Feedback on a 2013 Super Tenere

[gmb501]

I am looking for my first adventure bike and have found a used 2013 Super Tenere at a local dealership.

I have also been looking at much older GS but we do not have a local BMW dealer so I am not sure how to handle service and I am not enthusiastic about driving 2 or 3 hours to get the bike serviced. The ST has the advantage of local dealers.

I know the '13 is a first gen bike but was wondering what folks here had to say about it. It it a decent bike or should I keep looking for a gen 2 bike?

My most common use would be commuting to work with some trail riding which for now would be limited to logging/forest service roads.

This is the first used ST I have seen at a dealer in the last few years....

Any feedback/advise would be greatly appreciated....

 

[billyp]

I bought a 13 3 years ago used.22,000 miles and have had a blat on it with no problems.Some great prices on 1st gen st.I'm sure 2nd gen are better if you find one.I hope to put many miles on mine .Way better street bike than I thought I it would be and does well on dirt roads.good luck

 

[ABBlender]

I;ve been running my 2013 for almost 3 years now. It's been rock solid/bullet proof reliable. I like the ergos, the build quality, the engine, and general layout/size. I think I am closing in on 30,000 kms on the bike and I have no plans to sell it. I have done a few things to it to make it better for me: 1.5" risers, MRA windshield w/ madstad bracket, Altirder guards/rack, ACD skidplate, heated grips w/ throttle lock, additional wind deflectors on stock handguards. It's a bike that brings me a smile every time I hop on it. Stock suspension has been fine for my 6' tall, 200+ lb body as well (with luggage). It will do 2-up all day, anyday.
I decided long ago that I will no longer ride a chain drive bike - I will take the extra weight of a shaft drive any day over end-of-the-day chain cleanings when I'm dead tired.

I have no plans to sell or upgrade...I will mile this bike out and buy another Tenere.

 

[terrysig]

I would have no reservations on a 2013. Looked specifically for one in 2014. Bought a holdover and it treated me very well. Absolutely no issues.

Unfortunately I hit a deer and totaled it last summer. Tried to find another holdover or used.
No luck. Bought an ES. You wouldnt be disappointed with a used or holdover 2014 or later either.

 

[Yamasaki]

In addition to the nice price break you can get on a Gen I, you can find one with LOTS of extras already installed. Crash bars, bash plates, handlebar risers, lights, tall windshields, panniers and top cases, electronics mounts, etc. You will probably want many of those things anyway and they can add up to a significant amount. Find one already farkled and it feels like you're getting something for free.

In early 2014, I bought a 2013 trade-in with less than 400 miles on it. It already was well farkled, so I didn't have to add much. I did occasionally hear some clacking on the right side, so I changed the CCT (cam chain tensioner) to a 2014 version, and it has been perfect for the past 17000 (mostly dirt) miles.

For a Gen I, I would recommend a Gen II CCT (~$200), and an ECU reflash (by AVC8130 for $125).

Recently, I wanted to add a new Gen II to my stable, but found a great deal locally on a low mileage, nicely farkled 2012 in very nice condition, so I now have 2 Gen I versions. This one has a Power Commander V for programming the ECU, and Yamaha panniers. I have added a taller windshield, a GIVI top case and my electronics hookups, but other than that, it needs nothing.

I could find some great deals on Gen I and Gen II bikes out there on Cycle Trader and Craigslist (nationwide), but I didn't want to buy a bike halfway across country, so I looked locally only. This is what I found and I couldn't pass it up.

I think it would be worth it to pay a bit more for a Gen II, just for the better cam chain tensioner, the factory cruise, and the heated grips...and possibly the electronic suspension. But, I wouldn't be afraid to jump on a good deal for a Gen I either. A new CCT is about $200 and easy to install yourself. I think you can find a YouTube video.

You can't go wrong either way. The S-Ten is perfect for what you described you wanted it for. Great for both forest service/fire roads and commuting. good luck.

 

[HeliMark]

I think it comes down to what kind of money you are willing to spend. The S10 is a good bike no matter what year it is. But if you can swing it, a Gen 2 with the cruise control and possibly the ES version is really nice. For me, I would do the Gen 2 just for the cruise control. I like doing mileage when possible, and man do I miss the cruise control (I have a '13 Gen 1) that I had with previous bikes.

The only achilles heal the Gen 1 has is the CCT should be replaced with the Gen 2 version for preventative measures. The Clutch basket on them is a comfort item if it is bothering you.

You can't go wrong with any year or version. It just comes down to what you are comfortable with spending and what deal you can find.

Mark

 

[Boris]

I got myself a 2013 Super Tenere in July 2016 and have put around 10k miles on it, bringing it to approx 13k miles. As expected with any Japanese bike, it's been faultless.

During ownership it's taken me on three European trips, including all road types (no off road), including lots of mountain passes. The bike performs well in all situations, however the rear shock is definitely under sprung for my needs, especially with the panniers and top box fully loaded and fitted. An after market shock will be fitted this year. I also found that dropping the front end down the forks a few mm helped turn in and holding a line better. (I'm 16st 8lb plus riding kit).

Brakes are good, however I think a slightly more aggressive pad would improve things further. I'll probably try EBC HH next time.

Comfort? No issues for me.

Fuel economy? Mine has been 47 MPG at worst over a long trip, but most of the time is around 51 MPG.

Very easy bike to work on, oil changes are very accessible and straight forward. Air filter and plug change easy and basis skills are all that's needed, although once out it was obvious the plugs really didn't need a change at almost 13k miles.

All things consider, I really enjoy this bike and have no plans to change.

 

[Cycledude]

I got a great deal on a very low miles 13 that was on consignment at a dealer, it came with heated grips, very nice tank ring mount tank bag , crash bars, full Yamaha luggage , skid plate, tall windshield. I replaced the very lousy stock headlights with LED, installed a headlight guard and finally replaced the windshield with the biggest one VSttream makes. I myself have put on a little over 30,000 miles with very few issues, my only real regret is no cruise control.

 

[stutrump]

Buy it!!!!!
Gen 1 or 2 you wont be dissapointed. Im on my 2nd Gen1 and I had 108,000 on my first one with no problems. Go for it!