Just test rode a Tenere and Triumph Explorer 1200 back to back

[snakebitten]

Lots of improvement in reliability, during this modern era, for many of the European manufacturers. Motorcycles and cars.

I m p r o v e m e n t.

But I think they still fall considerably behind the Japanese.

Ironically, I think the American manufacturers of many products have gotten closer than others.

I suspect the heavy japanese investment in doing things ON American soil has influenced us in that direction.

The American consumer is a huge winner in so many ways. We are blessed.

 

[jettcity1]

Save your money and buy the Tenere, you can add alot of extras and you will have one great bike.
Trumph dealerships and support networks do not compare to the Yamaha. Accessories and add-ons for Yamaha is more plentiful and common.
less maintenance and more miles between service is a big + and that Yamaha will go a long ways between service visits.
Yamaha has better features and is more dependable, the answer is clear.
Good luck on your choice. ::022::

 

[peterl]

our super tens in south Africa come standard with emergency flashers and flash to pass
seems odd yours don't have these features
ask Yamaha why you don't get these features
I have also fitted an aftermarket gear position indicator which is great when riding dirt

 

[snakebitten]

our super tens in south Africa come standard with emergency flashers and flash to pass
seems odd yours don't have these features
ask Yamaha why you don't get these features
I have also fitted an aftermarket gear position indicator which is great when riding dirt

Because "flash to pass" doesn't mean flash-to-pass here. It's a cultural malady. It might mean "the cops are down the road with radar". Or maybe "go ahead. It's your turn". But even worse, if you are using it as "flash to pass", the cager might be offended. Then things can escalate. Not good.

I rode around Italy for a couple of weeks. On the Autostrada too. I get it! Flash to pass makes more sense there. So does horn blowing. Totally well received by the natives.

 

[twinrider]

I have a SA bike and pretty much only use the "flash to pass" to alert other drivers who are about to cut me off or to warn other bikes about speed traps. But the emergency flashers are very handy, no excuse for Yamaha to leave them off US bikes.

 

[samps]

Around here (in Oz) the flash-to-pass is a warning about cops with radars, or to indicate to oncoming traffic that their high-beam is annoying you.
The emergency flasher is used to tell others that you are aware that you have parked in a stupid spot!

Samps

 

[snakebitten]

Hazard flashers are easy enough to add to the Yank bikes if we want them.
Many have.

Got very few complaints with Yamaha. 30,000 miles and I am still stunned almost daily by this machine. Nobody BUT Yamaha has done it this well.

Can you tell I have been converted to a Tuning Fork Ambassador?

Unashamedly so too.

 

[NDKromany]

I owned a new triumph tiger 800 XC and put over 10,000 miles in one year on the bike. I was GREATLY disapointed by that bike both on road and off road, sold it. I had problems with the engine stalling constantly that was my biggest complaint and the riding position was horrible.

Ive put over 10,000 miles on my tenere in roughly 8 months and I love this thing!!!! It is far more capable off road than the 800 was and far more comfortable. It even gets more MPG, i dont understand that but it does.

I am very happy I did this and do not regret selling the tiger one bit. That thing was junk in my opinion.

 

[snakebitten]

Kinda shows that a 21" front, does not a dirt bike make.

That bike coulda been the one that Triumph used to steal the adventure show.
But it looks like just another entrant to the new marketing version of the "adventure genre"

I thinking somebody is going to throw down sooner or later in the 750-850 cc arena. NOT letting BMW have it all to themselves is what got this whole thing going. Yamaha did a great job of answering the Big Pig category. Now it's time for the next lower weight class.

 

[bikerdoc]

I owned a new triumph tiger 800 XC and put over 10,000 miles in one year on the bike. I was GREATLY disapointed by that bike both on road and off road, sold it. I had problems with the engine stalling constantly that was my biggest complaint and the riding position was horrible.

Ive put over 10,000 miles on my tenere in roughly 8 months and I love this thing!!!! It is far more capable off road than the 800 was and far more comfortable. It even gets more MPG, i dont understand that but it does.

I am very happy I did this and do not regret selling the tiger one bit. That thing was junk in my opinion.

Interesting perspective, and appreciate this insight from someone who has had the XC, so what if anything did you think about the Explorer then...? That is if you even took the time to look at one etc...

 

[Rasher]

Kinda shows that a 21" front, does not a dirt bike make.

And neither does taking a high revving sportsbike engine and boring it out make it a great ADV bike mill.

I am surprised BMW still have the middleweight section to themselves, their 800 would be ideal for the Mrs next bike if it was not for the fact it is a BMW.

Triumph did a bit of a parts bin job on the 800, I bet it works fantastically as comfy middleweight road bike / tourer / commuter, I reckon they would have been better off just fitting a 17" wheel and making it more like a practical super-motard style thingy.

 

[JohnB]

Triumph should have used the Bonneville's twin for an ADV instead of a bored out street triple. I wish they would turn their Scrambler into a real scrambler with some long-travel suspension and maybe a few more ponies.

 

[sportsguy]

Triumph should have used the Bonneville's twin for an ADV instead of a bored out street triple. I wish they would turn their Scrambler into a real scrambler with some long-travel suspension and maybe a few more ponies.

Here ya go John...

clicky

 

[Ramseybella]

I wonder when Kawasaki pulls the trigger and does the ultimate duel dragon trick show, a twin or triple 800 to 1000 motor.

They have been laying low for a few years on anything new really. :-\

 

[Roge]

Triumph should have used the Bonneville's twin for an ADV instead of a bored out street triple. I wish they would turn their Scrambler into a real scrambler with some long-travel suspension and maybe a few more ponies.

Not a Trumpet but veeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrryyyyyyyyyyy nice

http://www.bikeexif.com/harley-scrambler-motorcycle

 

[Ramseybella]

 

[JohnB]

Oops, look what I started. 8)

OK, how about this one:
http://www.hammarhead.com/jack-pine.html

 

[AKC Tenere]

I have cruise control and heated grips.
All fitted as extra genuine Yamaha plug ins.
I didnt need the electronic suspension so just opted for these items as a special deal price when purchasing the standard 2014 model from new in UK from main dealer.
It was winter so not many bikes moving from dealerships, therefore were keen to make me these offers from std. stock bike.

 

[munsterlander]

"Hands down the Explorer is a better bike...cruise control, more power, gear shift indicator, etc., etc."
My Tenere has cruise control, more power, gear shift indicator, etc.... it is called a 2014+ model... why are you limiting yourself to what is on the floor at that dealer (an older generation Tenere)?

 

[twinrider]

"Hands down the Explorer is a better bike...cruise control, more power, gear shift indicator, etc., etc."
My Tenere has cruise control, more power, gear shift indicator, etc.... it is called a 2014+ model... why are you limiting yourself to what is on the floor at that dealer (an older generation Tenere)?

Did you read the date of the OP's post? June 2013....