1200 miles - my thoughts

[Merfman]

I spent the day yesterday in the foothills above Denver and Boulder CO yesterday. As we were cruising up Deer Park Canyon my Tenere' broke the 1000 mile
mark. I came from an '03 VStrom and 30 years of dirt bike racing and very little street. Here are my thoughts regarding the ST and some of the issues that others
have reported.

Buffeting - yea, it's still there but it's MUCH less than the Strom. I put the screen in the low position and rode for a day before putting it back in the
high position. I'll have to look into solutions. Someday.

Steering - The Strom needed a fork brace to clean up the steering and make it feel a little less hinged in the middle. When loaded, off road, the fork flex
was very noticeable. Even un-loaded it wasn't as "sharp" as I would have liked. I haven't been distracted by the ST's offroad manners.

Seat - gotta do the mod to remove the forward cant. I think it'd be jusssst a tad more comfy with this done.

Motor - Love it love it love it. I'd de-chuddered the Strom and it was/is a great motor. I like the ST motor even better. Tons of torque down low
and just twisting the grin stick out of tight corners brings a smile the Strom never could. Sorry Strommers. Passing on the ST is even
better than the Strom with the lowered gearing.

Handling - It's not a race bike but I've yet to tip it into a corner that it didn't seem to like. Simply confidence inspiring.

Brakes - no comparison. ST's brakes are almost on par with my CRF...

Add - ons:
Panniers - love them but the flimsy feel of the key makes me nervous. (Oh, and Dear Yamaha, hows about putting a list of special
tools needed to install the panniers in the freakin instructions? Ridiculous that I had to find out on this forum that I needed a T50
AND a T10 Torx Security for the install)
Grip Warmers - spendy? Yea but they rock.

Simply loving the bike and I'm sure, for me, I 100% made the correct choice...

L8r,
Merf

 

[hANNAbONE]

...good review Merf - just wait until you get over 4000 miles, then things tend to really rock 'n roll.

 

[Dingo]

Tons of torque down low and just twisting the grin stick out of tight corners brings a smile the Strom never could.

Handling - It's not a race bike but I've yet to tip it into a corner that it didn't seem to like. Simply confidence inspiring.

I like the sound of this ... ::001::

 

[eemsreno]

Good take on the bike Merfman. Hannabone is right on too they get better and better. I have been a life long MX racer and I love good suspention and this bike rocks! A little stiff at first but breaks in perfect!

 

[spasm]

and i thought it was just me that loves this bike )
ive done 9300 miles and i cant keep my ass off the seat, great fun, although the way i ride it im wondering how long it will last before i break it lol. hopefully the motor will be bullet proof like all the other yamaha motors ::008::

 

[HoebSTer]

I like the sound of this ... ::001::

Dingo, Be careful, sounds like you are getting close to this bug!!!! We have to remind you, this bug does bite!!! it doesn't sting though, it feels real good after the sting happens!!! The smile on one's faces overpowers the pain we endure often felt in the wallet!!!

 

[djm_ct]

Great post. I only have about 300 miles on mine. Your review just makes me that much more confident that I made the right purchase. Can't wait to get the thing broken in proper.

 

[ravenrider]

Just broke 1000 miles this weekend and am loving the bike. I have never had a bike with a smoother engine/shifting. Can't wait until she is really broken in!

 

[tomatocity]

Good report Merfman. My Tenere handled very well then Firefighter adjusted the suspension. Much better. For a 220 load, the rear shock preload was changed to -2 clicks less of full adjustment. You can actually see the rear of the Tenere raising as you adjust. It turns in even better than before and before was very good.

 

[EricV]

Good stuff. I passed 20k yesterday in epic riding conditions on wonderfully fun roads collecting bonus locations for silly rallies and with my life mate. The S10 eats it all up and has more for seconds. Oil change tomorrow and I'm over due for spark plugs, etc. Like a good bike, tires and oil are the main things to take care of.

This bike will get better and better for each of you. Spend the time to dial in the suspension. Spend the time to learn what tires work for you and how you like to use the beast. Then just eat it up! Typical Yamaha reliability that just goes down the road/trail/whatever. I love being able to ride it a thousand miles away and just depart the pavement when I see a fun track and not stress about it. Where does that go? Let's find out! Aww shit, it dead ends in a wash. Ok, TC2, grab a handful and spin around, go back to where I knew where I was, continue on. ::008::

 

[switchback]

I was somewhat critical of the S10 power delivery and called it boring in past posts. I have to say it is getting much better as it breaks in. I may try the PCV later on but the bike is getting better with age. No complaints about anything but the windscreen. Great bike. Have the Ducati for sale but may just keep that one too, not as versatile but puts a smile on my face as well.

 

[MidlifeMotor]

You guys are lucky. Mine is still enroute from God only knows where. It should be here in about two weeks. I guess that's worth the 1500 less price to wait a little. Plus, I am learning a ton because I am sitting here instead of the seat of my S10!

 

[creggur]

You guys are lucky. Mine is still enroute from God only knows where. It should be here in about two weeks. I guess that's worth the 1500 less price to wait a little. Plus, I am learning a ton because I am sitting here instead of the seat of my S10!

The anticipation will only make it sweeter. And like everyone else here has said - if you like it at first, you're going to love it as you get some miles on it! Just passed 1200 this past weekend, and I'll tell ya - what they say is true - it gets better with each passing mile. Some have said it really starts to get better around 4,000 miles - If so, I'm in for some major fun because the bike is simply awesome right now... Congrats, and don't forget to post some pics when she arrives!

 

[Borghi]

I just traded mu 08 DL1000 on a new S10 last Friday. Hoping I like the S10, as I loved the V Strom!!

 

[justbob]

I bought a new 2003 V-Strom and put 60,000 miles on it. It was a typical reliable japanese motorcycle but it was lacking as far as brakes and suspension and technology. It was a good bargain bike but Suzuki desperately needs to update it. My Super Tenere cost about $5000 more than the V-Strom did but it has all things the Suzuki needed then and still needs now.

 

[tomatocity]

I just traded mu 08 DL1000 on a new S10 last Friday. Hoping I like the S10, as I loved the V Strom!!

If you liked the DL1000 you will love the Super Tenere.

Previous 2006 DL1000 owner and rider of 20,000 miles.

 

[GrahamD]

I just traded mu 08 DL1000 on a new S10 last Friday. Hoping I like the S10, as I loved the V Strom!!

If you start having any doubts, just borrow a Strom for a while after riding the S10 for a couple of months.

The difference going back is just umm I will say interesting. I kept mine for a little while and didn't ride it for a couple of months.

Very weird getting back on it. It was up for sale the next day.

Now it's a pity that Suzuki left it langish for so long. All they needed was a new motor, suspension, brakes, ABS, UBS, Traction control, and subframe and kept the lights. 1 change a year would have done it.

Cheers
Graham

 

[Tremor38]

If you start having any doubts, just borrow a Strom for a while after riding the S10 for a couple of months.

The difference going back is just umm I will say interesting. I kept mine for a little while and didn't ride it for a couple of months.

Very weird getting back on it. It was up for sale the next day.

Now it's a pity that Suzuki left it langish for so long. All they needed was a new motor, suspension, brakes, ABS, UBS, Traction control, and subframe and kept the lights. 1 change a year would have done it.

Cheers

I hate to pile it on the vee, but add a higher output alternator to that list ::26::
Graham

 

[cotton]

I like this thread!!!! ::012:: ::015::

Should be getting mine next month and can hardly wait!!

Have been reading here and over on Advrider and want to throw my leg over one NOW

Have wanted a GS for years but posts like this makes me glad I didn't.

Thanks for making my decision easier.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

If you liked the DL1000 you will love the Super Tenere.

Previous 2006 DL1000 owner and rider of 20,000 miles.

So true. I loved my 2006 DL1000 and put 48K miles on it over the 4 years I owned it. Couldn't imagine what was going to get me off it. Sold it last summer. Haven't missed it for even a second. The S10 is awesome.