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 56.2%
  • It's exactley what I thought it would be

    Votes: 513 37.0%
  • It's not quite what I thought it would be

    Votes: 88 6.3%
  • It's nothing like I thought it would be

    Votes: 6 0.4%

  • Total voters
    1,386

Vespa

New Member
Joined
May 15, 2020
Messages
27
Location
Virginia
I purchased my 2015 non-ES brand new. Rode it all over northern Italy in the Alps and Dolomites, and then in the US. Put over 13,000 miles on it. The bike was flawless. Always easy to handle, did exactly what I wanted, felt very stable on the highway at fast speeds or in high cross-winds, and was very forgiving at any speed and gear. Ergonomics was perfect, weather protection was perfect, and it brought a smile to my face.

Wasn't riding it as much due to living in a more congested area (with terrible drivers), no longer had a garage, and had other family responsibilities to think about (costs and risks). I traded it in as I bought a new car. I know why I made that decision, but regret giving up the ST and miss it.
 

Combo

DSN
Founding Member
2011 Site Supporter
2012 Site Supporter
2013 Site Supporter
2014 Site Supporter
Joined
Oct 18, 2010
Messages
1,541
Location
Santa Fe, Texas
I purchased my 2015 non-ES brand new. Rode it all over northern Italy in the Alps and Dolomites, and then in the US. Put over 13,000 miles on it. The bike was flawless. Always easy to handle, did exactly what I wanted, felt very stable on the highway at fast speeds or in high cross-winds, and was very forgiving at any speed and gear. Ergonomics was perfect, weather protection was perfect, and it brought a smile to my face.

Wasn't riding it as much due to living in a more congested area (with terrible drivers), no longer had a garage, and had other family responsibilities to think about (costs and risks). I traded it in as I bought a new car. I know why I made that decision, but regret giving up the ST and miss it.
Sorry you sold it. I am kinda in a same situation as I have a Super Tenere and have just purchased a new Yamaha Tenere 700 and love it also. I can't justify both bikes along with a street legal WR450 but I don't want to get rid of any of them. I think the only answer for me is to stop buying motorcycles.
 

Filbert

New Member
Joined
Jul 6, 2017
Messages
3
Location
Regina Saskatchewan Canada
I bought mine new in 17. I have just over 26000 km on it now. I find it has been a wonderful bike. Better than expected fuel economy and the best gravel road bike I have owned. I had a KLR before this and the super tenere beats it in every aspect. Great all around bike.
 

VRODE

Easy Does It
Joined
Aug 7, 2014
Messages
940
Location
Northern Vermont
Just an update.
Been dealing with a bum knee that has gotten weaker over time. It's been deteriorating for years but it's accelerated since 2015. I bought the ST in 2016 and have really enjoyed it. But having to pick it up (parking lot drops) twice, and wheeling it around, make me realize it's a big beast. This year is not the year to replace it though as I'm making the move to a total knee replacement.
So to entertain myself this winter I started the long, arduous trek I usually put myself thru when contemplating a new bike. All kinds of makes and styles were considered. I also considered used bikes, as some models I like can be had for quite a discount. The hard part is balancing what I like, versus what I really need. I still really like FJRs. Pros...Shaft, comfort, reliable. Cons.....a little heavy, not really a dirt road bike. I keep coming back to "If I could find a bike that had those FJR attributes I like so much AND was good on milder dirt conditions, it would be great" My first ride this spring brought it all back. I'm sure I'll eventually want a change, but it's not this year. And if my knee comes back stronger (it can't be much worse than it is now) I'm sure Godzilla and I have more than a few good years left. Hope everyone has a good riding season!
 

fac191

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 22, 2016
Messages
2,826
Location
London
Just an update.
Been dealing with a bum knee that has gotten weaker over time. It's been deteriorating for years but it's accelerated since 2015. I bought the ST in 2016 and have really enjoyed it. But having to pick it up (parking lot drops) twice, and wheeling it around, make me realize it's a big beast. This year is not the year to replace it though as I'm making the move to a total knee replacement.
So to entertain myself this winter I started the long, arduous trek I usually put myself thru when contemplating a new bike. All kinds of makes and styles were considered. I also considered used bikes, as some models I like can be had for quite a discount. The hard part is balancing what I like, versus what I really need. I still really like FJRs. Pros...Shaft, comfort, reliable. Cons.....a little heavy, not really a dirt road bike. I keep coming back to "If I could find a bike that had those FJR attributes I like so much AND was good on milder dirt conditions, it would be great" My first ride this spring brought it all back. I'm sure I'll eventually want a change, but it's not this year. And if my knee comes back stronger (it can't be much worse than it is now) I'm sure Godzilla and I have more than a few good years left. Hope everyone has a good riding season!
Way to go dude.
 

pilleway

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 18, 2019
Messages
747
Location
Mexico
Just an update.
Been dealing with a bum knee that has gotten weaker over time. It's been deteriorating for years but it's accelerated since 2015. I bought the ST in 2016 and have really enjoyed it. But having to pick it up (parking lot drops) twice, and wheeling it around, make me realize it's a big beast. This year is not the year to replace it though as I'm making the move to a total knee replacement.
So to entertain myself this winter I started the long, arduous trek I usually put myself thru when contemplating a new bike. All kinds of makes and styles were considered. I also considered used bikes, as some models I like can be had for quite a discount. The hard part is balancing what I like, versus what I really need. I still really like FJRs. Pros...Shaft, comfort, reliable. Cons.....a little heavy, not really a dirt road bike. I keep coming back to "If I could find a bike that had those FJR attributes I like so much AND was good on milder dirt conditions, it would be great" My first ride this spring brought it all back. I'm sure I'll eventually want a change, but it's not this year. And if my knee comes back stronger (it can't be much worse than it is now) I'm sure Godzilla and I have more than a few good years left. Hope everyone has a good riding season!
My best wishes for you knee to become stronger and enjoy Godzilla for many years!!
My best regards.
 

Sierra1

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2016
Messages
14,812
Location
Joshua TX
The FJR is my second favorite bike. The power is intoxicating, and is about the only thing I really miss about it. I would think your knees would prefer the Tenere's more relaxed seating position.

Good luck with the bionic knee.
 

Clawdog60

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 14, 2018
Messages
560
Location
east central "ILL"
The transmission gear ratios flat out suck. Whoever was the person that chose these must have never ridden the bike. The rest of it is ok.
 

Clawdog60

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 14, 2018
Messages
560
Location
east central "ILL"
I bought mine new in 17. I have just over 26000 km on it now. I find it has been a wonderful bike. Better than expected fuel economy and the best gravel road bike I have owned. I had a KLR before this and the super tenere beats it in every aspect. Great all around bike.
These bikes could get 60+ mpg with the proper gearing at 75mph
 

Clawdog60

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 14, 2018
Messages
560
Location
east central "ILL"
Super Tenere Review, 8 years, 200,000 miles in the making

I wanted to make this thread in August when my Tenere hit 200,000 miles then two days later turned eight years old, But it was still riding weather.
I was one of the "lucky ones" that pre ordered then waited 10 months to get it.
I actually ordered it for a first time trip to Alaska with my son, but the Tenere came the day after we left home on the trip. It has since taken me to Alaska twice and one of them trips was two up with my wife.
In the eight years of ownership not once has this bike left me stranded or let me down.
I'm not saying it has been 100% trouble free. There has been things like a seal on the rear end leaking but that is very easy to fix and cheap. The stator did fail at 175,000 miles [all oil bath stators will fail sooner or later] But it happened close to home. A stick coil gave out all at once [around 204,000] but that happened in the driveway. The ABS pump failed and when I investigated it had been living in a swamp down in it's hole, so that wasn't all it's fault. It's an easy fix to just bypass the pump and have regular brakes. Had to replace fork seals once but that might have been due to not cleaning the Dalton dried on grime off before hitting the road that morning.
This bike changed my way of riding and why I ride. I have been riding my whole life, I say that I was born on a motorcycle. But this bike is so fun to ride after eight years I just can't wait to get on it and go for a ride.
When we got this bike I didn't think I would ever really take it off road, It's just to big. Boy was I mistaking about it's capabilities. This thing really is a beast off road, and I mean in an awesome way.
Like I said , Alaska twice, Grand Canyon a couple times, around the White Rim Trail twice around Lake Superior, trips to Colorado [quite a few], Twisted Sisters, The Dragon, Arkansas many times, Romney WV. a few times, And mostly every chance I get just around Iowa.
I try to take care of my bike and keep it as clean as easy as possible which means power washing it any time it needs it.
I have adjusted the valves a couple times and at about 110,000 I put a new cam chain in while adjusting valves. It does take time to adjust valves but they don't need it very often.
The first time was around 60,000 miles.
The 12 and 13s had a junk cam chain tensioner in them and wouldn't last more than about 75,000 miles. I put a manual tensioner in mine so there is no chance of failure.
I haven't held back from riding it hard and as much off road as possible. and it has held up to every challenge I throw at it.
Here are some of the great memories this bike has made for me.

On the way to Hyder, Alaska on the Kettle Valley rail trail.


Riding over Imogene Pass, Colorado


Riding as far up the North Canol road as I could.


Riding the Blue Loop at Mill Creek Arkansas


White Rim Trail


Just about stuck in the middle of no where , Baxter Pass


Poison Spring road with friends.




On the way home from riding the Twisted Sisters


I'm really looking forward to the next eight years with my Tenere

Thank's for reading
Steve
wow
 

lund

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 8, 2019
Messages
809
Location
Okanagan Valley, Canada.
These bikes could get 60+ mpg with the proper gearing at 75mph
Maybe i'm missunderstanding your post but the S10 is a work horse not a street rocket or a fuel mizer.
Its the F350 of the moto world, it will haul your ass plus gear in the remoteness of places and that requires TORQUE, torque requires fuel to produce and truck like gearing.
Maybe you have the wrong motorcycle for your use.
 

Clawdog60

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 14, 2018
Messages
560
Location
east central "ILL"
Maybe i'm missunderstanding your post but the S10 is a work horse not a street rocket or a fuel mizer.
Its the F350 of the moto world, it will haul your ass plus gear in the remoteness of places and that requires TORQUE, torque requires fuel to produce and truck like gearing.
Maybe you have the wrong motorcycle for your use.
yes but the 4,5,6 gears leave much on the efficiency table.
 

Clawdog60

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 14, 2018
Messages
560
Location
east central "ILL"
Maybe i'm missunderstanding your post but the S10 is a work horse not a street rocket or a fuel mizer.
Its the F350 of the moto world, it will haul your ass plus gear in the remoteness of places and that requires TORQUE, torque requires fuel to produce and truck like gearing.
Maybe you have the wrong motorcycle for your use.
1,2,3, gear fine. well first could use a higher ratio for low speed. the others are way too close of ratios for the power of this engine. ie; being able to run 35mph in 6th gear and roll on the throttle without lugging is just wrong.
 
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