What do we now think of the bike

So now you've got one how well does it stack up?

  • It surpasses my expectations

    Votes: 779 56.1%
  • It's exactley what I thought it would be

    Votes: 515 37.1%
  • It's not quite what I thought it would be

    Votes: 89 6.4%
  • It's nothing like I thought it would be

    Votes: 6 0.4%

  • Total voters
    1,389

DonB

New Member
Joined
Jul 20, 2014
Messages
91
Location
Ohio
Have AVC flash it and it becomes a completely different experience. ::015::
I came off of 25+ years of BMWs after my 14 was one of the "do not ride" bikes. F BMW corporate.
I bought my 12 as a holdover, got 1500 bucks worth of Yam accessories, and with tax literally paid 1/2 ??? ??? ??? ???of what a BMW costs.
What a very nice surprise the bike has been.
Have AVC flash it and it wakes up tremendously! VERY UNDERRATED BIKE. ::018::
 

Cycledude

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 29, 2016
Messages
4,076
Location
Rib lake wi
m0102 said:
The bike carriers it's weight better than I ever thought it would. It's like a big dirt bike. I've done some river crossings and the TC has saved me a few times on the green texas moss that grows on some concrete crossings. In sand it's terrible but that's to be expected for its weight. I've had to turn off TC and run next to the bike to get going and jump on once its moving in sand. TC 1 will just stall the bike ever single time no matter what you do TC2 isn't much better. The cruise control exceeds my expectations. The price is really my only complaint. I over extended a little by buying this bike, thus it's for sale. I also feel sort of hesitent riding through river crossings and muddy trails also because of how expensive this machine is
After you say yours stopped I'm Wondering if my traction control is working right ? I have had to ride mine through about 6 inches of snow a couple times, did it With T1 turned , I had to push it for about 150 feet with the rear wheel spinning and dash light flashing, it never stopped spinning.
 

VRODE

Easy Does It
Joined
Aug 7, 2014
Messages
945
Location
Northern Vermont
2016 ES First day observations....nice ride, still firm enough for me (200lb) even with the preload dialed down. Stock screen is ok for buffeting but noisy. I'm getting winglets and I think a spoiler will bring up the flow enough to eliminate the noise (if I duck my head slightly it's much quieter...I'm 5'10"). Motor is tight as is the transmission. Need deliberate input at the lever. I'm sure things will loosen up over time. T and S modes are ok but I'm going to get it flashed to reduce the engine braking somewhat. I believe it'll smooth out the on-off throttle transitions. Mucho legroom with the seat high but too tippy toe at a stop. Lowered the seat and did the shorter bumper mod...much better. Still getting used to it (had a Gen1 FZ1 for the last 10 yrs) and working on getting up to speed. Very, very comfy though. And the heated grips came in very handy this morning.
 

dietDrThunder

Why so serious, son?
Joined
Mar 12, 2016
Messages
283
Location
Nashvegas, TN
Freebooter said:
Ace50, I always downshift as I come to a stop but sometimes the light turns red so fast or traffic halts so fast you have to all but slam on ur breaks and don't have time to downshift. I forget that I'm still in 6 gear and then all of a sudden its time to move and you are still in 6 gear. Shit happens.
There is no need to let out the clutch between shifts in that situation. You can pull in the clutch and just bang your way down through the gears as you brake, no matter how hard you're braking...just so you know.
 

mercurydog47

Member
Joined
Dec 20, 2015
Messages
40
Location
Sonoma, California
Got a new 2015 ES in late December and had long second thoughts about it. Especially since I was coming from a paddle shifting FJR and a Honda DCT. Just wasn't sure I liked this gear shifting thing. I put the bike up for sale on Craigslist and then took off out of the country for two weeks. I got a favorable response from a potential buyer but then he started to talk about using PayPal to make a deposit and I just got cold feet. I had been holding down the mileage on purpose in case I sold the bike but then I went on an overnight trip to the mountains and came home and definitely pulled the bike off the market. This bike really delivers in all respects.

I wanted a Honda Crosstourer DCT but now I can't let go of this bike. Way too capable, too versatile and has too many features standard that the CT doesn't have. Love the cruise control and the electronic suspension.
 

TXTenere

Member
Joined
Dec 22, 2013
Messages
519
Location
San Diego
I bought my GS in February, and kept one of my two Super Tenere's. I must say, I've put 2500 miles on the GS in 2 months. I only put 10,000 miles on the Super Tenere in 2 YEARS.

I've grown a bit bored with the Super Tenere after riding the GS, and think I may sell my remaining Super Tenere and buy something more fun. Just need to figure out what that would be.
 

78YZ

Life is Good
Joined
Jan 31, 2015
Messages
549
Location
08003
SPX said:
I bought my GS in February, and kept one of my two Super Tenere's. I must say, I've put 2500 miles on the GS in 2 months. I only put 10,000 miles on the Super Tenere in 2 YEARS.

I've grown a bit bored with the Super Tenere after riding the GS, and think I may sell my remaining Super Tenere and buy something more fun. Just need to figure out what that would be.

Is your riding mostly/all on the road? If yes, that would explain the boredom.
 

murdock2002

New Member
Joined
Dec 3, 2015
Messages
36
Location
Italy
Put the first 100km on it on Sunday, riding straight highway speeds, twisties, city, lots of traffic circle/roundabouts. Some roads were smooth, and others very rough. I never test rode the bike at all...all the forums indicated though it would be great, after having test ridden the new vstroms 1000 and 650, FJ09, BMW F700gs, FJR, versys 650, and of course my previous Aprilia Mana in the previous 12 months

Bike is easiest bike I have ever ridden - period. Handling, balance, clutch, throttle response, cornering, everything - just easy.

Crusie control is awesome.

Bike is not that hard to move around when the engine is not running....easier I think than the vstrom 650.

How the bike takes corners and traffic circles is amazing...better than my 100lb lighter Aprilia with a 17" front wheel, and definitely easier than both Vstroms....incredible like it is on rails.

Suspension is great, and I have the standard bike and was further toward the "hard"...better than any bike I have ever ridden, and some cars...

Wind protection...I am 6'3". With the screen at the lowest setting, I experienced no buffeting (complete opposite of the V2). In winter,, this thing be awesome. In summer, will suck...barely felt any breeze through my KLIM latitude with all vents open.
 

Rambler

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 30, 2016
Messages
812
Location
Up SR400 (GA)
bigboy61 said:
I just came off of a 2014 FJR1300 ES.
I am in my 50's
SNAP: I've been on a FJR1300AE / 2009 past two years and really love the bike. But....
SNAP Again!: I thought post 50 - I wouldn't want to venture off the slab - just cruise along - a couple of IBA rides here and there. But.....July 2015 rode a Royal Enfield 500cc through the North Indian (near the Himalayas) mountains via the highest motorable pass - Khardung La - in the world. Loved every bit of that 12 day ride
Realized that I'd like to take on some 'off-road' stuff on a longer term - rather than occasional adventures. At this time, still on the FJR. Scanning the forums to validate my choice of the S10. Narrowed down from shortlist of Gs, Tiger/Explorer and S10. From what I read so far, seems very clearly that the S10 is the ADV avatar of the FJR. Can't wait to switch out the FJR (paddle shifter - love it so much - hope I don't miss it on the S10) to the S10 in couple of months' time.

Which model year would be the best to scout around for?
 

AVGeek

Well-Known Member
Founding Member
2014 Site Supporter
Joined
Sep 5, 2010
Messages
2,779
Location
Boulder City, NV 89005
Rambler said:
SNAP: I've been on a FJR1300AE / 2009 past two years and really love the bike. But....
SNAP Again!: I thought post 50 - I wouldn't want to venture off the slab - just cruise along - a couple of IBA rides here and there. But.....July 2015 rode a Royal Enfield 500cc through the North Indian (near the Himalayas) mountains via the highest motorable pass - Khardung La - in the world. Loved every bit of that 12 day ride
Realized that I'd like to take on some 'off-road' stuff on a longer term - rather than occasional adventures. At this time, still on the FJR. Scanning the forums to validate my choice of the S10. Narrowed down from shortlist of Gs, Tiger/Explorer and S10. From what I read so far, seems very clearly that the S10 is the ADV avatar of the FJR. Can't wait to switch out the FJR (paddle shifter - love it so much - hope I don't miss it on the S10) to the S10 in couple of months' time.

Which model year would be the best to scout around for?
It's come up a few times before, there are quite a few current and former FJR owners here, including myself. I've had the 04 (Gen 1) and 08 (Gen 2) FJRs, and the ST is so much more comfortable and just fits me better. I do occasionally miss the sweet power of the inline 4, and even did a demo on a Gen 3 FJR at the IMS show. It's funny how small the FJR feels after being on the ST.

I have the Gen 1 (2012) ST, was one of those who stuck out the original PDP process. The Gen 2 (2014 and up) improvements are tempting, but my riding has dropped off enough recently that I don't feel compelled to upgrade yet. Yamaha did a really great job across the board with this bike, so either iteration will bring a smile to your face, though in your case you might want to look at Gen 2 bikes, given the additional tech features, like cruise.
 

Rambler

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 30, 2016
Messages
812
Location
Up SR400 (GA)
AVGeek said:
It's come up a few times before, there are quite a few current and former FJR owners here, including myself. I've had the 04 (Gen 1) and 08 (Gen 2) FJRs, and the ST is so much more comfortable and just fits me better. I do occasionally miss the sweet power of the inline 4, and even did a demo on a Gen 3 FJR at the IMS show. It's funny how small the FJR feels after being on the ST.

I have the Gen 1 (2012) ST, was one of those who stuck out the original PDP process. The Gen 2 (2014 and up) improvements are tempting, but my riding has dropped off enough recently that I don't feel compelled to upgrade yet. Yamaha did a really great job across the board with this bike, so either iteration will bring a smile to your face, though in your case you might want to look at Gen 2 bikes, given the additional tech features, like cruise.
That's what I also thought when I looked at the S10. The riding position seemed more natural to me.
Thanks! I went down to the dealer y/day evening to talk some prices.
Quoted me OTD (including all junk fees) of a 17,100 for a still crated 2015 ES. He said he'd get back to me on a couple of still crated 2014 (not sure S or ES) they have available.
Going through this forum, I'm sure there are better deals out there. Eager to get into the S10 saddle, but first need to find a new home for the Feej.
 

VRODE

Easy Does It
Joined
Aug 7, 2014
Messages
945
Location
Northern Vermont
1500 miles into it I'm very happy.
Pros - Love the way it handles. The balance of the suspension and great brakes make this easier than I would have thought thru the twisties.
Nice power. Nice spread down low and very flexible. Not much up top but that's ok. I don't need a screamer anymore.
Comfy. Got winglets and stock screen at highest. No turbulence but a little noisy. spoiler coming should alleviate that. Seat is good after the bumper mod, though I wish it wasn't so grippy. Excellent legroom and I can't complain about the bars....yet.
Gets smoother with more miles. Tranny has loosened up nicely and the motor has smoothed out as well.
I like the way it looks.

Cons - Way noisier motor than my FZ1. I expected it but it's still kinda funny the way it clatters and clunks around down there (R> W<). Earplugs work wonders.
Will be getting it remapped. I'm getting used to the throttle but would love less engine braking in sport mode and a little quicker pickup in T mode.

I can see why some of the rags were less than thrilled with it, but the more I ride it, the more I love it. It's so easy to ride I find myself just enjoying riding in general a lot more. I know some of it is the "new bike" glow, but I find myself focused yet more relaxed. It winds up being physically easier to ride despite the weight gain over my FZ1.

Big thanks to all on this great forum. Your knowledge and enthusiasm is greatly appreciated, and now, well understood.
 

cummingj

New Member
Joined
Jun 26, 2016
Messages
19
Location
Kalamazoo, MI
Getting use to the weight versus my Ducati Hyperstrada, but compared to the competition (BMW, KTM, Ducati Multi) in reliability and bang for the buck, it is a winner.
 

yz454

Member
Joined
Mar 29, 2012
Messages
315
Location
Newberg ,Or
Love the s10 76,000 and fine . I don't worry about hp ' with my bikes mods you can't buy . Was going to get the Honda but after looking it over it would take to much work to get it at my s10s level performance wise.
 

Spork

Member
Joined
Jun 16, 2016
Messages
38
Location
Chicago, IL
Rambler said:
SNAP: I've been on a FJR1300AE / 2009 past two years and really love the bike. But....
SNAP Again!: I thought post 50 - I wouldn't want to venture off the slab - just cruise along - a couple of IBA rides here and there. But.....July 2015 rode a Royal Enfield 500cc through the North Indian (near the Himalayas) mountains via the highest motorable pass - Khardung La - in the world. Loved every bit of that 12 day ride
Realized that I'd like to take on some 'off-road' stuff on a longer term - rather than occasional adventures. At this time, still on the FJR. Scanning the forums to validate my choice of the S10. Narrowed down from shortlist of Gs, Tiger/Explorer and S10. From what I read so far, seems very clearly that the S10 is the ADV avatar of the FJR. Can't wait to switch out the FJR (paddle shifter - love it so much - hope I don't miss it on the S10) to the S10 in couple of months' time.

Which model year would be the best to scout around for?
I have a 2013 FJR 1300A and a 2014 S10ES ... I'm, only happy with both. The inline 4 is just better for pounding out interstate miles, smooth and powerful. The S10 is't as well suited for pounding out miles like the FJR (not saying it can't, just not as well), so I kept both. If I were to pick one then I would keep the S10, but the FJR still has its strengths, and that's why I'm taking it across the country this summer instead of the S10.

I like the S10 for the month I've owned it, but I think the ES option is overvalued. I rarely change the settings once I have it dialed in. Maybe if I did more dirt, but for now im not doing dirt.
 

BMC55

New Member
Joined
Nov 5, 2015
Messages
25
Location
Alberta, Canada
I have put 12,000 kms on the bike since the purchase in November of 2015. I am 61 and haven't done dirt riding since my late 20's. This bike makes me feel like a pro keeping up with guys 20 years younger. 200 kms of forestry trunk roads in British Columbia Canada loaded with panniers and there was no problem keeping up with younger guys on the BMW GS1200. Highway riding with cruise control and the rain protection of the design makes this bike a treat on the pavement. Heated grips when it gets cold means no stopping to put on more gear. I truly love this machine. Nothing serious in the way of maintenance other than oil changes, throttle cable adjustment, steering head bearing adjustment, and spoke tightening once. All of the maintenance done by myself incurring no dealer costs other than parts. Power is more than adequate for me. Great job Yamaha.
 

Crazy legs

ATGATT "Let's Ride"
Joined
Apr 19, 2014
Messages
2
Location
Middle of South Carolina
Hello All,
I am looking a getting a new ride. Like most of you I too have had several different brands and have surpassed 300K miles. I now own a like new 2009 FJR 1300 with 8,000 miles on it. Its great, it's perfect, it runs like a top and looks like it is new with all three hard cases. But I want something different and thought I would go with the Super Ten ES. The dealer is offering 5 grand :(. I was looking at KTM, the famous GS or GSA but they are proud of them. I have owned a few Yamaha's and they have never let me down. You FJR owners out there, was it worth the difference in changing hte FJR for the Super Tenere? I am sixty years young. I am not a knee dragger. I am wanting my next bike to last a while. Keep the FJR or Trade for the ST?

Thanks for your help.
 
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