What do we now think of the bike

[Ramseybella]

Picked up mine a week ago. Just came off a 2001 Kawasaki Concours. The Tenere is way more comfortable and maneuverable.... The engine is smooth and responsive. I've had sport bikes, street bikes and dirt bikes. So far this is my favorite. This is also the first time I've ever owned a brand new motorcycle!

My friend owns the same bike damn things are bomb proof but not forest road worthy, his has close to 65k clocked on it.
He wants a dual sport as he want's to ride place I can and has had to many dumps on his Concours in dirt conditions. I told him he would need to make payments or save some coin as i would love him to trail it and camp in remote locations.
I am tired of passing up roads I want and can explore when we travel together.

 

[Tombraider2]

I hadn't heard of these bikes unill last fall. Even then didn't know what they were or looked like. My plan was to sell my Fz1 as it was hard on my lower back each time I went out on it. I planned on selling the Fz and riding my 700s untill next year. Well once I sat on a 13 I new it was the bike.

So I've had my 14 for a month, 1200 miles on the clock, now I can let the horse's run. I'm Very happy with this machine. It isn't a slouch either, and will corner like the Fz. No chicken strips for me. It has plenty of GO for passing, love the cruise control. Haven't played with the T/C yet, but the Sport mode is Great. I should probly put it back in T-mode as I got a ticket last weekend, ha ha. 300 miles is the longest ride I've done so fare. More to come, LG.

Only thing I don't like is the ABS. All my bikes I've added S/S blake lines for more BITE. My 14 is a street bike Only..

 

[GDI]

I don't have a problem with the ABS. It's "saved" me a couple of times already. Why the parentheses? I should have said I felt it kick in. I probably wouldn't have crashed without it, but who knows right? And, I am old enough, have ridden enough, to know better. . . . It's just that I'm a screw-up sometimes! ::025:: Some folks ride year 'round. Up here in the Northern tier, I take the winter off. Skills atrophy w/o frequent use. I'm glad to have ABS.

It's the TCS that is crap, IMO. I, like Tombraider2, only ride on the street. I bought this bike for commuting (in comfort!), the odd daytrip, and maybe--just maybe--an actual trip. . . someday. My commute is 55mph back-roads (10 miles), interstate highway (10 miles), city streets (5 miles), and then the reverse going home. Normally the TCS isn't a problem until right near the end of my commute when I'm getting into the parking garage. Then it's lots of starting/stopping, clutching/declutching, maneuvering around the gate, turning speeding up, slowing down, etc. The TCS makes that type of riding very difficult. I find it especially troublesome when I want to take off while turning. Usually I let out the clutch, and the engine just falls on it's face--leaving me to try to figure out how I'm going to maneuver a 600lb. bike that suddenly doesn't have any power going to the wheels. So, I give more throttle, it "catches" suddenly, the driveline takes up the slack, I shoot forward, shutdown the throttle, driveline again take up the slack, and we've got a buckin' bronco on our hands. . . .

So, today I did something I hadn't tried before. I turned the TCS off. I didn't crash, or have any of the troubles that I've had w/ the TCS on. In fact I found the bike to perform in a very predictable manner. What's funny to me is that I don't think TCS has to be this way. When I googled "What does TCS do on a motorcycle", I didn't find anything about shutting down the power at walking speeds. Instead is was all about saving the aggressive rider from a high-side while leaned over in a tight turn! I'll have some of that, but none of the crap, low-speed stuff, thanks!

Well that's what I'm thinking anyway. . . .

GDI

 

[snakebitten]

Excellent Post GDI.

But I gotta defend the TCS setting on this machine.
Between the 3 settings, this bike can perform elegantly in nearly every scenario.

You just happen to dislike TCS setting #1 in one of your riding conditions.
Try TCS #2. It is a nice "middle" between absolutely no wheel-spin, and absolutely no traction control. (off)

However, no matter how well this TCS system works, it annoyingly defaults to TCS1 on startup.
But it's just an annoyance. You won't find me gnashing my teeth over it.

 

[Checkswrecks]

I don't have a problem with the ABS. It's "saved" me a couple of times already. Why the parentheses? I should have said I felt it kick in. I probably wouldn't have crashed without it, but who knows right? . . .

It's the TCS that is crap, IMO. . . . Usually I let out the clutch, and the engine just falls on it's face--leaving me to try to figure out how I'm going to maneuver a 600lb. bike that suddenly doesn't have any power going to the wheels. So, I give more throttle, it "catches" suddenly, the driveline takes up the slack, I shoot forward, shutdown the throttle, driveline again take up the slack, and we've got a buckin' bronco on our hands. . . .

GDI

With respect to the ABS, your feeling would have been correct for earlier versions, but is incorrect for the microprocessor rate-based ABS in the Tenere, water-boxer, and new KTMs. In the new systems, the pilot/rider/driver may never be aware of the system engaging unless really deep into the ABS function. In earlier ABS designs, we could tell when the ABS function kicked in by looking at skids because the braking marks would be like a series of dashes. With the current generation, the ABS comes in so smoothly and so stays so close to peak braking that it can be hard to tell a black line of rubber on the pavement caused by a locked brake, apart from an ABS in full function. But now we also have data to examine and know to look closer at the tires to know what happened. The bottom line with the current

What you attribute to the TCS sounds like the off-idle flat spot that these bikes are well known for, and for which there are a number of threads. Basically, to meet EPA requirements, Yamaha has to run the engine really lean and usually enriching the CO adjustment and doing a throttle body sync kills that problem.(Threads are in the tech section.) Some people report that reflashing the ECU ended the flat spot. The "buckin' bronco" feeling is when you on the controls create the next input and you can learn more by Googling P.I.O. which stands for pilot induced oscillation. Unless you are on an epoxy-painted garage floor or on oil where the feeling could be similar, the cause and feeling is quite different when the TCS arrests tire slippage.

Hope this helps.

 

[GDI]

Well, you know. . . . I read the *entire* "Instantly 15 more free HP" thread: http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=4486.msg80473#msg80473 yesterday hoping against hope that I'd find the solution to my off-idle problem. From what I could tell though, it doesn't apply to my bike. I've got a '14, so I think the issues that were discussed in that thread have been rectified by Yamaha? I noticed that the one guy that asked about making the CJM on his '14 (3 times!) didn't get any responses!

Oh yeah, I know the oscillations are "pilot induced" all right! However, this pilot didn't have any issues with oscillations this morning, once the TCS was turned off. I'm saying the TCS is playing a role in those oscillations as well. The thing is that TCS is not really necessary on my commute. I'm not likely to high-side whilst driving responsibly to and from work. I am, however, much more likely to put the bike on it's side when starting from a stop when the motor cuts out whilst doing a ninety degree turn. So, I'm failing to see the safety benefits of this "feature".

I'll play around with the TCS some more just to be sure that this morning wasn't some kind of fluke, but for now--TCS is suspect. . . .

Anybody have a better description of TCS #2 than just "less than" TCS #1?

GDI

 

[groundhog]

Okay so I have only had my S10 for three weeks : but that is long enough for me to know that it's the bike I've always been looking for. It ticks every box and I have no doubt I will be re posting on this thread in a years time still loving it ::008::

 

[snakebitten]

TCS1 is basically a zero tolerance of allowing any difference in speed between the front and rear wheel. Almost ZERO. It can be annoying for any circumstance other than nice sticky tarmac. (although I use it in foul weather riding on road)

TCS2 allows fore a percentage of wheel spin, or speed difference between wheels. Plenty enough for off road fish tailing and some roosting the fella behind ya.

 

[Tombraider2]

Is my first bike with all this new computer stuff. Maybe I'll like IDONO, but I do know I won't be getting rid of this Machine. It's a tour - sport bike and shouldn't have to freak out when the brakes are aplyed HARD. The damn foot brake jumps back up and that nose it makes I don't like. If you can turn off the TC you should be able to turn off the ABS I'd think. Great thread, GDI keep that bike on it's feet >

 

[bigbob]

TCS1 is basically a zero tolerance of allowing any difference in speed between the front and rear wheel. Almost ZERO. It can be annoying for any circumstance other than nice sticky tarmac. (although I use it in foul weather riding on road)

TCS2 allows fore a percentage of wheel spin, or speed difference between wheels. Plenty enough for off road fish tailing and some roosting the fella behind ya.

Is there any link between TCS1/2/off and the Sport or Touring setting? My 14 has none of what GDI says, but I do all my riding in T mode for the extra gas mileage. I only use S when somebody ticks me off and I need the extra HP to catch up.

Had a crotch rocket pass me IN THE OTHER HALF OF MY LANE, while passing through St Louis. Think I pissed him off when I went to sport and kept passing him while riding somewhat sanely. I did not do what he did and pass on the shoulder, pass between two cars who where side by side and a few other insane things. Good thing there were no cops in that 20 miles of 5 lane interstate. But that ride really impressed me with the 2014 S10 Sport mode.

 

[GDI]

Is my first bike with all this new computer stuff. Maybe I'll like IDONO, but I do know I won't be getting rid of this Machine. It's a tour - sport bike and shouldn't have to freak out when the brakes are aplyed HARD. The damn foot brake jumps back up and that nose it makes I don't like. If you can turn off the TC you should be able to turn off the ABS I'd think.

I don't have a problem with the feedback. If it didn't do that, I wouldn't even know that I'm getting close to the edge. I've got another bike without all these features, so I don't want to be lulled into a false sense of security that will surely bite me when I get back on the other one.

Great thread, GDI keep that bike on it's feet >

I have so far! ::001:: ::003:: I'm only just over 1000 miles now, so just getting started with it really. ::26::

GDI

 

[GDI]

TCS1 is basically a zero tolerance of allowing any difference in speed between the front and rear wheel. Almost ZERO. It can be annoying for any circumstance other than nice sticky tarmac. (although I use it in foul weather riding on road)

TCS2 allows fore a percentage of wheel spin, or speed difference between wheels. Plenty enough for off road fish tailing and some roosting the fella behind ya.

I didn't mention it earlier, but there was something else that happened this morning that caused my rebellion against the TCS. I backed the bike out of the garage just as I always do. It had been idling for a few minutes--longer than normal actually. It was probably a good two minutes as I started the bike put my helmet on, forgot something in the house, ran back in, got the item, came back out, finished dressing, wheeled the bike out, etc. So, I mount up, plug in the heated gear (it was around 42 degrees here this morning), adjust the heated grips, clutch in, shift into first release clutch, give gas, lean left to make a nice 90 degree turn in my driveway, and. . . no power! The bike starts to tip, as I give it more gas, the motor catches and I barely kept it from going over! It kinda makes me mad because my other "cheap" bike doesn't do that. But, it isn't new either, so maybe some of this will improve as it gets broke in and I become more accustomed to its quirks.

I have noticed that I've killed this bike when starting off more than really any bike since I learned to ride. I no longer use Touring mode because it seemed to me that the problem was exaggerated in that mode. And, who am I kidding? I like the power! ::26::

So, am I completely off base here? Is there any connection between the TCS mode and the way the bike acts off idle when you start off?

GDI

 

[bigbob]

shift into first release clutch, give gas, lean left to make a nice 90 degree turn in my driveway, and. . . no power!

I no longer use Touring mode because it seemed to me that the problem was exaggerated in that mode. And, who am I kidding? I like the power! ::26::

I had similar problems early on. Would stop at a light or sign and kill it taking off. EITHER I learned to ride around the problem in T mode, OR as others have said in other threads the real break in on this bike is 2-3 K. Now over 8,000 miles I have not noticed a similar problem in quite a while.

Regardless I do not think a properly working TCS would cause your problem since the tires are moving at the same speed.

 

[Ron15S10]

Have you had your Throttle Bodies synced? That's what comes to mind based on the power issue from idle.

 

[Tombraider2]

When do they need that ?

 

[GDI]

I had similar problems early on. Would stop at a light or sign and kill it taking off. EITHER I learned to ride around the problem in T mode, OR as others have said in other threads the real break in on this bike is 2-3 K. Now over 8,000 miles I have not noticed a similar problem in quite a while.

Regardless I do not think a properly working TCS would cause your problem since the tires are moving at the same speed.

Well, they're really *not* moving at the same speed in a sharp turn are they? I said 90 degree turn yesterday, but my first turn of the day is more than that. It's probably at least 120-135 degrees.

I turned TCS off, and no issues this morning. . . . Could be placebo effect, could be real--don't know! I do know that my mpg as reported by bike computer is down from ~ 47.5mpg to ~45mpg. I don't think I've been running it any harder. In fact I would say I've been easier on the throttle, if anything. It could be weather related I suppose. It's a fair bit colder this week than last. Lots of unknowns. I do know I like riding it better w/o TCS.

Ron14S10: No, I haven't done anything with syncing throttle bodies. It does kind of act like they could be off. Sometimes giving throttle results in a stumble, sometimes not (this without any clutch actuation). But could be cold weather related, too. Maybe it's time to get out the ol' $2 manometer?

GDI

 

[Ron15S10]

I'm not looking at the SM now but IIRC, first service requires a check then sync if needed.

 

[Cazes7]

Had a 09 KLR for a couple years, then test drove the S10 14. I now own the 14ES S10. Yes I love it.
So I test drove a couple bikes before trading in the old workhorse single banger KLR.

The sport touring bikes first got my attention. So I test drove a Kawi Concours 1400. Holy Crap. I wasn't ready for what that bike could do. I almost flew off the back when I gunned it. With a huge smile and, whoo hoos screaming in my helmet, I had it up to 130mph in what seemed like seconds. Then going back to dealership, turning in 90 degree back into parking lot, I turned and stalled to avoid a big water puddle....I gently laid it down. Wow it was heavy. Luckily nobody saw. I scraped a plastic panel alittle that set me back $110... but it was worth the test drive.

Next I tested a FJR1300. What a phenomenal sport touring bike! So smooth and FAST. Felt more confident in slow turns than the Concours. What if I fly off the road doing 70? Ok... so I test drove the S10. My first impression was 'This feels like a big toy'. Just the view off the front with the tank and bars sitting high, the sound of the engine. Done deal.

I have noticed a little jerkiness on slow 1st and 2nd. And there have been problems going from 3rd to 4th. I had to do it twice. This has happened 5 or 6 times. Do you all think this is a break in thing? I'll tell dealer if it keeps happening.

Overall, I love it.

I'm right at 600 miles now. Luckily, I just got around to reading the manual saying to change oil and final gear oil at 600 (dealership didn't mention that)
The manual only showed one drain plug for oil, so I was stumped when only a quart came out. After calling dealership, that said there are 2 oil drain plugs. Whew.
My final gear oil was kinda nasty. There was alot of black metal dust on magnetic drain plug. I'm going to change it again at 1000 miles with mobil 75-90 synthetic.

I took the girlfriend out to some nasty trails. Huge slippery mud holes, with her not knowing how to lean and help me. Front end got away a couple times pretty bad, but I recovered. Lucky. I do think the TCS helped there.

I did drop it parking it. It involved a stall and turn manuever. Being used to my KLR, this bike is heavy, too heavy, when it leans past a certain angle. Down I went onto my friend car. Just a scrape on plastic that was replaced with crashbar upgrade.

 

[Tombraider2]

Way to early for Synthetic.

 

[78YZ]

My 14 has none of what GDI says, but I do all my riding in T mode for the extra gas mileage.

Does T-mode yield higher fuel mileage? If yes, how much better?