Selling is dumb or just part of the addiction?

[Ron_Luning]

I'm one of the 2011 pdp buyers of '12 Super Tenere. After 4 years of mostly commuting, weekend day rides, and a handful of longer trips while living in San Diego, we moved to Maryland and have 2 little kids.

My commute is trash since lane splitting is apparently more offensive than homicide here, and the weather is what I consider "horrific." I'm maybe doing 3000 miles a year now.

I've put a lot into the bike to make it more or less what it can be (skid plate, crash bars, windscreen, heated grips, my own custom ecu flash, top case, rack, higher bars, etc.)....lot of cash. Only 30k miles.

I find myself wanting something different, not because I'm dissatisfied with the S10, but because I need to fill a gap in my existence. I think you probably all know what I mean to a certain extent.

Looking at the FJ-09, XSR900, FZ-07....all look good but I suspect there would be days I would miss the S10.

Plus, the resale is low on the Tenere, considering it has easily another 70k miles before a problem shows up. Easily.

Buy another and keep the S10 could be an option financially, but I know that the new bike would get 2700 of the 3000 miles and I would sell the S10 anyway.

What should I do? Anyone with similar dilemma that has the experience to give advice?

 

[EricV]

New Bike Fever can hit any time of year. My bike is a tool. If my needs change, then perhaps a different tool is required. I'm not generally one that suffers from NBF. I prefer a 'standard' riding position rather than Sport or Cruiser and I want some weather protection. I don't commute by bike. I long ago decided that placing myself in the highest density of brain dead morons that are all on auto pilot, some stressing about getting to work on time and others multi-tasking with everything from make up to shaving to crossword puzzles was not conducive to my survival. For my needs, I don't see anything on the market that meets it better than the Super Ten.

I have had multiple bikes in the past, but like you, tend to ride the newer one much more and eventually sell the older one. Unless they fill vastly different needs, I suck at keeping multiple bikes. I sometimes consider something smaller that I can just toss a leg over and ride for short rides rather than full on touring like the Super Ten is set up for, but don't want to dedicate that cash to a second bike. Hard for me to justify two bikes that can mostly do the same things.

Look at it this way; What tool best meets your current needs? Would a naked standard like the bikes you've mentioned work for your needs? Or would you simply be getting wetter and enjoying the ride less, save for those rare glorious days when you can just take off for a ride?

If you like dual sport riding, that can be a challenge in MD. Here is a thread on ADV that has some info about dual sport riding in your area - http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/looking-for-dual-sport-road-in-md.177895/

 

[Defekticon]

You should buy the new bike, keep the tenere, then make the decision to sell. You might find that you end up keeping it just to switch up rides here and then. I would like to get a more touring oriented bike so my wife and I can take longer excursions two up, make highway commuting a little easier. Maybe even a cruiser, connie or FJR and really set the S10 apart for primarily adventure riding. We found out recently when trying to take a trip out to Greenridge State park in MD that riding two up on Route 70 was a bit uncomfortable in high wind. The bike gets blown around too much with two riders and camping gear.

Also I agree with you, riding anywhere around Ellicott City is horrifying. I frequently have to pass through there and I usually take my bike.

 

[Sierra1]

What should I do? Anyone with similar dilemma that has the experience to give advice?

First of all, my condolences. Compared to San Diego, most weather everywhere else is horrific. My dilemma was the opposite. Had a wonderful FJR, bought the Tenere, and stopped riding the FJR. It wasn't so much "new bike" fever as "right bike" fever. My dilemma had a happy ending; sold the FJR to my son who loves it, and sometimes let me ride it. Maybe put pen to paper, make a list of what you want/need in a bike, and see what bike(s) check the most boxes. Good luck.

 

[bob dirt]

You like to ride and you moved somewhere where you now have a "riding season". Don't know what to say about that....I have never used a bike to commute to work. I always had a work truck. I have a Goldwing for 2 up and my Tenere for MY riding.(plus some other toys)Wouldn't have it any other way. Went on my first significant ride yesterday since being chair bound since July. Only 3000 miles a year is going to suck. I'd move back to the ocean.

 

[Ape]

I had a first Gen fz1 that I loved and didn’t want to sell but thought the hell with and sold it. I had been wanting an s10 since 2012 and finally decided to pull the trigger. No regrets here. Good luck with your decision.

 

[markbxr400]

My wife would tell you I'm the absolute worst person to ask. 27 bikes in the past 12 years, 3 just in the past year, 2 in the past 4 months . . . I love riding, I like change. Last year, 3 V-Twin cruisers. This year, a Super Tenere, Husky FE501 and Beta EVO 300 4T trials bike . . .

Just have fun.

 

[magic]

Ron, it's almost winter time and time to store the bikes. You've mentioned the low resale on the S10 and bikes just don't sell in the winter in the cold weather states. (I'm from Wisconsin) So, you will probably have to wait until spring before selling it anyway. This will give you lots of time to get things figured out. You also mentioned 30,000 miles on the bike. I assume you have the first valve check done already. If this is true, you already have the biggest maintenance expense behind you and you have it set up the way you want it. I would keep it, but you'll have to decide what's best for you. With 2 small kids, eventually there will be school, soccer, baseball, etc...to take up your free time. I have almost always owned multiple bikes. When I bought my S10, I also had a Harley Superglide that I sold. Now, I really regret selling the Superglide, especially now that HD discontinued that line. Good luck with your decision. One more thing, DO NOT buy a new bike now, winter is long enough without having to look at a new bike in the garage while you are shoveling snow!

 

[Ron_Luning]

All true regarding winter. Best deals to be had at the dealer though!

 

[Madhatter]

so whats it like going from the democractic socialist peoples republic of California to marylandistan ..... and your concerned about the bike...... you might consider a sports car of some type as a day to day commuter and use the tenere when you want to ride...... sports car ( what ever suits your taste) will lesson the chance you get bent in that crazy " third world " traffic , maybe allows you to spend more time with your small children , your tenere will feel more special when you do ride . some choices might be a hot hatch as a Volkswagen GTI , Ford focus ST , RS , Camaros , mustangs etc . affordable with back seats for your little ones.... and you still have the tenere ...remember when freedom was a good choice, you still have it... maybe not in marylandistan ...

 

[greg the pole]

I just traded my FJ09 for a brand new AT. i put about 19k km on mine in two seasons, while riding my tenere, and plenty of time on the dirt bike.
Now my 2011 pre delivery will likely be for sale as well. It will not move fast, it's got 90k km on it.
For what I'll get for it, I may as well keep it. Owes me nothing. Put some pure street tires on it, and it's the worlds best sport tourer.
The AT will be used for the more off roady part of it.

I've owned a FZ09, FZ07, FJ09 (in that order)
I liked the FJ the most. Most weather protection, ABS (they all come with abs now) best tank range.
That said, the FZ07 was a riot around town, and had amazing fuel economy (14L would get you damn near 300k of town riding...like a loony)

Nothing wrong with having two bikes. Our riding season in western Canada is 6-8 months if we're lucky. Often times we run away to CAli for a 10 day ride.
I'm guessing your weather will not be much better.
and no, we don't get to lane split here either. ::010::

 

[Cycledude]

Since u can’t make up your mind what u want , why not keep what u have and enjoy it ?

 

[Checkswrecks]

Since u can’t make up your mind what u want , why not keep what u have and enjoy it ?

+1
I'm about 30 miles west of you in Damascus and usually get some riding in every month. The Tenere runs heated gear with no problem. And till you decide, feel free to come have dinner on the 6th with a local group.
http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/first-mondays-baltimore-rte.878097/page-65

 

[Xclimation]

I usually get that new bike fever about 5000 miles into my last bike. Had it just yesterday when I saw a 2015 KTM 1190 Adventure R farkled out brand new hold over the dealership for the price I paid for my 2015 Tenere. But I know every time I do get a new bike I love my new bike but I always miss the last bike I trade it in at the same time. Going to try to hold on to my tenere as long as possible. sometimes just making a little change taking a nice ride or getting a new Farkle for your bike can help get over that new bike fever even a new helmet can help. I know I'm terrible about having more than one bike I hate to think about which bike I'm going to ride and then have to keep up with maintenance and registration and inspections on more than one bike just too much to think about takes away from riding time

 

[EricV]

sometimes just making a little change taking a nice ride or getting a new Farkle for your bike can help get over that new bike fever even a new helmet can help.

I agree, sometimes that does the trick. But what also can do the job is a nice trip on the bike you have, cementing how well it works for you. Even just a weekend away, bonding with the bike again can make you realize how well it works for you, or point out it's shortcomings and help you to decide to move on.

 

[Madhatter]

a new bike will not fix traffic or weather , as for hole in your existence try church.....

 

[skoron]

As stated heated gear on the S10 can make it a year rounder on the east coast. Lived in southern PA for 20 years before moving to Wisconsin few years ago. There were years where I rode year round. Look at getting an Airhead and join the local community. Great social connection and gives the bike another purpose in addition to a riding. And keep the S10!

I always keep a second bike to resolve the split personality issues and new bike syndrome. Dual sport, dirt bike, sport bike, airhead. All depended where my mind was at the period. I kept my second bike budget low enough that I bought used and didn't loose to bad on resale.

Skoron

 

[Ron_Luning]

so whats it like going from the democractic socialist peoples republic of California to marylandistan ..... and your concerned about the bike...... you might consider a sports car of some type as a day to day commuter and use the tenere when you want to ride...... sports car ( what ever suits your taste) will lesson the chance you get bent in that crazy " third world " traffic , maybe allows you to spend more time with your small children , your tenere will feel more special when you do ride . some choices might be a hot hatch as a Volkswagen GTI , Ford focus ST , RS , Camaros , mustangs etc . affordable with back seats for your little ones.... and you still have the tenere ...remember when freedom was a good choice, you still have it... maybe not in marylandistan ...

Before coming here, we at least thought we could afford a huge house for little $. We were wrong. Also, I didn't think that anywhere would have more laws than CA, but sure enough, MD has them beat. I have thought about a faster car, but with bringing a Mazda 5 across country that lived its whole life in salt-free SoCal, I can't justify it.

 

[Ron_Luning]

I've come to my senses a bit, and I'm definitely not getting rid of the Tenere. Washed it yesterday and rode in to work this morning, and selling it just makes no sense.

Now, I have spotted a pre-fuel injection SV650S for cheap that might be no loss if I don't want it later on. Not sure if I'll do that though since the S10 is probably faster anyway (it's the weight that I don't like obviously).

I've got TKC70 tires on it now, and didn't really care for them as soon as I put them on. Maybe a switch back to Continental Trail Attack 2's in the spring will rejuvenate the feel of the bike.

 

[The Mountain]

Just remember, "no matter how hot she is, someone somewhere is sick of her crap". A new bike will only result in some other aspect of riding that makes it less than enjoyable. I'd suggest that instead of dropping all that money on a new bike, and going through the hassle of selling the one you have, just pull off the stuff you bought for your S10, and build it out differently. Try making it a Supermotard, or a plush tourer, etc. Unless you just have to have that 4-cylinder fizz, my limited experience with the S10 suggests that it'll do just about everything depending on how it's accessorized.