S10 as a touring bike?

[havighurst]

There is one used fjr at a dealer about an hour away. It sounds like both the S10 and an fjr would work. I hope the weather will warm up soon so maybe they will let me test ride the fjr. I did ride the S10 for a very short ride during a demo day. The windscreen was not adjusted properly and did not have the winglets so the wind was an issue, but I do know that was not an accurate representation, but it rode well.

 

[audiowize]

You could always buy them both...

 

[Streethawk]

Welcome to an awesome forum! I still ride my 2015 Versys 650 LT. If able to be kept, it's a great compliment to the S10. There is definitely some mission overlap between the two but the much lighter weight of the Versys makes for easy and fun weekend rips and quick city runs. Imo, the hardest part of owning the S10, is moving it around in the garage. It's quite a porker ...until you get it moving

I own a 2016 ES (purchased in 2020). All stock save for a flashed ECU. Major added accessories include:
* OEM touring (tall) windscreen
* Puig crash bars
* Touratech headlight guard
* Yamaha World Crosser skid plate
* PIAA auxiliary lights
* OEM panniers and top case

I know the OEM cases don't have the best reputation but I got them because I wanted the ultimate OEM accessories experience! Lol!
Plus, the OEM side cases leave no scaffolding (brackets) behind when removed. I also like that they're not too big. It makes me pack super light; and when long hauling on this bike, every pound you can shed is welcomed! Lol! Zero problems with my OEM cases to date.

Amazing motorcycle though.The S10 goes like a shaft driven KTM (imho). I've toured and camped off it riding from Texas to New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Louisiana and Arkansas so far. Those tours included minimal light off roading too.

I'm at 20k miles now (bought it with 1k on it) and loving the Super Tenere life. I've ridden pretty much all the other big bore ADV bikes and I doubt you'll have any regrets.

Wishing you all the best going forward.

 

[Panman]

I own both the FJR an 07 since new (120,000 plus miles now) and a 2014 S-10 bought used with 20,000 (close to 60,000 now) both standard models. The 07 FJR definitely lacks tech if that's what your looking for go with at least a 2013 as it has the same more techy dash stuff as the 14 S-10. I personally don't like to much tech, both bikes I'm capable of doing most of the work on them including valve checks. I'm 71 at 6'3' and 245 lb's I fit on both good enough and find the riding position works well for me, better than the Wings or Hog's. I've logged big miles on both and glad that I can keep both as they both make me smile.

 

[Boris]

Welcome to an awesome forum! I still ride my 2015 Versys 650 LT. If able to be kept, it's a great compliment to the S10. There is definitely some mission overlap between the two but the much lighter weight of the Versys makes for easy and fun weekend rips and quick city runs. Imo, the hardest part of owning the S10, is moving it around in the garage. It's quite a porker ...until you get it moving

I own a 2016 ES (purchased in 2020). All stock save for a flashed ECU. Major added accessories include:
* OEM touring (tall) windscreen
* Puig crash bars
* Touratech headlight guard
* Yamaha World Crosser skid plate
* PIAA auxiliary lights
* OEM panniers and top case

I know the OEM cases don't have the best reputation but I got them because I wanted the ultimate OEM accessories experience! Lol!
Plus, the OEM side cases leave no scaffolding (brackets) behind when removed. I also like that they're not too big. It makes me pack super light; and when long hauling on this bike, every pound you can shed is welcomed! Lol! Zero problems with my OEM cases to date.

Amazing motorcycle though.The S10 goes like a shaft driven KTM (imho). I've toured and camped off it riding from Texas to New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Louisiana and Arkansas so far. Those tours included minimal light off roading too.

I'm at 20k miles now (bought it with 1k on it) and loving the Super Tenere life. I've ridden pretty much all the other big bore ADV bikes and I doubt you'll have any regrets.

Wishing you all the best going forward.

Always hoped Kawasaki would make a 900/1000 close version of the 650. A twin with 100/110 HP.

 

[StephanSF]

Any recommendations on panniers and top case? Givi, SW-Motech, other brand

I have Givi outback trekker panniers on my S-10. On a recent trip to Mexico, I went over one of the many topes (speed bumps) a tad faster than I ought to have.

The Givi case relies on a bottom support resting on the tubing of your rack that is made of plastic. The force of the bump I went over cracked that plastic. I used crazy glue to try and fix the plastic and went the rest of the trip with the case ratchet strapped to the bike.

I have spent almost a year trying to get Givi support to help me with this issue. A part that bears the full weight of the pannier should not be made of plastic and if it is, it should be replaceable.

In the end the Givi support person offered me a discounted rate on a new case, but could not come up with any way to send me just the cracked plastic part, and displayed no great sense of urgency in trying to solve my issue.

I have now replaced the case with one I found here, luckily someone had the same side and size case for sale for less than I would havehad to pay Givi for a new one. I felt like after the poort support I received I would rather the money go to someone from the forums than to a company that doesnt support its customers. These cases are not cheap and a wear item should not take 15 emails and 9 months to replace.

Perhaps my situation is uncommon, I have not heard other reports of that plastic part breaking, but it did for me.

 

[whisperquiet]

I’ve owned five different Super Tenere…s since they were introduced and purchased my latest (2021 S10ES) due to the rumored demise of the bike. That said, I am 6’4”, 225 lbs and find the S10 to be a comfy long distance bike. I run the tall National Cycle VStream windshield, Yamaha winglets, 1” handlebar risers, and lowered SW Motech foot pegs. The bike has a roomy cockpit that fits larger riders.

I have never had a problem with any of the bikes that stranded me and Yamaha has only issued a few recalls since the bike was intreduced. It is a dependable machine that requires minimal maintenance.

My bike is equipped with MicaTech 45 liter saddle bags mounted on SW Motech racks (which are quickly removed when not using the side bags). I normally use a small tank bag and 36 liter Givi trunk. My MicaTechs (now discontinued) and Givi crash bars have been in use since purchasing my first 2012 S10….moved to each new bike.

The S10 is a favorite that I decided to keep it when recently purchasing a 2022 BMW R1250GS. I sold my Tenere 700and Yamaha Tracer 900 GT instead.

I always liked the FJR1300, but it does not fit me…..great bike though and it or the S10 would be great bikes to own.

 

[Streethawk]

Always hoped Kawasaki would make a 900/1000 close version of the 650. A twin with 100/110 HP.

Agreed. It'd be a goldilocks Versys for sure. The closest I've come to experiencing those would be specs, is with the Ducati Multistrada 950. That bike is just all around excellent! It felt like the best version of the Versys (if the Versys were to get super-mid displacement). Amazing motorcycle. Especially in the twisties!

 

[Streethawk]

There is one used fjr at a dealer about an hour away. It sounds like both the S10 and an fjr would work. I hope the weather will warm up soon so maybe they will let me test ride the fjr. I did ride the S10 for a very short ride during a demo day. The windscreen was not adjusted properly and did not have the winglets so the wind was an issue, but I do know that was not an accurate representation, but it rode well.

I've ridden the FJR extensively. It's a great bike no doubt but really heavy considering its sport-ish pretensions (I think almost 60 lbs more than the S10) . The rider triangle was more sport committed than I thought it'd be too. Personally, not the position I'd want to be in while gobbling up miles. I feel the S10 is definitely more comfortable and versatile ergonomics-wise. I.e., you can comfortably stand up if you'd like. Fwiw, I'm a male, 5'11" weighing 200 lbs. The OEM Touring windscreen for the S10 is working well for me so far.

Also, as inspection and maintenance goes while touring, I love that you can see (and access) much more of what's going on with the S10 compared to the fairing draped FJR.

I could see the FJR fitting in the mix if I were a sportbike die hard who "needed" that rider triangle and sport feel, all while going the distance. Come to think of it, most of my buddies who are on Concours', H2 SX', VFR1200' actually fit that profile! Lol! In that scenario, I'd probably opt for the H2 SX. Incredibly fun bike to ride without the added heft of the Concours or the FJR; albeit at the expense of chain maintenance. Ride one though and you'd see it'd probably be worth dealing with the chain! Lol!

Again, wishing you the best with your decision and purchase.

 

[havighurst]

Thanks for all the responses. I think I am leaning to the S10. The fjr is really nice, but I think I would be happier with the S10.

 

[Muybig]

Havig you wont regret it - I traded my 2019 VStrom 1000 following some shoulder issues after an over 1000 Km day without cruise control. I have had my 2022 T10 ES since June of last summer and absolutely love it, not only does it have cruise control but it also comes with shaft drive (no chain maintenance) . What I was not expecting from the bike - the ES suspension is amazing when you dial it in properly it floats over most normal road issues (and god only knows being out of Montreal we have average road conditions)/ the seat STOCK i find great very comfortable/ the bikes stability on the highway is great, you don't get pushed around by side winds that much. Take a serous look at this bike and hurry up before it disappears !

 

[Sierra1]

Thanks for all the responses. I think I am leaning to the S10. The fjr is really nice, but I think I would be happier with the S10.

The FJR is my second favorite bike. She's a rocket, but the Tenere is a better all round bike. The FJR also has heavier steering at slower speeds.

 

[Banditryder]

My exact experience. I can commute with my S10 and get parking like I never could on my FJR. On the open road, she was an absolute joy. Sweeping Twisties (?) as well. I'll never forget riding over the Rockies west from Ft Collins for 90 miles. Perfect bike for that. S10 can be an everyday ride.

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[RogerRZ]

With the right lights And personal comfort farkles (seat, highway pegs, windscreen, etc), the S10 makes a remarkably competent travel partner. Look up the Iron Butt Rally finishers, and quite a few of them are on the Super T. Never an all star, but it makes the playoffs every year.

 

[Longdog Cymru]

Just one thing that seems to be forgotten here, you can tour on on any darn bike you like!

 

[RCinNC]

I used to have a Road King, which Harley markets as one of their touring motorcycles. It was fine in that role; I crossed the country twice on it, and eventually racked up about 55,000 miles before I sold it.

I have a 2014 Super Tenere, that I bought new, and it now has just shy of 95,000 miles on it. It's been from North Carolina to Utah, from Maine to Florida, and from the Mexican border to the Canadian. It has better, more useful luggage capacity than the Harley, it's more comfortable riding two-up than the Harley ever was (my partner would attest to that), and it's been down canyon roads that I wouldn't have dreamed of trying on the RK.

It is, unequivocally, a touring motorcycle. And a lot more.

 

[RCinNC]

This might help illustrate my point....

These photos were both taken in generally the same spot, a few years apart. On the left is my Harley Road King, all packed up for a cross country trip to the Southwest. It might be marketed as a touring bike, but as you can see, there isn't a lot of room in those bitchin' cool leather saddlebags for much more than a six pack. I had to build a luggage rack to mount over the rear fender so I'd have a place to put my T-Bag touring pack, with a roll bag on top the T-Bag, plus a backpack and my sleeping bag sitting on the pillion seat. My leather jacket wouldn't even fit in the saddlebags. The bike is doing a decent impersonation of the Joad family truck from the Grapes of Wrath. And this was a solo trip for about 17 days.

On the right is my Super Tenere. The luggage is a set of Chinese knockoff Pelican cases that probably cost a tenth of what those leather clad HD bags did, but probably have three times the storage volume. I not only have all my gear, but I'm carrying my partner's riding gear and helmet so we can meet up in Colorado Springs for a tour through Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico. I even have cold weather gear for two, since we were going to be riding up Pike's Peak. Unlike the Harley, I can actually lock these panniers and not be paranoid about leaving the bike out of my sight for a few minutes when I had to go inside a store.

Despite the Barca-Lounger appearance, the Road King was far less comfortable. Riding with your feet kicked out forwards might look comfortable, but it was brutal on my back after a few hundred miles. The seat was like a bucket that didn't allow a lot of movement to relieve pressure points, and my passenger was basically pinned between me and her backrest. The Harley looks big, but the "cockpit" was small.

The Yamaha has enough room that my partner can actually sit there and read her phone while we ride. She can twist around and stretch her back without ever colliding with me. And I can easily stand up and stretch while riding, something that would be a lot more sketchy on the Harley; I never tried it, but I suspect that if you managed to do it on the Harley, your junk would be resting on the beach bars. The upright seating position, with your feet much closer aligned to your hips, is so much easier on your back and shoulders. And the ability to stand up and stretch while riding can make the difference between a grueling 500 mile ride and a decent 500 mile ride.

The S10 is far more suited to the needs of touring than what some companies define as a "touring bike". Simply for the carrying capacity for two up touring alone, I would choose a Super Ten over an FJR or a Concours. You could never stuff a tent into the weird shaped panniers on a bike like the FJR. And I don't know how you could go on a week or two trip with a passenger on a bike with the sorts of panniers like you find on most sport tourers, unless you intended to wear the same clothes for the entire trip.

 

[TenereGUY]

This might help illustrate my point....

These photos were both taken in generally the same spot, a few years apart. On the left is my Harley Road King, all packed up for a cross country trip to the Southwest. It might be marketed as a touring bike, but as you can see, there isn't a lot of room in those bitchin' cool leather saddlebags for much more than a six pack. I had to build a luggage rack to mount over the rear fender so I'd have a place to put my T-Bag touring pack, with a roll bag on top the T-Bag, plus a backpack and my sleeping bag sitting on the pillion seat. My leather jacket wouldn't even fit in the saddlebags. The bike is doing a decent impersonation of the Joad family truck from the Grapes of Wrath. And this was a solo trip for about 17 days.

On the right is my Super Tenere. The luggage is a set of Chinese knockoff Pelican cases that probably cost a tenth of what those leather clad HD bags did, but probably have three times the storage volume. I not only have all my gear, but I'm carrying my partner's riding gear and helmet so we can meet up in Colorado Springs for a tour through Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico. I even have cold weather gear for two, since we were going to be riding up Pike's Peak. Unlike the Harley, I can actually lock these panniers and not be paranoid about leaving the bike out of my sight for a few minutes when I had to go inside a store.

Despite the Barca-Lounger appearance, the Road King was far less comfortable. Riding with your feet kicked out forwards might look comfortable, but it was brutal on my back after a few hundred miles. The seat was like a bucket that didn't allow a lot of movement to relieve pressure points, and my passenger was basically pinned between me and her backrest. The Harley looks big, but the "cockpit" was small.

The Yamaha has enough room that my partner can actually sit there and read her phone while we ride. She can twist around and stretch her back without ever colliding with me. And I can easily stand up and stretch while riding, something that would be a lot more sketchy on the Harley; I never tried it, but I suspect that if you managed to do it on the Harley, your junk would be resting on the beach bars. The upright seating position, with your feet much closer aligned to your hips, is so much easier on your back and shoulders. And the ability to stand up and stretch while riding can make the difference between a grueling 500 mile ride and a decent 500 mile ride.

The S10 is far more suited to the needs of touring than what some companies define as a "touring bike". Simply for the carrying capacity for two up touring alone, I would choose a Super Ten over an FJR or a Concours. You could never stuff a tent into the weird shaped panniers on a bike like the FJR. And I don't know how you could go on a week or two trip with a passenger on a bike with the sorts of panniers like you find on most sport tourers, unless you intended to wear the same clothes for the entire trip.

Well, with these bags I have more room than on my Goldwing... but the wife for some odd reason won't go riding on this... just the Goldwing! Hmmmm...
2 E41 GIVI side bags and a 57 liter top box! Very stable at out west speeds.
I was by the Mississippi River on a calm day... so I threw in the tugs reflecting in the water... just because it is so rare a day and... did I fkip the pic or not!

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[sheikyerbooty]

That Goldie looks the ducks nuts. The s10 does'nt even come close for the motorway. 1000km days? Do-able, not comfy, but do-able.

 

[TenereGUY]

That Goldie looks the ducks nuts. The s10 does'nt even come close for the motorway. 1000km days? Do-able, not comfy, but do-able.View attachment 98943

That is a great photo. Where is that?
Yes, custom seat on that GW. I Can easily stay in the saddle as long as I need to if I need to get somewhere. 24 hrs is or more has been done... unless it is a place like your pic. I have taken it on roads like yours. I've taken my CBR on roads like that... not as fast and most likely not as far... hence the purchase of the ST! I've done 850 mile days on the CBR also (San Francisco to Seattle in 15.5 hours. Also, Eastern Arizona to Northern Illinois in two back to back 750 mile days... so to the OP... any bike is a touring bike. What do you want to do with it. You set your parameters and go.
Goldwing is heavier but comfy. It can also be very fun in the twisty roads. I am aggressive in the twisties so there is a $3700 suspension upgrade that transformed its performance and upped the comfort. Has all the amenities.
CBR has suspension upgrades too. Much smoother and now is on rails going through corners and absorbs road bumps comfortably. Has electronic cruise control added to it and other things. Fast smooth and rips the mountain corners... harder to see surrounding country as your posture is more forward.
ST is upright seating and rough terrain capable, mostly road oriented tires and it is a capable machine in the corners. More off road oriented tires and the cornering capability goes down but opens up a wider range of options.
I have the Yamaha winglets and with those the bike has very good wind protection for basically a naked bike. Upgrade your suspension and it will make a huge difference in all day comfort, safety, tire wear. If you want all day comfort in the butt area go visit Russell Day Long saddles website. Suspension upgrade... then I like Traxxion Dynamics suspension in Marietta Georgia. Yes, they are expensive but they are worth it. Less expensive but very good is http://daughertymotorsports.com/ that's on my CBR. They do a lot of bikes not listed on their website. Send them an email.
So is the ST a touring bike??? Yes... just how do YOU want to tour... that's the real question.

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