New to ST and ADV, advice needed!

[AddyRuckus]

Hey folks

Thanks in advance for the advice and tips.

I will soon be picking up my new-to-me '13 ST. 22km on the clock. I opted for the dealer to install some TKC 70/30's, other than that, I haven't changed anything. The pannier bags are in good shape, and I hope to fill them with camping supplies and head off on some north Saskatchewan logging roads and trails and start adventuring as soon as the weather cooperates. I won't be able to go too far off road until we have a nice hot/dry spell, as we have a ton of snow this winter so the muddy trails will be very wet. My ST does not have a snorkel kit

My question for you guys and gals is, what should I look at doing to the bike before adventuring?

All maintenance is up to date, so I'm mostly asking about things to know, or add on, to the bike.

Any tips and advice is appreciated as I have not yet ridden a single mile on this bike, or any ADV bikes for that matter. All my riding experience is on pavement with my HD Sporty, and then minibikes up north (Coleman BT200X, those things are awesome and a TON of fun).

 

[Strummer]

Hi
Get crash bars, what ever you like more but get them...
The best purchase you can make, you won't regret it!
Just my opinion...

 

[AddyRuckus]

Hi
Get crash bars, what ever you like more but get them...
The best purchase you can make, you won't regret it!
Just my opinion...

already have them installed! Should have mentioned that. Previous owner had them installed. Thanks!

 

[Mistic107]

Shock Sox or Seal Savers
Edit: Also some tank grips - https://techspec-usa.com/products/adventure-motorcycles/yamaha-super-tenere-2010-current-snake-skin-tank-grips.html

 

[Alphalfa]

I would also suggest a front fender extender to help keep muck off the front of the engine. I did the seat levelling mode, made a big difference for me being on the shorter side.

 

[MFP]

Clean/lube the gear shift lever pivot and and the rear brake pedal pivot.
Check the spokes to make sure they are all tight.
Definitely Loctite the screws that retain the lock cylinders on those OEM Yammy side cases.

 

[Sierra1]

. . . . All maintenance is up to date, so I'm mostly asking about things to know, or add on, to the bike. . . .

Add ons are a person-to-person thing. Yours has the same boxes, and crash bars that mine does. I have an Altrider skid plate, but unless you planning on hard core off-road, the Yamaha plate you have is good enough. The riding position is upright, and comfortable. That position also makes her very easy to maneuver. Tires is another place that you'll have to decide what you goals are. I've gone full street with tires. Regardless of how you outfit her, you won't be disappointed. She's my favorite bike ever. And welcome, from Texas.

 

[MIKE R]

Having looked at your photograph ( nice bike by the way) you seem to have the most necessary items fitted......crash bars, headlight and sump guard. I definitely agree with the above and you need a front mudguard extender.

Just ride it and see what you think needs altering or improving. I suspect that you might be asking about screens and wind deflectors in the next few weeks but the present set up might suit you.

After that it's just farkling it to your taste

Mike

 

[dragec]

Good luck with the bike!
For now you have all what is needed and later you will see for yourself what would be nice to have.

TKC 70 is more street tire. It is one of better tires I had, excellent on dry and wet, silent and holds long. But I allways have feelining that bike is little bit "walking". Back is OK but front is little "wobbly". Front wears down strangely. I wrote you this for TKC70 not to be in panic if you notice that bike feels a little strange. With other tyres I've had bike was back to normal.

 

[StefanOnHisS10]

Since you are going of the black stuff I suggest protection. The bike is the thing that is getting you out of there, if it breaks you are in for some long camping. So tire repair kit, tools, duckttape, tywraps, crasbars, decent skidplate. Anything that helps keep the bike alive.

Enjoy your trips!
Stefan

 

[Highwayman]

This^ Stefan nailed it. In addition to the above I have a small MC air compressor in the panns for airing down and back up (and flat repairs). Also have a set of MC jumper cables in the panns.

 

[scott123007]

I would suggest you wait until those trails are COMPLETELY dry until you venture off road on it for the first time. It doesn't matter what kind of tires are on it. Those 600lb pigs are a living hell in mud and sugar sand.

 

[lund]

Some good info.
Just remember the S10 is in reality a street bike, even with some protective armor that can still bend in the right circumstances. You need to put that in the back of your mind when venturing off tarmac. There has been some on here that have tried to turn it into an off road monster too quickly realize the bike's mass just doesn't do that well.
Though completely capable of FSR and some light off road once set up, it can never be a dirt bike. It is not in its DNA, its too FAT.
Dropping this bike is one thing, generally harmless but crashing will be something else. You will be bagging the parts and calling for a ride home.

 

[MFP]

Some good info.
Just remember the S10 is in reality a street bike, even with some protective armor that can still bend in the right circumstances. You need to put that in the back of your mind when venturing off tarmac. There has been some on here that have tried to turn it into an off road monster too quickly realize the bike's mass just doesn't do that well.
Though completely capable of FSR and some light off road once set up, it can never be a dirt bike. It is not in its DNA, its too FAT.
Dropping this bike is one thing, generally harmless but crashing will be something else. You will be bagging the parts and calling for a ride home.

 

[03A3KRH]

At 22,000 km I’d be thinking about your cam chain tensioner. Listen for rattle on start up.

 

[MFP]

At 22,000 km I’d be thinking about your cam chain tensioner. Listen for rattle on start up.

Most of the time GEN1s are okay up to around 18/20K miles so I have been told.
My '13 is close to 17K miles on the clock and so far so good although the general "bag-o-bolts",
agricultural/farm machinery sound of the S10's motor throws me off sometimes thinking
it is the CCT.

 

[SuckSqueezeBangBlow]

My suggestion would be an off road riding course. Always good to brush up on the off road skills with a good coach watching you to give pointers. Big difference taking one of these babies off road vs a dirt bike.

 

[lund]

You can off road a Goldwing, but the question is, do you really want too and does that mean its an ADV bike ?

 

[lund]

Oh i guess Goldwings are ADV bikes, my bad.
Point is, the S10, though not a Goldwing, its a heavy brute and a handful off trail. A off road riding course can add alot of value in your off tarmac experience.