What do we now think of the bike

[archer]

I have been riding my Super Tenere for 1 year and 1 month; for 6,400 miles. What do I truly enjoy about the bike? The handling is great, which is probably the single most important quality I require in my motorcycles. It is comfortable: 400 to 500 mile days leave me with no soreness. It is very easy to do long miles comfortably. The 6 gallon gas tank is great, and there have been times I have ridden more than 220 miles on a tank before filling up. The traction control, ABS, and linked brakes make trail braking a simple joy. With the MRA windscreen the quiet wind and weather protection is excellent. Seat comfort is the best I have ever experienced on any bike I have owned. Engine performance is actually surprisingly good. It is smooth purring around town, or just commuting. It can race like a sport bike. The throttle response is smooth and easy to modulate. The two riding modes are excellent. I like the Sport mode when I am riding by myself, and the Touring mode when riding with my wife. The suspension is really good -- good for touring, sport riding, and offroad. I added a stiffer spring for the rear shock so that the rear sag is perfect when I am riding it solo and the hydrolic adjuster is set on full soft, and it will handle a fully loaded bike with all the luggage and my wife. There are a lot of touches that make this bike a joy to own and ride. One thing I have not read that I believe is excellent: the center stand does not drag while cornering. All you wild and crazy Super Tenere riders might assume this is normal for all good bikes. However, I have previously owned a Ducati Multistrada S, and the stock Ducati center stand would drag dangerously, threatening to lift the rear wheel off the ground even in moderate cornering! Back to what I like about the Tenere: Solid, well built, cheap to own, reliable, easy to work on. The engine is smooth and strong. The whole bike is very well designed. Good job Yamaha! I even like the sound of the stock exhaust! ::012::
Ok, now to what could be improved: it needs an off switch for the ABS. It needs the settings to be sticky. When I set the traction control to 2, I want it there the next time I start the bike. I would ike the highway cruising MPG to be closer to 50 than 40; but that is a little gripe. I would be great if a Yamaha cruise control could be fitted to all the models. The stock horn is anemic. The bike could stand to lose about 100 pounds! It still rides and handles great. But, man, it is a heavy bike to move around the garage, or when you are parking with your wife on the back when you are riding on dirt. That is about it. ::013::

 

[Ramseybella]

I have been riding my Super Tenere for 1 year and 1 month; for 6,400 miles. What do I truly enjoy about the bike? The handling is great, which is probably the single most important quality I require in my motorcycles. It is comfortable: 400 to 500 mile days leave me with no soreness. It is very easy to do long miles comfortably. The 6 gallon gas tank is great, and there have been times I have ridden more than 220 miles on a tank before filling up. The traction control, ABS, and linked brakes make trail braking a simple joy. With the MRA windscreen the quiet wind and weather protection is excellent. Seat comfort is the best I have ever experienced on any bike I have owned. Engine performance is actually surprisingly good. It is smooth purring around town, or just commuting. It can race like a sport bike. The throttle response is smooth and easy to modulate. The two riding modes are excellent. I like the Sport mode when I am riding by myself, and the Touring mode when riding with my wife. The suspension is really good -- good for touring, sport riding, and offroad. I added a stiffer spring for the rear shock so that the rear sag is perfect when I am riding it solo and the hydrolic adjuster is set on full soft, and it will handle a fully loaded bike with all the luggage and my wife. There are a lot of touches that make this bike a joy to own and ride. One thing I have not read that I believe is excellent: the center stand does not drag while cornering. All you wild and crazy Super Tenere riders might assume this is normal for all good bikes. However, I have previously owned a Ducati Multistrada S, and the stock Ducati center stand would drag dangerously, threatening to lift the rear wheel off the ground even in moderate cornering! Back to what I like about the Tenere: Solid, well built, cheap to own, reliable, easy to work on. The engine is smooth and strong. The whole bike is very well designed. Good job Yamaha! I even like the sound of the stock exhaust! ::012::
Ok, now to what could be improved: it needs an off switch for the ABS. It needs the settings to be sticky. When I set the traction control to 2, I want it there the next time I start the bike. I would ike the highway cruising MPG to be closer to 50 than 40; but that is a little gripe. I would be great if a Yamaha cruise control could be fitted to all the models. The stock horn is anemic. The bike could stand to lose about 100 pounds! It still rides and handles great. But, man, it is a heavy bike to move around the garage, or when you are parking with your wife on the back when you are riding on dirt. That is about it. ::013::

I can't see why Yamaha can't pull at least 50 to 100 Lbs off the bike the whole front is plastic, the frame could use a different alloy the exhaust pipe could be redesigned.

But all in all you are correct. ::026::

 

[Derekj]

I just wish the different magazines could read the results and polls of real owners and take that into consideration both for their articles and as a guide when test riding, before publishing unadulterated crap about this machine. With over 700 votes and more than 92% of them reporting that the bike is as they expected and better than they expected, then something is really wrong with these pen pushers.

 

[archer]

DerekJ, I think you are exactly right. Sometimes I wonder what bikes the magazines test, or if they ever actually ride them. There is so little they seem to get right. And the instances they have a unanimous correct opinion, it is only about the most obvious attributes. When comparing the Super Tenere to the BMW GS, the magazines always go for the BMW. I usually wonder if they have ever owned one? Have they dealt with the frustration of replacing two or three rear drives? Have they lost their suspension in the middle of Death Valley? Have they lost any of the controls on the handlebars due to switch gear failure? A few years ago I was on a ride with a group where the majority of the bikes were BMWs (various touring models), and one of them actually had the entire rear tail light assembly fall out, turn signals and brake light all in one. I bought a Ducati Multistrada S in 2008, and all the magazine reviews loved the bike. It was the worst bike I have ever owned! I truly grew to hate that bike. Not one magazine ever dealt with the many serious defects that bike had. Enough griping. When you have a bike you enjoy riding, just do it! ::26::

 

[Anwar Namtut]

I got my 2013 second hand at the end of January and have put about 1,500 miles on it. I came from a 2008 BMW F800ST and wanted to have the dual sport flexibility and of course be comfortable long-distance.

I need to do some of the items that have been mentioned here such as the seat mod and the throttle screw thingy to smooth out the lower gears.

It isn't as smooth as the F800, but I wouldn't classify it as not smooth, just not as smooth as I am used to. It corners surprisingly well as others have mentioned.

I wish the buttons to change the information display were on the handlebar like the BMW has and a gear indicator. These are quibbles, though.

I am surprised at the relatively bad gas mileage. I seem to be getting around 39-40 mpg commuting. My one trip I took I did manage to get around 50. Keep in mind I got about 55 mpg regularly from the F800.

All that said, I'm looking forward to many years with the bike.

 

[KenMcBreezy]

I got my 2013 second hand at the end of January and have put about 1,500 miles on it. I came from a 2008 BMW F800ST and wanted to have the dual sport flexibility and of course be comfortable long-distance.

I need to do some of the items that have been mentioned here such as the seat mod and the throttle screw thingy to smooth out the lower gears.

It isn't as smooth as the F800, but I wouldn't classify it as not smooth, just not as smooth as I am used to. It corners surprisingly well as others have mentioned.

I wish the buttons to change the information display were on the handlebar like the BMW has and a gear indicator. These are quibbles, though.

I am surprised at the relatively bad gas mileage. I seem to be getting around 39-40 mpg commuting. My one trip I took I did manage to get around 50. Keep in mind I got about 55 mpg regularly from the F800.

All that said, I'm looking forward to many years with the bike.

Gear indicator (when the clutch lever isn't squeezed) - check. Buttons to control the information display, as well as adjust suspension settings and heated grip - check. All added for the 2014 ES and so much more. Gas mileage... I don't know what to tell, you, mine is great.

I have been riding my Super Tenere for 1 year and 1 month; for 6,400 miles. What do I truly enjoy about the bike? The handling is great, which is probably the single most important quality I require in my motorcycles. It is comfortable: 400 to 500 mile days leave me with no soreness. It is very easy to do long miles comfortably. The 6 gallon gas tank is great, and there have been times I have ridden more than 220 miles on a tank before filling up. The traction control, ABS, and linked brakes make trail braking a simple joy. With the MRA windscreen the quiet wind and weather protection is excellent. Seat comfort is the best I have ever experienced on any bike I have owned. Engine performance is actually surprisingly good. It is smooth purring around town, or just commuting. It can race like a sport bike. The throttle response is smooth and easy to modulate. The two riding modes are excellent. I like the Sport mode when I am riding by myself, and the Touring mode when riding with my wife. The suspension is really good -- good for touring, sport riding, and offroad. I added a stiffer spring for the rear shock so that the rear sag is perfect when I am riding it solo and the hydrolic adjuster is set on full soft, and it will handle a fully loaded bike with all the luggage and my wife. There are a lot of touches that make this bike a joy to own and ride. One thing I have not read that I believe is excellent: the center stand does not drag while cornering. All you wild and crazy Super Tenere riders might assume this is normal for all good bikes. However, I have previously owned a Ducati Multistrada S, and the stock Ducati center stand would drag dangerously, threatening to lift the rear wheel off the ground even in moderate cornering! Back to what I like about the Tenere: Solid, well built, cheap to own, reliable, easy to work on. The engine is smooth and strong. The whole bike is very well designed. Good job Yamaha! I even like the sound of the stock exhaust! ::012::
Ok, now to what could be improved: it needs an off switch for the ABS. It needs the settings to be sticky. When I set the traction control to 2, I want it there the next time I start the bike. I would ike the highway cruising MPG to be closer to 50 than 40; but that is a little gripe. I would be great if a Yamaha cruise control could be fitted to all the models. The stock horn is anemic. The bike could stand to lose about 100 pounds! It still rides and handles great. But, man, it is a heavy bike to move around the garage, or when you are parking with your wife on the back when you are riding on dirt. That is about it. ::013::

Agreed on the center stand. Was the Duc's held snug in the up position, and just stuck out/down too far? Or did it need a better spring? My FIL's R1100RT center stand holding spring has gotten tired and the stand drags at fairly low lean angle now. I can't see that being an issue with a new bike unles the spring was wrong for the application, but still worth asking.

+1 on the settings - I'm forever having to set my bike to tcs 2 and touring mode on start.

And if anyone knows carbon fiber and wants to teach/help me make parts to replace the plastics, I am down to make them for other tenner owners...

 

[Dogdaze]

I am surprised at the relatively bad gas mileage. I seem to be getting around 39-40 mpg commuting. My one trip I took I did manage to get around 50. Keep in mind I got about 55 mpg regularly from the F800.

All that said, I'm looking forward to many years with the bike.

The BMW F800ST is well known for exceptional fuel mileage, I had one for a very brief time and was getting around 65mpg (UK gal), but what you are getting is about right, others in that category are all the same except the Duke MS which runs about 10mpg less.

 

[archer]

Hey Ken,
Regarding the center stand on the Multistrada, it was factory, installed by a Ducati mechanic. The spring was perfect. It was simply not designed or engineered well. It dragged so hard that it tried to lever the rear wheel off the ground!.. It was absolute ::010:: ??? :-X :-[. The simple conclusion: hated the Duc, love my Tenere!

 

[Checkswrecks]

. . .
And if anyone knows carbon fiber and wants to teach/help me make parts to replace the plastics, I am down to make them for other tenner owners...

For those who just want to buy the panels

http://rideonadv.com/product-category/yamaha/yamaha-super-tenere/appearance/
or
https://www.bhhintl.com/motorcycle-accessories/fairings-covers/fairings-covers-yamaha/fairings-covers-yamaha-super-tenere-xt1200z




Carbon anything is never cheap.

 

[groundhog]

I have only had my S10 for a month but have just completed my first proper trip - 2300 miles to the Alps and the bike was just fantastic, it did everything I asked of it and more. Definitely a S10 out of S10 from me ::008::

 

[coastie]

I have only had my S10 for a month but have just completed my first proper trip - 2300 miles to the Alps and the bike was just fantastic, it did everything I asked of it and more. Definitely a S10 out of S10 from me ::008::

Yep, this is common theme among people who get out on extended trips on the Tenere. People who test ride it are not very thrilled with it, and people who get out on it for a few days or more just can't believe what an awesome motorcycle it is!

 

[Anwar Namtut]

I had my first "real ride" yesterday going from Boise, Idaho to Portland, Oregon. Pleased overall. Towards the end, my butt was a little sore, but way better than my F800. I had done the seat mod before leaving, so that helped.

I have tkc80 tires on it, so that made it a little noisy and"vibey" I finally experienced the clutch vibration, but thanks to this site I knew what it was. I'll have ac do the flash in the winter. New tires will be mounted soon, so hopefully that will smooth things out from that aspect. Only about 40 mpg, which surprised me again if only because I had gotten better on another shorter trip I took, two up even. I guess I need to experiment with my riding style.

 

[KenMcBreezy]

I run Mitas E07 Dakar http://www.mx1canada.com/mitas-e07-dakar-rear-tire-150-70-17-tubeless.html for the rear, easy navigation to the other sizes. Anyway, there's a spot just off of upright that takes a little getting used to but I feel more confident in hard leans with these tires than I did with the stock Battlax set, and they're way smoother than the tkc80's at any speed.

I had my first "real ride" yesterday going from Boise, Idaho to Portland, Oregon. Pleased overall. Towards the end, my butt was a little sore, but way better than my F800. I had done the seat mod before leaving, so that helped.

I have tkc80 tires on it, so that made it a little noisy and"vibey" I finally experienced the clutch vibration, but thanks to this site I knew what it was. I'll have ac do the flash in the winter. New tires will be mounted soon, so hopefully that will smooth things out from that aspect. Only about 40 mpg, which surprised me again if only because I had gotten better on another shorter trip I took, two up even. I guess I need to experiment with my riding style.

 

[rider33]

I think the two things that have impressed me most about it is its sure-footedness and its flexibility. 'Not sure if its the long wheel-base, the big front hoop, the traction control or all of the above but nothing seems to phase it. It floats right over things that would have unsettled my ST. Its also remarkable to ride a bike that is as comfortable passing a truck in the rain at 85 MPH as it is plunking down a fire-trail at 9. Memory is a leaky thing but I just don't recall the GSA 1150 being quite that effortless, you alwys knew you were on a huge bike. Some how, this thing manges to be big and small at he same time. The low COG and narrow tank likely helps that.

 

[Andylaser]

Agreed. Its definitely a rock steady bike and feels securely and planted to the road. But still has the ability to change direction quickly when required.

 

[Ramseybella]

It sure is an all around Uti.

 

[tomatocity]

I have owned a...
... 2012 - 7/31/2011 to 5/23/2015 - 52,200 miles - Overall I enjoyed traveling with the 2012 Tenere but I was always wanting something else, something more, something better.

I did not know what to expect but I had heard good things about what it should be. First impression was the throttle and stalling. Throttle was way too twitchy and the stalling was supposed to go away. Two weeks later and both concerns still existed and I was thinking about selling the Tenere. Did the Clutch Jumper Mod and both concerns disappeared. The Tenere is good on asphalt and loves twisties. Because I am not very good off road it is difficult for me to judge it. I changed the suspension with a Ohlins rear shock and modified forks. I was never truly happy with the suspension. Tried many different tires and the Tenere did not seem care. Added Rox risers Up and Back and that helped with the ergonomics. Had Bill Mayer modify and cover the seats and that was just good. Tried many windshields and ended up with a PowerBronze medium that worked well. Added the OEM heated grips and loved them. Definitely helps old hands. Never installed a skid plate but I had purchased a ACD. The stock brakes were the best brakes I have ever ridden. Never had a problem with the clutch. Handguards could be much better for cold weather. Replaced the handlebars with ProTaper Contour Raptors and this was much better. Added the Altrider Rear Rack and that made hauling loads easier and provided a place to store tire repair gear and a few tools. The headlights are not good for me. Purchased other driving lights but did not install them. They will be installed on the 2015. Early February 2015 the Cam Chain Tensioner failed upon startup. Three months and 23 days later I had a rebuilt engine with the 2014 CCT and Clutch Basket. I rode it 65 miles with the smoothest engine you could ask for. Two days later I traded it in on the 2015 ES.

... 2015 ES - 5/23/2015 to ??? - 3,303 miles - and having fun.

The Bad - understanding the dash and how to make adjustments - my face hurts from smiling so much The Good - the 2014+ Gen2 is a BIG improvement over the Gen1 Tenere. Knew it was a winner after the first miles in traffic. No modifications and the Tenere ran very well, no stalling, no twitchy throttle, handled very well, nimble, stable, better on two-lane roads and Freeways. Definitely more power. The Touring and Sports modes are very different and there are uses for both. Gas mileage seems to be better and seems to be getting better as I add miles. I have ridden 400+ miles in a day and did that twice. Also had a couple 300+ mile days. This Tenere rides better and is more comfortable. The stock windshield is made of high quality material, easily adjustable up and down in three increments of 3/4". Not too much buffeting. There are MANY improvements, not just changes, over the Gen1. Worth the purchase.
Accessories Installed: OEM panniers, Altrider Body Guards, ViziTec SupaBrake, GPS Mount, Tankbag Adapter, SAE Pigtail.
Accessories To Be Installed: Altrider rear rack + Storm storage bag, ACD skid plate, PIAA horns, EB PC8, Rox Riser 2" Pivot, Akrapovic exhaust, RI SR LED lights, RI D2 lights, Shifter zerk, Foot pegs(?), Powerlet PKT 042 24, Headlight guard(?), Aluminum Oil cap, Tall windshield(?).

 

[regulator]

Great review tomatocity. I have an Altrider rear rack and am looking for an appropriate storage bag for the gap beneath it. Can you elaborate on what you use?

 

[tomatocity]

Great review tomatocity. I have an Altrider rear rack and am looking for an appropriate storage bag for the gap beneath it. Can you elaborate on what you use?

You can contact Brady at...
... corrado13 (ADV)
... www.stormind.net
... brady@stormind.net

This bag works well and most people do not see it. It is NOT water proof. Ziploc bags work well.

Brady will make almost anything if you give him the measurements.

I store a MotoPump, tire repair kit(s), flash light, a few tools,...

 

[regulator]

Oh, that Storm. I've got a couple of things from Brady, great stuff .