Africa Twin

[eemsreno]

I wanted a new 125 and Yamaha hadn't changed the YZ for 12 years. Not that it's a bad bike but my SX is 12 years advanced.
There is a local motocross race at a great track in 3 weeks, I'm trying to get ready.
I will have to race against kids though.

 

[RCinNC]

First time I saw a side view of a new Africa Twin, it reminded me more of a KTM than it did a Super Tenere.

 

[BWC]

Quit raining here long enough on the west coast of Canada to stop by the local dealer for supplies. Found these two adventure bikes looking for a home. They also had a red AT that has been sold waiting for its new owner. It is pretty rare for any of the local dealers to stock the Tenere.
This one is an ES. I still often get the "Tene what?" at the parts counter though :

 

[greg the pole]

Talk to Scotty at Adrenalin. He just bought a brand new AT, in blue and white.

A local Calgary dealer called me.
The bike rang in at close to $18 grand!! oh and no center stand. Honestly, I'd rather buy the new 1090.

I'm not happy with honda jacking the price up by $1200 from 2016 to 2017 for no reason at all.

I'm patiently waiting for the T7 thanks.

 

[snakebitten]

I'm patiently waiting for the T7 thanks.

Admittedly, until I bought my Tenere 6 years ago, I was far less brand conscious on bikes. And even though I still have lots of brands in the fleet, I now have an enormous respect for Yamaha's way of building a bike.

So, I'm in agreement with you. I have nothing but great opinions of the African Twin. It is definitely an ADV recipe that I'd like to enjoy. But I'm holding out for a Blue response, just in case.

 

[Sierra1]

OK. We have confirmed that Canadian prices are MUCH higher than those in the US. I am assuming that there is a legal issue of buying a bike in the US, and riding it back to the land of snow & honey? 'Cuz, for the three grand difference, I would gladly take a road trip; ride the bike back.

 

[limey]

OK. We have confirmed that Canadian prices are MUCH higher than those in the US. I am assuming that there is a legal issue of buying a bike in the US, and riding it back to the land of snow & honey? 'Cuz, for the three grand difference, I would gladly take a road trip; ride the bike back.

With the differences in the $ it's not worth it. $15,000usd is about over $19,000cad.

 

[greg the pole]

Admittedly, until I bought my Tenere 6 years ago, I was far less brand conscious on bikes. And even though I still have lots of brands in the fleet, I now have an enormous respect for Yamaha's way of building a bike.

So, I'm in agreement with you. I have nothing but great opinions of the African Twin. It is definitely an ADV recipe that I'd like to enjoy. But I'm holding out for a Blue response, just in case.

Agreed!
I have gained a lot of respect for KTMs (except for their evil starter design ::010:: ::010:: ::010:: ::010:: ::010:
But I'd still hold out on the T7. The AT doesn't wow me.

 

[greg the pole]

With the differences in the $ it's not worth it. $15,000usd is about over $19,000cad.

It only made sense when dollar was on par. My 2011 was just such a purchase. $13500 on the road (all fees, taxes, you name it). At the time, the local dealer would not budge on $17500 OTR.
that was worth the trip.

 

[Checkswrecks]

Agreed!
I have gained a lot of respect for KTMs (except for their evil starter design ::010:: ::010:: ::010:: ::010:: ::010:: )
But I'd still hold out on the T7. The AT doesn't wow me.

It's a nice bike, but suddenly it'd be tough to pick a chain bike in the 700-1000 range. It'd really come down to personal butt tests.

 

[Tenerester]

.......... I still often get the "Tene what?" at the parts counter though :

Ha ha! So true. I was driving through Utah last year and dropped into one of the largest motorcycle parts dealers in US and wanted to buy a whole bunch of spares and maintenance supplies for the S10. The parts guy's first question was "Yamaha what?". I said "Yamaha Super Tenere", and he goes "what is that? kind of ATV or something?" I said "No..it's Yamaha's large adventure motocrcycle and hundreds of people including me buy parts and accessories from your shop online regularly". He says "really?....hmm...I have never heard of it. How do you spell it" ::010::

 

[Sierra1]

When people asked me what kind of bike I had, I would tell them. I found that NOBODY, including people that know and ride bikes, knew what it was. Now I just tell people to take out their phone, enter Super Tenere, and go to images. Otherwise, when I told them it was dual purpose, they picture a 250cc dirt bike with lights. When they see it in person, they are amazed. Oddly, people are more impressed with the shaft drive; not the electronic suspension and cruise control.

 

[snakebitten]

I have honed my answer after many years. I now have fun with it. I enjoy the question! It's an opportunity to bloviate. (you know me)

usually say something similar to: "It's a RTW bike. (Most have never heard the term before. It's powerful terminology) Designed for literally spending a year, or more, on the road, crossing all kinds of terrain. It'll run on crappy 3rd world country gas. It'll adjust the computer for all weather conditions. It even can lower it's power output at the touch of a button. At this point they usually reveal whether they really meant to know more about it or not. If they look hooked, I continue.............

It's not really popular in in this country. Americans don't get it. It's not a race bike. It's not a cruiser. So they don't understand.
But places like South Africa and Australia, it is more understood! In fact, Brenda and I flew to Australia and crossed the southern portion of the continent on one. It's called an "Adventure Bike" by most folks that ride them.

By now you can see their wheels start turning as they suddenly muster great respect for something they never seen before. I've already implied "exclusivity". People love that stuff.

I can continue to spin my yarn if they stay interested or ask further questions.

Like I said, I welcome the question these days. I'm old and have nothing to do but squeeze every ounce of joy out of every day I'm stuck on this planet. Explaining what a Super Tenere is an open door to messing with folks.

 

[Checkswrecks]

Texan!

 

[snakebitten]

Texan!

hopelessly 8)

 

[AVGeek]

I have honed my answer after many years. I now have fun with it. I enjoy the question! It's an opportunity to bloviate. (you know me)

usually say something similar to: "It's a RTW bike. (Most have never heard the term before. It's powerful terminology) Designed for literally spending a year, or more, on the road, crossing all kinds of terrain. It'll run on crappy 3rd world country gas. It'll adjust the computer for all weather conditions. It even can lower it's power output at the touch of a button. At this point they usually reveal whether they really meant to know more about it or not. If they look hooked, I continue.............

It's not really popular in in this country. Americans don't get it. It's not a race bike. It's not a cruiser. So they don't understand.
But places like South Africa and Australia, it is more understood! In fact, Brenda and I flew to Australia and crossed the southern portion of the continent on one. It's called an "Adventure Bike" by most folks that ride them.

By now you can see their wheels start turning as they suddenly muster great respect for something they never seen before. I've already implied "exclusivity". People love that stuff.

I can continue to spin my yarn if they stay interested or ask further questions.

Like I said, I welcome the question these days. I'm old and have nothing to do but squeeze every ounce of joy out of every day I'm stuck on this planet. Explaining what a Super Tenere is an open door to messing with folks.

I also used terms like "around the world" and "adventure tourer", but in the southwest, most people who had any iota of knowledge of motorcycles would usually come back and say "oh, it's an enduro".

 

[snakebitten]

I also used terms like "around the world" and "adventure tourer", but in the southwest, most people who had any iota of knowledge of motorcycles would usually come back and say "oh, it's an enduro".

Ah....
And that's when I agree with them and say "Yep! That's right. But it is the BIGGEST enduro in the world!"

Cuz it IS, right? That's why the Tenere fat jokes don't bother me. If the GSA weighed 1 ounce MORE than the Tenere, the Tenere would NOT be as cool, in my book. It has to be the BIGGEST, or go home. lol

 

[Sierra1]

She ain't fat; she's voluptuous! By definition.

 

[Texasten]

Well, I have an Africa Twin, for several months now. My take is that I REALLY miss the cruise control, and the drive shaft, and on the other hand, losing 100 pounds is amazing. I have nothing bad to say about S10's, it was a fantastic bike. While most of my riding is street, the occaisional dirt ride requires a bit less caution going around curves and gravel sections. I did manage the Alpine Loop on my S10, but it was a handful. Would have been a LOT better if I would have remembered to TURN OFF THE TRACTION CONTROL. That came close to dumping me 2 or 3 times on the Alpine Loop. That is a must on any bike for sure.
I would agree with those who say the S10 is a little better at freeway speeds, perhaps a tiny bit "less buzzy" and feels a bit more solid.
I have dealt with the lack of cruise control by installing one of the throttle locks. Have adapted to it and it does sort of fill in for that loss. As far as the chain drive, well, I guess that is just the price of losing some pounds. It is more trouble, but for me not a deal breaker. Have adjusted chain twice in 3,000 miles.
I would say both the S10 and the AT have their own advantages. I wish would have test ridden the dual clutch version, am curious about it........

 

[snakebitten]

Thanks for the AT review!

Lots more credibility to me when the comparisons are from someone who has legitimate Tenere history.
Both you and TwinRider have done me the favor. (Twinrider raves about the DCT)

Oh, and if you did the Alpine Loop on the S10, you are no Big Pig poser, that's for sure.
But you aren't saying in TC setting #1?