MY Demo Test Ride! OH YEA!

[motocephalic]

Well, I got a chance to test ride the SUper Tenere today at Daytona! Oh yes, it is all that is promised. I really saw a big difference between the modes (S vs T), and I did not have a chance to try out the traction control, but understand it a little more now( on 1). The power was a significant increase as compared to the dl 650. The cons... well if I could think of 1 it would be that I thought the gearing was tall, especially 1st. I had little chance putting it in 6th gear. It was mostly in the urban jungle. The motor pulled smoothly through all gears, it cornered very nicely. The suspension was a significant improvement over the DL 650. The seat was just OK, I think it will need a Russell job eventually. The bars and position seemed right on, due to the width of the bars. I rode the one with bags, and they fit the bike well. Come on May, or June, or...

 

[trinc4me]

Thanks for the write-up, glad you had the opportunity to do the demo ride!

 

[switchback]

The seat was just OK, I think it will need a Russell job eventually.

Hmmm, this is the one area that has been praised by all reports. Perhaps some break-in time is needed.

 

[Buckeye56]

Hmmm, this is the one area that has been praised by all reports. Perhaps some break-in time is needed.

Or he is like me. I have never had an OEM seat that did not give me butt burn. Even aftermarket does not fully fix it for my bum. I hope that you are right and as the foam breaks in it will be fine as is.

You folks who have snagged a demo make me jealous! So far I have only sat on a Super Tenere.

 

[motocephalic]

Hmmm, this is the one area that has been praised by all reports. Perhaps some break-in time is needed.

Perhaps more break in time will help. I am very fussy when it comes to seats. I spend sustained periods in the saddle. I have owned Russell seats for many years now, and quite frankly, they outshine anything out there. I have a Russell on my DL, and I can say, I never squirm in it. I can sit for hours until it runs out of gas. The ride today was about 20 minutes, but I feel that the bike will be an exceptional fit for me.

 

[motocephalic]

Or he is like me. I have never had an OEM seat that did not give me butt burn. Even aftermarket does not fully fix it for my bum. I hope that you are right and as the foam breaks in it will be fine as is.

You folks who have snagged a demo make me jealous! So far I have only sat on a Super Tenere.

Now you know we would have put you up here in the great state of Florida. Do you remember me at the last ironhorse vstrom rally? We tented right beside each other.

 

[colorider]

Thanks for the write up Clem!!! Did you give any thought to where you might mount your aux lights after seeing the bike in person?

 

[pqsqac]

That's great you guys are getting some test rides in and thanks for reporting back to the group. Every comment counts.

 

[motocephalic]

Thanks for the write up Clem!!! Did you give any thought to where you might mount your aux lights after seeing the bike in person?

Yes , I did look at that closely. It appears there are 2 good choices for me. One will be the front forks, the two bolts that hold the fender will be the mounting points. I will most likely use a small aluminum bracket, but they could easy be bolted on without one using a simple spacer and the bracket provided by the kit. The large headed bolt that is on the fender could be replaced with a socket cap metric bolt. Another location for mounting would be on the crash bar that I plan on mounting. That is wide and low on the bike, and slightly less exposed to road hazard. Round 1" bolt on clamps are available many places, and would make this a fast easy mount.

 

[motocephalic]

That's great you guys are getting some test rides in and thanks for reporting back to the group. Every comment counts.

All the bikes were blue, I was hoping to see one raven bike just for the difference. There was one set up with all the luggage, which was a nice match for the bike, and one set up as a platform, and one with the double seating. I was surprised at how the motor pulled, after hearing so many reports saying it was marginal. I was hoping it would have some spirit. It does (s mode)! I was expecting to feel a heavier bike. It was not the case. The bike was much more agile than my 650. Cornering and static balance was very good. I think we will own the nicest bike being offered at this time, regardless of price.

 

[motocephalic]

I wanted to add, all these bikes were the new version with the all black seats, the black cowl panels. So you know what that means...

they're coming!

 

[colorider]

I wanted to add, all these bikes were the new version with the all black seats, the black cowl panels. So you know what that means...

they're coming!

I think they were still Euro versions deep down - just the plastic, etc had been changed.

But, they ARE coming!!!!! ;D

 

[colorider]

Yes , I did look at that closely. It appears there are 2 good choices for me. One will be the front forks, the two bolts that hold the fender will be the mounting points. I will most likely use a small aluminum bracket, but they could easy be bolted on without one using a simple spacer and the bracket provided by the kit. The large headed bolt that is on the fender could be replaced with a socket cap metric bolt. Another location for mounting would be on the crash bar that I plan on mounting. That is wide and low on the bike, and slightly less exposed to road hazard. Round 1" bolt on clamps are available many places, and would make this a fast easy mount.

Thanks!!! I have received my shipping confirmation so anxious to receive them and start looking at mounting options.

 

[ptfjjj]

The bike has a set of lugs up under the headlight unit designed to take a pair of fog/spots. (They're about inline with the crash bar below the chin ... see the bottom pic). This pic shows the mounting holes on one side. Decent heavy duty stuff they are too.

The above was posted by Swagger in the PIAA lights thread in modifications. He posted pictures, but I could not figure out how to copy and paste them here. I am hoping that the Solstice Primes will attach to these lugs under the headlight unit.

 

[colorider]

The bike has a set of lugs up under the headlight unit designed to take a pair of fog/spots. (They're about inline with the crash bar below the chin ... see the bottom pic). This pic shows the mounting holes on one side. Decent heavy duty stuff they are too.

The above was posted by Swagger in the PIAA lights thread in modifications. He posted pictures, but I could not figure out how to copy and paste them here. I am hoping that the Solstice Primes will attach to these lugs under the headlight unit.

Yes, I remember the photo as well (need to go check it out again). Seems like an easy and functional location.

 

[motocephalic]

The bike has a set of lugs up under the headlight unit designed to take a pair of fog/spots. (They're about inline with the crash bar below the chin ... see the bottom pic). This pic shows the mounting holes on one side. Decent heavy duty stuff they are too.

The above was posted by Swagger in the PIAA lights thread in modifications. He posted pictures, but I could not figure out how to copy and paste them here. I am hoping that the Solstice Primes will attach to these lugs under the headlight unit.

I am sure they will attach to that lug bolt on the crash bar. They are too close to the headlight for my liking though. I am mounting them low, and out to the side if possible.

 

[3putt]

Same test bikes that have been all over, I rode one at IMS Dallas back in Nov. It had plenty of get up and go!
Glad we have another approving demo rider.

 

[toompine]

Well, I got a chance to test ride the SUper Tenere today at Daytona! I rode the one with bags, and they fit the bike well.

Same one I rode in November! Hoped you like my bike I was not one of those that heard about the bike and went out and ordered it sight unseen. I had only a casual interest in it until I rode it. Love at first ride. I knew after that ride the Multistrada was going out and the Super Tenere was the new bike in the garage.

 

[motocephalic]

Same one I rode in November! Hoped you like my bike I was not one of those that heard about the bike and went out and ordered it sight unseen. I had only a casual interest in it until I rode it. Love at first ride. I knew after that ride the Multistrada was going out and the Super Tenere was the new bike in the garage.

oh no, I am sure it was my bike, I had it secretly marked, you'd have to know exactly where the mark was. No, I know it was mine. ;D

 

[motocephalic]

the bike had 2500 miles on it. Must have been around the test ride block for awhile, unless, someone is sneaking in weekend rides. I rode it about 20 miles myself.