Seeking your opinion

[Twistyguy]

Hi Everyone.

I'm new to the forum and would like your opinion on the Super Tenere ES. I currently ride a BMW R12R fitted with hard bags and a windscreen. I like to take 3-7 day trips through the mountains of Appalachia. The bike is a blast to ride through the twisties, but it has become very unreliable and has left me stranded in remote areas without cell phone service. I've had it with that bike. I've been looking for a super reliable motorcycle that carries hard bags, has ABS, a unified braking system, shaft drive that is fun in the twisted. I do not want another BMW. My search has led me to 3 choices: Yamaha FJR, Kawasaki Concours and the Super Tenere ES. The FJR, while it fits all the criteria I'm looking for, just leaves me feeling blah. It frankly bores me. I rode one a few years back and it lacked any character. The Concours is fairly similar to the FJR with a few less bells and whistles. It doesn't excite me. Then I started looking into the Super Tenere ES. First, I really like how the bike fits me. I love the versatility of on the fly adjustable suspension and ride modes. I love how reliable the bike is reported to be. I love how I'll be able to expand the types of roads I can explore (I never took a dirt road with my BMW). I also really like the look. I haven't been able to test ride one, however. I've turned one on in the dealership and the twin engine souded great.

What I'd like to get your feedback on is how well does the bike handle aggressive riding in mountain twisties? Does the motor have character? It sounds like it does, but it's hard to know without a test ride. Is the bike as reliable as its reputation?

Thanks for any input you could give me.

Peter

 

[WJBertrand]

Just got back from a 8-day ride to grand junction, CO from Ventura, CA. I did twisties, interstates and maybe 100 or so miles off-road. All I can say is what a bike! It performed flawlessly.


-Jeff

 

[VRODE]

I thought I always wanted an FJR to replace my FZ1 but I wasn't thrilled when I rode it. It was competent enough but I was kinda bored. Same with the Connie. My ST 2016 ES puts a smile on my face every time I ride it. And I need a reliable bike as I too ride in no cell coverage areas a lot. The motor pulls like a tractor. It's got enough power for me. It works very well on the dirt roads up here and I love it in the twisties. I am very happy with my choice. I think you might be too.

 

[RCinNC]

I have a 2014 non ES Super Tenere. In the two years I've owned it, I've put 27,500 miles on it, and the only things I've had to do to it was the standard maintenance from the service manual and replace a headlight bulb. Mine has been Swiss watch reliable; it's been all the way west to Nebraska and all the way north to Maine and it hasn't failed me one single time. Most of that mileage has been with a passenger, and at least half of those miles have been loaded touring.

What sold me on the reliability of this bike was an endorsement from Nick Sanders; who's racked up some unbelievable miles on his with no issues.

 

[mobyfubar]

I put just under 50k miles on my '12 and loved it. In October I got a '15 ES and it's even better. So far I've got over 10k miles on it. Previously I had an ST1300 and before that a Trophy 1200. Those were great bikes but the XT1200 is better for me - more comfortable, more versatile and lighter weight. In the twisties, it benefits from the lower weight and better cornering clearance. Both of mine have been completely dependable, I've never had a repair necessary (there were 2 recalls on the '12, but I was not experiencing the problems they were for).

Short version: I recommend the bike!

 

[Cycledude]

The Tenere is about as reliable as they come, it handles light duty off road just fine, mine doesn't have ES but that's fine, the only thing I really wish my 13 had is cruise control . GS's are great bikes and very popular but the closest dealer for me is over 150 miles away so it's pretty unlikely I will ever buy one.

 

[Twistyguy]

This is just what I was hoping to hear. Thanks so much for the thorough quick replies. You've convinced me to take the leap. Now all I have to do is sell my BMW. One last question: is there any difference between the '15 and '16 ST ES? I found a pretty good deal on a '15 ST ES.

 

[silvergoose]

I would say buy the 15 and save some money. After you get the ST you find places to spend it.

Good Luck. ( sold my BMW to buy the ST, never looked back)

 

[barkingllizard]

go for a test ride, Twistyguy, the only opinion that counts is yours.....

 

[Twistyguy]

I would love to take one for a test ride. Unfortunately no Yamaha dealers around here allow it. Crazy to think they expect us to plunk 15k down without having tried the bike. That's why I've asked you guys your opinions. You've been very helpful.

 

[AVGeek]

This is just what I was hoping to hear. Thanks so much for the thorough quick replies. You've convinced me to take the leap. Now all I have to do is sell my BMW. One last question: is there any difference between the '15 and '16 ST ES? I found a pretty good deal on a '15 ST ES.

The only difference between the 15 and 16 models are the color choices.

 

[Checkswrecks]

I would love to take one for a test ride. Unfortunately no Yamaha dealers around here allow it. Crazy to think they expect us to plunk 15k down without having tried the bike. That's why I've asked you guys your opinions. You've been very helpful.

I'm in Damascus, just north of you, and would be willing to trade rides so you can ride mine for a spin around the area. pm me for my phone if you want.

 

[Velvet]

I'm new to the Super Tenere game having bought one this past April. In June I did a 5,000 or so mile trip and I am totally impressed with the bike, especially with handling and comfort. I cannot comment about off pavement riding though.

During the search for my long range do-all bike I set nearly the criteria that you have and the bike has exceeded expectations. I was able to test ride a used '14 at a dealer which really helped. I did a lot, and I really mean a lot of research on this bike prior to pulling the trigger and reliability was a key factor in making my decision. Just do some research on this site as well as a couple of others and you'll find that nearly all of the comments about the bike are very positive.

 

[rem]

Here you go. I'm not saying that this survey is flawless. but it's worth considering. R ::008:: ::022::

 

[shrekonwheels]

My sig

 

[ADKsuper10]

Shrek that's a great article there in your signature. My buddy has a GS and he said if the S10 was available when he bought his GS he would have bought the S10.....He rode mine for a bit and had a BIG smile on his face when we rolled up to the first stop sign after riding a hill with some twisties on it.

I love the GS too - I've watched Long Way Round about 3 times. If that show doesn't make you want to ride a BMW.....However, the practical man in me doesn't regret my decision to go with the S10 at all. Manufacturer/dealer support is important to me - you can't swing a dead cat in most sizable towns without hitting a Yamaha dealership. The way the bike performed for Nick Sanders was what made up my mind. I love the reliability of Japanese engineering.

::021::

 

[ADKsuper10]

....and I agree a lot of time people buy bikes, boats, and whatever else and go with particular brands because they want to be involved with the culture of that brand's ownership as much as anything else.

 

[okiegtrider]

I'm another who sold a BMW to buy a Super Tenere. Almost three years later, no regrets at all. Every time I ride mine I still come back with a big stupid grin on my face. The Tenere has restored the fun to riding for me . It really never enters my mind that the bike might leave me stranded some where . With my previous ride , no matter what a good time I was having , the concern was always there.

As for blasting the twistys, well that is big fun on this bike too. The Tenere is more capable for aggressive riding than I am . YMMV

 

[14s10]

I just got my S10 to replace my 07 r12gs, which I'm now selling. Don't have any regrets. Living the Yamaha. Feel much more confident I won't be putting as much money into maintenance and will be more reliable. And it's such a fun bike as has been said.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[BravoBravo]

Shrek that's a great article there in your signature. My buddy has a GS and he said if the S10 was available when he bought his GS he would have bought the S10.....He rode mine for a bit and had a BIG smile on his face when we rolled up to the first stop sign after riding a hill with some twisties on it.

I love the GS too - I've watched Long Way Round about 3 times. If that show doesn't make you want to ride a BMW.....However, the practical man in me doesn't regret my decision to go with the S10 at all. Manufacturer/dealer support is important to me - you can't swing a dead cat in most sizable towns without hitting a Yamaha dealership. The way the bike performed for Nick Sanders was what made up my mind. I love the reliability of Japanese engineering.

::021::

I agree with everything you have said. My 2012 has been as reliable as a stone axe during the three years I have owned it. I have replaced a couple of headlight bulbs and had the updated clutch basket installed (not an issue for more recent models,) and there was a recall for the headlight wiring harness which was done as well. Not once has it left me standing by the side of the road. It is without doubt the best motorcycle I have ever owned, and I have had a number over the past 45 years! ::008::

Cheers,

Bruce