What Gives?

[Zepfan]

I wonder why Yam isn't selling more S 10's?

This bike has COMPLETELY saved my bacon more times than I can count now.
I ride the crap out of her and she responds to any situation.
Nimble, stable and the suspension to suck it up.
WHAT'S NOT TO LIKE ?? ok... maybe just a tad more power, even though I blow almost any bike away.

Why is it a rarity to see another S10 on the road?
Yam has this bike priced right. I'd like to hop on a GS ADV to compare someday.
Bottom line: I LOVE MY RIDE.

 

[OldRider]

Make it obnoxiously loud, put on a truckload of chrome, big fat tires and a seat and road pegs so you can lay back like you're on a gynecologist table and the masses would be all over it. Oh, I forgot, make the seat a foot lower to the ground.


Something like this:

 

[toadady]

Make it obnoxiously loud, put on a truckload of chrome, big fat tires and a seat and road pegs so you can lay back like you're on a gynecologist table and the masses would be all over it. Oh, I forgot, make the seat a foot lower to the ground.

yup, and tassels, don't forget the tassels.

 

[Zepfan]

Make it obnoxiously loud, put on a truckload of chrome, big fat tires and a seat and road pegs so you can lay back like you're on a gynecologist table and the masses would be all over it. Oh, I forgot, make the seat a foot lower to the ground.


Something like this:

::025::

 

[Rvolberg]

It's the power. If Yamaha upped HO to north of 125 you'd probably see more takers. Most people are buying bragging rights and image. Last place in the Adventure Touring category for HP is a problem for many when dropping a chunk of cash on a lifestyle product. Now... If we can convince them to fit the V-Max engine in there we'd really have a winner on our hands. Seriously though - the bike has enough power - but practicality and sales are not often related.

 

[OldRider]

I agree Rvolberg. The S-10 has more power than 95% of the riders that own it will ever use, me included. I can pass most anything on the road and go where ever I want and not use half the power the Tenere has.

 

[rotortech71]

I'm sure it's a very small minority that actually shop for a big (1000+cc) adventure bike. The bike is either too expensive for most people, not that it's expensive in comparison to other adv bikes, or it has too much mass and height for anyone to even think about throwing a leg over it. There are the people that know and understand, like us, that know how well it hides it's weight and size, but most will just back away from it. The reason I say that, is about 90% of the other riders I know won't even sit on my S10. They all respond the same way. "Hell no, that thing is way too tall, I don't trust myself that I wouldn't drop it." These are experienced riders, and if they won't even sit on it while it's on the center stand, then they sure as hell won't take it for a test ride, or consider buying it.

People who go into a dealer with the intent of buying a bike like this have done their thorough research, know what they want, and work the deal. It's quite possibly just too ominous to attract buyers who see it for the first time and don't know what it is.

 

[Clevermonkey]

Yeah I started out wanting a GS, but I read a lot about issues and it turned me off. Then I started thinking I would get a GS 1100 or 1150 but the used price was too high for the mileage. Finally I compared it to the GS 800 and tiger XC. What finally decided it for me was the local dealer letting me test ride it. It didn't scare me but I am 6'6" tall. I prefer a leggy ride.

 

[Bug Dr.]

Not everybody rides........I mean really rides. If I were going to roll my bike out of the garage and do a 40 mile loop I wouldn't own a Tenere either. It would be pure eye candy that would not be comfortable for more than about 50 miles a day. Sadly, that is the way most Americans think about bike ownership........a toy. The Tenere is more of a tool to get you from point A to point B with enough belongings to stay on the road for an extended amount of time.

A few years ago a H-D dealership in NM (I think) was giving a years supply of fuel when you purchased a new bike. When you bought your bike they handed you a Visa card with $260 on it. That was the amount of fuel an average Harley owner uses in a year.

Nothing wrong with that if you can afford it.

Most Americans don't see motorcycles as a viable means of transportation. We've all heard comments about how silly we look with our riding gear, temperature (hot or cold), mortality rates, etc...

Not everyone gets it.
Mike

 

[Clevermonkey]

Yeah I ride 100 miles a day several days a week for weeks in a row... Rear sets don't work for me. Plus I like to use the bike for errands so it needs a trunk for my junk. Basically I wanted a motorcycle that would function as an inexpensive 3rd car ... That could do a decent 0-60 time ::26::

I guess it's all about what people need; but ADVs are a fast growing market set, and they sell plenty of GS1200 which as just as large a bike.

One thing I would mention is if I was commuting in a city ( I lived in Portland Oregon for 15 years) I probably would have gone with a smaller bike. The XT is not my favorite bike to manhandle in a parking lot (although it's not as bad as it's size would suggest) and for those tight squeezes something a little smaller would be nice. But for open roads whether two lane or slab there's nothing better I know of.

Back before I got the bike I would drive home in my car and stew about work and smoke cigarettes. Since I bought the bike I quit smoking and come home smiling and relaxed. XTZ is big medicine for me.
::022::

 

[MurphCO]

Our niche is gaining momentum


Fewer people ask me what my bike is, and are more now asking if it's one of those Yamaha's




Still get a few "your BMW is nice" types, but at least they are in the right neighborhood.

 

[oldbear]

I agree , great bike but not for everybody. I love the riding position on the adv bikes. I ride in full gear, and when I saddle up it is not for a 10 mile ride. I usually ride a minimum of 100 miles or I don't go. The superT is a great fit for my style. I can take my stuff, it's comfortable, fast and handles great. What's not to like? I had a BMW in the past, great bike with crappy dealers (I've a LONG story 'bout why a BMW is NOT in my garage),plus the numerous issues the later one's have had. My buddy bought a new GS in 11 and rides the heck out of it. He is an excellent BMW mechanic and does his own work, however even he has some issues that he can't run down. Specifically, the goofy "CANbus" wiring. His headlight, every once in a while decides to quit. Then, later, it will come back on and be good for a few thousand miles. He can't find a problem, BMW can't find a problem, and on two separate occasions, when we've been a long way from home (and a long way from ANY BMW shop) he's lost his headlight. I don't need that kind of aggravation just to ride a bike with a roundel on the tank (by the by, aren't crossed tuning forks a kind of rondel?). Anyway, to me the SuperT is a no BS, GS. Love it!

 

[bruised]

I think most tenere riders kind of graduated from other brands or styles that don't meet their needs anymore the tenere isn't exactly a beginner or starter type bike

 

[Philistine]

why is there so much talk about the height of the S10, from the other bikes I have sat on , its no higher than any other ADV bike and as looks go it doesn't look any bigger than the GS ???

 

[ThreePutt]

I think most tenere riders kind of graduated from other brands or styles that don't meet their needs anymore the tenere isn't exactly a beginner or starter type bike

This.

 

[creggur]

I'm sure it's a very small minority that actually shop for a big (1000+cc) adventure bike. The bike is either too expensive for most people, not that it's expensive in comparison to other adv bikes, or it has too much mass and height for anyone to even think about throwing a leg over it. There are the people that know and understand, like us, that know how well it hides it's weight and size, but most will just back away from it. The reason I say that, is about 90% of the other riders I know won't even sit on my S10. They all respond the same way. "Hell no, that thing is way too tall, I don't trust myself that I wouldn't drop it." These are experienced riders, and if they won't even sit on it while it's on the center stand, then they sure as hell won't take it for a test ride, or consider buying it.

People who go into a dealer with the intent of buying a bike like this have done their thorough research, know what they want, and work the deal. It's quite possibly just too ominous to attract buyers who see it for the first time and don't know what it is.

My experiences have been similar...

I do believe, however, if the dealers were more knowledgable and motivated it would improve sales. Romney's seems to move quite a few Teneres...

 

[Mzee]

My experiences have been similar...

I do believe, however, if the dealers were more knowledgable and motivated it would improve sales. Romney's seems to move quite a few Teneres...

Maybe it is a problem Yamaha should sort out. BMW sells well because of the manufacturer's robust marketing strategy.

 

[MurphCO]

Maybe it is a problem Yamaha should sort out. BMW sells well because of the manufacturer's robust marketing strategy Movie Long Way Round & Long Way Down.

 

[Don in Lodi]

Back before I got the bike I would drive home in my car and stew about work and smoke cigarettes. Since I bought the bike I quit smoking and come home smiling and relaxed. XTZ is big medicine for me.
::022::

::008:: ::008::

 

[adventurelounger]

This might not be a very popular way to look at it, but who really gives a sh*t?

I actually LIKE the fact that it's kind of a rare bird. Since it's not a super "hot" bike, easier to get, and get a decent deal on one.

It has the benefit of not bringing whatever BMW baggage it might to every pull-up.

It's interesting looking. The utter quality and intelligence of the engineering makes you feel like you have an inside line on a well-kept secret.

You don't have to wince at some phony, testosteron-y marketing campaign exhorting you to "find your own road to adventure." You can figure out how to do that without someone telling you to.

The most beautiful thing about the SuperT is its honest-to-goodness, unpretentious authenticity. It's a beautifully thought-through, beautifully made piece of adventure-engineering. Nice to see, through the interwebs, that some other far-flung folks seem to get it and enjoy it.

Beyond that, I only hope Yamaha sells at least enough to maintain a steady supply of parts, which people actually rarely seem to need, because few things break.