Well, the first impression, after jumping on it from the S10, is the narrow seat and the narrow gas tank. Pegs are more forward and bit higher than on S10. It's quite strange ant first. The seating position feels cramped compared to my bike. Let's not forget that I have shorter dog bones and custom seat (+4cm), l enduro bars and pivot rox. I was hoping to have my leg completely stretched out when reaching for the ground, but instead I feel almost like on a street bike.
Definitely something I would need to address.
Hate the tube tires. What they where thinking.
When you fire it up, you have to appreciate the sound from the stock can. Waaay beter then S10, even with the Akra. Engine noise is also more pleasant to the ear. It's a brand new bike though.
Once on the move first thing you notice is the perfect fueling and the quick revving nature of this parallel twin. To be honest, it feels faster then my S10, at least in this test I did in the city with moderate traffic. Of the line is definitely more snappier. Suspension wise, it feels closer to my exc then the Tenere. Under hard braking it dives just like an Enduro or DS bike, thanks to the long travel suspension. I'm use to it, so I don't mind.
Brakes are just fine. Not to sensitive and powerful enough. Shifter and the clutch are spot on, but I would prefer a Brembo or Magura hydraulic unit. Dashboard it's not my cup of tea, but I definitely need a longer ride to really say anything more clever about it.
What I do like is on the fly TC settings. I think it's 1,2,3 & Off. 3 is similar to our 2, and it's action is also Yamaha smooth.
Abs off button is a plus too.
I was at the Albanian Rally this June, as a support for a friend of mine who raced for the first time in big bikes class. The was a brand new Africa Twin ridden by Italian Ugo Filosa. The bike was almost completely stock. This guy arrived first in class, second overall with meters behind another Italian guy on rally replica 450 bike. Amazing. As for the bike, in this 5 days he had no technical issues at all, except one slow speed crash when he damaged one foot peg.
I could see my self on one of these, but the price here makes no sense at all. When you pay for the center stand, it's only 1800$ shy of 1190R and 400$ more then the S10 with Travel kit, and the travel kit includes panniers, led fog lamps, skid plate, touring screen, etc.
In My book, there's no comparison between the two, as a whole package. Offroad abilities are probably far off, but I'm holding myself pretty good against my buddies with 950/990's , so I suppose I will wait a bit longer to find the right replacement for the mighty S10.
Maybe the new baby Tenere...Who knows.