Shopping for a move up...

[proffsionl]

Currently on an '11 Tiger 800XC. Looking to move up to a big bore. Shopping the TEX XC and Super Tenere.

My Triumph dealer has a used '14 TEX XC with Triumph panniers (which I would replace with something better), heated grips, SW-Motech upper bars, and heated driver seat with 4600 miles on it. They claim the original owner traded it for a GSA, but couldn't (or wouldn't) give me a real reason why this person basically took a $5K bath on the TEX trade-in (that's their story, anyway). My 800XC has had ZERO issues and been great. They're offering me the TEX for $13,600 (but only $6K on the trade for my low mileage 800XC).

The S10 is another story. Less vibes in the bars, definitely a more reliable bike history (and it's a new ES), but more money due to it being a '15 and new. Definitely a different personality due to the parallel twin. I like that it carries it's weight lower in the frame. Comes with the heated grips, but I'll have to farkle it myself (more $$$).

Like many others, I'm torn on this choice. I'll be doing mostly on-road, two-up riding with the missus. I'm just really concerned about the reliability of the TEX. The one service guy I know told me he's done a fair number of head replacements, but overall it's been a decent bike.

It seems like a good deal on the TEX, I'm just not convinced that all of the bugs are worked out on these bikes yet...

Kevin

 

[Ironhand]

I've ridden both bikes, and both definitely have their strong points. For mostly on-road, 2-up use, I would lean toward the Triumph. My only reservation would be what seems to be (at least in these parts) a shrinking Triumph dealer network.

 

[LJM]

Don't know a thing about the TEX but buy the bike you like. Most of us ride for fun & unless you really can't afford what you want then go with your budget. I wouldn't search for or make a descsicion on type of bike based on a good deal. Find the one you really want & make a good deal on it. Good luck in whatever you buy

 

[proffsionl]

The good news is that the S10 ES is being offered at $14,300. Seems like a good deal, too...and the S10 forums seem to have a nice bunch of folks! 8)

 

[Bushyar15]

I would do the Triumph if I didn't do much off-road... I have no experience with it, but I like the way it looks...

 

[shrekonwheels]

I know a few people who have various triumphs and like them, but waiting for parts would drive me nuts. That was a big consideration on buying the Yami for me over a KTM or BMW.

 

[jettcity1]

The Yamaha dealerships are more easily available as well as parts and service.
I like the low maintenance requirements on the S10 also.
The availability of aftermarket parts and accessories for the Tenere is more plentiful with a lot of cool stuff available.
Happy hunting, I would get what you like.
It's all about what you want to ride and what looks good to you.

 

[Goldwing]

Well, you are on a Super Tenere forum so I would think most of us will tell you to buy one!

I love mine, as I do all road riding I find it to be very versatile, powerful, nimble, comfortable, has many high end features, is as reliable as a rock and it looks great!

I do still love my Goldwing for longer than 50 mile rides! ::015::

 

[2112]

As a limey Brit I'm very patriotic when it comes to Triumph, but I ride a Supertenere. Enough said.

 

[snakebitten]

The fact that the previous owner of the TEX took a "$5000.00" bath, might not really mean anything more than he was willing to take the bath.

Some folks find it so painful to take a financial hit, that they simply will not do it.
Some folks do it anytime they want something that results in the hit.

All I'm saying is that ONE fact, nestled in with all the other facts you are weighing, shouldn't be a deciding factor, in my opinion.

Why do I take this stance?
Because I am notoriously guilty, the older I get, of just giving in to the "call" of living like you are dying.
I no longer require a guarantee of staying on the bull for the full 8 seconds.
2.7 seconds on Fu-Man-Chu is what living is all about.

(my apologies to anyone who has no idea who Fu-man-chu is. You should give country a chance)

 

[ragrep]

I'd go with the S-10 over the Triumph. I say that as I rode a Triumph 1200 Explorer quite a bit on a trip that a friend rented the Triumph on and we switched bikes a few times. I actually loved the Triumph on the road. A very comfortable and smooth ride. Very powerful as well. What I didn't like was the weight and more specifically the weight distribution. The Tenere is no light weight ride but it feels much more nimble and light. Slow speed maneuvering and anything slow speed off road the Triumph feels very heavy to me. The eight feels like it is up high. Scared me a few times on gravel where my S-10 felt completely planted on. Can't speak for durability except the Tenere is super solid and huge dealer network which certainly could be an issue with the Triumph. Not to mention cost of maintenance of the Triumph. I'm sure there are deals to be had on 14's and even have seen a 13 new at a dealer in the past couple of months.

-ss

 

[TNWalker]

"I no longer require a guarantee of staying on the bull for the full 8 seconds.
2.7 seconds on Fu-Man-Chu is what living is all about. "


Heh! ::008::


Steve ::022:: ::26::

 

[MNs10]

I have over 10,000 miles on each of the bikes you're looking at.

Less, easier and faster maintenance is the EXP. The first valve check is sooner but then the schedule for checking the valves is similar to the ST.

The EXP is a better road bike and even more so two up. More motor. More suspension. Faster turn in (not all that fast in this class of bike but the ST's turn in was too slow for me). Did I say "more motor" -I really liked it. The EXP is great at high speed, stable, smooth and has power from any speed. The mpg's start on a downward slide at high speed before they do on the ST.

On anything other than hard dirt, the EXP was a white knuckler with the stock tires for me. The ST is better off the pavement. Off pavement the ABS/Traction control is ST all the way. On road they are the same.

You're worried about the bugs.? I had the head replaced on mine and there was an ecu recall on some if memory serves but it's fairly easy to come up with a longer list of issues with the ST...some of which may be resolved with 2015 but time hasn't proven that out. Anyway, my EXP was less maintenance, scheduled or not.

If you like to ride 'sporty' (fast on curving roads) the EXP liked to have my rear shifted to the inside and chin towards the inside grip or the foot pegs would scrape a little earlier than I liked. The ST pegs would scrape because the suspension wasn't enough for my weight.

I liked the ST and EXP...enjoyed both. If I was looking and had your parameters on the list, it would be a no brainer for me. Change the parameters and it could easily go the other way...Currently I have a GSW but if I lived out west or just wanted to destroy highway miles two up, the EXP would call to me.

 

[proffsionl]

Well, I got to ride both bikes back to back and I think I'm going to be the owner of a new S10 ES. I love the ability to change the feel of the suspension on the fly and also like that the S10 felt easier to manage at low speeds. I like the lower center of gravity. I played with the throttle modes a bit and found (as others have mentioned) that the touring mode a bit too soft and the sport mode a bit too aggressive. It'd be nice if there was a setting in between.

Most of all, I loved the sound of the S10. I'm an old thumper rider (grew up on Honda four stroke enduros) an it reminds me of those bikes. I'll be changing the seat, windshield, adding the sump guard and panniers. It should be fun to have a new project!

I'll post pics if and when I get the new bike! Thanks for the feedback! ::008::

 

[FrontRangeRider]

Well, I got to ride both bikes back to back and I think I'm going to be the owner of a new S10 ES. I love the ability to change the feel of the suspension on the fly and also like that the S10 felt easier to manage at low speeds. I like the lower center of gravity. I played with the throttle modes a bit and found (as others have mentioned) that the touring mode a bit too soft and the sport mode a bit too aggressive. It'd be nice if there was a setting in between.

Congratulations on your decision. I don't think you will have any regrets.

I had the same opinion of the throttle modes when I first got the bike. 4000 miles later, I have gotten used to sport mode and pretty much only use touring mode when standing on rough dirt. The switch to TC2 also occurs immediately upon start-up. I have a long dirt driveway; TC2 and sport mode make for great fun every time I ride.

 

[Rgh999]

I'd go with the S-10 over the Triumph. I say that as I rode a Triumph 1200 Explorer quite a bit on a trip that a friend rented the Triumph on and we switched bikes a few times. I actually loved the Triumph on the road. A very comfortable and smooth ride. Very powerful as well. What I didn't like was the weight and more specifically the weight distribution. The Tenere is no light weight ride but it feels much more nimble and light. Slow speed maneuvering and anything slow speed off road the Triumph feels very heavy to me. The eight feels like it is up high. Scared me a few times on gravel where my S-10 felt completely planted on. Can't speak for durability except the Tenere is super solid and huge dealer network which certainly could be an issue with the Triumph. Not to mention cost of maintenance of the Triumph. I'm sure there are deals to be had on 14's and even have seen a 13 new at a dealer in the past couple of months.

-ss

Have to agree. I had the triumph for 15 months and am now waiting on a new Yam. Slow riding and balance imho is far better. I found the Triumph a little twitchy at low speeds. Test road the Yam and couldn't believe the difference. On the other hand if your a head down ass up type of rider maybe the Triumph is for you, but I would certainly test the Yam before deciding. I did and WOW. No competition, but that's for my sort of use and riding.

 

[Checkswrecks]

First off, welcome to the group and congrats on deciding to get the new bike!
::004::


We ride the Tenere 2-up a lot and my 5'2" partner prefers it over anything else she has so far been on. I did put a spacer beneath the front of the back seat to flatten it.
http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=1465.msg173463#msg173463


On rides of more than an hour she likes to have her Airhawk, but that goes for any bike.
I got her a Seat Concepts recover which has a slightly grippier surface and that bombed. Stock was preferred.

 

[shrekonwheels]

Looking forward to seeing photos of the new ride in use! ::018::



Kind of surprised to hear of such a difference in the touring and sport mode, I really do not notice much on my 12. :-X

 

[Checkswrecks]

Looking forward to seeing photos of the new ride in use! ::018::



Kind of surprised to hear of such a difference in the touring and sport mode, I really do not notice much on my 12. :-X

There wasn't much difference between modes on my 2012 when stock. Getting the ECU flashed made a huge difference between the modes!

 

[Shovelhead]

2.7 seconds on Fu-Man-Chu is what living is all about.

(my apologies to anyone who has no idea who Fu-man-chu is. You should give country a chance)

Tug McGraw's kid sang that. ::008::