What are the Super Ten's weaknesses? Does it have any?

[J-man]

I've ridden a Suzuki Wee for awhile now, and am happy as a lark with it. About the only part of the Wee that I don't like is the chain maintenance, for which I have a pathological hatrid. I much prefer the gas-n-go simplicity of a shaft-drive bike. As a result, I'm considering a Super Ten at some point in the future. I rarely ride anything worse than hard-packed dirt/fire roads, so I don't really need a serious off-road bike. I'm just looking for a great, bullet-proof touring machine with light off-road capability & a bike that requires little maintenance. My Wee has been trouble-free, and I hear that the Super Ten is equally as reliable.

I wanted to touch base with you guys on the forum & ask what you consider to be the "worst" of the Super Ten (assuming that it has some faults)? I've read on some forums that the heat coming off the radiator on the left side is a definite negative. Is that true? If so, how bad is it? The reason I ask is that I live in the Deep South where the heat and humidity index is off the chart, so I really don't want to deal with a serous heat/radiator issue. Have you discovered any other Super Ten weaknesses? Any information, positive or negative, that would help me decide whether I should upgrade to a Super Ten from my current Wee would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for the info.

 

[echo_four_romeo]

Welcome J-man, for most of my riding career...how short it is compared to others...heat was always an issue living in DFW, Texas. I used to commute to work in traffic on a Harley sportster so getting baked from between the legs out was a daily thing for me. With the Tenere, I have yet to really notice any heat coming from the radiator. I keep my legs pretty close in to the tank and rarely push my knees away from that position. Being 5'10", I feel I am of average height so my legs aren't too long to get crammed into the plastics. Have you had a chance to test ride one or sit on at a dealer?

 

[Big Blu]

Welcome to the neighborhood J-man. ::004::

Fuelling/engine management: Power restricted in lower gears, hesitation off idle. Some improvements can be made with a new flash but I find that produced an abrupt throttle in S mode. Some have commented on vibrations but hey, that's what ya get with a big displacement parallel twin, it's not an issue for me. I found the seat was causing me to slide down onto the tank. Fixed that with an aftermarket seat from Sargent Cycle.

I'd say it's a very reliable package, very few problem have been reported here, and my experience with Yamaha service, both local and at the national level, has been very good, they stand behind their product.

The 1st major service is at 26K miles and calls for a valve adjustment and that job is a real pita.

I live in hot humid Florida and have not noticed any issue with heat, none, and I've owned several bikes that have had major issues with heat.

Bottom line..... I think the S10 is a solid package and will be a good choice for your needs, think of it as a grownup Wee! It's but not perfect, none are.

There are some great deals around on 2012-13 models, give it some thought and get a test ride before you buy.

Paul

 

[J-man]

Echo, thanks for your reply. No, I haven't test-ridden or even sat on one. I have made numerous comfort mods to my Wee including Rox risers and a footpeg lowering kit, and I'm prepared to do the same to the Super Ten if it needs it. Although, everything that I read about the Super Ten says it's a VERY comfortable bike.

 

[markjenn]

It sounds like the S10 would be a great bike for you. Some have likened it to a bigger, more powerful, shaft drive Wee. Same honestly, reliability, comfort, etc.

IMHO, you're barking up the wrong tree worrying about heat problems from the side radiator. I'm sure there are some riders who have complained, but overall, I think the S10 has perhaps the overall best heat control of any fully-faired, water-cooled liter bike. The cockpit area is a lot cooler than many similar bikes.

The drawbacks are mainly in the performance area. Against the best of the competition (e.g., the BMW GS), it is an easy 20-hp down on peak power and 40-lbs heavier. The bike is noticeably less lively. But if you're happy with your Wee's performance and you can handle another 100-lbs, then the difference in performance may not matter to you. (BMW dealers are generally very liberal with test rides, so you really owe it to yourself to at least take a new GS for a spin and see what all the talk is about - it really is a superb-performing motorcycle that is marred only by somewhat sketchy reliability and higher price.)

Unless the shaft is a deal-breaker or you want electronic suspension (on the new 2014 S10), you might also consider the new Suzuki Vee. It has many of the same friendly attributes as the S10, but is a good $2500 cheaper and 70-lbs lighter. But no cruise control on the new Vee like is standard on the new S10.

- Mark

 

[squarebore]

I live in a pretty hot part of the world and the heat from the radiator is a non issue. I have never noticed it. I've made a few mods to this bike like seat, screen, new bars, exhaust etc but these were all preferences because I'm 6,3".

 

[coastie]

Hey J-man, you will get lots of opinions on this. Like any piece of technology/machinery you will have faults, and the Tenere is no exception. From being an owner, being around owners, and reading internet post, the tenures biggest weakness is the rate at which it goes through tires... ::025::. In all seriousness its biggest non-mechanical fault is its weight. Although you don't feel it at all during normal riding, get it off road and you feel it. You want to ride it hard in the twisties, don't be a sissy, muscle her and she will surprise you. But ultimately its really no big deal, she handles it well, and if you upgrade the suspension, she handles magnificently! Mechanically speaking, we have had a few issues, but your chances are pretty much 0% of having issues. The 14's have not been out long enough to know their quirks, but if you get a previous model year you may experience: a few stalls during break-in (very rare) mine did this, hard starts (very rare), vibrations, and blown fork seals. Fork seals are really only found with the guys who ride hard off road and exposed the forks to lots of dirt, dust sleeves have pretty much eliminated this. The Tenere is going to be every bit as reliable as the Wee, and from what I have seen, the previous Wee owners that have switch over feel there is really no comparison between the two. The Tenere is just better in every category, and equal in reliability. You really can't break the Tenere, its a damn tank. People have been trying for a few years now without much luck.

 

[J-man]

Big Blu, thanks for your reply. I hear what you're saying about "Fuelling/engine management: Power restricted in lower gears, hesitation off idle", but do you reckon that I would even know the difference? What I mean by that is that I'm in my mid-fifties, and I'm not a motorcycle expert by any stretch. Would a relative novice like myself even notice the issues that you mentioned, or is that typically noticed only by seasoned riders who have ridden many different bikes and have a basis for comparison? I mean, dang, if I'm happy with my Wee, wouldn't you assume that I'd be absolutely tickled with a Super Ten? I've read some reviews of the bike that complain of the same issues that you mention; however, on the other hand, another review in a major magazine referred to the Super Ten as "wicked fast". I suppose everything is relative.

 

[coastie]

Forgot to address the heat issue. I live it Houston Texas and have been stuck in traffic in 100 degree days. I'm 5'7" so my normal riding position really does not expose my left knee to any heat, zero heat unless, I slide up and rest my knee directly on in the space between the tank and side panel. When the fan kicks on you can feel it, it get HOT, but only in regular jeans. If I wear my draginjeans i can hardly feel it. If I have my Klim's on, nothing. So if you are tall and you rest you knee directly in that space you will feel it. But otherwise its a complete non issue.

 

[J-man]

markjenn, thanks for your reply. I must confess that I've seriously thought about a 1200gs, as I've heard that the riding experience is second to none. I don't understand how BMW can continue to sell more GS's & receive every adventure bike award known to man if their bikes are as unreliable and expensive as they're rumored to be. Actually, it's not a rumor, as their problems are well documented by 1000's of owners.

Basically, I've dismissed the possibility of buying a BMW because of their reliability issues, much-too-frequent service requirements, high cost of ownership, lack of dealers in my area, etc. I much prefer the dependability of Jap bikes and their "gas-n-go" service requirements.

 

[trikepilot]

Would a relative novice like myself even notice the issues that you mentioned, or is that typically noticed only by seasoned riders who have ridden many different bikes and have a basis for comparison? I mean, dang, if I'm happy with my Wee, wouldn't you assume that I'd be absolutely tickled with a Super Ten?

Yes, you will be happy on it!

With all this clamor about flashing and CJM's and CO adjustment and other things to increase performance, I think that many forget that many are stepping "up" to a Super Tenere not down from a sport bike, 1300cc cruiser, or the like. Me... I came from the venerable old KLR with maybe 40hp. And from my very first ride ever to the one I just got off, this damn thing is a rocket with the engine set as bone stock. Put it in "S mode" and it gets downright scary fast. Lord knows what the reflash does to it. This thing gives me everything I need and could give me more if I let myself twist hard enough. Bottom line is your feelings on the engine will be heavily biased by what you came from. The Vee is a great bike in all respects. The SuperTen is the same with a boost in most all parameters. Go test ride it and do go test ride the GSW1200. I think you'll know what you want.

 

[markjenn]

Basically, I've dismissed the possibility of buying a BMW because of their reliability issues, much-too-frequent service requirements, high cost of ownership, lack of dealers in my area, etc. I much prefer the dependability of Jap bikes and their "gas-n-go" service requirements.

I'd just advise you to take a more balanced and open view - don't take all the rhetoric and rumors at face value. We now have good reliability data and, on average, you can expect 3x more problems with a BMW than with a Yamaha. Is this significant? You bet! Is it a total deal-breaker for most? Probably not if otherwise the BMW is the bike you want. I've been on tours for hundreds of thousands of miles both on a BMW and with groups of others on BMWs and for the most part, we get to where we're going regardless of what it says on the tank. As to costs, I always advise that a BMW will cost about 30% more overall. Again, significant, but not necessarily a deal breaker. And in terms of upfront acquisition cost, the gap has been closing as Yamaha has raised prices more aggressively than BMW. The dealer situation? Definitely something to consider based on where you live and where you travel. Routine maintenance? About a wash..... some things are more frequent on the Yamaha, some more frequent on the BMW; likewise, some are harder on the BMW, some are harder on the Yamaha.

As I've said on this forum many times, if all that mattered was reliability, we'd all be driving Accords and Camrys. Thank god we're not. Again, you have nothing to lose by taking a test drive. But given all you've said, I think you'd find overall the S10 is your best choice.

- Mark

 

[barkingllizard]

Not this again...

I haven't test-ridden or even sat on one.

Go for an effing test ride.....

 

[toompine]

"I'm just looking for a great, bullet-proof touring machine with light off-road capability & a bike that requires little maintenance." Well you will find that in the Tenere ::014::

I am a pretty easy going guy, capable of riding around most faults. For all the angst about power restrictions, off idle burps and the like I have no issues there. I have had really fast bikes but that is not why I bought this one. It is quite fast enough. If I want to go faster/quicker I go ride my race bike.

Most issue have been personal ergonomics. I got the Spencer seat mod and have been happy with it for 30,000 miles. Fixed the slope and the hard spot in the seat. I am short so I added Rox Risers and put the bars up and back. I changed the bars to GS bars, the perfect fit of sweep and length.

I hate wind buffeting, tires me out so I changed to the laminar floor Cal Science screen, problem fixed.

This bike is like a 55 Chevy; add gas and go, never a worry, never a breakdown. I have put more miles on this bike than any other I have owned and have had zero issues. It just eats up the road miles

I come from a diverse dirt background with a lot of Observed Trials riding; serious tight, high log, big rock, creek, waterfall stuff. Now the Tenere has its limits but it handles just lilke a big (very big) trials bike. Well balanced, lock to lock turns, capable of ledge drop offs and rock steps ...and on a gravel road or jeep trail it is pure butter. Sweet handling, fast stable and all out fun ::018::

I have ridden the V Strom, I have an SV 650 and had a Multistrada before the Tenere. I like the v Twin motor feel better but this is a bike that has exceeded all expectations and is a bargain to boot.

Come on over, you will not be disappointed ::012::

 

[adventurelounger]

J-Man, I had a momentary out of body experience seeing your post. Here's why:

See my post from earlier today about ״biting the bullet״ and finally buying a Tenere. (Plus earlier ones here, with similar questions to yours). I've also tried to understand the virtues and shortcomings of the ST.

But here's the kicker: for most of my adult life, by my wife, kids and many friends, I've been called nothing but this:
JMan.
(Does that mean we're both now an internet meme? Freaky!)

 

[tubebender]

I'm just looking for a great, bullet-proof touring machine with light off-road capability & a bike that requires little maintenance.

If that's what your looking for, then the Tenere should exceed your expectations.
For me, the only negatives where strictly ergonomic - wind management, and handle bar / seat relationship.
These are easily fixed if you feel the need.

Oh, there is one other negative ---------- farkleitis :exclaim:

 

[Travex]

"I'm just looking for a great, bullet-proof touring machine with light off-road capability & a bike that requires little maintenance. My Wee has been trouble-free, and I hear that the Super Ten is equally as reliable."

Look no further. A finer, more reliable motorcycle for those purposes doesn't exist.

Downsides... Hmmm. Crappy weather and the price of fuel.

 

[creggur]

From your description of what you're looking for I couldn't imagine the Tenere not being a good fit. .

Issues:
1) Headlamp Harness - problem resolved by Yamaha with a recall. It wasn't a stranding level issue, but having one of your headlamps go dark is never a comforting thought (especially at night in the sticks) but it's been handled by Yamaha.

2) Hard Start - not really an issue - easy to avoid, and easy to resolve if it happens... If you start a Tenere without letting it fully warm up, shut it off and try to restart the bike can present with a flooded condition. The easy fix is to go WOT and she will fire. I've had it happen twice in two years, and WOT resolved it immediately.

Those are the two biggest issues discussed here, and that's really about it.

Downsides:
- The bike is heavy until you're moving - then it disappears. And by moving I mean any forward motion - the weight disappears.

Nit-Pick
- Stock Fueling - bothers some, not others. It's not horrible, just the product of emission statutes on an EFI engine. I rode nearly 7,000 miles before getting an ECU flash to correct it. The bike rode great, but the flash has a transformational effect on the bike: better throttle response, limitations lifted in the first three gears.

Nit-Pick
- Stock Suspension: No worse than any stock suspension - better than my VFR800 was - and no real problem for me. I think the guys with the biggest issues are heavier guys or guys who load the bike down two-up. Ive ridden The Dragon two-up and quite enjoyed it - I fall into the design range, I guess (180 pounds) so it's been fine for me. This will be my next upgrade as the stock stuff will fade with miles.

Upsides:
- Comfort:
*Great stock seat (for me) - but that's totally subjective. I've done 700 mile days and been fine.
* Good ergonomics - I ride mostly street so I'm not standing much, but I find the stock ergos perfect.
* With the seat in the high position the seat/peg relationship is great. (6' - 32" inseam).

- Reliability - great engine that gets better with miles - we've got guys here with 6-figure odometer readings and no catastrophic (or even minor) failures.
- The thing is built like a tank - some of these guys have tried to break it to no avail...
- Ease of maintenance - if I can work on it - anyone can.
- Dealer Network - plentiful.


And the biggest upside: The bike is an absolute blast to ride. Touring - all day long. Twisties - she'll surprise the hell out of you there. Dirt roads - yeah, even for a talented-limited guy like me - easy. Hard Offroad - just have a look around here - some of these guys are nuts!

For your described riding, I just can't imagine a better bike....

 

[Danno]

Apparently resale.

 

[J-man]

J-Man, I had a momentary out of body experience seeing your post.

LOL