Not Feeling This Bike (Yet)

[Jim]

Cannot get out on the road yet with this bike because of finances so, just puttering around the neighborhood. Trying to get a feel for it. What's all the excitement about? It is "vibey", acres of plastic (my 1975 BMW never had it), and it is a noisey thing when that radiator fan kicks in. I'm a punchy, 59 yr old beer guzzler but, I do recall this much. That 1975 BMW 900, was smoother, just as quick, and most of all handled like a 350. I'm not so old and punchy to remember this. Maybe it will change. There must be something to it. You guys sure do love this bike.

 

[Mike Sisson]

Cannot get out on the road yet with this bike because of finances so, just puttering around the neighborhood. Trying to get a feel for it. What's all the excitement about? It is "vibey", acres of plastic (my 1975 BMW never had it), and it is a noisey thing when that radiator fan kicks in. I'm a punchy, 59 yr old beer guzzler but, I do recall this much. That 1975 BMW 900, was smoother, just as quick, and most of all handled like a 350. I'm not so old and punchy to remember this. Maybe it will change. There must be something to it. You guys sure do love this bike.

Hmmmmm..... Well Jim, I had two R90/6's. Put about 75k miles between the two. Great bikes for sure...but you're comparing apples and oranges here. I loved the old beemers as well. As fast? Ummm, not. BMW's were Definitely lighter. Handling was OK as long as you didn't push it too hard...then it got a bit hairy. Brakes sucked on that bike (as it did on all the beemers (and most other bikes) of that era.) Smoother? Probably. A 50hp opposed twin IS going to be smoother than a 1200cc parallel. The Tenere WILL smooth out with some miles. I'm not here to dis the old beemers. I love em! ::013:: Give the bike some time and she will grow on you. I might suggest you try riding a 75 R90 if the chance occurs. You might be surprised in regards to some of your perceptions of the bike. Just my thoughts.

 

[Combo]

Cannot get out on the road yet with this bike because of finances so, just puttering around the neighborhood. Trying to get a feel for it. What's all the excitement about? It is "vibey", acres of plastic (my 1975 BMW never had it), and it is a noisey thing when that radiator fan kicks in. I'm a punchy, 59 yr old beer guzzler but, I do recall this much. That 1975 BMW 900, was smoother, just as quick, and most of all handled like a 350. I'm not so old and punchy to remember this. Maybe it will change. There must be something to it. You guys sure do love this bike.

Hey Jim,
You may need to wait a while and take this thing a little more than around the block a few times before you make a judgement. The more I ride it the more I like, but I liked it from the start.
Give it a chance, It will grow on you big time. ::015:: ::001:: ::012:: ::014:: ::013:: ::015:: ::008::

 

[colorider]

Jim, when did you last ride your 1975 BMW? What other bikes are you comparing the SuperT to?

 

[Jim]

Well, I don't want to write her off yet. I'm just observing things at the moment. Rod, I can't compare it to anything. You know, it was a long time ago. Maybe, I was just young and did not know anything else. But, I do know this. My wife on the back with me at the time, the speedometer read 115 miles per hour and we were "smoothly" over taking a guy on a Kawasaki 900, which was the "racehorse" in its day. But, this is not even the issue here. I just cannot see where motorcycles are that much improved these days. This machine is heavy, clunky, noisy, and full of plastic.

 

[colorider]

There's an old saying that goes "The older I get, the faster I was!"

::003::

 

[Jim]

One more thing. I'm not a BMW fanatic. In that time, I did my research through magazines before buying the BMW (We did not enjoy the internet in those days). I am a practical man, even at that age. Harley Davidson was owned by a sporting good company (AMF) and quality was nothing. So, I went with the motorcycle that was raved about at the time.

 

[Jim]

There's an old saying that goes "The older I get, the faster I was!"

::003::

Man, Rod, you are right about that! I'm still a legend in my own time.

 

[Jim]

Hey Jim,
You may need to wait a while and take this thing a little more than around the block a few times before you make a judgement. The more I ride it the more I like, but I liked it from the start.
Give it a chance, It will grow on you big time. ::015:: ::001:: ::012:: ::014:: ::013:: ::015:: ::008::

You are right Combo! Like I said, I'm not writing her off yet. Anyway, what do I know about motorcycles. I had one bike 36 years ago. I probably don't even belong here.

 

[Jakeboy]

The motor on this bike is addictive. I've got 1100 miles on mine and it's just starting to loosen up. I'm figuring a 3-5K mile break-in. The motor seems to be really tight and doesn't spin up as fast as I'd like. I'm going to stick with dino oil for the foreseeable future (5K+ miles) and then see what's what. If all is good, I'll go to a 50/50 mix for a few more thousand.

This bike is not a smooth road racehorse, but a solid mule, with some very, very nice, low end torque that's usable in the real world.

I had posted earlier (on another thread), that I thought I could smoke this bike on the Dragon with my old DL 1000. My opinion hasn't changed. The DL 1000 was more spirited in the twisty stuff. No doubt about it. But, my riding takes place over all kinds of roads and in all kinds of conditions. A bike that's good on the Dragon is too narrow of a focused bike to keep my attention for long. The DL 1000 is a great bike. Mine served me well, and is serving its new owner just as well. We've kept in touch and he's very happy with the bike! No surprise, there!

The S10 represents a big leap forward in terms of braking, traction control, shaft drive and overall sophistication--TO ME. YMMV.

This bike will get me to where I want to go, haul all my stuff and get me back home. I'm the "weak link", and that's the way I want it.

 

[slipangle]

Hello Jim,

We have something in common. I had a 10 year pause in motorcycling, and also found myself having a hard time getting to like my S10. My previous experiences were a little sportier in flavor, with a majority of my miles being on a SV650S and a XX1100.

I'm not sure what I was expecting when I signed on for the S10. Maybe I watched the Long Way Round / Down too many times. My previous dirt experience consisted of riding 3 wheelers as a kid, which likely doesn't translate too well. I'm a little wary about trying that out. We'll see.

Some initial observations: I couldn't believe how uncomfortable I was on the bike. With the comparatively relaxed ergonomics, I figured that the S10 would be a 2 wheeled sofa. Not at all. The suspension felt stiff. My hands felt like they were falling asleep. The seat was hard and angled down, pulling the groin of my pants into my junk. My neck hurt. I'm a big guy, but I found the weight and handling ponderous. I couldn't gel with the throttle. Touring mode was too slow, and Sport was hard to modulate. In sum, I was questioning my decision.

I've now put around 400 miles on it. Mostly commuting to work, but have managed to slip away for a couple of joy rides, and am getting along with the bike a lot better. I think a lot of my initial discomfort was from me not riding for so long; tension from inexperience was messing with my posture on the bike. I also found myself leaning into the bars too much, trying to get into the old familiar sportbike mode. My groin is still smashed as I haven't performed the seat mod, but numbness is setting in, allowing me to overlook that. The ponderous feeling has also improved with my being more relaxed on the bike. I still feel a little wobly sometimes, but can pull off slow speed turns I'd never have attempted on the sportbikes. Not that they weren't possible with a better rider... The suspension seems to have loosened up, and I look forward to more compliance as the miles increase. I finally opened the throttle fully a few times, although I'm still keeping the rpms below 4000 for the break-in. It wasn't bad, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what the upper 4000 has in store. I'm still on the fence regarding the throttle. I'll try the air screw and CO adjustments to see if that cleans it up.

I agree about the build quality / plasticy feel. Sadly, I think that's just the new manufacturing reality, with everything being so squeezed for profit. If you want a quality feel, you're either buying something old and dealing with the headaches that old things entail, or ponying up some serious bucks for the premium brand. JMHO.

I look forward to your observations after you get a few more miles on yours. Hopefully it will grow on you as well.

 

[Brntrt]

I can understand where you are coming from. After 3 test rides on the S10 I wasn't sure I made the right purchase. Now after 2000 everywhere miles I can assure you this is a perfect bike for me. It's my Super KLR. Once you start exploring it's capabilities whether on or off road, you will be amazed at the bike and how easy it rides.

 

[fredz43]

Some of us prefer the older bikes to the modern ones. I like riding my 1978 Bultaco Frontera 370 more than I liked riding my 2006 Honda CRF250X, so I sold the Honda and ride my Bul in the dirt. I think you should sell the S10 and look for a 1975 BMW R90. You would be money ahead and would be happier.

 

[colorider]

Hello Jim,

We have something in common. I had a 10 year pause in motorcycling, and also found myself having a hard time getting to like my S10. My previous experiences were a little sportier in flavor, with a majority of my miles being on a SV650S and a XX1100.

I'm not sure what I was expecting when I signed on for the S10. Maybe I watched the Long Way Round / Down too many times. My previous dirt experience consisted of riding 3 wheelers as a kid, which likely doesn't translate too well. I'm a little wary about trying that out. We'll see.

Some initial observations: I couldn't believe how uncomfortable I was on the bike. With the comparatively relaxed ergonomics, I figured that the S10 would be a 2 wheeled sofa. Not at all. The suspension felt stiff. My hands felt like they were falling asleep. The seat was hard and angled down, pulling the groin of my pants into my junk. My neck hurt. I'm a big guy, but I found the weight and handling ponderous. I couldn't gel with the throttle. Touring mode was too slow, and Sport was hard to modulate. In sum, I was questioning my decision.

I've now put around 400 miles on it. Mostly commuting to work, but have managed to slip away for a couple of joy rides, and am getting along with the bike a lot better. I think a lot of my initial discomfort was from me not riding for so long; tension from inexperience was messing with my posture on the bike. I also found myself leaning into the bars too much, trying to get into the old familiar sportbike mode. My groin is still smashed as I haven't performed the seat mod, but numbness is setting in, allowing me to overlook that. The ponderous feeling has also improved with my being more relaxed on the bike. I still feel a little wobly sometimes, but can pull off slow speed turns I'd never have attempted on the sportbikes. Not that they weren't possible with a better rider... The suspension seems to have loosened up, and I look forward to more compliance as the miles increase. I finally opened the throttle fully a few times, although I'm still keeping the rpms below 4000 for the break-in. It wasn't bad, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what the upper 4000 has in store. I'm still on the fence regarding the throttle. I'll try the air screw and CO adjustments to see if that cleans it up.

I agree about the build quality / plasticy feel. Sadly, I think that's just the new manufacturing reality, with everything being so squeezed for profit. If you want a quality feel, you're either buying something old and dealing with the headaches that old things entail, or ponying up some serious bucks for the premium brand. JMHO.

I look forward to your observations after you get a few more miles on yours. Hopefully it will grow on you as well.

Great first post and welcome to the Forum!!!

::004::

 

[Tremor38]

Well, I don't want to write her off yet. I'm just observing things at the moment. Rod, I can't compare it to anything. You know, it was a long time ago. Maybe, I was just young and did not know anything else. But, I do know this. My wife on the back with me at the time, the speedometer read 115 miles per hour and we were "smoothly" over taking a guy on a Kawasaki 900, which was the "racehorse" in its day. But, this is not even the issue here. I just cannot see where motorcycles are that much improved these days. This machine is heavy, clunky, noisy, and full of plastic.

Haha! I think you'll have to compare the bike with more present day rides, unless you wan't to go back to an R90. You can't hardly escape the added plastic no matter which way brand you turn to. As far as 'Clunky' goes, I'm not quite sure of what you're referring to, but everybody has their own frame of reference...and 'vibey?' are you referring to what's felt while accelering around 3000 RPM? The cooling fan sure does sound like a distant siren...I'll agree with you on that If you don't like the styling and some of the sounds, that's not a particulary good start, but do give the bike a fair shake by taking it out of your neighborhood and up-to-speed on a broad range of roads. If you don't like it then, I don't know what to say...chalk it up to different a taste in bikes. You may be more suited to a bike that has a more narrowly focused purpose instead of a 'jack of all trades;master of none'

All I know is that from my perspective this bike impresses me more each time I ride it. The ride out of the dealer's lot was kinda so-so though for me though, so maybe the S10 will grow on you as well. I'm already convinced after about 600Km of combined City, Mountain amd Highway riding that this is the bike for me. If I had only a single word to describe it, I would say 'unflappable.' It pretty much takes anything you throw at it in stride..very stable and agile for it's size, and, again from my perspective, smooth and comfortable with plenty of 'stank' when you need it (TCS-2 and S mode) 8).

You can't feel any of that while 'puttering around the neighborhood.' ::008::

 

[Jim]

Haha! I think you'll have to compare the bike with more present day rides, unless you wan't to go back to an R90. You can't hardly escape the added plastic no matter which way brand you turn to. As far as 'Clunky' goes, I'm not quite sure of what you're referring to, but everybody has their own frame of reference...and 'vibey?' are you referring to what's felt while accelering around 3000 RPM? The cooling fan sure does sound like a distant siren...I'll agree with you on that If you don't like the styling and some of the sounds, that's not a particulary good start, but do give the bike a fair shake by taking it out of your neighborhood and up-to-speed on a broad range of roads. If you don't like it then, I don't know what to say...chalk it up to different a taste in bikes. You may be more suited to a bike that has a more narrowly focused purpose instead of a 'jack of all trades;master of none'

All I know is that from my perspective this bike impresses me more each time I ride it. The ride out of the dealer's lot was kinda so-so though for me though, so maybe the S10 will grow on you as well. I'm already convinced after about 600Km of combined City, Mountain amd Highway riding that this is the bike for me. If I had only a single word to describe it, I would say 'unflappable.' It pretty much takes anything you throw at it in stride..very stable and agile for it's size, and, again from my perspective, smooth and comfortable with plenty of 'stank' when you need it (TCS-2 and S mode) 8).

You can't feel any of that while 'puttering around the neighborhood.' ::008::

Yea man, you're right. It's kind of like what slipangle said though. The initial shock of all that plastic when you first see the bike in person does not give an impression of quality. Hopefully, when I'm able to get her on the road, I'll forget all about first impressions. Thankyou good gentlemen on this site for the encouragement.

 

[Jim]

And, ladies too (if you read this, pardon me Katherine and other ladies).

 

[20valves]

Keep ridin' Jim. Sometimes the best bikes don't sweep you off your feet right away. I've got about 1,000 miles on mine and am really appreciating how well it does so many things. The engine does do a bit of noisy hammering and what not but I ride with ear plugs on longer trips and without the noise, it's really a very useful spread of power, imho.

This one's really growing on me. I'm off on a pretty good trip next week and I hope I like it even more after that.

 

[switchback]

Jim,

I completely understand where you are coming from. I only have 150 miles on the bike so far after a month (new baby) and haven't gotten the feel for it yet. I expect everything will work out for the best but the bike doesn't have the character or eagerness that my 99 Tiger had and that has caused me to reconsider selling the Multistrada which is admittedly much more sport than I need (chassis wise). I do appreciate the bike's balance, the tractor like low end, and the ergonomics in general. I find the build quality as good as anything and think your impressions of the plastics are just the way things are these days. I personally would like a scrambler like the Moto Morini (that is a thing of the past I think?) with minimal bodywork. Traction control, ABS, and FI make riding safer and more dependable but they also can insulate us from some of the excitement that is motorcycling. As for vibes and seat angles they are not an issue here. My Tenere is as smooth as any bike I had and the seat, while a bit of a marshmallow with a too grippy skin is not bothering me much. Is this or any other bike perfect, No. Will I spend too much customizing the bike for me, yes. I look forward to getting to know her.
::021::

 

[troll]

I think you should sell the S10 and look for a 1975 BMW R90. You would be money ahead and would be happier.

I'm with fredz on this one - if it doesn't blow your skirt up, put it up for sale. We all enjoy things differently, if you have been away from motorsyckles for awhile you might have to kiss a few frogs before you find your princess. ::021:: ::021:: IMHO this bike rocks and has awesome fit and finish ::26::