Super Tenere Purchase Yes, But Which One???

RadAdventure

Member
Joined
Nov 28, 2019
Messages
48
Location
Columbus, OH
There is an enormous amount of knowledge here so it would be foolish not to ask your opinion. In making a purchase on a Super Tenere, which year, model, etc. to buy? I had it nailed down to a 2012 Super T Non ES due to the price/availability (in my town 2012, 13K miles with upgrades for $7,000); however, reading about the upgrades in the 2014 model it left me wondering. One could go crazy with this decision and I know it can be fitted out perfectly to my own needs with add-ons and such. Yet, being impatient, I prefer to buy a solid Ten with lower miles with upgrades already included like panniers, engine guard, adjustable windshield, skid plate, heated hand grips, ESC and cruise control (maybe).
-ES non ES
-Best year to have for a very long time
-Any specific upgrades to look for/stay away from
-ECU Reflash

Background: I am shorter at 5’8 180lbs and will be riding mostly solo but 2 up a lot on trips and have been riding my current Harley Electra Glide Classic for 13 years and others 10 more years. So, the desire to open my eyes and world toward an incredible machine (Tenere) which does it all is irresistible. I have family in Chile and an adventure there is the end goal.

Thoughts and comments are much appreciated. Until then, I love reading about the knowledge and great experiences you all are having on the Super Ten. I just need a little nudge and insight to start my own adventures. Thank you and Cheers!
 

HeliMark

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 18, 2013
Messages
995
Location
Tennessee
There is no "bad" years, and the bike, other then the few internal engine refinements and ES in the Gen 2 (2014-) are the same. All the bikes with proper maintenance, will go 200K+ miles. If you have the ability to buy the Gen 2, that is what I would do. The engine refinements make a smoother engine, and the factory cruise control is nice. ES is great, and no real failure history on the system.

I would look at what you can spend, and look for the best deal you can find. The bike is great no matter what year it is.
 
Last edited:

RadAdventure

Member
Joined
Nov 28, 2019
Messages
48
Location
Columbus, OH
And apologies for the “same topic” being replayed so freaking often. Several folks have brought up some great points which I have not read before.
 
Joined
May 22, 2012
Messages
94
Location
Mexico, NY
I was in a similar position as the OP. Chose 2nd gen, non ES for price and simplicity. I have a bike with ES and several without. To me it's not something I want to spend extra to have. But I've spent time understanding how my suspension works and can adjust it as I need it without issue.

Honestly, I was going to buy new until I took a serious look around and found some very low mileage bikes that were barely more than half the price of new. I couldn't pass that sort of deal up and now I'll spend what I saved on fun stuff for the bike.

Sent from my GM1917 using Tapatalk
 

Kyle_E

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 3, 2019
Messages
672
Location
I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide.
I recently purchased a 2013 with 34,000 miles with factory luggage, aftermarket madstad bracket and shield, engine guards and some other farkles for just under $5000. Deals are out there, bikes take forever to sell and this time of year it gets even worse. So private sellers get desperate and are willing to deal.

Im extremely happy with the bike/price paid. If I had a bit more to spend I would absolutely go with a 2014+ for the 4 main benefits Cruise control, upgraded clutch basket (stops engine vibes 25-3500 rpm), upgraded cam chain tensioner, and better dash display.


Take a look at cycle trader you can save searches there and just start paying attention to the bikes listed. Wait for a price drop or two on a private seller. Sellers have to repost every 2 weeks so you will notice the ones that keep getting reposted and see the prices fall. My bike started there are $6500,a month and a half later I had it for $5000
 

Cycledude

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 29, 2016
Messages
3,998
Location
Rib lake wi
I put 50,000 miles on a 2013 but really missed having cruise control so that was my main reason for trading it for a new 2018 With ES. When I took a test ride on a 2018 I was very impressed with all the little improvements it had. To me the ES is ok but it’s not really a big deal , ES includes heated grips as standard equipment so that’s what I bought.
there are lots of great deals out there on used Tenere’s, I highly recommend generation 2 which is 2014 or newer, the miner upgrades Yamaha made are pretty impressive To me.
 

Mak10

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 20, 2018
Messages
2,567
Location
SE Idaho
I love the cruise and heated grips. I really didn’t care about the Es. Now having the bike I use the ES all the time. It is so convenient. Especially if you have a passenger.

If I lived in a more temperate climate, the heated grips probably wouldn’t get used. But I live where even mid August it drops into high 30s-low 40s at night. And those heated grips are gold.

If possible I’d get a 14 or newer. Just a lot of little things that are nice to have.
 

EricV

Riding, farkling, riding...
2011 Site Supporter
2012 Site Supporter
2013 Site Supporter
2014 Site Supporter
Joined
May 22, 2011
Messages
8,227
Location
Tupelo, MS
I've had both Gens. I put over 100k on the Gen I, (2012), and 40k on the Gen II now. I put my own heated grips on the Gen I with a Heat Troller control and added CC to it, though never finished hooking it up. I also did a Gen II clutch basket swap. Both a solid bikes.

The Gen II bike is smoother and I love the factory CC. I should have finished that on my Gen I. I use it a lot more than I thought I would. Both of my bikes have been Non ES. There are no Gen I ES bikes, fwiw. That started in Gen II. I hear good things about the ES suspension for the most part, but it does add cost and complexity. I added top level aftermarket suspension to my Std bike for $3k. I could have done it for less with different items and it would have been 90% as good as what I bought.

If you're going to keep it for a long time, buy a Gen II, 2014 or 2015 so you can check your own codes, and non ES so you can upgrade or change the suspension more easily and cheaply yourself when /if you feel the need to do so. I didn't upgrade my suspension until 100k, having gone thru 2 stock shock at about 50k each.

Deals are out there. Don't be afraid to do a fly and ride.
 

cycledelic relic

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 28, 2015
Messages
724
Location
Central Texas
& Ive got one of the deals out there.....
A 2014 non ES for only $5800
Fresh tires....a heavy duty shock spring...if ya need it...or a stock one if not.
New in pkg front brake pads included...rear pads & rotor changed
A Givi rear luggage plate
The bike only has 44K miles....every one a fun one.

Sorry for the shameless plug
Read my ad in the WANTED section

Sent from my LML212VL using Tapatalk
 

Sierra1

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2016
Messages
14,815
Location
Joshua TX
My opinion: Eric & Mak 10 are absolutely correct. I did not have a desire to do all the investigation to get a "perfect" suspension/ride. I am more than satisfied with the OE ES suspension. It is SO freakin' easy/convenient to push a button or two, and go from solo rider to two-up with luggage....without getting off of the bike. And, then, when your road surface changes in mid-ride, push another button to soften or firm up the ride....without stopping. I never thought I would use cruise as much as I do. Ohio is plenty cold enough to need heated grips. So, that al being said, my recommendation is '14 or newer ES. I have a '17 Cobalt Blue ES (it's the best blue). I have a 31" inseam, and weigh 300lbs....and it's my favorite bike ever.
 

Dirt_Dad

Well-Known Member
Founding Member
2011 Site Supporter
2013 Site Supporter
2014 Site Supporter
Joined
Sep 21, 2010
Messages
5,955
Location
Northern Virginia, USA
I know we didn't get anywhere near $7K for my wife's 2012 when we sold it a couple of years ago.

As far as being 5'8", my wife rode a first and second generation Tenere and she's 5'6". I did lower the bikes for her and used a shortened kickstand. Don't let the height of the bike scare you off too much. Both generation Teneres work very well lowered. It's a relatively easy job with minimal tools. When don't right, the stock vs lowered ride exactly the same.

I've got the links and kickstand to do the job still hanging around here. Have to get those listed again.
 

MonkeyBut

Fuel Whore
Joined
Jul 21, 2018
Messages
258
Location
Armpit of America, NJ
RadAdventure.........the Relic seems to have fixed your need to be patient;) Under your original $7K for a 2012 and with the money left over, buy some stuff to make it your own.

I love spending other peoples money. Hahaha. But all kidding aside, take your time, look around. Researching and searching is half the fun.
 

RadAdventure

Member
Joined
Nov 28, 2019
Messages
48
Location
Columbus, OH
I recently purchased a 2013 with 34,000 miles with factory luggage, aftermarket madstad bracket and shield, engine guards and some other farkles for just under $5000. Deals are out there, bikes take forever to sell and this time of year it gets even worse. So private sellers get desperate and are willing to deal.

Im extremely happy with the bike/price paid. If I had a bit more to spend I would absolutely go with a 2014+ for the 4 main benefits Cruise control, upgraded clutch basket (stops engine vibes 25-3500 rpm), upgraded cam chain tensioner, and better dash display.


Take a look at cycle trader you can save searches there and just start paying attention to the bikes listed. Wait for a price drop or two on a private seller. Sellers have to repost every 2 weeks so you will notice the ones that keep getting reposted and see the prices fall. My bike started there are $6500,a month and a half later I had it for $5000
Excellent information Kyle_e thank you!
 

RadAdventure

Member
Joined
Nov 28, 2019
Messages
48
Location
Columbus, OH
I put 50,000 miles on a 2013 but really missed having cruise control so that was my main reason for trading it for a new 2018 With ES. When I took a test ride on a 2018 I was very impressed with all the little improvements it had. To me the ES is ok but it’s not really a big deal , ES includes heated grips as standard equipment so that’s what I bought.
there are lots of great deals out there on used Tenere’s, I highly recommend generation 2 which is 2014 or newer, the miner upgrades Yamaha made are pretty impressive To me.
CycleDude, thanks for the info. Very informative.
 

RadAdventure

Member
Joined
Nov 28, 2019
Messages
48
Location
Columbus, OH
Wow, so many people here with great information and knowledge. This is exactly what I needed to know. Many thanks to everyone for well written and thought out responses!
 

SHUMBA

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2018
Messages
1,242
Location
ONTARIO, CANADA
There is an enormous amount of knowledge here so it would be foolish not to ask your opinion. In making a purchase on a Super Tenere, which year, model, etc. to buy? I had it nailed down to a 2012 Super T Non ES due to the price/availability (in my town 2012, 13K miles with upgrades for $7,000); however, reading about the upgrades in the 2014 model it left me wondering. One could go crazy with this decision and I know it can be fitted out perfectly to my own needs with add-ons and such. Yet, being impatient, I prefer to buy a solid Ten with lower miles with upgrades already included like panniers, engine guard, adjustable windshield, skid plate, heated hand grips, ESC and cruise control (maybe).
-ES non ES
-Best year to have for a very long time
-Any specific upgrades to look for/stay away from
-ECU Reflash

Background: I am shorter at 5’8 180lbs and will be riding mostly solo but 2 up a lot on trips and have been riding my current Harley Electra Glide Classic for 13 years and others 10 more years. So, the desire to open my eyes and world toward an incredible machine (Tenere) which does it all is irresistible. I have family in Chile and an adventure there is the end goal.

Thoughts and comments are much appreciated. Until then, I love reading about the knowledge and great experiences you all are having on the Super Ten. I just need a little nudge and insight to start my own adventures. Thank you and Cheers!
My Tenere is a 2018 ES model.
The heated grips and the electronic cruise control are invaluable.
The adjustable suspension is not important to me.
These bikes are designed to withstand many kilometers, provided they are properly maintained.
I would suggest that you continue shopping and find a 2016 model or newer with up to 20,000 km. Well worth the extra $$.
SHUMBA

Sent from my SM-A520W using Tapatalk
 

EricV

Riding, farkling, riding...
2011 Site Supporter
2012 Site Supporter
2013 Site Supporter
2014 Site Supporter
Joined
May 22, 2011
Messages
8,227
Location
Tupelo, MS
FWIW, All Gen II bikes have CC. Factory Heated grips cost about $200 to ad if you just order the separate parts, which are cheaper than the OEM kit.

Anyone recall what year the cut off is for checking your own codes? IIRC, '16 was the first year you couldn't do that, but I have a '15, so wasn't really paying attention to that tid bit.

@SHUMBA - 20k kms is only 12,400 miles in real life. That's less than half way to the very first valve check... what are you worried about? ;) Anything under 50k miles is practically virginal.
 
Top