Trying to be a New ST owner!

[archer]

Greetings from sunny California. I've been on this site for a couple of weeks learning as much as I can about the Super Tenere. I've been riding Triumphs and Ducatis and Aprilias for the last decade, but none of them have been comfortable for my wife to ride on. And so far, no manufacturer makes my perfect bike -- a Ducati Street Fighter 848 with a shaft drive like the Yamaha ST, and a rear seat for the Mrs. like a Goldwing passenger seat. I find it strange that out of all the bikes in the universe the ST comes the closest to my ideal bike. I really like my 2013 Street Fighter. I've even done a couple of 1,000 mile trips on it; for a total of 6,000 miles in a year (I know, it's not an impressive number for you guys). I think the only reason a Tenere is not yet in my garage is the power difference between my Duc and the Tenere. The acceleration and braking is so much more powerful on the 848 compared with the ST. The ST is bigger, a LOT more comfortable, and has the ability of carrying lockable luggage -- which is a huge plus. Nobody makes lockable luggage for the 848 SF. So, been wrestling with my decision: buy the Yamaha, and ride everywhere with more comfort, with my wife! Or, keep my Duc, and shred corners and tires at illegal speeds that just thrill my heart. Honestly, this decision is driving me nuts. If I was independently wealthy I'd own both! But, reality is one bike or the other, not both. I have done two brief test rides, one by myself, and one with my awesome wife. I like the Tenere. But, it is more "sedate" than my 848 SF.
Well, enough of my buyers dilemma. I've been riding for 4+ decades. The first new bike I bought with my own money was a Yamaha RD 350 back in 1974. What a great pocket rocket! I have owned a lot of great bikes over the years. Maybe I will continue the Yamaha thrill with a new 2013 Super Tenere. I'll let you know soon.
By the way, thanks for the awsome web site! ::008::

 

[Swagger]

You are welcome Archer. Although, it's not the website that is awesome, but the great band of people who frequent it. I hope that you soon join us and procure the Tenere. I reckon you'll be happy enough.

 

[squarebore]

Wow, I had an RD 350! But anyway, I must be close to the same age and I mightn't drag pegs very often but I love this bike. Originally I wanted an all road bike but now I enjoy the adventurous capability. To be able to get to the end of the road and still go on is priceless. I've never met anyone who regretted buying an adventure tourer.

 

[rem]

Welcome on, archer. I guess the Tenere is no hot off the mark speed demon, but it is superb at doing what it was designed to do. You'll have to decide if that's what you want from it. We will answer your questions honestly, possibly with a tad of bias ::025:: . ::004:: to the Forum. R. ::022::

 

[clint64]

Welcome to the forum. I understand your thoughts. I came from a much sportier bike in the K1200s and prior to that an Aprilia Futura. With both of those bikes, I felt that I had to be riding much more aggressive to have fun. With the S10, I have found that I'm having more fun in the mountains without going warp speed. The bike handles extremely well and the kicker is the ability to explore dirt roads, I never would have explored. Good luck with your search.

 

[HoebSTer]

Welcome, good luck and ride one with at least an ECU upgrade. The PC V and headers add even more. Try standing up on the pegs and grab a handful of throttle at 25mph in 2nd gear and let me know if it changes your mind. It sure pulls me back reinstating how much I need to have a tight grip on the bars.
I would love for my wife to ride with me, if it meant a true Goldwing, well sighhhhh I would get one. So, how much is your wife riding with you worth to you? Will those bennies out weigh the short lived woody you get from your illegal speeds? Just asking, not knocking you!

Jeff

 

[coastie]

If you are a horsepower junkie, I don't think you will end up liking the Tenere. It will never excite that part of your soul. If your only around 6k a year, why not a multistrada? I know a few owners. They get routine maintenance and have not had any issues. Or why not the FJR?


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[barkingllizard]

a simple hello, archer.....

 

[archer]

You are welcome Archer. Although, it's not the website that is awesome, but the great band of people who frequent it. I hope that you soon join us and procure the Tenere. I reckon you'll be happy enough.

Quite right! I have been impressed with the intelligence and thoughtful interactions -- helpful and humerous is a wounderful combination!

 

[archer]

If you are a horsepower junkie, I don't think you will end up liking the Tenere. It will never excite that part of your soul. If your only around 6k a year, why not a multistrada? I know a few owners. They get routine maintenance and have not had any issues. Or why not the FJR?


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[I actually owned the previous generation of Multistrada, and it ended up being the only bike I have ever owned that I ended up hating, truly disgusted with that bike! It even had the Ohlins suspension. That bike just had too many quirks and dangerous problems. If the new Multi had a shaft drive I might try one, but I want a quiet, clean and reliable shaft drive like on the Super Tenere. The FJR is a great bike, but it lacks the leg room of the ST. I fit better on the ST.] Thanks for the suggestions though!

 

[archer]

Thanks to one and all for your greetings and thoughts! I would love to sit down with you all and enjoy a good beverage ::003:: and conversations about bikes and rides and other important topics. I do have one more question: regarding the Multistrada, do you know if the Tenere drags its center stand in fast corners that might include dips that compress the suspension? My previous Multistrada did that with enough force to upset the rear tire. And that was after I put a stiffer spring on the Ohlins shock! Thanks for the info. I have read a few articles that mention the Tenere dragging the foot pegs, but they don't mention how fast their speed was in the corners, or what their lean angle was. So, I am wondering if I can enjoy some "fun" cornering with my wife and the side cases on the bike, without dragging hard parts. What is your experience with your bike and a passenger in fast corners?

 

[HoebSTer]

Fun in corners, sure pretty good clip. This can be controversial based on technique. Might I ask what your two combined weights are? Ok don't tell, but if you are 200-220 and your wife is anything over 100, you will surely need suspension work to get your rear handling like it should. Same for front forks. Just a factual statement for your said riding style. I am at 280 and had mine done, makes a world of difference.

Jeff

 

[archer]

Thanks HoebSTer! That is what I needed to hear. We are of "normal" weight, but with full cases it might be a good idea to put on a firmer spring, and dial in more preload for the front. Pro suspension set-up can't hurt.

 

[tomatocity]

Thanks HoebSTer! That is what I needed to hear. We are of "normal" weight, but with full cases it might be a good idea to put on a firmer spring, and dial in more preload for the front. Pro suspension set-up can't hurt.

archer, I have a stock shock with an Eibach 0800-225-0850 spring. You are welcome to try it. Very easy to swap the rear shock. Also have an OEM tall windshield. PM me if you are interested.

 

[Ramseybella]

If your wife really wants to ride with you then sell the hot rod and get something she will be comfortable on. Sounds like your at the age of knowing like on the commercial (RD-350 2 Stoker Hot little Bee stinger)!!
Life is to short and knacking on a Duke tightens the gap I came off a Triumph 1050 (literally, got T-Boned last year) loved that bike but that sort of put an end to my Agostini days not that I don't miss them just freaked the wife the F**K out.
You could pick up an old 1200 Goldwing or find an old Naked Goldwing 1100 cheap, a smooth fun and surprisingly quick bike and keep the Ducati.

Never the less The Tenere has so much less maintenance if any at all and a fun bike for exploring some dirt on.. ::008::