IntRunner
New Member
Since I recently posted my Super Tenere ES for sale, I thought I'd to a comparison to the bike(s) I am keeping. The one I will not compare it to is my Yamaha Xmax 300 scooter, just too different of an animal and even my R1200RT is an apples and oranges comparison. But, I will add my thoughts of the S10 vs the R1200RT.
First, background as I came to my S10 after totaling my Honda ST1300 in a deer strike back in the fall of 2016. I brought it as I liked the looks (still do) and it fit me as I sat on it in the dealer showroom. Unfortunately, it was not comfortable to ride at first as rides over 1 hour would lead to a lot of upper back issues. So during this time I spent a lot of time looking at other bikes and I ended up getting the BMW R1200RT, but getting back to the S10 I did solve the comfort issues with Helibar risers and a seat concept seat.
So now to the comparison.
Reliability, the Yamaha wins hands down as I have not had issues with either bike, but the BMW has a well earned reputation for having issues from time to time. This is probably reflected in the cost of extended warranty as it was less than $500 for 4 extra years with the Yamaha and when I asked about the BMW (it's still covered under the 3/36 manufactures) they were mentioned something more for just an extra year.
Comfort, the BMW wins as it has much better wind management, but that's partly due to the extras I put on the bike. I added a big wide windscreen and a Russell Day Long seat vs. the S10 where I added a taller windscreen and Seat Concept seat (even with the taller screen I had a lot of wind noise). The fairing on the BMW does give more wind protection and that's expected as it's a sport touring bike. Bottom line, I have no issues riding my S10 for 600 mile days while my BMW has seen 1,000 mile days.
Engine, both are twins with the BMW being a flat Boxer design. The S10 is smooth, even if it's a little tractor like (e.g. uninspiring) as you need to be less worried about being in the right gear. The BMW is higher revving and gets upset if you come close to lugging it (yes, I know you should never do that), but when having fun the BMW does reward you with a little more get up and go. Related, I like the transmission on the S10 better, less clunky than my 2016 RT, but the gear shift assist on the BMW is a joy even the clutch pull (if you use it) is very easy on that bike compared to the S10.
Versatility, both bikes can be loaded up. On the BMW I had the panniers and a 50l topcase I would move between the two bikes. On the S10, I never did get panniers and just used the topcase, tank bag, and a duffle if going on a multi-day ride. Where the S10 shined was the few times I ventured on Forest Service gravel roads as it was just more comfortable, but I'll admit that the RT did pretty good for a sport touring bike.
Gas mileage etc, I've averaged close to 50 mpg on both bikes and they both run on 91 octane gas. The S10 seemed to do better cruising down the highway at 75 in windy conditions as it would still return around 40 mpg while the RT could drop down to the high 20's. Now cruising the back roads, the RT would be a little better, but overall both were very similar.
Bottom line, it was the better comfort that lead me to keeping the RT, but if the Russell Day Long seat was on the S10, that might very well be the bike I'd keep as long-term it would be the less expensive.
First, background as I came to my S10 after totaling my Honda ST1300 in a deer strike back in the fall of 2016. I brought it as I liked the looks (still do) and it fit me as I sat on it in the dealer showroom. Unfortunately, it was not comfortable to ride at first as rides over 1 hour would lead to a lot of upper back issues. So during this time I spent a lot of time looking at other bikes and I ended up getting the BMW R1200RT, but getting back to the S10 I did solve the comfort issues with Helibar risers and a seat concept seat.
So now to the comparison.
Reliability, the Yamaha wins hands down as I have not had issues with either bike, but the BMW has a well earned reputation for having issues from time to time. This is probably reflected in the cost of extended warranty as it was less than $500 for 4 extra years with the Yamaha and when I asked about the BMW (it's still covered under the 3/36 manufactures) they were mentioned something more for just an extra year.
Comfort, the BMW wins as it has much better wind management, but that's partly due to the extras I put on the bike. I added a big wide windscreen and a Russell Day Long seat vs. the S10 where I added a taller windscreen and Seat Concept seat (even with the taller screen I had a lot of wind noise). The fairing on the BMW does give more wind protection and that's expected as it's a sport touring bike. Bottom line, I have no issues riding my S10 for 600 mile days while my BMW has seen 1,000 mile days.
Engine, both are twins with the BMW being a flat Boxer design. The S10 is smooth, even if it's a little tractor like (e.g. uninspiring) as you need to be less worried about being in the right gear. The BMW is higher revving and gets upset if you come close to lugging it (yes, I know you should never do that), but when having fun the BMW does reward you with a little more get up and go. Related, I like the transmission on the S10 better, less clunky than my 2016 RT, but the gear shift assist on the BMW is a joy even the clutch pull (if you use it) is very easy on that bike compared to the S10.
Versatility, both bikes can be loaded up. On the BMW I had the panniers and a 50l topcase I would move between the two bikes. On the S10, I never did get panniers and just used the topcase, tank bag, and a duffle if going on a multi-day ride. Where the S10 shined was the few times I ventured on Forest Service gravel roads as it was just more comfortable, but I'll admit that the RT did pretty good for a sport touring bike.
Gas mileage etc, I've averaged close to 50 mpg on both bikes and they both run on 91 octane gas. The S10 seemed to do better cruising down the highway at 75 in windy conditions as it would still return around 40 mpg while the RT could drop down to the high 20's. Now cruising the back roads, the RT would be a little better, but overall both were very similar.
Bottom line, it was the better comfort that lead me to keeping the RT, but if the Russell Day Long seat was on the S10, that might very well be the bike I'd keep as long-term it would be the less expensive.