What comes after the Super Tenere?

[Sierra1]

Apparently, I need to win a lottery.

 

[RCinNC]

Your criteria makes it darn near impossible to limit yourself to just one bike. I'm at three and I think I have my bases covered.

Good luck...I think you need more than one to fulfill your riding requirements. Nothing wrong with that.

I don't think that's the case, Dirt Dad. Like I said earlier, my criteria for a bike boils down just a few requirements:

1) It has to provide a good solid platform for loaded two up touring, where the pillion has some level of comfort for long distances and isn't perched on the pillion saddle like a bird on a wire.

2) It has to have proven reliability. A thousand miles from home in the back of beyond is not a good place to be wrestling with a bike that has "character".

3) It has to have some capability for riding on dirt and gravel roads without a lot of scary moments.

4) It has to be maintenance friendly for a home mechanic. I realize that's a pretty subjective requirement, since "maintenance friendly" is determined by the skill of the mechanic, but I'd like to be able to do stuff like flush the brakes without needing a $400 proprietary scan tool in order to do it.

Shaft drive would be nice, but I feel like making that a criteria might limit the options too much.

The Super Tenere fulfils all those requirements. I think there's an impression in the thread that I'm dissatisfied with the S10 platform, and that isn't the case at all. It's been a great bike for me, and I wouldn't have any problem buying another one. However, as I said, I've been riding my S10 for a decade now, and other bikes have entered the ADV market in that passing decade. Since I don't switch bikes very often, a lot of those newer bikes are an unknown quantity to me, so I was looking for guys with first hand experiences at switching from the S10 to another bike, and what those experiences were like.

I do like the T7, and the Transalp, and a lot of other bikes that, as much as I may like them, don't really meet the things I need and want in a motorcycle. I don't think any of my criteria require that I have multiple different bikes.

 

[jeckyll]

@RCinNC I really think you're in the market for a newer Super T.

Just my $0.02

 

[Dirt_Dad]

I don't think that's the case, Dirt Dad. Like I said earlier, my criteria for a bike boils down just a few requirements:

1) It has to provide a good solid platform for loaded two up touring, where the pillion has some level of comfort for long distances and isn't perched on the pillion saddle like a bird on a wire.

2) It has to have proven reliability. A thousand miles from home in the back of beyond is not a good place to be wrestling with a bike that has "character".

3) It has to have some capability for riding on dirt and gravel roads without a lot of scary moments.

4) It has to be maintenance friendly for a home mechanic. I realize that's a pretty subjective requirement, since "maintenance friendly" is determined by the skill of the mechanic, but I'd like to be able to do stuff like flush the brakes without needing a $400 proprietary scan tool in order to do it.

Shaft drive would be nice, but I feel like making that a criteria might limit the options too much.

The Super Tenere fulfils all those requirements. I think there's an impression in the thread that I'm dissatisfied with the S10 platform, and that isn't the case at all. It's been a great bike for me, and I wouldn't have any problem buying another one. However, as I said, I've been riding my S10 for a decade now, and other bikes have entered the ADV market in that passing decade. Since I don't switch bikes very often, a lot of those newer bikes are an unknown quantity to me, so I was looking for guys with first hand experiences at switching from the S10 to another bike, and what those experiences were like.

I do like the T7, and the Transalp, and a lot of other bikes that, as much as I may like them, don't really meet the things I need and want in a motorcycle. I don't think any of my criteria require that I have multiple different bikes.

Sounds like an Africian Twin is in your future.

I once had the same chain aversion. While owning the S10 a future chain bike was unthinkable.

My reluctance was overcome by a ridiculously low price in the big KTM. What the heck, even if it's the worst mistake ever, I've got no risk. FF almost 4 years later, having a chain never crosses my mind. A auto chain oiler, and just replacing it every valve check means it has no influence over my bike decision.

Good luck in whatever you decide to get next. There's a lot of great bikes out there.

 

[Checkswrecks]

Motorcycling is like life...full of temptations.
Whenever I hear or read about a new "great" bike I add it to my spreadsheet.
The spreadsheet contains the criteria that are important to me (as of today).

Right now, the "next bike" winner is the 2024 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro

YOMV <Your Opinion May Vary>

View attachment 110719

Be careful in trying to be so objective, because motorcycles are anything but.
That's how I bought a 2023 Triumph 1200 GTPro - then couldn't stand it.

 

[Donk]

I rode a Versys 1000 recently. Was not impressed, AT ALL! Hit 5000rpm and the vibrations were terrible.

Dirt Dad is right 1290 is great, 890 is even better . Honestly I don't know how it would be 2 up? GoldWing can go up dirt roads just fine and of all the bikes that have been mentioned it's the easiest to get on and off of. At5'7" that is starting to have a big appeal to me.

I ridden the Indian Challenger a few times over the last couple of months. Not sure I can wrap my head around any bike that big but WOW what a great bike. I imagine there is one at some point in my future! More about that in another thread.

Moto Guzzi makes a nice bike although it may have too much character for you.

Probably wouldn't go wrong with a new S10!

When you get done reading everything buy the one that you love because you're going to be the one riding it.

 

[Boris]

RC, I’ve had the rumblings of the same dilemma for a couple of years now, albeit with different requirements to yourself. I don’t ride two up, nor do any off road stuff, which probably widens my options a little. I tried the 1290 SAS twice as it was the bike I was most drawn to, however it wasn’t for me, I just didn’t gel with it. A couple of mates have them and really enjoy them, both using them on tour, two up, and without issue. I travel with them regularly and have never once seen them pay any attention whatsoever to their chains.
Another mate, who I’ve traveled with many many times, has an S1000XR (I’m aware it’s not an ADV bike), I’ve ridden it a few times and although it’s a great bike, it’s not for me. I’ve only owned twins since the year 2000 and I’ve grown to prefer and enjoy the way they deliver their power, the XR felt a little frantic and buzzy, but most of all, it felt a bit short in the bars to seat area. I like the space of the Super Tenere.
I considered the latest Tiger 1200, but concluded that it was excessive for my needs in every way, including cost. Nice bike though…..really nice.
i do however, keep coming back to the 1050 V Strom, it seems to tick all the boxes for me. Decent BHP, around 20kg lighter than the Super Tenere (non DE), proven reliability (as far as I’m aware), good ergonomics for my size and shape, cruise, QS, good tank range, good looking bike imo. The chain is a slight downer for me, but only because of the mess, not the maintenance side of things, although it won’t put me off. I need to test ride one as I’m expecting to change bikes next year. I was hoping there be a few 1050 V Strom recommendations in this thread, as I know there are a few ex owners on here, and it’s good to get their opinions.

As for the Super Tenere, I’ve really enjoyed it and still do, it’s served me well in the almost 8 years that I’ve had it. It’s plenty fast for me, handles well and has taken me across and around Europe and the UK, many times, and I never give any thought about reliability, I just press and ride. It’s not perfect and there are a few (very few) things about it that I’m not keen on. The bike world has moved on, technology has moved on and advanced. I’m not drawn to big BHP and bells & whistles electronic packages, but I’m not put off by them either. I’m not in the team of, more power than I have, or more gadgets than I have, is pointless and unnecessary. I wouldn’t be in the market for another Super Tenere.

Good luck in your search and research, it’s always good to see the market with the blinkers off.

 

[pooh and xtine]

Me too. I’m even thinking about buying a new ST in Florida and using a firm to import it from the States. It’ll cost £17-18k, with VAT and import duty, but that appeals more than anything available here. I agree about the V-Strom 1050 - Laguna in Kent are doing the cast wheel version for £9,995, but chain drive puts me off as does the awful dustbin silencer which places panniers well above the level of the pillion seat.

 

[Boris]

Me too. I’m even thinking about buying a new ST in Florida and using a firm to import it from the States. It’ll cost £17-18k, with VAT and import duty, but that appeals more than anything available here. I agree about the V-Strom 1050 - Laguna in Kent are doing the cast wheel version for £9,995, but chain drive puts me off as does the awful dustbin silencer which places panniers well above the level of the pillion seat.

High exhausts can be a PITA! I can’t stand using the OEM panniers on the Super Tenere and didn’t want to go down the fitting a rack route in order to have other options. The high exhaust makes simple throw overs difficult. So many bikes now have upswept exhausts

 

[Tenman]

Those low swept exhaust are just waiting to get bent and scuffed on a simple drop. If mine was low. It would look like a bent up beer can.

 

[Tenman]

Even I don't think that every Beemer is bad. But it's not like they'll let you keep bringing one back until you find a good one. Here's a couple of lists. The top one is the one that's been floating around since '15. The bottom one is from May '23.

Motorcycle Reliability by Brand (Consumer Reports, 2015)
Brand	Predicted Failure Rate by 4th Year
Can-Am	42%
BMW	40%
Ducati	33%
Triumph	29%
Harley-Davidson	26%
Victory	17%
Kawasaki	15%
Honda	12%
Suzuki	12%
Yamaha	11%

---------------------------------------------Reliability rating--------------Likely to buy again (%)----------------Average lasting mileage for touring bikes--------------------------------

Number	Brand	Reliability Rating	Likely to Buy Again (%)	Average Lasting Mileage (for Touring Motorcycles)
1	Honda	9.2	87.1	100,000+ miles
2	Yamaha	9.0	84.9	80,000+ miles
3	Kawasaki	8.8	82.4	80,000+ miles
4	Suzuki	8.7	81.3	90,000+ miles
5	BMW	8.5	77.2	120,000+ miles
6	Harley-Davidson	8.2	74.9	80,000+ miles
7	Triumph	8.0	72.1	90,000+ miles
8	KTM	7.8	68.7	50,000+ miles
9	Ducati	7.5	65.2	70,000+ miles
10	Indian	7.2	61.9	100,000+ miles

It’s on the WWW. It’s gotta be true

 

[Jlq1969]

At this point…I think that DDad's opinion, referring to the S10 and compared to the 1290, has a lot of value. He is putting it above a Goldwing, which means that evidently the 1290 “has something”…and with the new 1390, very close to being presented, it will mark the territory of who will be the next queen of the MaxiTrails…it only requires having cold head

 

[Streethawk]

RC, respectfully and based on my riding (not owning) experiences with the Moto Guzzi V85 TT; and if it has to be a different mount, my post S10 move would most likely be the new Stelvio. Runner up would be the V85 TT. Euro premium considerations and character notwithstanding, it ticks all the boxes for me. Fwiw, I prefer Japanese motorcycles for reliability. I've ridden tons of euro bikes but never owned one. So why the Guzzi? It's the shaft drive, reduced weight and cylinder head location (for DIY valve inspection). Those are the key factors for me. I would gladly accept those at the expense of investing in dongle to deal with any software stuff (albeit the V85 TT is relatively low-tech). As my wife says, "you can't ride it the next lifetime, so enjoy it now." Fwiw, that transverse v-twin 850 is a fun little thing. I can only imagine it gets better with the powerplant from the Mandello (1042cc). I'll be riding a Mandello soon to confirm . Overall and imo, the Super Tenere, Stelvio and V85 TT occupy very unique spaces in the market for great and compelling reasons.

P.S. The Guzzi ADVs ain't too shabby looking either...

 

[Mad_Matt]

As a KTM owner, this hits pretty close to home, but I think it really applies to twin-cylinder KTMs.

 

[whisperquiet]

@RCinNC I really think you're in the market for a newer Super T.

Just my $0.02

That is what I have done….upgrade an older S10 for a new S10. I bought a low mileage 2022 BMW R1250GS and bought/traded in my 2021 S10 for a new 2023 S10 eight months later. I am selling the BMW this summer after riding it to the national BMWOA rally in Bend, Oregon. The S10 is staying.

 

[Sierra1]

 

[Dirt_Dad]

As a KTM owner, this hits pretty close to home, but I think it really applies to twin-cylinder KTMs.

View attachment 110797

I can't relate to the wrenching part. I bought a KTM and pretty much hung up the wreches. Wrenched all my life. Never really found it to be the enjoyable part of motorcycling. I'd rather ride. Overall letting a pro wrenching on the KTMs has been pretty reasonable for cost and well worth it.

 

[magic]

I can't relate to the wrenching part. I bought a KTM and pretty much hung up the wreches. Wrenched all my life. Never really found it to be the enjoyable part of motorcycling. I'd rather ride. Overall letting a pro wrenching on the KTMs has been pretty reasonable for cost and well worth it.

I see KTM is now offering an extended warranty for some of their bikes including some of the big ADV bikes. The article stated that there was no charge if you have your dealer service the bike.

 

[Jlq1969]

One question…does anyone have a Husqvarna 701?…I ask because it seems to be normal (at least in my country) for the piston rings to wear out around 15,000 miles. Those who dismantle it find the cylinder in perfect condition, the piston in perfect condition, but the rings...worn. Many users use it as a daily motorcycle, and have had that problem. According to the mechanics who have disassembled it, they understand that the rings are soft, and that the bike is more oriented toward “a couple of races” and disassembly to change rings

 

[Mad_Matt]

I have a 2021 690, so it's basically the same bike. Given how hard these tend to be used, the 2017 and newer 701s and 2019 or newer 690s seem pretty bombproof. Sure, you occasionally read about issues on the forums, but I would say the current generation of 701/690 is legit. Not sure if the Euro 5 compliment bikes now being sold outside of the US are any different from a reliability standpoint.

Ive only got 7k miles on my 690, but they are all hard use, flat out, miles.I don't baby anything about this bike and the harder I push it, the happier it gets.