Test rode a 2014 S10ES today (comparison with my 2013 model).............

[MIKE R]

......................and it's VERY nice!

My present stead is a 2013 model Worldcrosser and the comparisons were very interesting.

The engine feels smoother and revs easier with more power in the lower gears. I think there is less throttle movement which could partially explain this.

The gearbox is very similar to mine with the much loved loud clunk engaging first.

I really liked the ESA at first (I had it on my 1200GS a couple of years ago) but soon realised that when I had found the ideal setting I didn't change it again. Having said that with so many possible combinations I would need more than my 2 hour test ride to become totally familiar with it.


Initially I found the electronics on the handlebars very confusing....having to go into the correct menu etc to put on the heated grips. After filling up with fuel I inadvertently put on the hazard warning lights and could not find out how to switch them off! The hazard warning lights switch on UK bikes is black with a small red symbol (its bright red on my bike) and is in the same place as the starter button on my 13 model. Again this will become second nature with ownership.

I like the gear indicator and the cruise control but prefer the analogue rev counter of the old model

The standard screen is certainly a lot better than the original on my bike, but not as good as the Givi AirFlow I now use.

Would I buy one? Yes if I didn't already have an 13 model which I have spent a lot of money on getting it how I want it. Many of my farkles would transfer over, but not all. I think the S10 has evolved into a better standard package but the improvements are not enough to warrant the expense at the moment. I'll stick with my present bike for now and revisit the later model when I think it's time to change

Mike

 

[John A]

Resistance is useless, a shiny new bike awaits you!

Thanks for the report, others seem to say similar that it's an evolution, which has improved things, but usually isn't enough to tempt a '13 owner to change.

 

[2112]

Nice comparison ::008::

 

[greg the pole]

switch the clutch basket, and flash the ecu.

presto...2014 tenere for less than $500.

 

[barkingllizard]

Resistance is useless, a shiny new bike awaits you!

Thanks for the report, others seem to say similar that it's an evolution, which has improved things, but usually isn't enough to tempt a '13 owner to change.

but now a '12 owner, that could be a whole different story.....

 

[John A]

Going to have a test ride on a 2014 ZE model this weekend, anything to look out for as someone who hasn't ridden a S10 before? I've seen the threads about the engine starting sounding laboured.

 

[MIKE R]

I think the S10 is a bike that grows on you over time. I had 3 long test rides before I took the plunge and bought the local dealers demonstrator.

After a trip to the Balkans and around Scotland I 'understood' the S10 so I traded it for a brand new World Crosser in April 2013 which I still have. I love the riding position, comfort and reliability.

What I am really trying to say is that for me it was not love at first ride, that has developed over time. If, like me, you are under whelmed by the first ride you may decide to walk away but I would recommend trying it again at a later date.

I hope you post your impressions on here after your ride.

Mike

 

[Dogdaze]

I think the S10 is a bike that grows on you over time. I had 3 long test rides before I took the plunge and bought the local dealers demonstrator.

After a trip to the Balkans and around Scotland I 'understood' the S10 so I traded it for a brand new World Crosser in April 2013 which I still have. I love the riding position, comfort and reliability.

What I am really trying to say is that for me it was not love at first ride, that has developed over time. If, like me, you are under whelmed by the first ride you may decide to walk away but I would recommend trying it again at a later date.

I hope you post your impressions on here after your ride.


::026::


Mike

That's what I got. Combined with a shitty dealer experience I was about to sell and get rid of it under 200 miles in the seat. But it has grown on me and come next spring I plan to sell the '12 and get a '14, that way at least I bought used, dealt with the niggles and now can get on and buy a newer version, not convinced by the ES, but would like to have cruise and a smoother running engine.

 

[John A]

I hope you post your impressions on here after your ride.

Will do ::008::

Had Bavarian boxer engined bikes in the past so am aware of how the shaft drive might affect perceptions of the ride, though at least the S10 won't rock from side to side if you blip the throttle

 

[fjrden]

I changed earlier this year from a 2011 to a new 2014. I love all the changes the only thing I would change is my geographical area. ::014::

 

[klunsford]

I just went from a 2012 to a 2014 ES on Nov 15th. Love the bike and love the changes they made to it. You are right on with the control changes. (the US bike did not have 4 way flashers so it was not an issue for me). ::018::

 

[John A]

Back from the test ride, and in short it's not for me

Before buying my present 2012 DL650 I've owned quite a few boxer twin bikes so have some idea of wha large capacity twins can feel like. The bike and me didn't gel, the one thing that stands out and was made me not want to buy the bike was the throttle response. In "T" the bike felt as if it had less get up and go than my 650 at lower revs, and at higher revs it felt to me to be overly sensitive. "S" just felt overly sensitive to me, but at least it seemed as if there was a 1200cc powerplant underneath me. Maybe I wasn't riding it how it needed to be.

So went with cash in the bank ready to do a deal, and take the train home, instead rode home for three hours in the rain :'(

YMMV ::008::

 

[coastie]

Back from the test ride, and in short it's not for me

Before buying my present 2012 DL650 I've owned quite a few boxer twin bikes so have some idea of wha large capacity twins can feel like. The bike and me didn't gel, the one thing that stands out and was made me not want to buy the bike was the throttle response. In "T" the bike felt as if it had less get up and go than my 650 at lower revs, and at higher revs it felt to me to be overly sensitive. "S" just felt overly sensitive to me, but at least it seemed as if there was a 1200cc powerplant underneath me. Maybe I wasn't riding it how it needed to be.

So went with cash in the bank ready to do a deal, and take the train home, instead rode home for three hours in the rain :'(

YMMV ::008::

Yep lots of money to throw down on a bike you don't like. This is a very common issue with the tenere. They are the worst bikes to take out for a test ride. But load one up and head out on a few thousand mile trip and I'd wager a bet that you would come back saying it's one of the best you ever rode. Good luck in your search.

 

[yz454]

Just ride one with 6 to 8 thou on it, there different bikes after break in .

 

[snakebitten]

Bummer John A.

Just so you know, there are a load of PDP owners on here that had similar feelings on their native voyage home from the dealer. And these weren't TEST drives, since we committed to owning the bike before we had even seen one!

Fast forward to present. There were about 90 of us in Arkansas for a few days of fun. If you rode about 80 of those 90, you would have thought you were on a much different bike. And most of us you couldn't pry our Tenere away.

It's a hard sell, I know. But oh my, it's so worth it if you are one that gets smitten. Good luck on your quest. Perhaps someone in your neck of woods has one nicely dialed in for you to taste. Come to Texas! Ride mine.

 

[Pilgrim]

Back from the test ride, and in short it's not for me

Before buying my present 2012 DL650 I've owned quite a few boxer twin bikes so have some idea of wha large capacity twins can feel like. The bike and me didn't gel, the one thing that stands out and was made me not want to buy the bike was the throttle response. In "T" the bike felt as if it had less get up and go than my 650 at lower revs, and at higher revs it felt to me to be overly sensitive. "S" just felt overly sensitive to me, but at least it seemed as if there was a 1200cc powerplant underneath me. Maybe I wasn't riding it how it needed to be.

S10 is a special bike and maybe not for everyone. I love my 2014 ES for it's comfort, handling and reliability. 1up on paved roads I'm always in S-mode. 2up, gravel and really slow riding I do in T-mode. Good luck finding another bike.

 

[triman11427]

My '12 is so dialed in for me that I don't see the advantages of the '14. I've done the suspension, clutch basket and flash. Not to mention all the other farkles I've put on it to make it perfect for me. It would be difficult for me to believe the new model would be a dramatic change from what I've got. Now, if you didn't do all those things and had a stock S10, maybe it would be a different story.

 

[fredz43]

My 12 had the flash, Ohlins front and back and several other farkles and I loved it. I love my 14 ES even more. Couldn't be happier.

 

[triman11427]

Fred,
How is the '14 better than the set up you had before? I haven't heard or read any reviews from riders with a similar set up who went to the '14.

 

[fredz43]

Fred,
How is the '14 better than the set up you had before? I haven't heard or read any reviews from riders with a similar set up who went to the '14.

Here is an earlier thread that I posted soon after getting my ES done in July.

http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=12969.0

Since then the twitchy off/on throttle in S mode either smoothed out, my right wrist adapted to it or most probably a combination of the two. In
any case, I leave it in S just about all the time now. I have added a MRA X Creen to the oem screen, which improved an already good screen. After trading bikes with William42 for a test ride, so he could try the 14 and I could try his 12, I ordered a Russell seat just like his, as I found it very comfortable. BTW, William and also my friend who bought my 12 model both have installed the 14 clutch basket and we all agree that while it is an improvement, it still not as smooth as the 14 bike. Both of them with flashed 12's remarked how they liked the power of the 14 and I have decided that I have no plans for a reflash. The only thing I didn't like was the color and I took care of that before it was ever started.

That, plus the info in the above link are my personal thoughts and impressions. My well farkled 2012 was the best bike I had owned since I started riding in 1966 and now the 2014 ES has that honor. I have to really give kudos to Yamaha as it seems like they have been paying attention to feedback, such as that found on this forum and have made upgrades to improve an already great bike.