New Member - Considering a Tenere Purchase

[Bombadier36]

Greetings!

I have finally joined the group as the possibility of owning a Tenere becomes greater. Somewhat new to motorcycle riding as I haven’t been riding all my life (started riding about 4 years ago in my mid 20s). Started out with a sport bike but quickly learned that it wasn’t for me mainly due to the lack of ability to take long trips. Sold it and got a trusty DR650.

This forum has provided me with allot of good reading and allot of good information. Recently I have really started to look for a Super Tenere to at least sit on and hopefully test-ride. The issue I’m coming across is that the local dealers don’t stock the bike. I’ve even called to other towns within an hour or so from me and it’s the same there. I’m assuming these bikes don’t sell well in the USA!?

Anyone in the FL Panhandle own a Tenere? Hahaha

 

[BaldKnob]

I’ve seen several for sale in Florida lately. Look in the flea market section on ADV or the classifieds here. They’re great bikes for most any use but would be a handful on Florida sugar sand... just saying. Good luck in your search.

 

[Nikolajsen]

Welcome

 

[Checkswrecks]

Welcome aboard and good luck with the hunt.

 

[escapefjrtist]

Welcome from metro Seattle!

Lots of Tenere's for sale, good luck with your search.

~G

 

[Flat lander]

All I can say is be patient with your search. It took me most of a year to find mine. I used Cycle Trader. You will know when the right one comes along. As far as a test ride that never happened for me. All the dealerships I went to don't seem to want to do that anymore. Just got to set on one. The fit alone made me start the search. I'm 6'3" fits me like a glove. I bought mine based a ton of reviews and this form. And Yamaha's reliability. I also have an FZ1 that has 200k on it. My only expenses on that bike has been tires and chain & sprockets. Good luck.

 

[Cycledude]

Yes it’s very true many Yamaha dealers really don’t want anything to do with the Tenere.
I have been down that same road twice.

 

[Bombadier36]

All I can say is be patient with your search. It took me most of a year to find mine. I used Cycle Trader. You will know when the right one comes along. As far as a test ride that never happened for me. All the dealerships I went to don't seem to want to do that anymore. Just got to set on one. The fit alone made me start the search. I'm 6'3" fits me like a glove. I bought mine based a ton of reviews and this form. And Yamaha's reliability. I also have an FZ1 that has 200k on it. My only expenses on that bike has been tires and chain & sprockets. Good luck.

Thanks for the info. I’ll keep being patient.

I’m on the smaller end of the size chart. 5.9 with stubby legs!

Glad you’re enjoying yours!!!

 

[Bombadier36]

Yes it’s very true many Yamaha dealers really don’t want anything to do with the Tenere.
I have been down that same road twice.

For all the good reviews the bike has, it’s odd they don’t stock them.

 

[Sierra1]

Welcome from Texas. Google search shows the seat height(s) of the DR vs Tenere to be within an inch. Plenty of guys here that are "not tall", and perfectly happy with their rides. BaldKnob is right about her weight off road, but it sounds like you're more of a pavement orientated rider like me. The Tenere should be like a DR/KLR on steroids. On the other hand, if you like sport bikes, but want/need long distance ability, the FJR may fit the bill. That being said, many here have/had FJRs, and prefer the Tenere due to her versatility. Good luck with the search. Maybe consider a fly-n-ride option.

 

[barkingllizard]

a simple hello, Bombadier36.....

 

[Bombadier36]

Welcome from Texas. Google search shows the seat height(s) of the DR vs Tenere to be within an inch. Plenty of guys here that are "not tall", and perfectly happy with their rides. BaldKnob is right about her weight off road, but it sounds like you're more of a pavement orientated rider like me. The Tenere should be like a DR/KLR on steroids. On the other hand, if you like sport bikes, but want/need long distance ability, the FJR may fit the bill. That being said, many here have/had FJRs, and prefer the Tenere due to her versatility. Good luck with the search. Maybe consider a fly-n-ride option.

Thank you. I was surprised at the number of FJR owners on here!

 

[steve68steve]

... They’re great bikes for most any use but would be a handful on Florida sugar sand...

Preach it!

I'm on radiator fan number 3, and one of those was thru the AltRider bars. I've met another ST rider who biffed a fan by dropping an ST with AltRider bars in the sand here.

 

[wjfawb0]

I've only got maybe 350 miles on my 2019 ST ES. So far it's been an easy bike to ride. It doesn't feel heavy at all when moving. I bought mine new, and the it was the only one at the dealer. The sales guys spoke as if the ST was hard to sell.

 

[Sierra1]

....I was surprised at the number of FJR owners on here!

It's a GREAT bike. The only other bike I would have, other than the Tenere.

 

[Bombadier36]

If I get one it will be mainly for road riding until I can get to a couple classes on how to properly manage a large bike off-road.

I’ll definitely avoid the sugar sands of FL. Some people can ride on them but it’s definitely difficult. I’ve had a couple tumbles when riding in sand on the DR. Hard to imagine with another hundred pounds or so.

 

[Scoop47501]

Welcome from Texas. Google search shows the seat height(s) of the DR vs Tenere to be within an inch. Plenty of guys here that are "not tall", and perfectly happy with their rides. BaldKnob is right about her weight off road, but it sounds like you're more of a pavement orientated rider like me. The Tenere should be like a DR/KLR on steroids. On the other hand, if you like sport bikes, but want/need long distance ability, the FJR may fit the bill. That being said, many here have/had FJRs, and prefer the Tenere due to her versatility. Good luck with the search. Maybe consider a fly-n-ride option.

Us old FJR hoodlums are a sorry lot for sure. I had three in the garage at one time counting my sons AE. Then the Tenere changed all that.