ST Questions

[LostViking]

I posted this over on ADV, but thought I'd go right to the source!!


Alright Super Tenere folks,

I am in the market for a new Big Dirt Pig, Been on a R1150RS for a while! And while great on the road, I'm in the market for something a little dirt worthy.

Have had the hots for the Big T since it's inception. Actually went and saw one at a dealer meeting. But the gods conspired against me, and I needed a bike, couldn't wait for delayed delivery,

Anyhow that brings us to now. In the market again. Went and tried a R1200GSWC and to be honest, I was vary impressed. They did a good job with it. However I would still like to try a Tenere. I think the slightly lower tech level might suit me better in the long run.

Having a hard time getting some, or any seat time for that matter on a Big Ten. And it would seem no one wants to even look at the RS for trade. A local BM dealer is offering me $1,300.00 more than I have it listed in the Flea for.

While I have not read through this entire thread page for page, i have been reviweing it since it's start and I am a member on the Tenere forum as well.

Maybe I have just become used to dealing with Max, but I was in the U.P. last week, in Escanaba to be exact. I went into a Yamaha dealer the would have been 1/10th of a mile from my potential new job. They had a white Ten all decked with bags. I asked about a test ride, and was told it was sold. I asked about the next one and the guy told me he probably wasn't going to order another on. How do you expect to sell bikes?

Given my extreme northern location the only dealer close to me is also a harley dealer and when asked if they could get a white one, I was told, "It's real easy to get a harley, but I don't know about a Yamaha" WTF?

Just venting a bit, and wanting to hear how much you guys love your Teneres.

Also not new to the Big Pigs, had a '94 GS, a '06 GS which I didn't care for, a '05.5 950, and so on. I need a bike not afraid of dirt roads, some fire trails, an ocasional stupid trip up or down some trail I have no business being on. But also the ability to make a trip to places like the U.P. as I did this week, with back to back high mile days. And an occasional two up trip.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated, and if anyone in the Plattsburgh, NY, area wants to let me test ride the Super T is's lunch on me. And a chance to try my RS.

Thanks,

 

[Ollie]

Most here will heap praise on the Tenere, including myself. Yamaha have demo ride events around the country, where you can demo many of their bikes. Here's a link And good luck.

http://www.yamahamotorsports.com/sport/mcy/demo.aspx

 

[LostViking]

Thanks for the list.

Just got back from the U.P. yesterday. Or I might have tried to get down to Americade.

600 miles in the rain is enough for a few days.

 

[Keja]

I live in the UP and, unfortunately, almost all of the dealers in the area suck. I did find a Yamaha dealer in Ishpeming (75mi North of Escanaba) that was great.

You may be better off going in to Northern Wisconsin, though (you may get a better price by a couple hundred dollars).


On the subject of the bike itself: I really wanted a white one, but went with gray after seeing them both in person. There's nothing I can say about the bike's performance that hasn't been said a bunch on this forum already, so I'll just say that I'm thrilled with mine. It is exactly the bike I've always wanted and it lives up to all the hype.

 

[HoebSTer]

Lost, I would think the UP dealers cater to two things sleds and ATVs. You could try going south some. Also one note, once you have the bike, you shouldn't have to go back to dealer much due to reliability and gas n go! My dad is in Traverse City area and there aren't dealers much around there either.
Oh, and if they are a Yamaha dealer they can get you one, its just a matter if they want to.

Jeff

 

[sail2xxs]

The bike is absolutely worth getting, and waiting for. If you want seat time, and have the chance, you could always rent an S10 for a week or so from these guys: http://gsmmotorent.com/ (Not affiliated, and no personal experience, just passing info on.)

They have Teneres, and riding an S10 in the Smokies would give you a really good idea of the bike - just about every surface and riding condition you might bump into except for sand will be available to play in/on.

Chris

 

[hANNAbONE]

...and if you were jumping to buy one - I would first look at Romney.

They sound like they have it going on. (*fly n ride??*)


http://www.romneycycles.com/

 

[jettcity1]

The bike IS "all that" and you will be pleasantly surprised once you own and ride one. Many riders swear this one "is a keeper" and that Yamaha really nailed it this time.
I could go on and on but the list of clear advantages will too.
I'll save you the time , just go get one.

 

[klunsford]

I have only known a couple of people who bought them and just didn't like them. Mostly because it wasn't what they were used to and they went back to either a touring bike or sport bike. This bike is a fit for just about anyone and any body type. I personally am down to one bike and that is my S10 because it is just that good. And it only gets better with mileage... Only bike I have ever owned that has done that. Most go down hill slightly as they get older. This stinking S10 just keeps going and going and going.

 

[greg the pole]

I HATE MINE ::015:: ::015:: ::015:: ::015:: ::015::

 

[cb0802]

I live in the UP and, unfortunately, almost all of the dealers in the area suck. I did find a Yamaha dealer in Ishpeming (75mi North of Escanaba) that was great.

You may be better off going in to Northern Wisconsin, though (you may get a better price by a couple hundred dollars).


On the subject of the bike itself: I really wanted a white one, but went with gray after seeing them both in person. There's nothing I can say about the bike's performance that hasn't been said a bunch on this forum already, so I'll just say that I'm thrilled with mine. It is exactly the bike I've always wanted and it lives up to all the hype.

I'll be heading that way next month and plan on hitting the trails as soon as I get there. I will be at camp north of Ishpeming on the big dead. I've run those trails on sleds but this is my first trip up on my Tenere. Any recommended routes and trails? I figure I can't go wrong but if there are any recommendations I would really appreciate the input. CB

 

[Keja]

I'll be heading that way next month and plan on hitting the trails as soon as I get there. I will be at camp north of Ishpeming on the big dead. I've run those trails on sleds but this is my first trip up on my Tenere. Any recommended routes and trails? I figure I can't go wrong but if there are any recommendations I would really appreciate the input. CB

You really can't go wrong.

I usually start out on one of the snowmobile trails, then just turn off on a logging road, power line or other trail that looks interesting and follow it until it either ends or comes out somewhere (GPS has came in handy for finding my way back a few times). I've actually spent a lot of time and have been all over in that area, but I always manage to find something new every time I go out.

The only possible hitch is that some smaller trails can get pretty wet and muddy - some were rough on my ATV - but those can be avoided easily enough.

There are so many back roads, old mining roads, logging roads, etc. that you can find that are fun to run on, I couldn't begin to list them. I downloaded maps for my Garmin GPS from: http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/maps/state/mi that include many of the minor roads and also accurately show the topography.

 

[cb0802]

That's what I figured but appreciate the info. I've been up on my Harley a few times and can't wait to get off road. I decided to start a new post on the forum and will follow up after my return. Thanks again!