Giving up the Tenere? The nearly incoherent ramblings of a 9 year Tenere owner.

Dirt_Dad

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Could it happen...? I'm not sure, but currently the thought process is going like this.

Summer 2019
After 7 years of riding a Tenere, Dirt_Mom (DM) nervously gives up her Tenere and allows me to persuade her onto a smaller BMW F750 GS. She quickly realizes the bike is a dramatically better fit for her than her beloved Tenere. She rides more, is much more confident and relaxed on the smaller bike. I have to admit, I'm also very impressed with the bike. She starts trying to talk me into the 850 version of her bike.

Fall 2019
I start contemplating the idea of a lighter bike. Mildly looking at different offerings from the European brands. Unfortunately, the Japanese are uninterested in having serious offerings in the lighter weight 750-950cc adventure bikes. Too bad, I always prefer Japanese brands.

Winter 2020
We book an Alps ride and I reserve the BMW F850 GS for me to ride for a week. That will be a good test of what I think of that bike.

Spring 2020
COVID-19
In May take a ride to catch up with riding buddies down in Tennessee. Hardcore twisties, lot's of dirt, fantastic riding and a great get-together. How could I ever consider getting rid of the Tenere? I ride a buddy's KTM 790 Adventure (dirt focused), not inspiring. Why would I give up the Tenere. Not interested, The Tenere fits me. Maybe if Yamaha updates it I'll get another one, but my Tenere is perfect for me.

Summer 2020
Sitting here today looks like Europe is not going to let us Americans ride the Alps....crap!

June 16, 2020: Sell my DR650 and get a used KTM 690 Enduro R. The KTM is a better fit for me off pavement and fills a performance gap that's been missing for a long time.
June 20, 2020: Ride the KTM for 165 miles. Very pleased with the new addition to the stable.
June 21, 2020: Another 170 mile KTM ride. Awesome off pavement, but this bike is fatiguing at prolonged speeds over 55 MPH. I miss my Tenere.
June 23, 2020: I take DMs BMW to the shop for the VA State Inspection (required). By the time I'm in 3rd gear, I'm reminded of what a fantastic bike this is. Very impressed.
June 27, 2020: DM and I go on a 165 mile dirt bike ride. That's a lot of miles at DM dirt speed. Really fatigued, really missing my Tenere.
June 28, 2020: Finally, let's get the Tenere out. I've missed my bike. Swing a leg over and pull out of the driveway. Damn this thing is ginormous...and sluggish. Look to see if I'm in Touring mode. Nope, it's in Sport. Where's the throttle response...dang, this thing is massive. So this must be what it's like to ride a Harley bagger. At least the seat if comfy, and the wind protection is good, but wow this is big and sluggish. Takes me almost an hour to shake this perception and get back to near normal on my favorite bike for the last 9 years.

I can appreciate why the Tenere would feel so different from the peppy and very light KTM. Makes sense. What doesn't make sense is why my KTM to Tenere reaction was so dramatically different from my KTM to BMW GS reaction. It makes me wonder if I'm depriving myself of something that I'd enjoy even more than my much loved Tenere.

Of course mentioning these thoughts to DM makes her go for the jugular. She's pushing hard, making her best arguments on why I should get the GS. She definitely has some points. We go through enough motorsports products (33 and counting) over the years to understand how things work. No bike is ever "the last bike" and if the next bike doesn't workout it's hardly a mistake that cannot be corrected. The idea of giving up the one remaining Tenere in the fleet is not a thought I take lightly. Not sure if I can (or should) do it.
 

moto.monk

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Could it happen...? I'm not sure, but currently the thought process is going like this.

Summer 2019
After 7 years of riding a Tenere, Dirt_Mom (DM) nervously gives up her Tenere and allows me to persuade her onto a smaller BMW F750 GS. She quickly realizes the bike is a dramatically better fit for her than her beloved Tenere. She rides more, is much more confident and relaxed on the smaller bike. I have to admit, I'm also very impressed with the bike. She starts trying to talk me into the 850 version of her bike.

Fall 2019
I start contemplating the idea of a lighter bike. Mildly looking at different offerings from the European brands. Unfortunately, the Japanese are uninterested in having serious offerings in the lighter weight 750-950cc adventure bikes. Too bad, I always prefer Japanese brands.

Winter 2020
We book an Alps ride and I reserve the BMW F850 GS for me to ride for a week. That will be a good test of what I think of that bike.

Spring 2020
COVID-19
In May take a ride to catch up with riding buddies down in Tennessee. Hardcore twisties, lot's of dirt, fantastic riding and a great get-together. How could I ever consider getting rid of the Tenere? I ride a buddy's KTM 790 Adventure (dirt focused), not inspiring. Why would I give up the Tenere. Not interested, The Tenere fits me. Maybe if Yamaha updates it I'll get another one, but my Tenere is perfect for me.

Summer 2020
Sitting here today looks like Europe is not going to let us Americans ride the Alps....crap!

June 16, 2020: Sell my DR650 and get a used KTM 690 Enduro R. The KTM is a better fit for me off pavement and fills a performance gap that's been missing for a long time.
June 20, 2020: Ride the KTM for 165 miles. Very pleased with the new addition to the stable.
June 21, 2020: Another 170 mile KTM ride. Awesome off pavement, but this bike is fatiguing at prolonged speeds over 55 MPH. I miss my Tenere.
June 23, 2020: I take DMs BMW to the shop for the VA State Inspection (required). By the time I'm in 3rd gear, I'm reminded of what a fantastic bike this is. Very impressed.
June 27, 2020: DM and I go on a 165 mile dirt bike ride. That's a lot of miles at DM dirt speed. Really fatigued, really missing my Tenere.
June 28, 2020: Finally, let's get the Tenere out. I've missed my bike. Swing a leg over and pull out of the driveway. Damn this thing is ginormous...and sluggish. Look to see if I'm in Touring mode. Nope, it's in Sport. Where's the throttle response...dang, this thing is massive. So this must be what it's like to ride a Harley bagger. At least the seat if comfy, and the wind protection is good, but wow this is big and sluggish. Takes me almost an hour to shake this perception and get back to near normal on my favorite bike for the last 9 years.

I can appreciate why the Tenere would feel so different from the peppy and very light KTM. Makes sense. What doesn't make sense is why my KTM to Tenere reaction was so dramatically different from my KTM to BMW GS reaction. It makes me wonder if I'm depriving myself of something that I'd enjoy even more than my much loved Tenere.

Of course mentioning these thoughts to DM makes her go for the jugular. She's pushing hard, making her best arguments on why I should get the GS. She definitely has some points. We go through enough motorsports products (33 and counting) over the years to understand how things work. No bike is ever "the last bike" and if the next bike doesn't workout it's hardly a mistake that cannot be corrected. The idea of giving up the one remaining Tenere in the fleet is not a thought I take lightly. Not sure if I can (or should) do it.
I've gone back and before on the tenere for last 18 months at times. Mainly the seat height and weight can be bad in city driving and in tight corners. But I knew some of that before I bought her. I came off a fz09 with 73k miles over the course of 2.5 years. Now I have ridden a few more bikes on test rides like the cb honda cruiser, star eluder, fj1300, newer fz09 and ninja 300. Man theres so much choice but it comes down to your preferences, pocket book(in some cases), and what your willing to give up. In my 7 years+ of daily riding I've never found a bikes that perfect or close to for me. I've found it's a compromise and I valve reliability, comfort, handling, cost , and power in that order. The tenere checks number 1 almost 100% and most of the others but not nearly that close. I would agree it's a swiss army knife but if I would do it over again something closer to the fj1300 would be great but the negatives are what would stop me from getting that exact bike. Seating position, fairings, cost and height. So then I come back to tenere and it all makes sense.
 

Squibb

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I've got the old F650GSSE (800cc 360 twin), a 2012 bike with micro-mileage that came my way. A few years back I had an early Honda Pacific Coast (very rare in the UK) going nowhere in the garage, so a swap was agreed. What a brilliant little bike it is too - DM's 750 is the modern day equivalent & some, but now with a 270 twin of corse. Feels light & flickable, yet incredibly economical if that matters. Back to a chain though.

When compared with the Super10, well TBH they come from different ends of the adventure bike spectrum. I far prefer the S10 if we are riding 2-up, or for long tours, but the baby GS comes into it's own solo. We still have no news from Yamaha about the future of the S10, which cannot be sold new in the EU after December 2020. Whilst a good bike, the T7 isn't a substitute in my eyes, so I can well understand you being tempted by the 850GS now the launch problems have been sorted. However, given the upheaval due to Covid-19 I think it might be an idea to resist the temptation to 'pull the pin' right now, until we can all get an understanding of what 2021 might bring.

Just sayin, your dollar, your choice.
 

jeckyll

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I understand the dilemma.

Having multiple bikes and switching back and forth always has me thinking about the right 'mix' and what the best setup will be. While also wondering how to get to a lower number :D

Next year or the year after I may try to get a lightly used T700 and sell everything else. Get back to one bike, eliminate the extra insurance costs. Simplify life a bit :)
 

VRODE

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I understand your dilemma. I think the 850 fixes the road problem of the KTM and the portly problem of the Tenere. It is a good size and you’ve ridden it to sample already. And DM likes it!
Don’t worry about us when you jump into Beemerville. We’ll be fine because right after you make the leap, Yamaha is sure to announce a new model that addresses all your concerns.

There, I hope that helps.
 
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ballisticexchris

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I have owned a number of bikes over the years (nowhere near 33 though). I tend to dial each one in for my comfort and riding style and run them into the ground. Hell if the GS suits your fancy go for it. It's all about the money for me. I can't afford the ownership of one. There is a reason the GS is the most popular of all the adventure bikes. It is a fantastically engineered machine albeit a costly one to maintain.
 

Dirt_Dad

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Hell if the GS suits your fancy go for it.
Even putting aside the money question, there are serious reservations I have about the bike. I detest chain drive on my travel bike. Hell, I hate it on my dirt bikes, too. It's one thing to keep your wife happy and riding to tolerate a chain. It's a serious downside to me. Another is the 12K mile valve check. It's still shim under bucket, but damn, 12K miles. Had it not been for COVID, DM would have hit that in 9 months.
 

gv550

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Chain drive maintenance and mess and cost is what caused me to sell my otherwise absolutely wonderful Tracer GT after only 10 months of ownership.
 
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Checkswrecks

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No surprise so far. You've been wondering "what next" for a while and sooner or later we all move on. The Tenere has been our traveling choice for a long time, so I guess the replacement ought to road oriented too. Trying to stay with a shaft is really limiting imho with the:

R1250GS - I would not own one beyond warranty.
Moto Guzzi - Probably under powered for you
Triumph 1200 - Huge bike but super refined and what an engine!!!
Yamaha - Wait to see what Gen3 will bring? Besides, the current bike works and is paid for.

But if you are willing to go back to a chain (I am not):
BMW - Duh - Of course
Ducati Multistrada - I think you would really like it
Honda AT 1000? - Not sure how that would fit with your taste, especially for touring
KTM 1290 - You need to get this so I can borrow it now & then :D
Triumph 900 - This thing is REALLY nice and may be right in the sweet spot. You are close to Fredericktown too.
Strom - Might as well stay with the Tenere for now

Lots of potential fun test rides. Maybe one could be our next meet-up.
:cool:
 
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ballisticexchris

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Shaft drive was not a big consideration when buying the Super Tenere. I'll tell you what, it sure is nice now that I have had a taste of it. Of the few bikes I have ridden with shaft drive, Yamaha and Kawasaki have the handling well sorted. I have not ridden a new GS but the older ones handled horrible with the dreaded shaft hop in the corners.

After spending a bunch of hours in the garage wrenching on my Super Tenere, I'm very impressed with the well thought out engineering.
 

Mak10

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I rode this past weekend with a GS, an African twin, a KTM 1290, and a highly modified CB500x “Halfrican twin”.

My wife likes to ride two up. She has her Motorcycle license, but prefers to ride pillion.
Shaft drive, two up comfort, tubeless tires, cost of purchase and ownership, ability to leave pavement and low maintenance
were the boxes the Tenere checked for me.

If it was just me riding, I would be on a African Twin or 1290.

I’ve only owned the Tenere for two years and 25000 miles. If I had owned it longer I would most likely be yearning for something new.

My S10 is putting a smile on my face when I swing my leg over. Checking all those boxes was quite a feat.
 

HeliMark

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First, I would go back to the S10 in an instant if I was riding two up, or long distance, but I was getting tired of the weight for what I was doing, and bought a Tiger 900. An impressive bike so far, both on the road, and off-road. I am having fun for now, but will it last like my S10 did (7 years), don't know, up until my S10, I usually changed bikes every two years or so.

It will be interesting if there is truly a Honda 850 AT coming out soon.
 

tntmo

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What I really like about this forum is that the people here mostly love their Tenere's, but also are not afraid to point out it's shortcomings and are willing to take a look at what else is offered out there. Some forums are very close minded.

Is the Tenere 700 not a good fit for what you are looking for? I feel like it should be a nice middle sized touring bike, especially for someone who is not planning to do a lot of two up riding. I'm keeping an eye on them, will likely be my next bike but not for a few years. I hope to cross over 100k on the S10.
 

Mak10

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I’m really getting more interested in the T7. The timeframe might work out perfect, let it come out, get some bugs worked out. Let some of the “new model” craze wear off. Pick up a gently used, farkled one for a great price.
 

pooh and xtine

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I like the look of the F850GSA, but at well over 244kg wet for a fully specified one it’s just not much less than the 257kg of an XT1200z (or even 265kg of a ZE) for a bike 2/3rds the capacity. The KTM 790 Adventure is substantially lighter, though.
 

EricV

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you said: Quote#1
f the next bike doesn't workout it's hardly a mistake that cannot be corrected.
and Quote #2
I detest chain drive on my travel bike.
Don't compare a traveling bike to a hooligan bike. Few people find distance at hwy speed all that comfortable on a single, anything.

So get something light and torque filled and enjoy playing with it on shorter rides. Keep the S10 for traveling.

The AT is not a great travel bike. It's a well built bike with good features, but like the S10, it's a compromise bike, just with a different leaning than the S10. That 21" front wheel wanders at interstate speeds, it doesn't have the weather protection that the S10 has, never mind the tube tires and chain drive.

The Duc Multi Enduro is a BIG bike, like the S10, has way more power and lots of features, but it's also an Italian girl with Italian needs and still chain drive. And 2x the cost of a S10.

The Rotax 850GS has a lot to offer, lots of features, braking almost as good as the S10, but also some blue koolaid issues to accept. You're half way there already. You can share parts! ;) Still has that 21" front wheel and honestly, it's not a travel bike. You can make it into a travel bike, (wife has BTDT and has 3 T-shirts to prove it) It's not a cheap process. Screen, luggage, lights plus all the other normal farkles. Here's the thing though, it's just over 500 lbs wet in stock trim. When you finish getting it set up for travel trim, it's just as heavy as the S10 and is no longer quite as much of a hooligan bike.

Change can be good. See quote #1.
 

Dirt_Dad

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No surprise so far. You've been wondering "what next" for a while and sooner or later we all move on. The Tenere has been our traveling choice for a long time, so I guess the replacement ought to road oriented too. Trying to stay with a shaft is really limiting imho with the:

R1250GS - I would not own one beyond warranty.
Moto Guzzi - Probably under powered for you
Triumph 1200 - Huge bike but super refined and what an engine!!!
Yamaha - Wait to see what Gen3 will bring? Besides, the current bike works and is paid for.

But if you are willing to go back to a chain (I am not):
BMW - Duh - Of course
Ducati Multistrada - I think you would really like it
Honda AT 1000? - Not sure how that would fit with your taste, especially for touring
KTM 1290 - You need to get this so I can borrow it now & then :D
Triumph 900 - This thing is REALLY nice and may be right in the sweet spot. You are close to Fredericktown too.
Strom - Might as well stay with the Tenere for now

Lots of potential fun test rides. Maybe one could be our next meet-up.
:cool:
I don't remember the size of that KTM Adventure you and I rode that one demo day, but I do remember how great it felt. Don't know that I would trust KTM as my long distance bike. On my second ride of the KTM I bought last week I had to stop at a Lowes to buy some fasteners. Not the bike's fault, but somehow it just seemed right for my perception of KTM.

I did ride the Multistrada Enduro and was very, very impressed with the power. I could really appreciate that one...except for the chain, the unknown reliability, the maintenance, and of course the mid-sized sedan price of the thing. Just don't see swallowing that price for a chain driven bike.

The Moto Guzzi is in the running mainly due to shaft drive. The tube tires are a place I'm not willing to go, but I know with some effort can be addressed.

There are so many bikes out there now. Really sucks that most are chain drive. I did sit on the new Triumph at Dulles. It did feel good. Does have a chain.

I'm still surprised at my reaction to DM's little 750. Somethings are just hard to explain. For some reason, that one intrigues me. I really was looking forward to riding the 850 in the Alps this year. Then I would have known for sure if it's the right one to give a parking spot in the garage.

Don't get me wrong. The Teneres I've owned have been the best bikes I've ever owned...period. From Newfoundland to north of the Arctic Circle in Alaska. From the twisty mountain roads in Georgia to the other worldly desert roads of Arizona. Riding in Hurricane Irene as it hit Vermont, or still staying up in Minnesota after the bike was totaled as it slammed into a deer at 75 MPH, or stay up in an out of control situation around Kansas City. My Teneres have expanded my horizons, kept me safe, overlooked my mistakes, and been the most comfortable, stable, and reliable steeds I could have ever hoped to own. The idea of replacing my Tenere is not a casual decision.

I'm not positive I'll be able to walk away from the last 9 years of Tenere ownership. If Yamaha tells me they'll update it, put in another 25hp into it, and generally improve it to the level they did in 2014, I may not have to. Not holding my breath for that one.

We'll see. I'm not making any snap decisions. This is all the result of having KTM reminding me that I do enjoy responsive engines that can straighten your arms with just a twist of the wrist. The Tenere isn't great at that, but it is awesome many, many other things.
 

EricV

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You talk about a responsive engine that can straiten your arms with a twist of the wrist. Reminds me of my Miata ownership. At the end, I had a track prepped, turbocharged 300 rwhp car running 17 lbs of boost with the ability to turn it up to 21 lbs of boost. O-ringed head/block, custom JE pistons, forged H beam Carrillo rods and a huge package of custom bits and ceramic and polymer coatings all over for durability. The car would do an honest 165 mph and 0-60 just over 4 seconds. It was Quick and reasonably Fast. 1/4 mile times in the 10s at sea level.

The point is, after owning and daily driving a car that would eat 99% of all the other cars for lunch, I lost the desire to really use that power except at the race track. I know I can shame and humiliate the Porsche and even the Ferrari guy up to 155 or so. I didn't need to prove it to them. And especially not to the clapped out Eclipse full of teen age boys that want to stop light drag. :rolleyes: Sure, I can run my favorite roads at double the posted limit, but there are other people out there too, so that's kind of dumb. Never mind the potential for a LEO encounter and the negative things that occur with that.

So, where are you getting any real use from the extra power? Are you choosing to ride whack a throttle style? (not a slam, it's a choice) Or are you just shredding the rear tire on the back roads/dirt roads and enjoying the moments?

You're certainly suffering from a bout of New Bike Fever, even after buying the KTM. But what are you really going to get from that new bike?
 
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