Super Tenere, is it big as a first bike?

[Mo]

I just booked a S. Tenere. Was looking for a while for a medium sized bike (riding Vespa since few years) until my eyes dropped on the S Tenere. I booked one but wondering if it a very big jump from Vespa. My other option is a GS800 bmw but that would be the same amount of money almost and no credit facilities. The Yamaha dealer gave a better package.

Is it a wrong decision?

Mo

 

[RED CAT]

From a Vespa to an S10. You're joking, right?

 

[Mo]

So, wrong decision!

 

[troll]

??? Whoa, serious big change... probably 400lb and 75hp difference, not to mention seat height. ::017::

 

[oilfield_trash]

It's big as a first bike. It's big as 3rd bike. It's just big. The power is surprisingly manageable. You may struggle with low speed handling and the weight more than anything. Does that mean you shouldn't get one? No. Just be careful until you get used to it. ::021::

 

[Mo]

Thanks Oldfield. I rode occasionally before med sized bikes and was OK. Thought the S10 has safety standard equipment like ABS that are beneficial. I am here to help me with my decision.

 

[HoebSTer]

C'mon people go easy!!! There are several factors involved, as this scenario has been dicussed before. By RESPECTING a larger bike with some good common sense it can be done. Take alot of extra time learning and opening up the throttle as well as learning the turning and leaning of the bike. Take some parking lot rides performing maneuvers to get comfy with clutch and overall feel. Go to a remote straight road to get comfy with hard accelleration and braking.
If you are on the shorter side you may have some issues with some aspects, if you are big and tall as I am, then a bike like this fits good whether a new or old rider.
MY FIRST bike was a HONDA V65 Sabre after learning to ride on road with an 84 Honda GL1200 Goldwing. My dad said to respect it, and learn it. I listened to all advise and come to enjoy riding.

SO, with caution and understanding, this bike can be for you, just don't try to do stuff others are already doing after years of big bike riding. the info i mentioned is to be used after a good MSF course and patience for better part of a year or more at least.

Be safe and enjoy this awesome reliable machine.

Jeff

 

[Mo]

Thanks Jeff. Sure I will be cautious and I will train a lot in the coming weeks. I come from a farming background and i spend most of my business days on farms between the gulf deserts and african sugar cane farms. That said, whilst was being offered a medium sized street and sports bike (FZ8-6 whatever), couldn't keep my eye away from an AGGIE charactered S10 bike. Add to that the dealer gave an offer that I could not refuse, 50% advance and I pay rest in installements over 12 months!

Thanks again. MO

 

[zini]

Its like anything new, you just need to get used to it and adapt to suit. If you managed to survive in an urban environment for a number of years on a scooter, then the step might not be as big as you think.

I would suggest that you keep it on the tar for a few months before considering off-road stuff.

Just relax and enjoy your new purchase. Life is good on a S10.

 

[Oklahoma Masked Man]

well, I drove a vespa enjoyed it, then had a versys for about a year and half then went to the S10. Just be careful, practice low speed turns, stopping and remember the clutch is your friend, THE CLUTCH is your friend, you will be okay just remember one other thing, ride your ride don't ride beyond your ability don't let other influence your comfort level.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Also, keep it in "T" (touring) mode. That makes the engine more gentle. Don't even think of putting it in "S" (sport) mode for several months. While you're at it, don't make changes to the Traction Control System setting. It always defaults into the most restrictive mode, which will keep you from spinning the tires. That is a great safety feature you are getting on this bike.

I agree with the others. Stay in parking lots and ride in the most desolate areas you can find. Do everything possible to avoid interaction with other vehicles for as long as you can. You've have bitten off a lot of bike, chew slowly. If you try to gulp it all down quickly, you will regret it. It can be managed, but it's up to you to take your time.

 

[Mo]

Thanks boys. Will take note. I have plenty of time. At age 42, you notice life is long and no need to rush things. Mo

 

[Checkswrecks]

It will be a big jump, but depends on how big you are, where you normally ride, and how you approach it.

My son is a really big guy and started out on a KLR650, which didn't look very big when he was on it.

 

[Koinz]

I let my 18 year old take mine for a ride and I couldn't get him off of it.

He's about 6 ft tall and has been riding primarily dirt bikes and atvs all his life, but nothing as big or heavy as the Tenere. I think He enjoyed the weight and the plushness of the ride.

Take it easy and you'll get used to it no time. ::008::

 

[Mark R.]

Mo: I'm gonna have to go against the grain on this one. I have been riding for 38 years, and consider the S10 a bike for riders with advanced skills, especially when it is ridden off pavement. It is a very heavy bike, and you can get in trouble in the blink of an eye on such a heavy and powerful machine. My recommendation for you is the smaller BMW, a KLR 650, something like that.

Have you ever crashed off road, or even on your Vespa? Ever ridden off road? Try the smaller bike for a year or so, then trade it in for a Super Tenere. JMHO. YMMV. ::003::

 

[creggur]

The Tenere isn't a monster by any stretch of the imagination. Hell all the magazines say it's boring - I disagree, even after a lifetime of sportbikes. But...

If you take it easy and get used to it I'd think you'd be fine. The Tenere is surprisingly easy to handle for such a large machine. Would I recommend it as a first bike to someone who has never been on two wheels? No. But, it's not an unforgiving beast to ride - quite the opposite - actually.

Just take it REAL easy at first, (T-mode and TC1), and don't try any extreme off-roading until you're very, very comfortable with the machine...

 

[E.Engler]

Go for it Mo! Just like any machine give it the respect it deserves and you will enjoy the rewards. Ride on!

 

[PowersUSA]

I'm 41 and the Super T was my first bike (23 years ago I had a bike similar to your Vespa) . I've ridden 400 miles in my first two weeks and I'm finding it very easy to get along with. Just ease into things "on road" and you should be fine. Taking the Super T off road is a whole other game that I have ventured into yet and I don't plan to anytime soon. Be safe.

 

[jasonc32amg]

I'd say the only potential issue as a first bike could be the size if you are vertically challenged. Other than that the bike is a pussycat.

 

[snakebitten]

1974. Turned 16. My mom wanted to make her favorite child (she had 6, but assured me I was the one) happy and agreed to buy me the street bike of my choice. She didn't know what a cubic centimeter was. I got a 1972 lightly used full dressed CB750.

Took ALL the dressings off. Hit the road.

I assure you the Tenere is a much easier bike to ride.
Better EVERYTHING.

It's all about the maturity of the rider.
I was a hooligan. But my mom demanded 10,000 angels to protect me. She must have been granted her request.

Go Mo. Just take it easy.