Sold My Super Tenere Today

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ballisticexchris

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I was just looking for a tough, dependable motorcycle that was comfortable, and handled good. Found one. :)
Well said Robert!! My thought exactly!!

For me the capability vs comfort gap is getting narrow as I get older. 20 years ago I could see myself touring on a dual sport. Not so much now. And boy oh boy is the Super Tenere ultra comfortable on long rides.

As far as the "KTM experience", most anyone who buys a KTM knows that it's going to be an endless money pit. It's a fair tradeoff for the performance you are getting. Ready To Race is no joke. I purchased my KTM 300 and won a 1st place plaque the 2nd race I entered. It was that good. Definitely a case of a better bike vs rider skill.

Something to consider when purchasing a bike is at novice level it's all about the bike you are on. At amateur/expert level bike choice does not matter much.
 

Sierra1

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So, I started looking at Yamaha's enduro/dual sport line up. Didn't they used to have a 450cc with lights/indicators? Of course, all the manufacturers that have 450-650cc dual sports have priced them into full sized bike territory. Honda and Suzuki have some old school offerings, but their still $6,500+. Wow.
 

moto.monk

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It amazing me what some of these duelsport bikes cost with 2000s tech. They ask for 6k to 10k. Then I check out used bikes and it's still 4 to 6k for a 10 year old bike. Yaya law of supply and demand. But holy moly and if want to save some coin for a second bike you have to find a beat up one for 2 -3.5k
 

Don in Lodi

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It's not permitted in Kalifornia, but you used to be able to plate dirt/enduro bikes in some other states with a few dollars in upgrades. I remember the WR450 being a popular one.
 
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If it were only a couple issues, I would feel the same way but with all the one's I've had I just don't trust it. Here's a rundown of the problems I've had since I bought it a month ago. Yes, I said in one month and 1,000 miles!

1. Recall on brake line prior to buying the bike.
2. Brake light replaced prior to buying bike.
3. Cruise Control quit working after the first day. (Dealer spent two weeks trying to fix it and after replacing multiple parts, KTM flew in a tech who eventually fixed it after spending a solid week, 8 hrs a day working on it.)
4. Oil leak around from sprocket shaft
5. Condensation in TFT screen after picking up from dealer (after they had it for two weeks trying to fix CC)
6. Ran out of gas on the way home from dealer because fuel gauge quit working and was reading half a tank when it was empty.
7. Whatever is next

As you can see KTM quality control is not even in the same universe as Yamaha. Other KTM owners tell me it's just minor but for me a bike (or any vehicle) should work as designed form day one, you know like a Yamaha does!
KTM claims that the quality control is just fine on these Chinese built bikes. When they moved their production of all 890 and smaller twins to China, they said this wouldn't happen.

As a KTM owner, with three orange bikes in my garage, I hate seeing stuff like this. Makes me cringe.
 

Sierra1

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It's not permitted in Kalifornia, but you used to be able to plate dirt/enduro bikes in some other states with a few dollars in upgrades. I remember the WR450 being a popular one.
Maybe that's what I remember seeing. Currently they have headlights, but no siglnals. But, yeah, the prices on some of those 600-800cc bikes. . . . o_O. . . . makes the T12 a bargain. Yes, I do understand that it's a apples & oranges comparison. But, if you can only have one bike. . . . you can't get the one trick pony.
 

Tigerkf

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KTM claims that the quality control is just fine on these Chinese built bikes. When they moved their production of all 890 and smaller twins to China, they said this wouldn't happen.

As a KTM owner, with three orange bikes in my garage, I hate seeing stuff like this. Makes me cringe.
The 2020 KTM 790 was made in Austria. They move to China in September of this year which may be delayed because of the Kung-flu. It may get worse once that transition happens! The midsize bikes are what is moving. Of course the BMW already makes many of its engines in China
 

Tigerkf

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It sounds to me a lot of people fall into the manufacture advertising, social media and YouTube trap. Then find them selves on a motorcycle that was never intended to do what they thought it could or should that be what they thought they could unless your a professional and then some.
The Super Tenere is a large long distance touring motorcycle (road bike) that was never intended for off road use that you would find a trail or dirt bike on, like you see so much on Youtube.
It is a perfect motorcycle for what it was intended to do, carry your gear over long distances over varying "road" conditions and that is the key. NOT over varying terrain and trails but roads.
Unfortunately, social media has taking this to a place it was never intended, unless your 6ft 4" and pro circuit level rider and then what fun is that on dirt single tracks.
That is why Yamaha has the smaller brothers of Tenere and now the T7.
I picked up my T7 in May and it fills the gap perfect that the 1200 did not on off trail excursion. BUT when it comes to long distance riding the S10 is my #1 choice.
The T7 is real nice off tarmac and as a short distance weekend explorer will keep you grinning but if your planning multi week cross continental trek the Super tenere 1200 hands down is the better option. Owning both that's my opinion.
Hos is your T7 on the freeway at about 85? Is it comfortable, could you run that speed for a few hours?
 
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The 2020 KTM 790 was made in Austria. They move to China in September of this year which may be delayed because of the Kung-flu. It may get worse once that transition happens! The midsize bikes are what is moving. Of course the BMW already makes many of its engines in China
Just be sure that your source is correct and reread it very carefully.

Sent from my GM1917 using Tapatalk
 

Tigerkf

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Better yet everyone can read the announcement from KTM!!!

First. That's not "from KTM". Second, there's an awful lot of detail missing. Scan for 2018 KTM partnership with CFMoto. You'll find a lot more info.

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lund

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The T700 is ok on freeway as long as you realize its a light bike. It's 85mph capable but not sustained without tiring you out. The biggest issue I feel the T7 has on freeway is the main asset it has off trail. WEIGHT. I find the bike too light for long distance freeway usage and unnerving at times(not as stabile) compared to the S10. Engine wise, a lot more vibs and your definitely calculating your freeway passes, especially loaded with gear. All and all, completely capable of freeway but at the end of the day your a lot more tired.
Hos is your T7 on the freeway at about 85? Is it comfortable, could you run that speed for a few hours?
 

Tigerkf

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The 790 is very capable on the street. Cruising at 85 for extended periods is no problem. I really wish it would have been problem free as it is really fun to ride.
 

AVGeek

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It's not permitted in Kalifornia, but you used to be able to plate dirt/enduro bikes in some other states with a few dollars in upgrades. I remember the WR450 being a popular one.
Still able to be done easily in Arizona, you can plate just about anything for street use there! Nevada has gone back and forth on this as well, currently allowing you to do so. I was at one time looking at plating a WR450, but once the T12 was announced, it was an easy decision, especially coming off of the FJR...
 

Scubatech

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Severance, Colorado
If it were only a couple issues, I would feel the same way but with all the one's I've had I just don't trust it. Here's a rundown of the problems I've had since I bought it a month ago. Yes, I said in one month and 1,000 miles!

1. Recall on brake line prior to buying the bike.
2. Brake light replaced prior to buying bike.
3. Cruise Control quit working after the first day. (Dealer spent two weeks trying to fix it and after replacing multiple parts, KTM flew in a tech who eventually fixed it after spending a solid week, 8 hrs a day working on it.)
4. Oil leak around from sprocket shaft
5. Condensation in TFT screen after picking up from dealer (after they had it for two weeks trying to fix CC)
6. Ran out of gas on the way home from dealer because fuel gauge quit working and was reading half a tank when it was empty.
7. Whatever is next

As you can see KTM quality control is not even in the same universe as Yamaha. Other KTM owners tell me it's just minor but for me a bike (or any vehicle) should work as designed form day one, you know like a Yamaha does!

Wow, that's disappointing! I used to sell KTM's and they were really good quality. This was early 1998 / 2001. Off road the 4 stroke dirt bikes were phenomenal . We didn't have the current big V twins that are out now.
 
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