Why does Yamaha market like this?

[hANNAbONE]

And believe you me... Philippe' knows!!!!

 

[colorider]

That speaks volumes! You will never get that from Laurence Kuykendall or Pieter De Waal, I guarantee it!

Agree!!! This is one of the few times that ANY Japanese motorcycle company has listened to what the US market is asking for (sorry - I don't count cruisers).

 

[Buckeye56]

Agree!!! This is one of the few times that ANY Japanese motorcycle company has listened to what the US market is asking for (sorry - I don't count cruisers).

When the original ST1100 was announced, American Honda wanted to sell it in the US. But the home office folks were not in favor. They had watched the sales of the Concours in the late 80s and felt the US market was not the place for another sport touring bike. One thing to remember is we are adherents of sport touring and ADV riding. But combined we make up a very small segment of sales. I believe that Honda sells less than 4,500 ST1300s yearly and equally, the US is less than 2 percent of Honda's world-wide two wheeler sales. I am very grateful that Yamaha decided to offer the Super Tenere here at all given the current economic climate. Would I have liked to do a demo ride or two before buying? You bet! But that is not how it worked out.

 

[colorider]

When the original ST1100 was announced, American Honda wanted to sell it in the US. But the home office folks were not in favor. They had watched the sales of the Concours in the late 80s and felt the US market was not the place for another sport touring bike.

I was one of the many that watched this unfold on the ST1100. I still have what I think is the very first article in a US motorcycle magazine that describes the ST1100. Almost bought one in '90 (one of the black '91's), but could not sell my Suzuki Cavalcade. When the silver '91's were released in very early '91, I couldn't hold back any longer and bought my first in April of '91. Had a total of 4 ST1100's and one ST1300 over the years.

 

[keeponriding]

I read the press reviews: Long distance bike, capable of carrying luggage and going off-road? Shaft drive, ABS and non-skid, at a price $7k below BMW, from a company with widely spaced dealerships and excellent reputation.

I decided while sitting at my kitchen table, this is my next bike.

Frankly, I wish I had it now instead of Aug (or later)...but will gladly wait, especially as I have a Honda in the garage. I still reread all those press reviews...closest I could get to the bike.

My only concern is my fit: With a 30 inch inseam, will I reach the ground? Other demo riders here have indicated yes....

I've since searched again for a comparable bike......there is nothing being sold today with the price/value of this bike.

 

[colorider]

I read the press reviews: Long distance bike, capable of carrying luggage and going off-road? Shaft drive, ABS and non-skid, at a price $7k below BMW, from a company with widely spaced dealerships and excellent reputation.

I decided while sitting at my kitchen table, this is my next bike.

Many of us here decided in much the same way! Having owned several V-Stroms and other Adventure Touring bikes, I knew how comfortable they can be for extended riding and/or just a simple commute.

 

[3putt]

I don't believe it is as simple as the Super Tenere is cheaper than the R12GS. Never ridden a GS, but from what I read, the ABS and traction control does not work as well as the S10. As for service, lots of the GS guys do their own 6000 mi service. I'm expecting the DIY will be pretty easy on the S10 also.

I'm one of the lucky guys that DID get to demo the S10. Very nice ride experience. Brakes are superb to say the least. I am a front brake guy, hardly ever touch the rear brake unless slow speed maneuvering, the unified brakes on the S10 are VERY good. You will not get that with the GS.

Thanks Fredz for talking to Yamaha in the early days. I reap the benefits.

I'm also another happy/impressed WR250R owner. Nice work Yamaha.

 

[fredz43]

My only concern is my fit: With a 30 inch inseam, will I reach the ground? Other demo riders here have indicated yes....

Anthony, I also have a 30 inch inseam and the Super Ten fits me well. Here is a pic when I took one out for a ride in January when Niehaus Cycles had one of the display models. Check that my boot is flat on the ground on the back side of the bike. I can flat foot very well with the seat in the low position.

 

[AVGeek]

I'm a Yamaha fan. I grew up in the dunes of SoCal, riding ATVs, and they earned my loyalty to their brand with the Banshee. While all the toys my dad bought when I was a kid were Hondas, I have only bought Yamahas for myself. When I moved to Las Vegas, I wanted a street legal WR450, but I wasn't in a position to buy one and get it plated before Nevada changed the law that allowed dirt bikes to be made street legal. I also participated in contacting Yamaha to bring over both the 660 and 1200 Teneres, and although I would have bought the 660 had it come here instead or in addition, I am really looking forward to the 1200 when it gets here.

I went to the Cycle World show in Long Beach in December expressly to ride the Teneres, and I was very disappointed when it was rained out. Thankfully, there is a thread here with a link to the demo schedule; I was able to demo the bike last weekend at Arizona Bike Week. If you do go to a demo event, be sure to get there early, as the available rides fill up fast!