[Dogdaze]

I understand the you're going to get some noise/buffeting/ etc. I've done over 30,000 miles on a Victory Hammer with no screen and no issues. I guess I expected the screen to not make it worse than no screen :-[ Currently I'd say the stock screen on any setting makes the noise/buffeting worse.
Interesting view of the Sargent, part of my dilemma is not wanting to spend 500 squids on a replacement seat (nearer 800 for Corbin) and find it doesn't help.
I need to get the seat sorted first as I want this to be a keeper and currently it isn't.

All help, comments etc appreciated.

Laters,

Tim Nice But ... On A Mission

Take the screen off or lower it and stand over the screen height while riding, no buffetting, just slight 'normal' wind noise, same as a naked bike. I too came from a VZ1600 and VZR1800 and was expecting screened bike to be the Holy Grail, boy was I in for a shock, had to wear earplugs, head shook all over the place, I was thinking, WTF!!! ::010::, then read that most of it can be cured, not all, but most of it.