Yamaha Build Quality

[JHKolb]

Looking for input on Yamaha's build quality before I commit to buying an S10 (though I really want one!).

I am coming from a Honda (VFR) and I/and family have always had Honda's and their mechanical build quality has always been above par in my personal experience. At looking to buy an Adventure type bike to share the garage with my VFR, I have looks and test rides on the Ducati MS1200, BMW 1200GS, and the Yamaha ST. While lurking on forums for each of these, the Ducati seems to have the most owner reported issues, then BMW, and there is obviously little reports (from the US) on the S10 as yet.

The Ducati seems to have many electronics issues and a few issues with plastic gas tanks deforming - all are slowly being addressed by Ducati with new model updates. BMW seems to have some drive-line issues and a friend has had major issues with water in his airbox causing motor issues.

This bike is something that will take me places that may be far from a local dealer/shop if it has issues so I want to be comfortable that the bike will not leave me walking or sitting in the shop fighting with Yamaha to fix issues. So, any of you guys currently riding a newer Yamaha have any gripes, input on their build quality, and if you had issues how difficult a process was it to have these addressed (under warranty, own dime, etc.)?

Thanks for any input!

John

 

[colorider]

John,
I have been riding my FJR for 3 years and have had ZERO problems. It has proved to be every bit as bullet-proof as the Honda ST's (1100 and 1300) that I previously rode.

As for the dealer network, in case there is a problem, you will have much better luck with Yamaha than either BMW or Ducati - hands down!!!

The only reported issue that I remember hearing about on the SuperT is a weak initial design on the rear luggage rack. Yamaha issued a warning on it and had a redesigned replacement racks available in a very short time.

Good luck!!!

 

[rem]

I have never owned a Yamaha bike, but have owned various Yamaha products. I think their build quality is top notch. I don't think you will have any issues with that. Probably your biggest concern is the dealer from whom you purchase the bike. Check the dealership out. Talk to people who have dealt with them. If you have a reliable and honest dealer, you're in good shape I think. Yamaha has been around for a long time.


I'll phone Uncle Ito and drop your name. R

 

[Koinz]

John,

Looks like you did your research. I agree that Honda is up there as far as build quality, but I think your last paragraph sold me on the s10. Dealer availability is one thing yamaha has that the others don't. Unfortunately, no one in the states has one yet; so I can't comment on it's reliability, but I did test ride one and liked it very much, so im waiting.

Good Luck with your decision.

 

[Buckeye56]

John,

This will be my 6th Yamaha in 35+ years of riding. All were and/or are trouble free. I currently have a 2002 FZ1 with approximately 30K on it (not my primary ride). I have no qualms what so ever about buying the Super Tenere. FWIW, Yamaha has been involved with Toyota for many years assembling the race engines for TRD and they built the original SHO V6 engine for Ford back in the mid 80s. A solid company with a proven track record. IMHO, it as close to a sure thing as any purchase of a mechanical device can be.

HTH,

 

[JHKolb]

So far, all very reassuring responses!

I read a report recently (forget where, maybe AutoWeek) that in today's vehicle market no manufacturer really builds a bad product (ala Ford Pinto, Yugo or original Hyundai Accent), it is just a matter of who has the best bang for the buck or options and aesthetics you are looking for.

Aside from build quality which is seeming to be excellent, what about maintenance issues? Like the Ducati needing valves adjusted at 15K (to a cost well over $500), has past experience for Yamaha leaned towards easy user maintenance or dealer required?

I know with my VFR, the V4 is 'supposed' to get a valve adjustment at around 24K (I think), but most never doing and many have 60-70K with zero issues at all. That is what I am hoping with the S10, more time on the road and less time pampering it for maintenance issues.

 

[colorider]

I know with my VFR, the V4 is 'supposed' to get a valve adjustment at around 24K (I think), but most never doing and many have 60-70K with zero issues at all. That is what I am hoping with the S10, more time on the road and less time pampering it for maintenance issues.

The FJR is the same as far as valve adjustment interval. I just had mine checked at 25K and they were still spot on. Many on the FJR forum report the same results at much higher mileage (just as your VFR).

 

[Mellow]

The only bikes I've ever owned have been Honda products.. given that, I have zero problem with thinking Yamaha products will be just as good if not better. I have seen how Yamaha has reacted to customer issues with the 1st version(s) of the FJR so they appear to listen to their customers and react better than Honda does but Honda is also MUCH bigger... so, I'm good either way.. not getting rid of my Honda but it's not at all because I don't feel the SuperT will be less reliable.

 

[AVGeek]

I've owned nothing but Yamaha's since I started buying my own quads and bikes...after growing up with all Hondas...The few issues I have seen with their products can be attributed to typical "one out of a thousand" errors that can occur with mass produced products. I've had two quads and three bikes from Mama Yama, and the SuperT will be joining my current FJR in the garage.

 

[HoebSTer]

hey JHKolb,

I think you sort of answered your own questions with your findings. I have been a Honda ST1100 and 1300 guy for almost 15 years. Coming over to this Yamaha will be no sweat for me at all. The shaft drives have been out for some time like FJR's and Vmax's and many others to provide reliability history all over. After having a Suzuki VSTrom, coming from a Sport-Touring bike is a world of difference with better comfort, upright riding position and quicker steering (lighter feel). For the Tenere and the modern shaft, ABS and Traction Control, we will all be absolutely amazed at this bike when it gets here.
As for the Duc, or Beemer, well each has it's followers, but many must have a pocket full of cash to back it up, both riding and maintenance. I don't have time or money to ride German, or Italian. To me, the Japanese quality and reliability although some say it has no character beats the others. What you read is correct, go with your gut if you are questioning what you hear of the others.
ANd I say this without even owning a Tenere!!! I won't be disappointed at all. I am even more excited about this bike than my first new Honda ST1100 I bought Aug 23, 1996. Way more stoked for this one!!!

 

[HoebSTer]

JHKolb,

As you poke around on here, you will find there has been a thread about valve adjustment intervals. Tenere uses shim under bucket same as the Hondas. You too should see over 24k before adjustment is needed.

 

[JHKolb]

This all sounds great, I am always hesitant to dive into a new (to me) manufacturer's products, especially these days with tight cash flows, BUT, I am really close to pulling the trigger on the ST10.

Local dealer to me, which has a very good reputation and I have had good success with (but only with service/parts) has 1 pre-order ST for the floor ordered that they would transfer to me.

I think I may have to ride up this weekend and make the commitment official. Just have to explain to the wife what Multiple Bike Syndrome is so I can keep the VFR )

 

[colorider]

Just have to explain to the wife what Multiple Bike Syndrome is so I can keep the VFR )

It can be done!!! I'm keeping my FJR (for a while at least).............



Good luck!!!

 

[Kevhunts]

I have ridden & worked on Honda's, Yamaha's, Kawasaki's and Suzuki's. I think Honda's have a very slight edge on build quality & design but the others are typically very close in my book. I would rate them in the order above.

If Honda had offered a bike here in the US like the super tenere, I would have definately given them a close look but, alas Yamaha beat them to the punch.

 

[colorider]

If Honda had offered a bike here in the US like the super tenere, I would have definately given them a close look but, alas Yamaha beat them to the punch.

Although a smaller size, they did offer one back in '89 - but it never caught on!! IMHO one of Honda's best bikes!!

The TransAlp!!

Here's a picture of my last one - a '90. I also had two '89's over the years.

 

[Kevhunts]

Too little advertizing or just bad timing for the Trans Alp I guess....seems everybody was getting into the cruiser craze.
Now that the market is saturated with cruisers, folks are looking for something different. Just look at Can Am.

I think we are witnessing a change in course away from the cruisers into more adventure types here in the US.
It would probably be happening faster if the economy was booming.

 

[joedec]

I rode all Yamaha though the 70s and 80s, then all Honda though the 90s and 00. Honda fit and finish I love, what got me looking at Yamaha again was the WR, which I purchased over BMW. The fit and finish for a low cost bike is just excellent, I love this little bike. I am hoping and feel quite confident the Tenere will be a large version of the same plus a lot more.

It does feel weird however having no Honda products in my garage, maybe I'll get a Honda lawn mower!

... Jeff

 

[statz]

Most of my friends ride a Honda. They give me a hard time, but we all agree that my Yamaha's could not hold up any better. They have been great bikes.

 

[sportrider]

I traded my 03 vfr for an 05 fjr and was very happy with Yamaha products and service. Yamaha snowmobiles sold me years ago on quality. I beat that thing and it never broke. I highly recommend giving Yamaha a go. Keeping multiple tools in the garage is always best, but you may find alot of dust on the vfr if you get the S10. Just my opinion.

 

[MotorcopBBQ]

JHK, The thing that I've read about BMW is mostly the final drive failures (2006-2009 R1200RT, R1200GS models) No problems from what a local BMW dealership-owner told me a week ago. And some BMW owners I have spoken with is the price of service seems to being steadily on the rise for owners not doing oil, brake pads changes themselves. Owning a Harley, cost for service is why I'm thinking about going to this bike. I want a bike I can work on myself. NO MORE SHOP TRIPS. The closest dealership is 8 miles away. The next is 14 miles, etc. My advise is to go to one of the test rides that Yamaha is doing this summer. Personally, I want to test ride the bike to know 100% that this is the bike for me before I put my money down.