Debating a Tenere

[Robare]

::002::

I'm sure this is an subject that comes up often and I'm talking to the choir but I've been agonizing over the decsision to sell my current bike 2007 Harley Roadglide for a 2012 Super Tenere Demo bike with 2000 miles on it. My background is important so here it goes. 6' 3" 210 lbs. 42 years. Had the harley for a little over a year and customized it for a perfect fit, leg room, bars, grips, seat, windshield to make it work best for me. My previous bike was a 2001 Kawasaki ZRX1200R which I had also modified for good fit, but never got it perfect and wanted something more comfortable and something that wouldn't get me in the trouble I saw myself getting into on the ZRX. I had that for 5 years or so and really liked it, but my wrist and knees paid the price on my longer adventures. I take at least one big trip a year, usually from WI to GA and back. This year 7 days 3200 miles - 1/4 in rain. Last year I got a TTR125 for my son and a KTM 520 EXC for myself and we just love dirt riding, but it really kicks my butt. I rode as a kid until getting away from motorcycles around 18, getting back into it around 30.

So I think I'd like to hit some gravel/dirt roads, and continue with some big trips. But want to stay comfortable doing it. Financially I can only afford either the Harley or the Tenere. By the time I sell the Harley and buy the Tenere I'll be slightly ahead or about even. Then I'd assume I'll be buying more for the Tenere to get it close to where I need it to be and I'll be financially right where I am now. My biggest concerns are leg room, back rest, wrist preasure.

I know I can only make the decision. But I'd like to hear opinions any way, especially those that have come from touring bikes or have one as a stable mate. I wonder if I'm dreaming of epic adventure only to ride the same roads I ride now. I've even thought of keeping the HD and selling the KTM and getting a wr250 or drz, dr, or klr to start little on the adventure riding.

Oh, I almost exclusively ride solo. My wife has never rode and will not. I had hoped this would have changed when I went the the HD, but she has previous back issues and doesn't want to mess with it.

 

[TNWalker]

I traded a 2010 Kawasaki Voyager 1700 for my Tenere'. I am similar in size to your description and the S10 fits me very well. IT is a way different ride than a Road Glide thats for sure, but it is way more versatile than what the Harley can do. Like any bike, you will no doubt need to do some add ons to make the bike fit you. I have never had one that I didnt need to do something to it. While I do sometimes miss the Voyager I do not regret my decision to go with the S10. Since I can only have one bike right now, this one does everything that I would ever want to do on a motorcycle and more. I would not get rid of it to go back to a full tour dresser exclusively by any means. With a few comfort Farkles, this bike is capable of any long trip you can dream of and goes places that cruisers just cannot do. That all being said, you alone can make the decision that best fits your needs. For me, I am happy with my own decsion and constantly am amazed at this bikes versatility and reliability.


Hope this helps

Enjoy the ride either way !

::022:: ::26::

Steve

 

[cb0802]

There was a similar thread last week that may provide some help...
http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=8758.0;topicseen
I rode a HD Deluxe for years before buying the Tenere. For me, the riding position on the Tenere is far more comfortable than the Harley. I just did a 3,000 mile trip and never even thought about a back rest. The upright position is much more comfortable.
Wrist pressure wasn't an issue either, but there are many on the forum that have complained. I feel it more on the contact points of my hand than anywhere else, but not enough that I would think to tell a potential buyer.
Leg room is pretty subjective. I removed the bumpers to level the seat in the high position. Removing the bumpers lowers the seat about 1/2 inch (maybe a little less) and I would like to have it back. That being said, anytime I needed to, I simply stretched them out or stood up. No problems. I did 1,500 miles in 2 days, and 200 on day 3. The only reason I stopped is because I got where I was going.
You're about 2" taller, but there are plenty of members here the same height that can weigh in.
Good luck, CB

 

[EJV]

What are you waiting for? Trade your Loud Pipe in for the Tenere already.



::015::

 

[jettcity1]

I had 2 Yamaha (Star) RoadStars and The Tenere is a better fit with more comfort. The Tenere will do a little bit of everything and you can run on virtually ANY terrain with it, something HD can not do.
Go get one already.

 

[Robare]

What are you waiting for? Trade your Loud Pipe in for the Tenere already.

Go get one already.

I'm a bit of a window motorcycle shopping whore and I'd like to make a good decision on this one. Plus I first need to sell the HD. I don't feel like loosing any more money on a trade in than I have to.

There was a similar thread last week that may provide some help...
http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=8758.0;topicseen

I was actually following that thread too, even made a comment there about my test rides on a Tenere, Vstrom and GS800. I didn't want to hijack the thread so decided to start my own.

 

[joneil]

Debating a Tenere

I'm 6'6" 240..... Love my 07 Ultra Classic. I'm on it today. But, my HD wont take me everywhere I want to go. The S10 will. Your wife doesn't tag along? You like riding dirt/gravel roads? You like long distance rides? Check, check, check. 16k miles on my Yamaha and its never been in the shop. I've done all maintenance. Not even a hiccup out of this beast. See what the guys on this forum pay for an Extended Warranty then call HD for a quote.

Do the deal.

 

[1tonn]

Sold my 08 Electra Glide last year and bought my 12 Tenere. I don't miss the weight of the Harley or the lack of fun factor when riding it. I do alot of two up with my wife and she say's she has more leg room and the seat is everybit as comfortable for her. Our roads locally are a mix of nice paved tarmac and pothole infested roads. Several times the Harley would bottom out and cause the wife anxiety and pain. She has had a titanium support rod in her back since chidhood and sensitive to a rough ride. The Tenere seems to float over most road surfaces and the wife finds the ride MUCH SMOOTHER and wants to ride all the time. The Tenere is the most fun I have had on a bike in years, and I've owned many.

 

[motoguy]

Sold my 08 Electra Glide last year and bought my 12 Tenere. I don't miss the weight of the Harley or the lack of fun factor when riding it. I do alot of two up with my wife and she say's she has more leg room and the seat is everybit as comfortable for her. Our roads locally are a mix of nice paved tarmac and pothole infested roads. Several times the Harley would bottom out and cause the wife anxiety and pain. She has had a titanium support rod in her back since chidhood and sensitive to a rough ride. The Tenere seems to float over most road surfaces and the wife finds the ride MUCH SMOOTHER and wants to ride all the time. The Tenere is the most fun I have had on a bike in years, and I've owned many.

Theres the answer!!

LEAVE THE CHROME AT HOME AND GET OFF THE ROAD!
Ask yourself this, how many times did you have to turn your hog arround because the road was gravel or too damn rough? Not a prob. with the S10. Just keep going untill you run out of road, then go some more.
I have had road bikes before, then "Life Happend" I was bikeless for about 15 years. Then a good friend sold me his KLR dirt cheep, my wife and I fell in love with the back roads. Just that the KLR was a bit under powered. Tested the BMW, Triumph, Vstrom and the Yamaha. It seemed like a no brainer. A demo bike fully loaded. Had 1200mi on it last April. just turned 5k. Wouldnt trade it for anything now. GET IT, then look me up. Im just north of you 2hrs.

 

[sportsguy]

Test ride, test ride, test ride.

 

[scott123007]

Keep the Harley and buy a used V-Strom 1000, or even a 650 since you're going to be solo. They have been making them for years, they're bulletproof, and decent ones can be had for well under $5000. I've had three, and but for slightly more wiggle room and some really nice electronic aids on the S-10, they are comparable. (I still like the V-Strom 1000 engine better) Now you can have both bikes, and if you find yourself gravitating towards the Strom more than the Harley, you can sell both without losing your ass, and upgrade to an S-10 which is an overall, better V-Strom.

 

[Combo]

Test ride, test ride, test ride.

+1

I am a Yamaha Guy so I ordered mine and did not test ride. I knew I wanted this bike and it would be a good one. I just didn't know it would be this good. ::008::

 

[Kelvininin]

For what it's worth here is my story.

Been riding for 18 years, always road cruisers/touring bikes. I have a Victory Vision which I love. A couple of years ago after reading an article I became interested in adventure riding. Well I took my second bike at the time, a Victory Hammer to buy an oil change kid for my Victory Vision. Walked into the dealer for an oil change kit, road home on a KTM A990. Initially I loved the KTM, but as the miles starting adding up I found it to be a horribly uncomfortable bike that was massively maintenance intensive. I heard about the Tenere before I bought that KTM but that was the beginning of 2011 and I didn't want to wait.

After a couple of years I was fed up with the KTMs maintenance requirements, it seemed I spent more time wrenching than riding, with my work travel schedule, I am already short on on ride time.

Well, my local dealer ran a special on left over Tenere, I made and OTD offer including a trade of the KTM, and they bit. I have been very happy with the Tenere. Its not half as comfortable as the Vision but its three times more comfortable that the KTM, and so far maintenance has been a breeze.

There is an underlying tone here. My wife and I have our first kid on the way, part of buying the Tenere is with the thought I may consolidate motorcycles one day, and sell the Vision. Not thrilled about selling the Vision, I like to buy American as often as possible, but there is no domestic equivalent for adventure bikes. I don't consider the Ulysses a competitor and have never been excited about anything that came from HD.

I love the Tenere, if I were to become a single bike owner, the Tenere would be it.

 

[Robare]

Well this has been inspiring. I have decided to list the Harley and hope for the best. It is bitter sweet, I really like where I have it now, it's perfect for chewing up highways. However like I told my wife, motorcycles are like potato chips you just keep trying them. I wish I could afford another bike so I wouldn't have to sell it. I may still look and see if I can find a nice cheaper v-strom dl1000 before pulling the trigger on a new Tenere. I test drove the new v-strom 650 and really didn't care for it much. Seemed small to me. In any case now it's a wait and see. Just hope I don't end up with a lot of down time between bikes when it's actually good riding weather.

 

[motoguy]

Will you still keep your KTM? I still have my 92 KLR that I use for single track riding. Or if one of my Harly buddies want to go for a ride and be able to keep up with me.

 

[Kidder]

Re: Re: Debating a Tenere

Well this has been inspiring. I have decided to list the Harley and hope for the best. It is bitter sweet, I really like where I have it now, it's perfect for chewing up highways. However like I told my wife, motorcycles are like potato chips you just keep trying them. I wish I could afford another bike so I wouldn't have to sell it. I may still look and see if I can find a nice cheaper v-strom dl1000 before pulling the trigger on a new Tenere. I test drove the new v-strom 650 and really didn't care for it much. Seemed small to me. In any case now it's a wait and see. Just hope I don't end up with a lot of down time between bikes when it's actually good riding weather.

The ergos of the V–Strom 1000 are the same as the 650 with the exception of the seat. I've never thought of the 650 as a small bike unless you're strictly talking cc's.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Robare]

Will you still keep your KTM? I still have my 92 KLR that I use for single track riding. Or if one of my Harly buddies want to go for a ride and be able to keep up with me.

I will for now, unless an opportunity a rises. It works great for riding with my son, who likes to spend a lot of time on the motor cross track where we ride. Funny thing is, prior to the ktm I had bought a KLR just like yours (color) but mine was really tired and beat down (Cheap). I rode it with my son and was going to upgrade it to be more dirt worthy but I decided I'd be better off with a 250 smoker or dual sport. I never titled the KLR. I picked up the KTM thinking I might be able to title it in WI, but soon found out that is near impossible. I figure until my son can ride a dual sport I might as well ride the KTM. If I did get rid of the KTM I'd probably get an old XT350 or a newer WR250R. I have often thought about trying a KLR again too.

 

[Robare]

Re: Re: Debating a Tenere

The ergos of the V–Strom 1000 are the same as the 650 with the exception of the seat. I've never thought of the 650 as a small bike unless you're strictly talking cc's.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2

I think the newer vstrom 650 seem smaller than the older ones? At least this is the impression I got from a test ride. I guess getting off of a tourning bike and being tall (6'3") a lot of bikes seem small to me. I'm not built big or all that strong, but I like room to move around. I like the Tenere a lot because it feels tall and a commanding view of the road.

 

[snakebitten]

Debating a Tenere

+1

I am a Yamaha Guy so I ordered mine and did not test ride. I knew I wanted this bike and it would be a good one. I just didn't know it would be this good. ::008::

Turns out you are just real smart.

 

[Kidder]

Debating a Tenere

I think the newer vstrom 650 seem smaller than the older ones? At least this is the impression I got from a test ride. I guess getting off of a tourning bike and being tall (6'3") a lot of bikes seem small to me. I'm not built big or all that strong, but I like room to move around. I like the Tenere a lot because it feels tall and a commanding view of the road.

I had the Tall Touring Seat on my 07 650. It had more leg room than the Tenere with the seat in the tall position.