My first thousand clicks

[Bill310]

I picked up my Tenere Friday and yesterday managed to get a little over 500 mies on the Motorcyle

I had done a lot of pre-planning to make the ergonomics and suspension work for me as I have a reasonable amount of riding experience on a varied series of motorcycles. I have twice finished the Iron Butt Rally, and have taken numerous motorcycle courses and completed the basic motor officers course, and completed multiple track schools. I have ridden to Prudhoe and Inuvik on my KTM 990, which I still own, and have had two BMW GS's among other motorcycles.

So first off the modifications; I am 6'4" approx 24r5 pounds and ave very long arms ( 38" ). I have had carpal tunnel surgery on both wrists.

Here is how I have modified my Tenere for ergonomics

I added the twisted throttle bar Risers

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/5702/821/

And changed the handle bars to Rental Fat Bars Model 609

Windshield in the tall Cal Sci and mounted via the the Australian windshield mount from Wasp

I had large custom foot pegs designed and built (CBC billet) watch for info in the vendors forum, if I am successful in encouraging the manufacture to make more an sell them.

Suspension Ohlins Rear Shock, and

Traxxion Dynamics front end AK 20 cartridge kit. note I have used Traxxion before and for sending on my forks as soon as my bike arrived I was given a free installation value $ 250.00 note the parts still cost approx $1,000

Seat, I am waiting for my Russel ride in appointment

Jesse bags

All of the alt rider stuff parts except for the for the abs kill switch and side stand foot plate.

I also have the mirror extenders which allow the mirrors to clear my shoulders, this also alters the air flow and combined with the Yamaha wind deflectors makes this a very quiet ride

Riding impressions

The change in handlebars is impressive in how it improves steering dynamics and the bike turns on a dime, u-turns remind me of the Kawasaki police bike that they rode on CHIPS, it u-turns that well. I did some t u-turns in gravel and the motorcycle with it's low COG combined with the smooth motor and wonderful clutch is simply superb for handling at slow speeds.

The windshield / wind deflector / mirror combination works extremely well and this may be th quietest motorcycle I have ever ridden, zero buffeting and the screen is not susceptible to cross winds.

I was riding in windy on paved windy mountain roads, and my friend on an 1150GS was complaining about how his GS was getting tossed in the cross winds. We then swapped bikes for about 40 miles and I was getting blown around on his GS, when we swapped back he mentioned. he thought the winds had stopped, I corrected him on that point, I was blowing all over my lane.

My helmet is the Arai dual sport with the beak.

Handling

The suspension set-up is excellent. The bike tracks as if it is on rails and I was on some pretty chopped up roads (paved) with lots of frost heaves. I had to adjust the pre-load to get it a more supple ride.u I had turned it up too much and this takes away rebound. I think that now I have it pretty well dialed in.

On the road

We ran lots of sections briskly and the bike never lost it's composure. This was the suspension proving that this wad money well spent and the bike is so much better for those upgrades.

Stock lights

I rode home the last bit in the dark. They are pretty good for stock lights but I feel that they are not adequate for riding in the mountains / deer country at night. I will be adding a set of HID driving lights and a set of LED lights that will double as both daytime running lights and nighttime fog / ditch lights. The only thing that is holding this up is a decent light bar to hold these lights.

I am going to ride down and see the people at alt rider about designing a light bar to work with their crash bars that will hold auxiliary lights up higher and protect them in a tip over.

Closing thoughts

Based on the number of BMW riders who came over to talk to me at various gas stops the Tenere is an object of interest to GS riders. Many explained that they are tired of the reliability issues, the cost of maintenance, and a diminishing dealer network. If the Tenere proves to be as reliable as the FJR I can see a more than a few of these bikes at the start of the 2013 Iron Butt Rally.

What my bike still needs:

aux lights,
a new seat,
a new version of the famous " Tanji fuel cell "

 

[SisuTen]

Bill,
Nice read.

I have a couple of questions....

"And changed the handle bars to Rental Fat Bars Model 609"

"The change in handlebars is impressive in how it improves steering dynamics and the bike turns on a dime, u-turns remind me of the Kawasaki police bike that they rode on CHIPS, it u-turns that well. I did some t u-turns in gravel and the motorcycle with it's low COG combined with the smooth motor and wonderful clutch is simply superb for handling at slow speeds."

How do these compare with the stock bars, size, pull back, rise? How did you select those particular bars? Are they a direct replacement? What do you attribute the improvement in handling to?

"The suspension set-up is excellent. The bike tracks as if it is on rails and I was on some pretty chopped up roads (paved) with lots of frost heaves. I had to adjust the pre-load to get it a more supple ride.u I had turned it up too much and this takes away rebound. I think that now I have it pretty well dialed in."

Allow me to b the devils advocate, here........If you never rode the bike with stock suspension, how can you evaluate it as being "shiite" and compare it subjectively with the new setup? I realize that the Traxxion setup would necessarily have to be better, but how and why?

I am in earnest and not being wise. I'm interested in doing this to my bike, but only if it truly makes a substantial, quantifiable improvement.

Thanks!

Paul

 

[Bill310]

Hi Paul ,

Those both good questions

The handlebars

I knew that due to my carpal tunnel surgery, I had to have a very neutral hand/wrist position. Previously I had changed my stock KTM bars to a version of jKTM fat bars that worked extremely well, unfortunately, they are no longer available. I called Renthal and discussed possible alternatives.

I found two sets that were close and bought them,They were both in KTM orange, i have them as spares. I spent a few hours when my bike arrived at te deaership trying out different handlebars. It was a simple process after holding them for a few minutes I would try placing them on the bike, to see if a comfortable and relaxed hand position was possible. I already knew that the stock bars were shaped such that they hurt my wrists through thier design, so I had to find a set that worked.

BTW, th ergonomics all tie together, I have a slight arm stretch riding the bike at present, but I know that the Russell Seat will move me up and forward solving that issue. The Cal Sci windshield is currenty a little taller than I want, but it too will be lowered in relation to e eyes by the new seat

Now on to everyone's favorite topic suspension ::025::

after market suspension

I knew that I was not going to be happy with the stock suspension, I am outside of, or at he very edge of the manufacturer's performance/ size norm for this motorcycle, based on the loads and riding they expect the customers to experience.

Based on my riding experience and my preferences I have had custom suspension installed on all my bikes. They are all set up the same way and because of this they all have similar and predictable handling. Why ? Because they are all built to work best for my weight, luggage, riding style, etc.

I know I offended a few people, ok more than a few, ::015:: because of my views on stock suspension. If you go back and read the posts from others who were brave enough to openly admit that they had replaced the stock suspension on one or more of their motorcycles they were all pretty unanimous in their endorsement of the after market upgrades. This also raises a concern I have about this forum, Contrary opinions are not popular and it dismays e the way there is ganging up on these posters, but that is for another thread and time.

I am pretty sure that every one of my harshest critics would gladly take a free upgrade matched to their weight and the Motorcycle if it was offered to them, before the even saw their motorcycle.

Since I have had the experience of doing upgrades on more than one motorcycle and it always resulted in being a significant improvement for me, I just started doing the upgrades when motorcycles arrived and had not yet been assembled. It is cheaper that way. I keep the stock parts for when I sell the bike. I know I can always get a good portion of my money back from any suspension upgrades if I sell them separately from the bike.

There is a school of thought that says why not ride and wear the stock suspension out first. I don't understand that reasoning because why not get the maximum pleasure from your motorcycle from day one.

I didn't need to ride the motorcycle to know that, in my view the stock suspension is shite. It is i feel for me,and frankly that is all that is important to me. I like to set up my motorcycles in a particular way. I know how I want a motorcycle to handle and it is easier to change the suspension out early.

The fact that I never rode the Tenere before I changed out the suspension is not important to me. What is important to me is setting up my motorcycles to satisfy my vision of how a properly set up motorcycle should handle.

Some people can ride a stock seat for tens of thousands of miles, others can't ride around the block without being uncomfortable. Suspension is the same. If I had stated that the stock seat was shite, no one would have cared or posted. Suspension is unknown, it is in some ways viewed as witchcraft of sorts, look at NASCAR as an example. Few posters know what they are talking about and still fewer have ever " done " their suspension, until you have done a few bikes you are not clear what you want in your setup,

Unfortunately, suspension upgrades cost a lot of moey and few forum riders feel they need to do that modfication. Kyle Racing on ADV offers group buys on Ohlins products btw

So back to the suspension, imagine if you will, that for a 150 pound rider who has never pushed their motorcycleb, stock suspension may be just fine but. Please remember that even for that rider, the fact remains, that custom suspension will always be better, but few riders want to spend the money on suspension upgrades.

I read that you are consider the Traxxion front, don't forget to upgrade the rear shock as well , A good rule of thumb is to not let one end of your motorcycle get out of balance with the other, and that means suspension cofvmponents as well.

With regard to the rear shock, I believe that only Ohlins ( the one WASP and I have) is the only option that works as a. Rear shook replacement

I hope that helps.

Bill

 

[colorider]

Great report Bill and look forward to reading more as you upgrade the lights!!!

Rod

 

[nankoweap]

glad you finally got around to some seat time, bill. as usual, you've changed just about everything. i'm going to approach these mods slowly and methodically. at this time, the things that i know i'll need are:
[list type=decimal]
[*]a custom seat cuz... damn. my butt has never met a stock seat it likes. i wish the seat was a single seat-pan, but it's not. not sure if i'll go with a day-long or contact rocky at bms.
[*]panniers... just gotta get over the price tag on the jesses or keep shopping around.
[*]rear shock... with my mass and intentions on where this bike will take me, the stock shock will not hold up long.
[*]aux lighting... i'm thinking about some of the new LED type lights, but haven't made up my mind.
[/list]
like you, i think if this bike's reliability turns out to be what we all expect it to be, bmw may lose a considerable amount of the adventure riding market share to yamaha and the tenere. it's going to be interesting and time will tell. one good sign of things to come is that the "extra" teneres are being bought and some dealers aren't dealing on the price. so the bike is in demand.

have fun on the tenere and keep us posted on what you're doing to it. i'd like to see some pics, when you get a chance - especially of the jesse setup. don't really care to look at the bags, but the mounting rails, etc...

 

[SisuTen]

Hi Bill,
I hope you didn't think I was among those who attack independent thinkers, because I consider myself one, as you well know. My questions tend to dig in and often are blunt. It's just my way. I was born without tact. With that in mind, know that I'm with you on everything you've done, I just needed to know why in order to apply that to my needs.

Bars..On other threads I've mentioned that I ride up on the tank, always have and it's comfortable for me. On this bike in my normal position, I stretch a little in the arms and wish to resolve a little of this so I plan to get risers and different bars. Do you have numbers that compare the Renthals with the stock bars in terms of rise, pull back length, etc? I'll probably take a ride to the big city to try out some different bars, in any case.

As far as suspension goes, I think it's great you can think far enough ahead and set aside the funds to do exactly what you know is right. Unfortunately, my bike will probably have to wait for winter and a little savings to do what you've done. When I do my suspension, I'd like to PM you to pick your brain a little further. Between you and Traxxion, I'll probably be able to get it right the first time. I also appreciate the Kyle tip, I'll look into it.

I appreciate your help and hope I can tap into your expertise later on.

Thanks,
Paul

 

[Bill310]

hi Paul,

Rental has a chart on their website that outlines pull back etc. My issues was getting the angle correct and the widest bars possible. I would suggest you call and talk to them directly.

The 2" roc risers combined with the longer cables made by an inmate from here may be part of your solution

Pm me anytime on the Traxxion

 

[SisuTen]

Willdo, Thanks!

 

[mingo]

Why Traxxion suspension? Is the stock suspension that poor?

 

[Bill310]

Mingo, the stock suspension is fine fr some owners, others like myself upgrade the stock suspension to aftermarket parts better suited to them. There is a whole thread on this . Do a search if you want more information.

A better way to answer your post would be. "No the stock suspension is not that poor, the Traxxion Dynamics suspension is that good."

It is a great bike and with 5 posts I gather you are thinking of one or are a new owner. Don't hesitate buy one.

 

[jajpko]

Why Traxxion suspension? Is the stock suspension that poor?

In my opinion, the stock suspension is just fine. It is a lot better than some bikes. There are people that just have to have upgrades, whether they need it or not. Just keeping up with the Joan es. LOL

Having said that, there are some that really understand and need the upgrades. It sounds like bill310 is one of those.

Ride the bike and give it some time to see if you need the upgrades or not. jmho

 

[SisuTen]

It's a great bike. If you are here asking, you are on the way to the ride of your life.

Like Bill says, it's not that the stock units are bad, but Traxxion is THAT much better. In other words, stock is adequate, but not the baseline for judging excellent. Does that make sense?

Suspension modifications are functional improvements to the basic design and handling of the bike, not just switches and GPS mounts Farkles, (Functional Sparkle if I recall right.). To group suspension improvements with those types of non-essential changes is plain silly.

To those who have a higher level of sensitivity to subtle changes and improvements, this type of modification will be absolutely necessary. If you're meat on the seat, it won't matter.

Paul

 

[Koinz]

y. If you're meat on the seat, it won't matter.

Huh :question:

 

[SisuTen]

Huh :question:

Sorry, I'll expand.

If you are the kind of rider who climbs on a motorcycle and lets "IT" take "YOU" for a ride, instead of "YOU" taking "IT" for a ride, it won't matter what suspension you have.

 

[Koinz]

I know what you meant.

Just don't see the value in throwing away a perfectly good suspension so early in the game; besides, in a years time there will be plenty of options for upgrades to our suspension.
The only time I would let the bike take me for a ride is if I was a Pillion. That hasn't happened yet. :

 

[SisuTen]

I hear you, no disrespect intended.
Paul

 

[Koinz]

None taken - I understand the value of a great suspension. I put a set of Wilbers on my BMW Barge and it completely transformed the ride.
I don't find any displeasure in the current setup, but haven't put enough miles on them either. That's all I'm saying.
Didn't mean to come across like a hard ass.

 

[SisuTen]

None taken - I understand the value of a great suspension. I put a set of Wilbers on my BMW Barge and it completely transformed the ride.
I don't find any displeasure in the current setup, but haven't put enough miles on them either. That's all I'm saying.
Didn't mean to come across like a hard ass.

You didn't come across poorly, at all. You should probably leave the hard ass thing to me, anyway

 

[Bill310]

Further commentary on the suspension

http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=2146.msg35934#msg35934

 

[Bill310]

I saw your post to my comments in Wasp's thread and then saw your comments here. Rather than mess up WASP's thread with my reply I have replied to you here.

You know my arm is getting tired throwing the chum out and at the same time defending how I have set up my Tenere's suspension.

I find it both amusing and sad that you care enough about the stock suspension to defend it this much. In the end does it really matter to anyone what anyone else thinks about the suspension besides the owner of a particular motorcycle?

If you like it stock, ride it stock. If you want to ride it 10,000 miles and then replace the suspension go ahead. If you can't get the joke regarding my statements that the stock suspension is shite go ahead, be serious i really don't care.

I know how I like my bikes to be set up and I prefer to do it that way from mile one. Whether I think the stock suspension is good value, pure shite, or somewhere in between in the end matters only to me. I paid for the upgrades because I wanted my motorcycle to perform a certain way. I could have ridden the bike stock but I chose not to. End of story.

I have offered information on my suspension upgrades on this forum so others can learn from how I have set up my Tenere to fit me. There might have been a few riders/owners out there that didn't like the way the bike handled because they were overwhelming the suspension for any number of reasons, or perhaps some of my other ergonomic changes might benefit someone who is having ergonomic challenges in fitting themselves to the Motorcycle.

May I suggest that rather than expound why the stock suspension is " pretty darn capable out of the box," why don't you offer something of value to the rest of the list by sharing your adjustments to the stock suspension. In doing so tell the list what your height and weight is as well so similar sized riders can use your setup as a base line. If you have extra weight Jesse Bags for example, or ride two up how you modify the bike for different loads will be very helpful to the rest of the "stockers"

Let me help you on this

For your front forks please share your adjustments to

Spring preload

Rebound damping force

Compression damping

For the Rear Shock, I am sure those of a similar stature / motorcycle loading to you, will want to now how you have adjusted

Rebound damping

Compression damping

Preload Settings

I didn't bother sharing that information because unless someone has identical springs / valving in their Ohlin's and Traxxion cartridges it would be of little use to the list. You, however have remained faithful to the stock suspension, and therefore your input would be of great value to many on this list. I am being completely serious here and I hope you will share this information with the rest of the forum. You seem to have strong opinions on suspension so I gather you have already dialed in your stock suspension.

Rather than post it in this thread please start a new thread and put a link in a reply in this thread

Thank you, I look forward to reading about your set up

Another wild and wooley suspension thread I'll just throw in this. Out of all of the bikes I've owned, the S10 has the most sorted suspension straight from the factory. Mine has been pretty unflappable regardless of road surface. As far as making the point that a suspension set up for your particular weight and riding preferences is optimal, I think most would be preaching to the choir. Is it a absolute necessity on this bike...no way. I'm no stranger to having bikes with customs suspension tuning...had them on my last two bikes because their stock suspension was pretty sad. However, I don't think you can take a broad sword to all stock supspension and call it 'shite' because the S10 suspenders are pretty far from that description. On all bikes I've owned that I had the supspension reworked, I at least rode them for awhile first to see exactly what I needed.

To all people considering buying an S10, I'm sure I can get agreement that the suspension is pretty darn capable out of the box, and it is extreme hyperbole to call it anything resembling "shite." ::005:: 8)