Seriously considering changing family's. BMW to Tenere.

Fire guard

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I started on a KLR for 2 years and 20k memorable miles before going to a 95 1100 GS which just turned 176k mi and has been every where. Overall it's been pretty darn reliable, But I have invested many $$ over the years for maint. and repairs.
Have had a few sport tourers over the years and really like my 07 RT as it is a wonderful road bike.
In March I bought a new GSA and although its a great bike, for some reason it just doesn't "fit" me. The stock seat was horrible and I now have a Mayer which is nice but makes it even taller. I don't like the lower gearing especially on the freeway. I'm alwys looking for another gear. I actually enjoy riding my old GS better than a brand new Adventurer! This can't be right can it?
I just spent $1200 on a final drive rebuild for the 95, which is OK as it is the first FD problem I've had. I do most of my owm maint on this bike but paid to have the trans, clutch, input shaft and driveshaft repaired. $$$
The RT just had the 24k service done at $800 and the GSA is coming due for a 6k service at $400+
My riding buddy has had GS's, KTMs etc. Last year he bought the Tenere and really liked it but had to try the new Triumph 1200. A good "street" bike and after a 2k trip to Colorado he sold it and is back on a Tenere. He says the more he rides it, the better it gets.
The first time I rode it we switched back and forth with my GSA. I thought it was a nice smooth bike but not as refined as the BMW.
The more I ride the ADV, the less I like it. I prefer a standard GS better.
I might be getting a little paranoid, but I feel like I'm just waiting for mechanical issues on the BMWs., and the high repair bills that go with them.
I rode his bike again last week and it's really starting to grow on me. The seating pos felt like the ADV, but doesn't have the tall height. Power was better, both low end and top and smoother. My "only" complaint was the windscreen which can easily be remedied. I like a good screen that gives a lot of protection.
Some guys like to have several bikes but having 5 right now, I would actually prefer to have as few as possible as long as they serve my purpose.
Obviously, I tend to gravitate toward the Adv Touring bikes and want a GS type that is low maint, low cost, rock solid reliable, easy to fix and be able to find a dealer anywhere I want to ride. Sounds like I just described the Tenere.
I like the RT for the occasional 2 up overnighter with the GF and the CC is great. However, there are times when I feel the RT is a little "fragile" with all the plastic.
Another big consideration is the future repair/replacement cost of the high tech features like ESA, ASC etc which are nice but don't last forever. $3200 for ESA suspension replacement!! Ouch!
So, for all you previous BMW riders or anyone with input, will the Tenere replace these bikes? I know it won't be te road bike he RT is, but I understand that and don't plan to do the longer road trips I used to. Looking for shorter back road riding.
 

Danno

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Since I don't own a BMW or Super Tenere I hope I am not out of line making a comment here. I am trying to decide which bike to buy right now. I went to our local BMW dealership and have to say I drooled over all of them. I sat on the GS, GSA, RT, GT, and GTL. All felt good and look fantastic. I did not test drive any of them. I went home and got on the computer and started reading. Reality hits home and yes it sucks. The BMW's, IMO only, are too expensive for me. Purchase cost is high but you get a lot of great technology for that money. It was maintenance costs that scared me off. For this reason I crossed BMW's off my list. YMMV.
 

Koinz

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Danno said:
Since I don't own a BMW or Super Tenere I hope I am not out of line making a comment here. I am trying to decide which bike to buy right now. I went to our local BMW dealership and have to say I drooled over all of them. I sat on the GS, GSA, RT, GT, and GTL. All felt good and look fantastic. I did not test drive any of them. I went home and got on the computer and started reading. Reality hits home and yes it sucks. The BMW's, IMO only, are too expensive for me. Purchase cost is high but you get a lot of great technology for that money. It was maintenance costs that scared me off. For this reason I crossed BMW's off my list. YMMV.
You need to ride those bikes. They are all very different. I love the RT's and I think the gt and gtl are too big for my 99% of my solo riding.
The tenere has some impressive technology as well and it works. If the Tenere didn't make it's debut in north America, I would probably be on a GS. Not a GSA, I don't want to carry around a step ladder to climb aboard it.

Good luck with your decisions. It's very much a personal choice.
 

TNWalker

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I believe that many here will agree that the Tenere is more than capable of filling many roles that you are looking for. I've never owned a BMW so i cant honestly do a comparison other then to say that many here have chosen the Tenere over their preivous BMWs. There are reams of forum information on ups and downs and comparisons between models. All i know is the Tenere just works for me. A comfortable all day ride on streets, highways, gravel roads or trails. Plenty capable of touring, commuting or even grocery getting. Plenty usable power wherever or whenever its needed and room for two up riding and luggage. Of course Yamaha reliability is second to none in my opinion , with a extensive dealer and service network world wide, really. Much less costly to maintain. From reading the queries of the OP, I beleive you would be more than satisfied with a Tenere decision, and also make lots more room in your garage to boot. Enjoy riding whatever you decide..... ::022:: ::004:: ::021::
 

RED CAT

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Nobody on this forum will say, "Get the BMW". I am very happy with my switch from a BMW GS12 to an S10. ::015::
 

1reddawg

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I will say that The Beemer (I have a 04 GSA)fits me better ergonomics wise & it handles a bit better in The Twisties(More neutral feeling) ,but i'm loving the motor on The Tenere ,Plus everything else on The Yamaha.
 

Checkswrecks

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I rent Beemers and just never felt enamored by the motor or trans on the RT and GS. They're kind of like going to a chain restaurant, in that I know what the product will be like.


The Yam is simple in that you put in gas and it goes. I did 23,000 miles in my first year on the Tenere and it just gets better. Put on a bigger windshield, maybe a seat, and it makes a great tourer. Put on some Heidenau K60 tires and don't plan on another set for nearly 20,000 miles, plus they'll work on nearly anything short of deep sand.


It just works and I don't have to worry about it.
 

Rasher

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I might be getting a little paranoid, but I feel like I'm just waiting for mechanical issues on the BMWs., and the high repair bills that go with them
Me too, between 2 years old and 6k and 4 years old and 18k my GS had over £1500 of repairs and service prices were plain crazy with labour rates being £96 per hour, I can find Franchised Honda and Yamaha main dealers from £60 and independants (who won't touch anything BMW, but will look after a Yamaha) for £48.

I rode the Tenere, Stelvio, Multistrada, Tiger, GS and GSA, all things being equal I would have taken the DOHC GS (but without ESA - I had Wilburs on my GS and would have swapped them over). But I could not trust my bike, and looking around forums BMW's often have problems, some minor, some major - but I do not think buying a new bike should be a lottery so it lost purely on the fact I did not trust BMW to supply a bike that would reliably take me on my Hols and not cost a fortune to service / repair.

I think the stock GS has the best road handling, the Tenere is close and probably splits the nimble GS from the more sluggish GSA, same with speed, maybe a shade slower than the DOHC GS, but possibly more sprightly than the heavier GSA.

I am having the suspension on the Tenere modified tomorrow, and will probably get a re-flash at some point, I think this would make the bike better than the GS in every department.

The one thing I like most is not having any concerns about piling on miles, or if I plan a tour will I make it, or end up coming home early on a recovery truck. In normal use the bikes are so close anyway (regardless fo what some BMW funded mags will claim) I can't see it making any odds to riding enjoyment whichever one you buy.

If your not happy with the BMW make the switch ::008::

::021::
 

Luis Brazil

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I'm prosecuting bmw in Brazil because they took 4 months to repair the engine and they're really prepotent trying to be a Premium Brand!! So ridiculus and since May I'm relly happy with my Super Tenere!!!
 

Buelligan

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I traded in my beloved Honda ST1300 for my Tenere, I still have Buells and a DRZ for toys. But the Tenere does everything so well, I hardly ride any of the other bikes.
Once you dial in the suspension for your riding style, it will take you anywhere. I've owned mine 4 months now, and am pushing 15,000 miles. I've taken it on every twisty road in Northern New Mexico and Colorado. It preformed flawlessly. Now that I have K60's mounted, I am starting on all the passes in Colorado. ::001::

I got started on the adventure craze with my DR650, never really paid BMW too much attention due to the price. When the Explorer came out, I was interested, but none were available to test ride until June, and this was back in March. So I discovered the Tenere, took one out on a 50 miles test ride, and loved it! Bought one the next month.
The rest is history. I've farkled it a bit, Jesse's bags, Arrow headers, Akropovic exhaust, PC5 with autotune, heated grips, heated corbin, bigger wind screen.
It's a great bike, and I would take it anywhere I would have taken the ST1300, and am working on taking it everywhere that I take my DR!

I think you would enjoy the Tenere as much as the rest of us, it is, IMO a great all around bike...

Good luck!
 

JaimeV

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I was very happy with my old GSA. I had no major problems even with a hard off road riding. Lucky? I don’t know.
But I tried the ST and fell in love with it: much better in off road, narrower engine and good suspensions (not that horrible paralever) make a huge difference for an Adventure bike: go for it!!
 

MGB

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I'm a long time BMW rider (airheads, K's, oilheads, and still have an R1100RS). I sold a '98 R1100GS after 50K miles and went to a VStrom. I put 50K on the VStrom and it made me realize I really enjoyed less maintenance, lower costs, and a bike I can just ride. I think I'm getting old, I don't like to spend time tinkering in the garage like I used too. :) I just want to ride.

So the S10 is now in the garage and I'm really enjoying it! I did ride one before I did the purchase, and I'm still cheap so I bought a very lightly used one and saved a few thousand.
 

Fire guard

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I seem to be heading toward the Tenere.
I sold my new GSA and as the buyer was test riding the bike, I questioned if I was making a mistake. Surprisingly, I don't think I'll regret selling this bike. As great as it is, it just didn't "fit" me.
I took a ride on my RT with my Tenere buddy today. I wanted to try it on the freeway so we switched bikes and did about 20 mi freeway and 20 of twisty back roads.
This ride sealed my decision tht I like the Tenere better than the new GS's, but after getting back on the RT I'm not convinced the T can replace the RT. I know, 2 totally different bikes.
I really enjoy riding the T as it has the perfect riding position, great torque and almost sport bike feel when pushing it through the twisties.
I was also impressed with the stock wind screen on the freeway. I would likely go with a larger one but stock was good.
My dilemma is to keep the RT and 95 GS until it has a major breakdown and isn't worth fixing and part it out, and then get a Tenere to add to the RT, or sell both and get the Tenere.
I'll keep you posted.
 

Sup-Ten

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Seriously considering changing family's. BMW to Tenere.

Add Tenere, keep the RT, do what you want with the 95. Life's too short to keep a bike you don't love riding. One day none of this will matter anyway....


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digitalmoto

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I rode a GS at the BMW off-road school two summers ago. I left unimpressed with my rental GS. It was fine. Nothing to write home about.

If the bike's not going to be exciting/fun/etc, why pay the premium? Why take the risk for a model that you know has serious failures happening more and more. Failures that aren't covered by the warranty. It sounds more like buying a Ducati with a lot less excitement. (My wife had a S2R Monster for a few years.) At least with a Ducati you know you'll look good in front of Starbucks. ::007::
My Super Tenere performs. I rode it up the Dempster Highway this summer. It never failed me even when my skills were lacking. Sure, it's not perfect, but no bike does everything. If I want to be rowdy, I ride something else. If I need to cover distance and/or gravel, I'll take my Yamaha.
My $0.02
 

snakebasket

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Interesting thread for me, as I have an 1100GS and went through the process of finding a new bike. I tried the BMW 1200 GS and GSA and whilst they are both very good bikes, they didn't appeal as much as my 1100, which is just such a great bike to ride. But as I felt I needed a new bike I tested the S10 and bought one. It is as good as my 1100 and much better in some ways. I haven't, and wouldn't sell my 1100 (but wouldn't buy another BMW) and would recommend the S10 to anybody. I do have a decent stable of older and newer bikes but the S10 is the one I like to ride most.....
 

snakebitten

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Seriously considering changing family's. BMW to Tenere.

Sup-Ten said:
Add Tenere, keep the RT, do what you want with the 95. Life's too short to keep a bike you don't love riding. One day none of this will matter anyway....


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
How old are you? :)
Wisdom like this takes time.
 

Sup-Ten

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Re: Seriously considering changing family's. BMW to Tenere.

snakebitten said:
How old are you? :)
Wisdom like this takes time.
42, probably learning it a little sooner than some but I do LISTEN to and LEARN from my elders. ::008::
 

Rudolph

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Seriously considering changing family's. BMW to Tenere.

If you poor like me, you ride a s10. My mate has a gsa, we swapped on the weekend, he loved it. I enjoyed the gsa plush suspension, but he says he loves the firmer one, gives him more feel he says, the s10 is more responsive, even in tour mode. His is a 2010 doh cam. He has more money than me, but still complain about the cost. He had a damaged fog lifht wire, so the flew the whole harness in from Germany! Imagine that, he still hasnt told me what the bill was for his service and minor repairs. I showed him my bill for servicing. $268. He didnt say much. I still respect the GSA though. After parking them side by side he made the comment that the GSA has the aerodynamics of a shipping container. We laughed well.
 

Rasher

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I think Yamaha did a good job at pitching the S10 between the two beemers.

I rode my GS to test a Tenere and then tested the latest GS and GSA back to back.

The GSA does feel plusher, but loses out to the stock GS (and Tenere) for feel and feedback, probably great for crossing France on my way to the Alps, but then I would not want to be riding it on the Alpine switchbacks where the lighter GS steers better and feels zappier.

The Tenere has as much low-mid range zap as the GS, the steering is pretty decent, not GS-sharp, but better than the GSA (Although with my new suspension I am now loving the handling as much as I did on my equally modified GS) and the biggest drawback off the GS has been addressed - tank range.

At 33L the GSA tank is huge, but probably a bit excessive, the 19L of the GS has you hunting for fuel at 130 - 160 miles (assuming you want a 40 mile cushion) the similar consumption and extra 5 litres of the Tenere really helps and gives me a more reasonable 160 - 190 range before the light comes on - with a bigger 50 mile cushion.

The one area BMW excel at is accessories and the Yamaha stuff is not even close to the BMW luggage etc. But there are so many great aftermarket options it really does not matter and we can all choose the 3rd party luggage we like the most.

I think BMW have done all the other manufacturers a huge favour with the GS's design flaws and high servicing costs as this seems to be the one thing that stops people upgrading hteir GS, had my dealer been cheaper for servicing and the bikes more reliable I would have bought another.
 
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