Now I own a FJR, looking to Super Tenere - Have questions

[Peter]

I’m a current owner of a 2007 Yamaha FJR It’s a great bike. I went from Chicago to Alaska one year and Newfoundland the other and many other places in-between. I have over 43K miles on it. I have it with a Wilbers rear shock, Model 640.
Overall, a great bike. And it’s perfect for two up.
But, there were many roads in Alaska, Utah, California, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia that I was not able to take and visit those difficult to get destination’s, because FJR is not designed for all roads. So, I’m looking at SuperTenere. I was hoping to test ride a Super Tenere, but not one dealer in Chicago area offers demo rides. BMW offers demo rides? I did test ride a 2012 GS. Nice bike, but I also want to look at Tenere.

So, here are my questions:
1 – Some of you refer to Super Tenere as “S10”. What is S10?
2 – How is Super Tenere with Two-Up? On the FJR, I would do 600-800miles in a day, is Tenere similar in riding position?


Thanks,

 

[spklbuk]

S10 = SuperTen(ere)

FJR factory suspension is better suited to 2-up distance touring than the S10. If planning serious touring mileage with mamma and gear, suspenders will likely require an upgrade; rear at minimum...YMMV.

 

[Peter]

Thanks for the info.

Do you think getting Wilbers rear shock would be a good update that would provide solid two-up long distance performance?

 

[spasm]

me and debi do lots of miles together fully loaded, no problems at all with the handling and we ride at a good pace ::008::

 

[HoebSTer]

With a load rating of 440 some pounds, it is higher thann a Honda ST1100, or FJR if I am correct on this, so there shouldn't be many issues with Two-up riding. Like many EX-FJR Owners, the Tenere seems to be a wonderfully rounded replacement.

 

[dcc46]

you can compare the riding position on both here

http://cycle-ergo.com/

 

[HoebSTer]

my own personal experience is the Tenere is more comfortable and "lighter" to drive than the Honda ST's I have ridden in the past. Just my thoughts!!!

 

[Peter]

Thank you everyone for your comments.
And thanks for this link: http://cycle-ergo.com/

 

[Rasher]

Thanks for the info.

Do you think getting Wilbers rear shock would be a good update that would provide solid two-up long distance performance?

I don't have a Tenere (Yet) but have tended to upgrade suspension on most bikes I have owned in the last 25 years, and the GS was no exception, if you do a lot of two-up it is more than likely a slightly heavier spring will be a better compromise on most bikes, most OE shocks are also low quality and the damping is never great when new and then quickly fades with miles.

The GS is rated by many as pretty good, but my Wilburs is MUCH better, especially two-up, it rides bumps better, feels more controlled and has enough adjustment to ensure even two-up and fully loaded the bike handles perfectly (where the OE suspension gets vague and wallowy)

Suspension is generally cheap to improve and makes every ride more pleasant / fun so don't worry about that, if you don't like it just get it sorted

 

[pluric]

I have an 06 FJR. Had the 03 too. It's been from SLC to New Foundland too.
http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=263599

I know riding position and such are an individual thing. I prefer the Tenere over
the FJR. My wife, as a passenger, does too. The suspension is is plusher with the
extra travel and it's just a big dirt bike with wide bars and extra leg room.

I miss the FJRs top end pull. The Tenere has enough, just been a little spoiled by
a FZ and FJR.

I actually feel more comfortable in corners with the Tenere. Holds the line well and
feels well planted. My feet don't hit as easy as the FJR. I have not had an Iron Butt
day on the Tenere yet. I think it would be fine. My record is 1,670 miles straight on
a V Strom. The Tenere is more comfortable than the Strom.

I'm to the point I may sell the FJR because I don't see me using it as much as the Tenere.
Believe me I liked the FJR so that's saying a lot for the Tenere.

 

[colorider]

Welcome to the forum Peter! Many of us here had our roots with the FJR (and/or the Honda ST1100/1300) and can appreciate where you are coming from. My FJR was my favorite EVER bike, followed by my ST1100's years ago. I'm hoping the SuperT will be ever bit as comfy for either solo or two-up riding. So far, I have done some 800+ mile days on it and it has worked well. I'm yet to do any riding with my better half, but hoping it is just as good (or better) than the FJR.

Good luck!!

 

[Peter]

There are many great roads in B.C, Alaska and Yukon Territory that I would love to see. Not just the roads, but also going to a great destinations. I just don’t think FJR can handle all the roads, not even with the best shocks. Right I'm adding all the cost:
I can get a 2012 S10 at http://denver.craigslist.org/mcd/2685826183.html

I would love to get extra lights and rear panniers, including top.
I like TouraTech, but they are expensive. I also like the Trax SW-Motech EVO, Twisted Throttle sells them.

I'm looking online for a compare between the TouraTech and Trax.

 

[Checkswrecks]

Another owner of both Gen1 and Gen2 FJRs and have to echo Pluric's thoughts.
::026::

 

[Peter]

I spoke with Ted and Wilbers.
Here's what he told me:
Yes we sell Wilbers for that model.

Model 640 with manual preload adjust and rebound damping adjust: $569.00. Excellent street bike shock for occasional off road riding.
Add hydraulic preload adjust: $798.00

MOdel 641 with remote reservoir and three way damping adjust: $849.00. Best shock for maximum street bike performance and more off road riding.
Add hydraulic preload adjuster: $1098.00.

Wilbers are 100% custom built to order in Germany (no out-sourcing) are very high quality, fully rebuildable, and have a five year warranty.

Thanks for the inquiry. Let me know when you are ready ot order or if you have any other questions.

Best regards,



Ted Porter

 

[gerry2085]

Hi Peter,
Since 2003 I have had three FJR's and had been well pleased with them all, I had no problems at all with any of the bikes and have toured most of europe, I have recently sold the FJR and had Super 1200, Ive not had the chance to ride for many miles as yet but I am more than satisfied with the bike to date. Yes you do miss the power and turbine like power of a four cylinder engine, but the new bike is lighter and in some way easier to ride, it is different in a pleasant way and I have no regrets. Try and get a ride on one for a few hours before you buy, but I am sure you will be pleased. Gerry

 

[Peter]

What are some key reasons why you all went with S10 not GS?

 

[Swagger]

I own a 2010 FJR and a 2010 Tenere .... different bikes for different purposes. The Tenere is definitely a better package and perfect for my loutish style of riding. The FJR is my main mile muncher. 800 miles in a day and I could still walk. Most outta the Tenere has been 500 miles end to end ... my a*se was a bit frazzled ... not bad enough change the seat ... I'll get used to it. Wifey don't like either ... prefers her horses :

 

[pluric]

What are some key reasons why you all went with S10 not GS?

When I rode to Alaska my riding buddy had a brand new GS1200. It had a fair amount
of troubles. Electrical went out, ABS problems, ate the rear brake pads, rear fender
fell off etc. I thought for their flagship ADV model it should have had those bugs worked
out long ago. I was on a Suzuki Strom 1/2 the price and very dependable.

I liked the GS when I rode it. I thought the handling was great.

I also have had such good luck with my Japanese imports I didn't want to jump ship.

It may not be a big issue, but I like water cooled motors. I also like the parallel twin
with the motor tucked in and protected. The cost difference didn't mean much
they are pretty close.

So it wasn't I didn't like the BMW, I just liked the Yamaha more.

 

[maddog5150]

Hey Peter!

Glad to hear there are a few others in this area looking! I still have not seen another Tenere on the road. I work in Chicago and commute nearly every day on the Tenere. I put some Jesse bags on and love them! Planning an Alaska run in June 2013. Good luck on your search!

 

[William42]

I had two FJRs, a 2003 and a 2009. Put around 83K miles on them. I had ridden them on gravel but I felt they didn't belong there. I wanted something a little lighter than the FJR that would handle gravel roads. The S10 fit that description.

Very happy with the S10. Passenger likes it better than the FJRs and she really liked the FJRs.

As stated before it does not pull as hard as the FJR but I am getting used to that.

I had Ohlins rear shocks on both FJRs. I have an Ohlins on the S10. Makes a big difference to us.

I don't regret trading the FJR in on the S10.

Hope it works out for you.