Question from a potential owner

[JPK]

Hi all,
Sorry for the long question. I’m a potential new owner, so I want to provide a little context to my question. I currently ride a Wee-Strom that I’ve farkled nearly to the point that it’s not recognizable as a Wee any more (OK, not true… it’s still ugly as sin). It’s a fantastic bike and I have no complaints about it at all. It’s supremely capable at everything I ask it to, but it’s not “the” bike, if you get what I mean (or maybe there is no “the” bike and I just want the “next” bike). In either case, I’ve been looking at replacing the Wee with a big dualie. I don’t mean to turn this into a comparo between the bikes I’m considering, but these are:

- Super Tenere
- R1200GS Adventure
- Tiger Explorer
- Multistrada

What I’m looking for is something that can carve it up in the canyons, handle the long-range stuff comfortably, and also handle some dirt (fire roads, gravel, etc. – no single-track). My decision criteria are:

Reliability: This excludes the R1200GS (not interested in the risk associated with FD problems) and the Tiger Explorer (too new, no track record)

Road capability: I think the Multi is the undisputed king here.

Some dirt capability: Nothing gnarly, but the ability to ride fire roads or gravel roads. This would exclude the Multi for me – not because the bike couldn’t do it, but because I’m not that good a rider in the dirt to trust myself with something that will likely cost me major $$ in broken plastics and whatnot, and is at somewhat of a disadvantage with the 17” front.

Cost: I don't want to say "cost is no issue" but I've done the "good value" bikes (Wee Strom, KLR) and they are OK for a while, but what I'm looking for is "the" bike now.

This would leave the S10 as the frontrunner on paper (for whatever paper exercises are worth). I wish I could ride all of these, but no Yamaha dealer in the area offers a test ride. I could probably ride the other three (whenever the Tiger Explorer hits dealers).

So this leaves to glean as much as I can about the S10 from reviews and from what owners post – and herein lies the rub. Every “review” I’ve watched (Youtube) or read that compares the S10 to any of these other bikes basically goes like this… “Very capable bike. Good first effort by Yamaha. Engine is boring with no character.” Yet, every owner talks about how fantastic the bike is, with loads of character, ear-to-ear smiles, and whatnot. Even folks I know that have borrowed an S10 for a weekend trip rave about how good a bike it is. So, what gives? Is this just the most grossly misunderstood bike ever? Have all of you re-flashed the bike, and this is why you all rave about it? (do you think a re-flashed bike, when reviewed against the others by the “pros” would have a different outcome?)

Given that my current bike is as capable as I need it to be, and what I’m really looking for is the smile factor (and perhaps some more dirt capability if we’re honest about what the Wee can do), I’m a bit reluctant to shell out the $$, only to conclude that “yep, all the reviewers were right – very capable but somewhat boring”. This describes my Wee pretty well, so I don’t need to spend more money to get that.

I guess I'm open to thoughts on why you love the S10, and why you think it doesn't fair better against the other bikes as I would expect it to?

Thanks,
John

 

[spasm]

so many answers i want to give to you, i can only give you my personal opinion and experiences.
firstly its a brilliant bike off road, ive ridden many bikes and motox is my lifetime hobby, big 2 strokes, this bike is a YAMAHA nuff said.
im no slouch when it comes to road riding either, and ive never had a bike that handles like this for its size. so flickable and agile, it almost feels like a 450 supermoto at times.
the only real thing that spoilt my nice new SUPER tenere, was the power seemed wheezy mid range, and didnt really get my heart pounding.
PCV+AUTOTUNE, ARROW HEADERS, END CAN, K&N FILTER, ECU FLASH (DIASAPON RACING). this bike will make your heart stop now lol.
so yeah it took a few tweeks but there aint no other bike like it for me, and ive ridden plenty over the years.
and finally the looks......... well you decide

dont believe half of wot you read, i personally luv the yamaha super tenere, but then im a yamaha man through and through ::008::

 

[troll]

Yet, every owner talks about how fantastic the bike is, with loads of character, ear-to-ear smiles, and whatnot. Even folks I know that have borrowed an S10 for a weekend trip rave about how good a bike it is. So, what gives?

I'd listen to the folks that are riding the bike on a regular basis - this is a pretty sweet ride, and I would agree totally with Spasm. Unless you are comming off of sport bikes, I think you will be impressed. Go for a spin on one, you'll see what we are talking about - I'm just say'in ::26::

 

[advd]

JPK,

I am a new and very proud owner of an S10. My last bike was a 2009 Wee Strom. I also owned a 2007 R1200GSA for 18 months.

The Wee was a very nice bike and I enjoyed it for it's simplicity and reliability. It wasn't nearly as "fun" as my BMW, but then my Wee never left me stranded and it wasn't in the shop for months either, like my BMW.

I've been wanting a Tenere since I first saw they would be introduced in Europe, and I've been following the threads for the past couple of years. Now that I have one I can say it really is all that people are saying about it. Coming from my Wee, I don't understand why people are talking about power mods, since the S10 has all I'll ever need in stock form. It's smooth, well built, and incredibly quick compared to what I've been used to.

I can't wipe the smile off of my face. It's a big step up from the Wee in both features and fit / finish.

 

[protondecay123]

So this leaves to glean as much as I can about the S10 from reviews and from what owners post – and herein lies the rub. Every “review” I’ve watched (Youtube) or read that compares the S10 to any of these other bikes basically goes like this… “Very capable bike. Good first effort by Yamaha. Engine is boring with no character.” Yet, every owner talks about how fantastic the bike is, with loads of character, ear-to-ear smiles, and whatnot. Even folks I know that have borrowed an S10 for a weekend trip rave about how good a bike it is. So, what gives? Is this just the most grossly misunderstood bike ever? Have all of you re-flashed the bike, and this is why you all rave about it? (do you think a re-flashed bike, when reviewed against the others by the “pros” would have a different outcome?)

Given that my current bike is as capable as I need it to be, and what I’m really looking for is the smile factor (and perhaps some more dirt capability if we’re honest about what the Wee can do), I’m a bit reluctant to shell out the $$, only to conclude that “yep, all the reviewers were right – very capable but somewhat boring”. This describes my Wee pretty well, so I don’t need to spend more money to get that.

I guess I'm open to thoughts on why you love the S10, and why you think it doesn't fair better against the other bikes as I would expect it to?

Thanks,
John

John, your reasoning is almost exactly the same as mine, with one other thing I strongly considered > Dealer support network. ::026::

I don't know where the characterization of the SuperTen as BORING arises. This bike is an ADVENTURE !! I've taken this thing down roads that I only vaguely remember from my first early decade(s) of riding. I've explored roads that I could only look at from the seat of my FJR1300. 1st gear is a little high in my opinion and if you get it stuck in some mud and have to turn it around that can be frustrating, but not boring.

I think that "boring" is Moto-journalist cliche for "dependable" and hence is usually applied to the Japanese manufacturers. ::009::

If you have a Wee, I don't know how much of an upgrade the SuperTen would be honestly. It would be much better for 2 up and somewhat better on the road with a more tunable suspension, more power and somewhat better off road. :question:

Moto-journalists ride the bike for a day or two and write articles. Bikes with the most horsepower are always going to catch their attention. They don't have to live with the bike. They don't have to worry about breaking down on I-70 and spending $1500 get get the bike towed and fixed ( or to do the scheduled 4K mile maintenance) to the nearest Ducati/BMW dealer 300 miles away in Salt Lake or Denver. ::019::

They don't have the "weight" of years of ownership to deal with. It's a one night stand. That Duc maybe able to suck a golf ball through a garden hose. But, Needless to say the Duc is a Crack hoe. ::024::

After 7K miles, this is undoubtedly the best all around bike, I've owned. Put some K60's or TKC's on it and there's not a lot of places you can't go and explore. ::021::

 

[RED CAT]

Grin Factor No. 1 = KTM 990 Adv, hands down. Next comes the GS1200(as long as it runs good) and Super Tenere are close. I came from a GS1200 and expected a downgrade going to the S10. I was mildly surprised other than the weight gain. I was not expecting the S10 to be as good on gravel roads only to find it was better than the GS. On street they are very close. The S10 only needs a better windshield. Powerwise, the S10 has more down low in the RPMs and the GS has more in the higher RPMs. The GS is sportier because of the lighter weight but overall I doubt I'd ever go back to a GS cause the S10 is such a cool bike overall. Not to mention the price difference! You'll like it alot better than a VStrom for sure. ::001::

 

[52edub]

I just traded my 2009 Suzuki VStrom 1000 (the Vee) for a new S10. Just brought it home on a 25 mile ride in sunny, but cool Hampton Roads VA. First impressions: I was taking it easy both for the new tires/brakes and new engine, but the brakes are tons better than the Vee. Right now I will give a nod to the Vee's hand guards/heated grips as I could feel a pretty good wind blowing on my hands and the bike doesn't have heated grips yet. Even though I was taking it easy on the engine the low gears definitely had more grunt than the Vee. My early riding impression is the S10 rides smoother and tracks better in turns than the Vee. I will have to provide more information later this week as I get some more miles on it and the weather should be cooperating.

 

[GrahamD]

My two cents worth..

The Poms. They don't do dirt. They want a bike with the looks and back road ability but don't understand what the compromises are for dirt.
The rest of Europe, Twisties, paved roads and point and squirt. May venture down to Starbucks in Morocco once a year
The Rest of the world. Have to deal with a range roads, non roads and crap everyday and often big distances.
Magazines, get to ride the bikes for a day and have one eye on the advertising cash cow. (with a couple of exceptions)

Now going from a DL1000, I now own both.

The S10, is just a better bike all round. Engine is smoother on the cruise and has the same growl in the power, BUT delivers the power in a really good usable way for everyday riding. It is relaxed, effortless and just plain works well at sane speeds (up to 160km/h) You will not be left behind in the twisties that often either.

Gravel roads. When you say the occasional fire road, etc I bet that is the Strom talking. ::024:: The S10 makes dirt a bit too much fun. Inspires confidence and leaves most things behind except those pesky KTM's. The ABS even works in many of the situations that would have some folk sitting around flipping through menu options.

I think the reason the owners like them so much is that they are just a well balanced bike that keeps surprising in real world conditions. It just does stuff and doesn't ask too much from the rider. More of a partner than a boss or slave. Helps you along rather than acting like a drill sergeant.

Anyway my thinking went like this. Bear in mind I live in Australia.

GS - 26K ::025:: Parts prices suck sometimes. Not as bad as I thought sometimes, sometimes shocking.
GSA -28K ::025::
KTM - 21K Great where it works, Seems OK on the road but didn't solve the problems that the Strom had in that area. Dealer network. ::007:: but one is close to me. Might make look like I know what I'm doing but not the best fit for my needs ATM.
S10 - 20K .Solved the off road problems, the fuel economy, the legal speed touring refinement, the suspension, the brakes and the range to a point. Parts prices suck a bit. Motor could be a bit more free revving but if it killed the bottom end fuggetit. Second favorite motor. behind the Triumph.
MTS - 23K I know that that bike will get me into trouble. It was worse than the Vee at sane speeds. but was fast when it got up. Its frame seemed wobbly in the rough and the back brake didn't work. (which is only a minor issue on a Ducati really) but still...Small range, sucked fuel. Good for Arthritic Ducati veterans and they write them off every other week when they get scratched around here. Parts prices are worse than the YAMAHA ???
Triumph 800XC. - 18K Almost bought one but it seemed like a cheap ass bike for almost the same price as the S10. Parts prices suck a bit
Triumph Explorer - 23K est. Too late but starting to look like a 3 cylinder Strom. (sucks about as much fuel as the Strom. at least) not good range, top heavy from a few reports. too nervous for comfortable off road work. Now I should say that the Strom reference is about "top heavy and steering geometry set up for road work, in case there are any Market Position sensitive people around here. And I should say that the 800 has a great motor for paved street work except that frikken whine. It's worse than the Strom. Would have to make it loud to cover it up. ::008::
Honda CrossDresser - ??K Too late Great Touring bike by all accounts. Sucks fuel. not good range. I bet Parts prices suck.

Why they don't let you ride one in SoCal is a bit bizarre. Go somewhere else.

Finally the from all I have read I think the chance of you not liking the bike is something like 99-2 against.

 

[Ollie]

This is a tough call and no one will likely be able to provide you with the exact info you need to make a decision. Obviously, the consequences of making the wrong choice (if there is such a thing) are the loss of cash and time. I’m speaking from recent experience, which I’m still slapping myself for (and so is my wife). :'( If you’ve got plenty of cash and time then the pressure is off and you could try all the bikes on your list. If you’re like me and you can’t afford to make too many mistakes and you can only have one bike to do everything, then the picture gets a little clearer. Add to that potential for unreliability, then the picture gets clearer still. Honestly, if I could swing it, I would have all the bikes on your list and a few more. I’d also set aside a cash reserve for high service costs, expensive parts and unexpected “nuisance” issues. A test ride on the Tenere seems like it would go a long way in making your decision. Good Luck

 

[GrahamD]

I’m speaking from recent experience, which I’m still slapping myself for (and so is my wife). :'( If you’ve got plenty of cash and time then the pressure is off and you could try all the bikes on your list. If you’re like me and you can’t afford to make too many mistakes and you can only have one bike to do everything, then the picture gets a little clearer. Add to that potential for unreliability, then the picture gets clearer still. Honestly, if I could swing it, I would have all the bikes on your list and a few more. I’d also set aside a cash reserve for high service costs, expensive parts and unexpected “nuisance” issues. A test ride on the Tenere seems like it would go a long way in making your decision. Good Luck

Agree with Oliie ???

Yes If I was a high paid movie star I wold probably just have my people talk to my Brokers people and get them all delivered as they are released and just give the ones I didn't ride much to "Ride for life" and drop that fact when I am being interviewed by Oprah.

But that is but a dream.

 

[3putt]

I had a 2010 MTS1200 standard, 15 months later and 9300 miles, I sold it. Think my bike overlap with the Super Tenere and MTS1200 was less than 2 months. I rest my case.

 

[keeponriding]

So...I've ridden bunches of bikes and always wanted the "next" one.
My favorite of all time was my 85 BMW k100...rode it for years, daily commuting and long distance tours across the Western US....the best bike for me (at the time) and could not think of another bike that I would want to replace it with.

Fast forward 20 years and I read reviews of the ST...mind you, I'm at a time in my life I can afford to buy any bike I want....I traded my bike in for the ST and it is the best bike I've ever owned and again, like in 89, could not think of another bike I would want to replace it with.

My $.02....your mileage may vary.

 

[RCDantzscher]

Asking Tenere owners which bike is best...Lol! Buy the Yami, save $8K and take your wife (or send her someplace warm and comfortable) for the trip of a lifetime! No regrets!

 

[JPK]

Thanks everyone for the great replies. It sounds like the motor "out of the box" is plenty powerful for most, and there's a pretty well understood path to gain even more power if so desired. Every bike has things that could use some improvement. The Wee's was suspension. After a fork brace, springs/Emulators in front and an Elka 3-way adjustable shock in the rear the suspension is fantastic now. Point being, I'm not averse to a little tweaking to make the bike "my own". The general sense I'm getting though is that a great many folks (not just on this forum) are very happy with the bike totally stock (whereas I don't know a lot of V-Strom owners that haven't had to address at least wind buffeting, horrible seat, and some suspension mods).

Asking Tenere owners which bike is best...Lol! Buy the Yami, save $8K and take your wife (or send her someplace warm and comfortable) for the trip of a lifetime! No regrets!

Hehehe - yeah, I expected a little bit of owner bias to creep into the opinions here. What I was really trying to get at, rather than a simple "tell me how the Super Tenere is the best bike ever" was "how do I make sense of everyone here telling me it's the best ever, while every review says it's just ho-hum". I think some of the points made above, both about some of the specific reviewers, as well as magazine reviews in general, make sense.

In any case - I found another local dealer that's uncrating a blue one today, and is getting a black one in next week. He initially said "no demo rides" but eventually said I could take it for a spin if I didn't put more than 3-4 miles on it. Not really what I'd call a proper test ride, but it's better than a sharp stick in the eye, I guess. I'm still looking to see if any place has one to rent for a day so I can give one a good flogging.

Thanks Again,
John

 

[RED CAT]

On the Test Ride, make sure the bike is in SPORT mode. Small switch on right hand side that looks like a Flasher switch. A little slow in Touring Mode. Big difference between the two modes. I don't even use Touring!

 

[Don in Lodi]

Hey John, get one, you'll like it. Give Roseville Yamaha a call. They have a bike on the floor that I'd swear they called "their demo bike" last time I was in there. It's a dressed up Raven. They have/had another Raven for sale as well. LOL, I know a few riders that could easily be talked into a lunch run to meet & greet with ya.

 

[JPK]

Hey John, get one, you'll like it. Give Roseville Yamaha a call. They have a bike on the floor that I'd swear they called "their demo bike" last time I was in there. It's a dressed up Raven. They have/had another Raven for sale as well. LOL, I know a few riders that could easily be talked into a lunch run to meet & greet with ya.

Great tip! Roseville isn't that far from Los Gatos, and we have family in Rocklin. I think a call to Roseville Yamaha and weekend trip up there might be in order.

 

[Firefight911]

Great tip! Roseville isn't that far from Los Gatos, and we have family in Rocklin. I think a call to Roseville Yamaha and weekend trip up there might be in order.

Don beat me to it. Yup, go see Peter Brown at Roseville Yamaha, tell us when you'll be there, and my bet is you'll have S10 envy as you will be surrounded by a half dozen of us!!!!! ::022::

 

[JPK]

Well, this is quite a case of perfect timing. Mission Cycles in Daly City just (literally minutes ago) announced a demo day for this Saturday, and they'll have a Super Tenere available. I'm already down for a 10:30 spot. ::012::

 

[keeponriding]

Tough for the guys in the 10:45 to 2 pm slots...you won't want to come back