Want to get into ADV in Northern Virginia

[Davesax36]

Hey, guys. I'm Dave. i'm in Arlington, VA. I currently ride a first gen V-Max, but after my trip to Newfoundland last year to visit my wife's family, I think it's time to get something a bit more appropriate for not the best roads. I was looking at a GTL or councours, which my wife is into due to the nice difference in seat height from rider to passenger, but I think comfort is a bit more important than having a personal cruise missile. THere is a TransLab trip in my future as well (probably not this year, but in the next three).

So... My neighbor just bought a Tenere. I've not seen him riding much due to the snow and what not, but I got the bug bad. I'm here to get all the info I can so I can make an informed purchase. I am, of course, also looking at the GS. I've read all the horror stories and watched a million reviews, but there's something about the look of the GS that draws me in. I got jumped on at the FJ09 forum for asking about comparisons with other brands, but I doubt that will happen here. The Tenere seems to draw a bit more tolerant croud. So that's the main story. Any info is appreciated. I've begun searching for posts by Old Git Ray on ADVRider, so I'll have that perspective.

I really need to be sure that my wife will be able to see well from the back seat. I'm 5'7" and she's 5'4". I'd be running the seat in the low position, obviously.

Enough rambling.

 

[Brick]

Welcome. I'm on my second Tenere' I had a 2012 and put 80,800 miles on it. I sold it to purchase a 2014ES Tenere'. And now have 34,600 miles on it. I'm 5'9" but the important measurement is the inseam. Mine is 30". I run the seat in the low position. So you need to really sit and test the Tenere' to see if you fit.
As far as comparisons go... I did and so should you. Only you can know what you like.

 

[Davesax36]

30" inseam here, too, man. I think the trick is going to be getting a test ride. I'll have to be friendly with my neighbor to see if he's down for a little swap. He seems cool. I'll work on that.

 

[fredz43]

Like Brick, I am on my second Tenere. I have a 14 ES and my 2012 model is not too far from you, as my friend from Alexandria, VA bought my well farkled 2012. I also agree that you should ride the bikes on your shopping list, as you won't know for sure which is best for you until you ride them.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

My wife is 5'6" and rides a 2012 Tenere. It has 1" lowering links, and the OEM lower seat. She pretty close to flat footing when wearing her boots that add an extra inch. She had ridden in comfort and confidence on multiple 3000 to 5000+ mile trips on that bike...and loves it.

We found that putting her lower seat on my '15 ES resulted in nearly exactly the same foot on ground results for her as the lowered '12.

I've had 3 Teneres since August 2011, so no question, I am biased. My wife and I have ridden the Teneres on multiple trips from Northern Virginia to Nova Scotia and other points north, including Northern Virginia to Newfoundland, and Northern Virginia to Colorado/Utah/Idaho/Montana. It has been a damn near a perfect bike for the way I use it. It's a big bike for my wife, but she only scoffs at me whenever I try to talk her into something smaller. The only way I'm getting her off her '12 Tenere is to get her a 14+ Tenere. It will happen.

 

[barkingllizard]

a simple hello, Davesax36.....

 

[AVGeek]

I'm also 5'9" with a 30" inseam, and I actually run my seat in the high position on the road (usually switch to low when hitting the dirt). I like the comfort this gives me in the peg to seat ratio, and at most stops, I am able to shift slightly to one side or the other to flat foot. The wide handlebars and upright position also help with the feeling of openness and comfort for me.

 

[Checkswrecks]

Welcome from Gaithersburg / Damascus on the Maryland side. I'm also on my second Super Tenere, commuting on it into DC when able and work at L'Enfant if I can help.

The Super Tennis Shoe and GS have nearly identical ergonomics, the BMW is faster at top end, has better resale if you trade out bikes frequently, and is more expensive to both buy and maintain. Both have loads of accessories available, both are great multipurpose tools, both are fantastic solo and 2-up for the road, and both been taken around the world by a number of people. The Tenere is the BMW Recovery Vehicle when comparing reliability.

 

[Magdump]

welcome from a former Arlington resident!

My red 2015 S10 was/is my first big bike and after being scared off by BMW reliability problems (read this, it stopped me getting a new and pimped out GSA: http://www.affordablebeemerservices.com/bmwthoughts/ ) i chose the S10. Bought it about this time last year having never ridden one and have simply loved it! What a wonderfully reliable and versatile bike! As others have suggested, go take one for a ride and i bet you will end up buying one! A Great adventure and camping bike! Oh, and my not tall wife can see over my helmet no problem.

Let's ride when you get yours and I would be happy to ferry you on mine out to Romney Cycle in WV to get yours.

Stay safe out there and let us know what you end up getting! If i was in the market i would get a 2016 in yellow!!!!

 

[Davesax36]

I really like the yellow. I have sort of a thing against buying bikes new, but if this is gonna be the one for the next bunch of years (or 10-15),I might go ahead. Then at least all the farkles will be fresh.

 

[Defekticon]

Welcome to the forum. I picked up my '14 non-es in July of 2015 as a prior model year hold over for a good deal. There are quite a few Tenere owners 'round these parts. I work one week out of the month down in McLean, VA. I'll be going on a road adventure the beginning of March 66w down 81s to the Pandhandle of FL, if the BRP is open I'll head down through there. Ya'll are welcome to join on the trip down the BRP south. My plan is to take as many non-highway roads between the highways to get down to the Gulf o' Mexico over a Saturday/Sunday/Monday, then return the following weekend.

 

[Checkswrecks]

I really like the yellow. I have sort of a thing against buying bikes new, but if this is gonna be the one for the next bunch of years (or 10-15),I might go ahead. Then at least all the farkles will be fresh.

Showing how much new bike you can get, leftover 2013s (Generation 1) are out there for $8,800 and Gen 2s start at $11k.
http://www.cycletrader.com/search-results?sort=price%3Aasc&layoutView=listView&zip=20594&radius=400&page=1&make=Yamaha%7C2321194&model=SUPER%20TENERE%7C764934129&condition=N&

 

[terrysig]

As Checkswrecks points out there are fantastic deals on the 2013. I traded my 2012 for a 2013 in November and with the bike as trade and incentives was out the door under $4K.

From the moment I saw the White I wanted one so was glade to make the trade. Wasn't up for all the ES addons and all my farkles transferred. Reason I bring that up is that the For Sale area always has Gen I farkles for sale that do no fit the Gen II.

Welcome and good luck.

 

[r1d1]

::004:: from Scotland.