What Year Tenere to Buy

[Bigguy136]

I've been on motorcycles for many years but I want to go off the beaten path. I have a FJR1300 that I've taken to Newfoundland, Alaska and everywhere in between. I ride about 25,000 miles a year. When I went to Alaska, I short cut and went to Hyder because I didn't want to hit any dirt roads for fear of a bad pothole cracking a rim.
A few of my rides over the next couple years is going to Prudhoe Bay, Cabo San Lucas and Panama Canal and that is where the Tenere comes in. With what the bike will go thru, I plan on buying used. I've been looking at several low mileage 2012 but I've been looking at a few 2014 because of the electronic cruise control. I've always added electronic cruise on my bikes but I'm sure the factory CC would be better. Other than the CC, is there anything I should be looking for or not? I'm not worrying about what bags as I want to buy the correct bike and will get the bags later.
The side bags I've been looking at so far are the Touratech. Are they worth the money?

Any advice would be great.
Thanks, Kevin

 

[Spork]

If you can afford it, a 2014+ is the way to go some good improvements and needed polish. In terms of ES vs regular, I like the ES for adjusting the suspension for whatever suits me at the time. I know that some folks are the "set it and forget it" types, but I find for Dual Sport, the flexibility is useful.

I bought my second-hand with the OEM bags. The OEM bags are okay but I don't care for the lock mechanism, and the tail bag is paltry compared the my E55 on my FJR. I think the general consensus is that Tourtech is good but probably a bit on the pricey side in general .

 

[14s10]

I did a lot of research myself before buying my 2014 just about a month ago. Everything I read everyone agreed if you can afford it get a 2014+ for the various improvements that were made. As far as bags, I've also done a lot of research on here and myself decided to go with the touratech, though there are many other very well like options including Sw motech Trax, Jesse, and givi. I personally like the look of the touratech zega pro's and they seem like they are very proven and rarely have I read bad things about them, and they look good imo. They are expensive though. Reading off all the trips you've done and are going to do I'm jealous, sounds like some very good times. Wish I had the time and money to do more epic trips!


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[Bigbore4]

Still pretty happy with my original glow in the dark machine. Just completed a huge ride. I have not ridden a 14+, the reports are they are a bit smoother. Mostly we nit-pik, the bikes are awesome reliable. Follow the deals, there are a few awespme deals both here and over on ADVRider in the flea market. Someone rides like you could do an easy fly and ride.

If ya aint rode one I am in the north metro.

 

[Chuck B]

I'm mostly off road and much prefer soft panniers. Currently love my Moskomoto bags using sw-motech racks. I prefer my moto fizz top case over the moskomoto duffle.

 

[colorider]

Welcome to the Forum (from another ex-FJR rider).

Although I don't think you can go wrong with either the first or second gen Tenere, most will agree that the second is clearly the more refined bike and worth getting if you can swing a deal on one - either new or used.

As for luggage, it's such a personal choice. What works for some does not always work for others. I had the Givi Trekkers on my first Tenere and was reasonably happy with them, but was disappointed in the lack of waterproofness. I'm running the OEM bags on my present Tenere and so far happy with them.

Good luck!!!

 

[ThreePutt]

I've had both a gen I and II at the same time. Get the newer one.

 

[Ron Earp]

Newer one, I did...

BUT, there are some 2012s here and on the Advrider.com forum that are under $7k. That's a steal and the clutch basket, cam chain tensioner are easy fixes just leaving a few refinements as the differences. Worth ~$6k? For you to decide but I have a buddy coming off his 2008 GSA Bike O Woe and eyeing a 12ish Super T.

 

[AVGeek]

Soft bags are definitely a consideration, but if you want the security of hard bags, I'd be looking at Jesse or Bumot.

Another FJR convert here (04 and 08), and other than occasionally missing the thrust of the FJR motor, the ST fits me so much better.

 

[~TABASCO~]

2012..... still love the beast !

 

[barkingllizard]

had both, second gen is better, 2014 or newer.....

 

[Use2btrix]

I have the Bumot panniers and top case. Top quality. Zero regrets with them.

I'd go for a 14+. If you plan to put a ton of miles on it and keep it a while you won't regret it. The electronic cruise control is second to none. Works flawlessly. Few other worthwhile upgraded as well.

 

[Bigguy136]

I have a few 2012s and a 2014 to look at this week and weekend. Hopefully I can get something soon so I can get a few miles on it before winter hits.

 

[Bigguy136]

The 2014 does sound like what will be preferred

 

[Checkswrecks]

Welcome aboard from another FJR convert.
2014+ if possible, but the Gen1 bikes are still great!

 

[Slugo65]

I have a 2012 for sale. Love the bike just don't have time to ride. Both gen 1 and 2 are great bikes and you can't go wrong. Whatever you choose you will get a great machine for some epic trips. Best of luck to you and your adventures.!

 

[ABBlender]

I really enjoy my 2013 matte grey. It's just taken me through a 3 week ride through Alberta, Yukon, BC, and a bit into Alaska. No drama, no issues, just fill and go. Checked spokes halfway through the trip and all was good, so I didn't think about them again. It got an average of 4.8 L/100 km on the trip using all grades of fuel. It took me on some challenging dual track road and also across some decent creek crossings without a worry. I love the character of the motor on these bikes!

I do plan on updating the chain tensioner on the first big service (not needed, but pre-emptive) and I also do plan on updating the clutch basket someday as there is a little vibes around the 3K rpm at times. Once again, nothing major.

I don't think one can go wrong with gen 1 or gen 2. I don't need cruise control as my kaoko lock gives me the rest I need when I need it, and I have no desire for electronic suspension as it's more complexity and weight.

 

[retiredusaf]

2014+

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[Internationaltoll]

Another FJR convert here. I miss the power and smoothness of the FJR but the S10 suits my riding position so much better, plus off road is where it shines (compared to the FJR mind you). I found a brand new 15 for less than most 14s I was looking at. As previously mentioned the cruise is worth every penny.

 

[yoyo]

I test rode a 2012 bike and a mates 2013 before buying a 2016 bike, I found it a bit smoother but it was the CC that was the draw for me and it's been invaluable.