Nathan Wiley said:
I'm trying to decide between these two myself. Test rode the Tenere last year, loved it. Engine felt like a big powerful single, which I like. Nice seating position. Bike seems really well built and solid. Would have to add luggage and heated grips and maybe change the screen.
I test rode a 2013 FJR this Saturday. Love the engine, tons of torque. Seems just as well built as the Tenere. Has everything I could ever want in a touring bike. Great bags, electric windshield, cruise, etc.
I keep going back and forth between the two. Price wise they are very similar. Deals to be had on both, but the Tenere would require a few add-ons to be tour ready, where the FJR is outfitted nicely as is. I somewhat lean towards the FJR because of the electric screen, fairing, and stonking motor which might make it better for high speed travel. Then I lean back towards the Tenere for it's better suspension over rough stuff and it's more all-round nature. Seems like I could have more fun on the Tenere when I ride solo too.
I don't have much to add to the conversation....mostly just thinking out loud. I might just close my eyes and pick one. ::010::
The FJR just plain looks sexier and the motor is that smooth turbine powerhouse.
In really bad cross winds, the FJR is less affected.
But from there,
Most FJR owners who do more than a little highway replace the windscreen, just like on the Tenere.
The FJR bags are 35L. The Tenere can be bought for a lot less and you pick the size bags you want, plus the style you want. For roughly $630, I hung a set of black top loading 41 L boxes on SW-Motech racks (MuffinTop is now Wendellcase at
http://wendellcase.com/products.html) These are a LOT more rugged than what is on the FJR, easier to use with the top load, carry more internally, and have loops on top to tie on more cargo.
The 1200 in the Tenere can push me and a month's worth of travel stuff along the western highways at 115 mph with throttle remaining. Then I can slow to a walk, stand on the pegs to go off-road, and find a camp site.
I find the more upright position of the Tenere easier to do 18 hour days on. The seat took a couple of mods for tilt and padding/cover ($156), as had the FJR.
Both need an aftermarket GPS mount and tunes, so it's even. But getting power was easier on the Tenere.
The Tenere has mounting points for aux lights and a ready-made place for the power distribution block near the battery. On the FJR the power block goes in the tail or beneath the seat, taking potential space for regularly used tools, gloves, etc.
On frost heaved roads, my kidneys prefer the Tenere's longer suspension.