Hey, guys. Been a member for about a month now, but this is my first post. Don't remember how I came across this site (probably Googled "best damn bike in the world"). Great site, glad I'm a member. The only thing I don't like are the occasional negative (sometimes biting) remarks between members. Usually, those are due to a misunderstanding of the original post (unfortunately, that happens in non face-to-face conversations). A very small few are due to someone just being a jerk - best to ignore them (maybe the moderator can remove those posts).
Initially, it annoyed me that Yamaha didn't inform us earlier of their production situation - I detest rumor because it can be so damaging. Now I believe the reason for their delay was due to them trying to get an honest assessment of their situation and ensure they continue to delivery a quality product. I feel bad now for being so self centered
. I cannot fathom the suffering of those poor folks over there. I recommend cash donations through the Red Cross to help those in immediate need (my employer matched my contribution).
I have been without a bike for 16 long years. For the last five I've been searching for something I liked that was affordable. This too-long-without-a-bike gap has fortunately coincided with my personal situation being one where I can now afford an upper echelon bike. Like others in this forum, I know what I like when I see it and the Super Ténéré is it.
I sat on the Ténéré at the International Motorcycle Show in Greenville, SC back in March (couldn't make the Daytona visit where I could have test ridden it). I am 6'4" and the Ténéré fit me wonderfully! (My height has prevented me from getting bikes I would otherwise like.) The Beemer also fits me well, and I really like its bulkier look (and I think its styling is a tad better than the Ténéré's). Besides a $6000+ OTD difference between the two, the most noticeable is the very low CG on the Ténéré - I was able to steeply lean the bike and feel comfortably in control, not true for the Beemer - this becomes important for those occasions when you stop wrong, or misstep off the pegs.
The stay or bail: Once I have decided I want something, I usually become obsessed with getting it (unhealthy, really, as it can cause severe bruising as you bump into and trip over otherwise unseen obstacles). I was looking forward to resuming riding this summer, albeit a month late in the riding season (May versus April). Now I have to wait until November - a whole year after I put down my deposit (sporting a big smile while doing so, by the way). Been waffling since the rumors first surfaced about what I should do (still haven't gotten my letter, but was confirmed by a dealer yesterday). Get a used bike in the interim to get my riding legs back, or bail and get the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure, or more practically, the Triumph Tiger 800 XC (not available until late June - will test ride next week - gorgeous bike!).
I would not be happy with the KLR650 (or any 650) because it's underpowered. I have my eye on a deep metallic red '08 ST1300, priced at $10,600 (dragged my feet and missed out on a beautiful Yamaha blue '06(?) FJR1300), but this would require me to bail on the Ténéré - not very appealing. If I traded it for the Ténéré in November (I have a feeling that's an optimistic date), I'd probably loose $2k, which would put the OTD cost of the Ténéré at ~$18k+ (after adding the required accessories) - now I'm only $3k+ below the Beemer. Or do I climb the walls this summer and stare with envy at those who pass by me each day on their bikes? When I get my letter (next week?), I'll visit my dealer and see if we can work something out.
Apologize for this long post - just wanted to say hi.
