The next chapter...KTM Super Adventure S

[Sierra1]

Wow....have yet to see anyone on here "trying to convince you that your Tenere is out of date and you need to ride the same bike they do". Maybe I missed it? . . . .

Nah, there's been plenty on here talking about how out of date the T-12 is. Not so many trying to convince us to jump ship, just that they want the T-12 updated. I personally don't want, or need, anything changed on her.

 

[sheikyerbooty]

The way the brakes/ suspension/ chassis works together on the Yamaha is pretty good. It's very ride-able. But no bike is perfect, so I need a KLR. A beat up one

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Don't believe I have said anything bad of the S10. Owned 2 and enjoyed them. I like my KTM. I don't care what anyone else rides and don't expect anyone to like a bike just because I do. Being as my views have offended some I believe it best if I take a leave from the forum. Over and out (which I know is incorrect radio jargon)

Make it a short leave. If my 890 doesn't wow me I'm planning to beat you (verbally) about the head and shoulders. I need you here for that.

I'm not going anywhere. Met too many people from this board. You're all stuck seeing my threads appear here from time to time...and yes, some of them will include my experiences with bikes that aren't the Tenere.

 

[Checkswrecks]

Last time I checked the title to this web site was still "Yamaha Super Tenere" and until Venture changes the title it would be nice if users still remember that.
I sure don't want to see riders no longer on here just because they ride another brand, that's their loss. I for one still believe that the Super Tenere is still worthy of the "Super" in its name and is still the best all-around, do everything, big Adventure bike on the road today.
Look at riders like "Big Bob", he has moved on to another bike, but I don't see him on here saying the Tenere is out of date, and we should all be riding Ventures.
TNWalker is another great example, He has moved on to many different bikes and gave us good opinions of some of them bikes, but I haven't seen him trying to convince me that my Tenere is out of date and I need to ride the same bike he does.
If some day, I'm the last rider to still be riding my Super Teneres and everyone else has moved on to inferior bikes, I'll still be trying to convince others just how awesome a bike it is. But not on a KTM , Triumph, Or BMW forum. Hopefully still here on the "SUPER TENERE FORUM"

Steve

There are a number of subjects to unpack here.

"...the title to this web site was still "Yamaha Super Tenere" and until Venture changes the title it would be nice if users still remember that."
Yes, this is - and is going to continue - to be the Super Tenere forum.
HOWEVER, notice that this sub-forum is titled "Other Bikes" so this discussion is being held in the place we created just for it. Game on in this section. Still glad you are here but feel free to not click on this thread if it bothers you so much.

Glad you still feel "I for one still believe that the Super Tenere is still worthy of the "Super" in its name and is still the best all-around, do everything, big Adventure bike on the road today."
HOWEVER, there's a spectrum to what OTHER people feel and that is fine too. Nobody is forcing their opinion on others and nobody should feel intimidated or feel like they need to shut up and hold back because "it's not the right forum." I don't really care what others want to ride, be it a Super Tenere to a beat old Honda 750, and I DO appreciate them being honest in sharing their opinion, just like you are.

"I don't see him on here saying the Tenere is out of date, ..."
I am one of those who believes the Super Ten is a great bike and am still riding it BUT it is outdated because it is no longer 2010 and even 2014 is now 9 years ago while life does keep moving. By comparison she is heavy, down on horsepower, and just plain lacking a number of the now standard features newer bikes have. The Tenere still delivers a LOT without breaking the bank and there's a lot to be said for that too, but it doesn't mean it is not out of date in relative design.
fwiw - Notice that I've kept MY opinion on this in the "Other Bikes" sub-forum.

..."and we should all be riding Ventures."
This statement irks me because I've seen NOBODY trying to tell others what they should be riding, especially if the Super Tenere still meets what they want from it. That's something that only you (so far anyway) seem to take as an implied message.

Finally, while Dirt_Dad, Don, thughes317, big bob, and a number of others have changed bikes and stuck around, I am really glad they remain because this place has become family.

 

[AlanSmith7]

Congratulations, It looks so awesome and fantastic. This is damn good and just look at the engine. Bro I am jealous now. This gives you wings while riding the motorcycle.

 

[thughes317]

So, after 7k in the past 7 months I can finally justify getting rid of those horrendous OEM Mitas Terra tires. Ever since dumping it with less than 2 miles on the odo, I've had no confidence in them what-so-ever. Although both still have at least another 3-5k on them, the rear was squaring off pretty bad (because I'm afraid to flog it) and the front was cupping so bad that it would start into tank-slapper land if you took your hands off the bars while slowing under 40 mph.

I just installed a set of Conti Trail Attack 3's on it (don't be fooled by the name...they're street tires) and went for a little putt to scrub them in: I am now completely enamored with this machine! Appears she's going to be a curve-carving beast and I couldn't be happier. I'm not worried about "off road" performance as gravel and fire roads are the extent I'll do these days on a 550 lb bike (the WR250 has it's place).

Headed to Eureka Springs in a few weeks to put them to the test....stay tuned.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Really glad to hear you're enjoying the bike...especially since I'm on the hook for recommending it.

My appreciation for the SAS never diminishes...EXCEPT when I encumber it with luggage. I despise turning it into a pacmule. Talk about headshaking!! 38 to 41 MPH sucks. It's always done it, but I'm finally fed up.

Took it to the shop for a tech to work it out. New tires and steering checks. Nothing...
I received the shipping tracking number tonight on a steering damper. I have a 4k+ mile trip coming up soon. Want the damper to to relieve that shake, shake, shake feeling when riding no handed with cases.

Can't wait to get those lousy Cades off my beloved SAS.

Again, glad you're enjoying the SAS. I've been riding a lot of different bikes over the last few months. Some great bikes, but none of them could ever replace the SAS. It remains the most entertaining bike I've ever ridden.

 

[thughes317]

Haven't had any handling complaints with it loaded for travel, BUT, the 2021's and up do have a steering damper installed as OEM.

I also don't carry a lot of gear (I'm a hotel camper) and I learned long ago that huge top boxes, while super handy for storage and traveling, do tend to affect handling.


Full load-out for 3 weeks cross country:

 

[Boris]

Haven't had any handling complaints with it loaded for travel, BUT, the 2021's and up do have a steering damper installed as OEM.

I also don't carry a lot of gear (I'm a hotel camper) and I learned long ago that huge top boxes, while super handy for storage and traveling, do tend to affect handling.


Full load-out for 3 weeks cross country:

View attachment 104478

Such a good looking bike.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Haven't had any handling complaints with it loaded for travel, BUT, the 2021's and up do have a steering damper installed as OEM.

I also don't carry a lot of gear (I'm a hotel camper) and I learned long ago that huge top boxes, while super handy for storage and traveling, do tend to affect handling.


Full load-out for 3 weeks cross country:

View attachment 104478

Mine starts headshaking as soon as the empty cases go on. Best theory I've heard is airflow disruption. It's a thing on airplanes, I can accept it as a possibility on the SAS. The beast is meant to run free.

The 2020 also comes with a steering damper. The techs going over my bike last weekend said my OEM damper was 100% worthless when they checked it on the stand.

Thankfully, the headshaking can only be noticed when riding no handed. A non-issue when the cases are off.

I continue to be completely smitten with my SAS and see no replacement on the horizon. That said, DM and I did stop into a Honda dealership today to look at Goldwings. She wants to talk me into adding one to the fleet. She thinks it's a more appropriate ride for me with we're out on the Spyder. I could see it as a potential long distance bike. That way I could stop hooking the race horse SAS to the pony ride carousel cases and always allow it to run unencumbered.

 

[thughes317]

Damper issue seems pretty common, they're servicable and a lot of guys are putting something more viscous than the oem 5 wt in them:

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Installed the 75mm Hyperpro this evening. Still working on finding the correct setting, but it has removed 95% of the wobble. I has to stop turning up the dampening when I found it impacting my slow speed maneuverability. Overall I think it's a positive improvement for riding with cases.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

33k miles and I finally have my first, legitimate, mechanical issue with my beloved SAS.

Will hopefully find out tomorrow if it is a stator, or a voltage regulator. Either way, no parts available, and it's a pretty inconvenient time for this issue. I'll explain why later.

On a positive side...I've now been a pillion on a Spyder. It's not as bad as you might expect. Actually kinda fun.

 

[Cycledude]

I have ridden a few Spyder’s, very nice machines, if I was buying a trike it most likely would be a Spyder.

 

[Checkswrecks]

Argh - Terrible news.
Hope you two are in a good place at least.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Argh - Terrible news.
Hope you two are in a good place at least.

Certainly less than ideal news. We are not in a bad place.

Bike is not immobilized, but I've been cautioned by techs in multiple dealerships that l run the risk of killing my 5 day old, $350 battery if it runs too long at lower voltage.

Tech will get a full assessment at my 11:30 appointment this morning.

As for parts...so far everything I've been told is ugly. Both here locally and Larry jumping on it at home, not good. Fortunately the Service Manager seems motivated and sharp. Last word I had from her was she's gone to KTM directly with the situation. No idea if there is a solution there or not. I'm staying out of her way and cheering her on.

If it comes to it, I may have to try to limp the bike home. If it doesn't get any worse I believe it can be done.

It's called Adventure Biking for a reason.

 

[Boris]

Hope you get it sorted quickly DD.

I’m away with a mate on a SAS at the moment and I will hopefully be having a go on it. I’ll feedback on here.

 

[Jlq1969]

You would have to try with "compatibility"... apparently it is the same regulator for several models….

 

[cyclemike4]

Certainly less than ideal news. We are not in a bad place.

Bike is not immobilized, but I've been cautioned by techs in multiple dealerships that l run the risk of killing my 5 day old, $350 battery if it runs too long at lower voltage.

Tech will get a full assessment at my 11:30 appointment this morning.

As for parts...so far everything I've been told is ugly. Both here locally and Larry jumping on it at home, not good. Fortunately the Service Manager seems motivated and sharp. Last word I had from her was she's gone to KTM directly with the situation. No idea if there is a solution there or not. I'm staying out of her way and cheering her on.

If it comes to it, I may have to try to limp the bike home. If it doesn't get any worse I believe it can be done.

It's called Adventure Biking for a reason.

Dang! hope it is corrected and you are back to pulling wheelies soon. Good luck with the repairs or the limp mode home.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

You would have to try with "compatibility"... apparently it is the same regulator for several models….
View attachment 104942

I've made it clear to the tech/service manager, I'm not holding out for KTM parts. I'm in make it work for now mode. I'll get it all straightened out when back at my home dealership.

Dang! hope it is corrected and you are back to pulling wheelies soon. Good luck with the repairs or the limp mode home.

Thank you...haven't done a single wheelie on it for a while. I'll have to fix that too.

At dealership. Technician looking at bike now. Feels like a hospital waiting room.