New purchase, accessories question

[nhdiesel]

Hi all,

I'll be picking up my 2015 ES next Friday after they get it ready. I need to work with the dealer on what accessories I want them to try to get. I need to finalize my list then see what the dealer can actually get. I do a lot of long distance riding and this will be my main bike with my 126k+ mile ST1300 as my second bike. Here are the things, in order, I want to try to get through the dealer:

-Panniers. I really want Jesse 8" Odyssey II but I'll bet they can't get them. Anyone who bought through their dealer have words of wisdom? Or another high quality bag that their dealer was able to get? Obviously I need bags and mounts.

-Engine guards. I'm still researching these. I want something I can mount highway pegs on that will be in a location to be useful for my 6'4" height and 34" inseam. In other words, fairly far forward. I also want to mount aux lighting on them.

-Engine skid plate. This doesn't really have to go through the dealer since it isn't big ticket.

-Madstad windshield mount.

-Windshield. I think I want a Parabellum, but I have read good things about the tall Yamaha shield. Advice here? If they are very similar, I could go with the Yammy since I know they can handle that.

All the electronics I'll handle myself (lighting, fuse block, wiring, Stebel) as well as aux tank. Though I'm looking at tail racks that would work well for mounting a tank. I need to research this more.

Thanks for any advice you can supply. I haven't purchased often, and this is the first time I've ever had a dealer willing to do aftermarket parts (non factory accessories).

Jim

 

[Checkswrecks]

Firs toff -


Congratulations on the new bike!


In short, skip the dealer/OEM skid plate and crash bars. Especially the skid plate.

Everybody has accessories and will tell you why theirs is the way to go. Everything else has been described here over and over, and the search function works great.

A lot of folks have the OEM boxes and do like them, but aftermarket has more options, some of which carry more or have other features.

At 5.6 usable gallons and over 200+ miles range, do you need an aux tank?

 

[Dmcleane]

Congratulations on finally getting that Super Tenere you have wanted for a number of years. There's a few of us from over on the ST-Owners board that frequent here as well, and I remember following your quest for a used bike a year or so ago.

I think you'll love the bike, although you'll realize you're a little spoiled by the size of the tank on your old ST1300. You'll get used to the 200 mile range on the S10. If you lived out west you might want to carry a Rotopax occasionally, but otherwise it's not an issue.

Again, welcome to the site, and enjoy the new ride.

 

[nhdiesel]

Thanks!

About the only dealer/factory accessories I might be interested in is the windshield, I've read some decent things about them, making them at least comparable to other aftermarket offerings. I have no interest in the Yamaha guards. I've already read about their weaknesses.

For luggage, I have seen the Yamaha boxes and weren't overly impressed. While this will be mainly a street touring bike, I hope to have some dirt excursions, with the Trans Lab on my short list. I want luggage that would survive a mild to moderate dirt crash if one were to happen. Size wise, I want large enough to hold a lot without being cumbersome. I think the 8" Jesse's should fit that bill. I'm working on backup brands in case I can't get those through the dealer.

Aux tank- I'm used to having a 500 mile range with my ST1300 with aux tank. I'm limited to 11.5 gallons by IBA rules with regards to rallies, so I want to be as close to that as possible. I had a 200+ mile range on my KLR650 and it was annoying. I wanted an oversize main tank and an aux tank for that. The increased comfort of the Super Tenere should allow me to go much further.

I've been spending lots of time searching and reading threads. Unfortunately I need to give the dealer a list tomorrow, so I'm trying to save as much time as I can. I'll be up quite late tonight making sure I have made the best decisions I can.

 

[Checkswrecks]

I usually just let folks search, but since you have a deadline and I can imagine the excitement & nerves . . .


Windshields are highly personal and go with the seat variable. I would ask if the dealer will install the tall shield and give you at least one test ride. If you get turbulence, you could have him put the stocker back on till you try a Parabellum or other.


The luggage comes down to 3 things: volume, volume, and volume. The 8" Jesses are extremely nice and at 80 combined liters, are one of the largest sets. These are nice too and with the exchange rate right now you can benefit:
http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=7625.90


Ironbutt - Now I understand. For aux fuel, the flatbed seems to be the most used style here. In the search box put the words "flatbed tank." Obviously this is not a dealer item. In the threads are the guys with the tanks and you will undoubtedly get a lot of help in contacting the guys who made those tanks.


Consider the Yam Extended Service (YES) plan, as it is something the dealers can sweeten the deal with. Or you can buy it from any dealer afterwards.


The dealer may be able to throw in a set of aux lights. This is one area the bike is not up to the ST13, FJR, or VStrom. Obviously, you need to scrutinize how well they work. A lot of folks have gone with a light bar tucked beneath the headlight. (lots of threads about how and who prefers which)






Now knowing that you are in the LD crowd:


Eastern Beaver has power blocks just for the Tenere which are really nice. Or you can home-brew a relay and terminal strip under the right panels. (the 2014-15 have less space than the Gen1 bikes. The alternator has loads of power for pretty much anything you would want.


Once the bike is home, ride it for a while and THEN think about whether you want to flatten the seat. There are numerous threads for this easy $2 mod.

Thanks!

About the only dealer/factory accessories I might be interested in is the windshield, I've read some decent things about them, making them at least comparable to other aftermarket offerings. I have no interest in the Yamaha guards. I've already read about their weaknesses.

For luggage, I have seen the Yamaha boxes and weren't overly impressed. While this will be mainly a street touring bike, I hope to have some dirt excursions, with the Trans Lab on my short list. I want luggage that would survive a mild to moderate dirt crash if one were to happen. Size wise, I want large enough to hold a lot without being cumbersome. I think the 8" Jesse's should fit that bill. I'm working on backup brands in case I can't get those through the dealer.

Aux tank- I'm used to having a 500 mile range with my ST1300 with aux tank. I'm limited to 11.5 gallons by IBA rules with regards to rallies, so I want to be as close to that as possible. I had a 200+ mile range on my KLR650 and it was annoying. I wanted an oversize main tank and an aux tank for that. The increased comfort of the Super Tenere should allow me to go much further.

I've been spending lots of time searching and reading threads. Unfortunately I need to give the dealer a list tomorrow, so I'm trying to save as much time as I can. I'll be up quite late tonight making sure I have made the best decisions I can.

 

[nhdiesel]

Thank you for understanding.

-Luggage- The Jesse's do seem like the way I want to go. Because of the cost, this is probably the ONLY item I really need to try to wrap into the loan. If the dealer can't get Jesse's, do you have another brand to suggest for as close to Jesse quality and usefulness?

I used a Bussmann fuse & relay block on my ST1300 and love the sealed, factory quality. I need to get the S-Ten home to see if I have room to mount it, since it will be taller than any of the other offerings, but hopefully I can use that block again. It can handle at least ten fused circuits and 5 mini relays, or more fuses if not all the relay sockets are used. I'll worry about that stuff once it is home.

I'll see what they can do about windshields. As I'm reading more I've seen that there are several well liked options for tall windshields, so I should be able to find something the dealer can get. I might start with the Yamaha just because they can probably do the best deal on that one. Hopefully I have time to get to the dealer in person tomorrow after work and work with the part's department on this stuff rather than have to do it by phone.

Essentially I have $1400 to use at the dealer's part's dept. The luggage will take up most of that.

Jim

 

[Will Rotten]

Lots of good things written about this screen.
http://www.nationalcycle.com/vehicles/motorcycle/yamaha/yamahaxt1200supertnr/2012yamahaxt1200supertnr/n20306.html

 

[nhdiesel]

Thanks for all the help. It turns out I'm not in such a hurry to get the info now. The dealer had assured me they were getting enough loan to cover accessories, but all they got was MSRP. With the small deal I got (ES model for slightly under standard price) that barely left room for the Jesse bags and mounts. I'll be paying cash for the Yamaha tall windshield and wind deflectors, and will have to wait until I save up some money to buy the rest of the goodies. That gives me plenty of time to research engine guards, skid plates, etc.

Jim (in NH)

 

[TimLaw]

My opinion on a few of your wish list items;

Crash bars: Altrider IMO, the best on the market

Skid plate: ACD...again, the best on the market

 

[Dogdaze]

Don't waste your time with the Yamaha Tall/ Touring shield, get the Parabellum or Calsci tall screens, these will work much better than the OEM offering and may (it did for me) without the Madstad bracket.............

 

[AVGeek]

Thanks for all the help. It turns out I'm not in such a hurry to get the info now. The dealer had assured me they were getting enough loan to cover accessories, but all they got was MSRP. With the small deal I got (ES model for slightly under standard price) that barely left room for the Jesse bags and mounts. I'll be paying cash for the Yamaha tall windshield and wind deflectors, and will have to wait until I save up some money to buy the rest of the goodies. That gives me plenty of time to research engine guards, skid plates, etc.

Jim (in NH)

We have a complete sub section here on Panniers, but here is the quick rundown from my memory:

Jesse Luggage, based in Arizona, a standard of aftermarket manufacturers.
BUMOT, a European brand (Polish, as I recall) sold here in the US by ADV Motorrad
Holan, another European brand, also carried by ADV Motorrad
Givi, another stalwart, with a large range of options for nearly any budget
Happy Trails, based in Colorado, their boxes are rugged and utilitarian (unless you let an artist like Tabasco have at 'em!)
Wendell Cases, not sure if he is still making panniers, as I can't find his website anymore (wendellcase.com). When I was researching, these were the least expensive option, even taking into account having to source a set of racks.
Caribou Case, customizes Pelican cases and racks, very durable system.

 

[HeliMark]

Have to add, the Altrider bars and skid plate for the money are great. I have tested the bars a number of times off road, and with a little paint back home, you really have to look hard to see the scuffs, and no damage to the bike. The ACD plate is great, but unless you are hardcore, to me, they are a bit too much.

I have the Jesse bags, and (remember to lock them so they do not pop open when you fall) they have been tested and really survived well.

I understand the money issue, and to me, the first would be the altrider skid plate, then the bars. The stock protection for the belly, is minimal at best. The stock crash protection for on road is okay, but not enough for much more then forest service roads. The bags can wait. Before I got the Jesse's I just used a duffel bag and a net on the back. Still do for commuting, as I try and keep it as narrow as possible for splitting traffic (think downtown L.A. freeways).

Mark

P.S. Welcome from a previous ST1300 owner.

 

[nhdiesel]

Thanks for the additional opinions. The bags weren't going to wait. As someone who does long rides and rallies I need the space, especially coming from an ST1300 which had factory panniers and a fairly large Pelican top box. I'm hoping I can use the Tenere for the Minuteman 1000 rally in June if I can get it set up well enough by then. At minimum I need my electronics hooked up (I run two Garmin 665s with an LG tablet centered between them for rally use; Adaptive radar detector, though my second one died with less than 1000 miles; Sena SM10 to send audio to my headset; and for the 24 hour rally, at least one set of aux lights) and a top case mounted by then. Hopefully I can have an aux tank fabbed in time but doubtful on that one.

Interesting view on the windshield. Lots I have read said the tall Yamaha was great. It has already been bought, so no turning back now on that one. I need the Madstad bracket to add a mounting point for accessories. I'll probably only be able to mount the tablet there, but with careful work I might be able to get the radar detector down there. I'll know once I actually have the bike and can trial fit things.

I think my priority at this point will be:

-hard cases (already ordered), tall screen, Madstad
-then once I have the bike and can take measurements, order my Bussmann fuse/relay panel and other wiring essentials, and engine guards (mainly to have a place to mount lights, though I'm sure they will do what they were designed to do in time).
-Russell saddle, highway pegs, aux tank, and top box;
-Skid plate and other less essential items. I probably won't have time to take this near dirt for a while so the protection can wait.

 

[AVGeek]

Here is what I did for lights:

The unit under the mains is a Baja Designs OnX light bar. They have a kit specific for the Tenere, though I changed up the install a bit. See my write up HERE

The lights on the handlebars are from Lazer Star (www.lazerstarlights.com), and are 10W LED spots. The mounts are from Tabasco at RideOn ADV, and I have a Skene controller with the Alert feature to control them. Great setup, low power draw, and an amazing amount of light when everything is at full blaze.

 

[MotoMachines]

I think my priority at this point will be:

-hard cases (already ordered), tall screen, Madstad
-then once I have the bike and can take measurements, order my Bussmann fuse/relay panel and other wiring essentials, and engine guards (mainly to have a place to mount lights, though I'm sure they will do what they were designed to do in time).

You mentioned you wanted engine guards that mount fairly far forward, the Hepco & Becker guards wrap around the front of the frame, great spots to mount additional lights, as seen here. (Engine guards are highlighted to show their path, the other bars are the attached but optional tank guard)