WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE TENERE

[snakebitten]

Graham,

I no longer will try to explain at length. I will simply refer to this post!

Outstanding!
The guy really did finally get it. It was a discovery process. No test drive will ever get you far enough along to find out. And even the low mileage pristine for-sale examples, likely didn't get far enough along either.

Great job. Thanks for the future typing you have saved me.

 

[creggur]

I'm not gonna disagree with Graham here, but it actually is more than a giant dirt bike.

Does it have the guts to plow through some nasty off road shit? You betcha it does - and it's been proven time-and-again by the people on this very forum, who literally abuse the ever-living hell out of it, and it just keeps on truckin'. So yeah, it is a giant dirt bike...but it's so much more.

it's also a great street bike. I spent decades on sports and sport-tourers, and the Tenere is, by far, the best bike I've ever owned. Mine is used 99+ percent of the time for street duty. City riding, sport-touring, actual touring, and playing in twisties every chance I get. Nothing I've ever owned comes close.

Were some of those bikes a hair better at this-or-that on the street? Sure. But not one of them were nearly as comfortable nor confidence-inspiring. The bike just does...period.

With a few tweaks it has become my favorite thus far in over 30 years of riding. And I get the bonus of checking out that odd dirt road every now-and-again that peaks my interest.

I don't know how many times I've said this now, but I firmly believe it: Yamaha built the Tenere about 80% complete so that we could outfit it to fit our needs. They basically said, "Here ya go boys, Farkle the nuts off of it and try and throw something at it it won't do...have fun!"

And so we do, and it just delivers...every time. The bike just does...

 

[GrahamD]

And so we do, and it just delivers...every time. The bike just does...

That's what I said on my first test ride. It just did what you wanted without trying. I did get the opportunity at the time to try a few other YAMAHA models though and the thing that popped out was that the S10 just sucked it up without any fuss, while other bikes you felt like you were going faster, you just weren't.

The most memorable part was when I was on a 600cc sporty bike thinking I was going fast and looked in the mirror and saw the S10 right behind me with the guy looking like he was wondering why everyone was taking it so easy.

It was then I realized that this was an all day bike on the road. I was yet to appreciate how easy it was off the tarmac. I had to own it to try that.

 

[kmac]

This bike sucks ::007::

Wait, are we still talking about my dead GS?

The Ten is NOT perfect. What is? I recently sold a KTM 530 that was flat out amazing...for it's intended purpose. Dual sport, basically a full on dirt bike, almost a full MX with soft suspension and taller gears, but with a plate to open more riding areas here in Cali. Was it comfy? Dear Gawd NO. Would I ride it on the freeway more than a few miles to speed up a trail connection...heck NO.

Same with more sport/tour/city bike stuff. All may be great for their intended purpose, but once they hit the end of their intended purpose you either stop, or change bikes, be bold and struggle uncomfortably....not on the Ten....you just GO, wherever GO takes you.

It is not a sand bike, mud I'm sure either, but like someone said earlier "I came out the other side and was excited" ...I felt the same way, it was not that it was "fun" in the sand, but it did it and it challenged me.

Mine had 28 miles on it when I got home from the dealer {28 miles away} when I geared up and headed out into my first gnarly dirt road stuff...in the rain no less on the stock street tires and the bike was a blast....I can not wait till these tires wear out and I can spoon on some TKC80s and really push it.

You did not say what used prices you were finding them at, but $10-11K USD is what I saw and I still opted for a new 2013 6.5 weeks ago for $13,300 OTD tax and title included. I also got my Y.E.S. warranty for $300 per year for the 4 extra years, total of 5 years unlimited mileage, $1200....so for me, a $10k used bike, even low mile, and then having to pay T&L at DMV of near 10% combined here in Cali. that put me at $11k with no extended warranty option { I found out now that there is still an option if under a year old I believe} it was worth it to buy it new and get the low finance charges...DO NOT GO OFF of MSRP if you buy new, that is why used are so "cheap"....most guys did not pay anywhere near MSRP to begin with.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

... Like skydiving. But after a jump or 2, some folks are done with it. Others are hopelessly addicted.

Dear God, please don't tell me I'm going to get yet another addiction after skydiving with my daughter this summer. I have enough.

Back on topic...

I'm not convinced Yamaha sees the Super Tenere as a slow seller compared to their expectations. They invested to make multiple upgrades just two model years into the bike. To me that's an encouraging sign.

I think many people would like to see lots and lots of the bike they were smart enough to purchase out on the road. To some it validates their decision. That is never going to be the case with the Tenere. To the Starbucks crowd the Yamaha badge is not very chic. This bike appeals to a very select type of rider, and for us it is truly an awesome bike.

I also don't limit this bike to a "big dirt bike" category. It definitely does fit that description, but it is so much more. The morning I returned home from a 4,500 mile, 2 week trip, I was looking for excuses to go riding. Home for 2 hours, I jumped on the bike and went riding for another hour just because I didn't want to stop. It's a great touring bike. On multiple occasions I've had the opportunity to go riding with someone, or some group describe as being "really fast." Each time the S10 held its own, sometimes feeling a little restricted by these "really fast" guys up ahead. So far, the only time I felt like I was outclassed and could get smoked bad was by Jonny Cinco...who was also riding a Tenere at the time (that guy is fast). The Tenere is a more than adequate sporty bike that will really surprise people.

 

[GrahamD]

Dear God, please don't tell me I'm going to get yet another addiction after skydiving with my daughter this summer. I have enough.

Back on topic...

I'm not convinced Yamaha sees the Super Tenere as a slow seller compared to their expectations. They invested to make multiple upgrades just two model years into the bike. To me that's an encouraging sign.

In Oz, it did sell about 10% less than the 800XC, but while the 800XC has not had any new competition since its launch (well the 800GSA was one) the S10 has, so it has slipped a bit because of the must have new bikes GSW and 1190KTM and the TEX with new S10 wheels (And that's all) gets press now. So if you were a casual observer you would think that the ADV market was just KTM, GSW and TEX judging by all the front pages at the moment.

However the new S10 is yet to be announced so I assume they will get press when the others have been relegated to "sooo last month"

 

[kmac]

Might be a dumb question, I admittedly am dumb, but what is a TEX?

 

[GrahamD]

Might be a dumb question, I admittedly am dumb, but what is a TEX?

Tiger Explorer (1200)

The one with all the head problems (Sometimes referred to as the Tiger Exploder)

 

[snakebitten]

DirtDad,

I don't know you as well as I would if we hung out. But we both have been here a while and neither of us is a mute.

Don't do it!

$15 per jump is not expensive enough to inhibit a junkie. Maybe you aren't susceptible. But you don't know that. (crack trap)

 

[kmac]

::008::
Thanks....told you I was an idiot....I should know that.

 

[Mzee]

I have been asking myself the same question and didn't even thought about buying one until my 09 R1200GSA had a bearing problem ending wit a $2600 repair.
Objectively, the reasons I was not at first attracted by the Super Ténéré (aka S10) were:
1) the engine is described by the press as flat and lame, or neutered. Frankly, it is not very different from the GS engine, I even prefer the Yamaha engine. And the engine ECU can be reflashed to become a great and pleasant engine according to all the posts on this forum. I can't wait to have it done on my bike.
2) the bike is heavy. At least on paper. It didn't make a difference to me coming from the GSA. A friend with a 06 GS tried the Yamaha and felt just like at home, too.
3) Yamaha is doing a pretty bad job promoting this bike in the USA. It was absent from dealerships showrooms for 2 years in the USA. And I couldn't find any demo bike to ride in San Diego before pulling out my check book.

This being said, it is hard to push aside the world's reference for adventure motorcycling. But I have the feeling that many S10 owners are coming from planet BMW and are not looking back.
It is true that the second hand prices are pushed low, but would you prefer buying a bike $14K and resell it after 2 years for $10-11K without any maintenance expenses outside the tires and oil changes (very easy to do yourself) and the first 600 miles @ $190, or buying a GS for $19K, resell it after 2 years for $14K and paying $650 for the first 600 miles, and $350 every 6,000 miles for maintenance. You do the math. If you keep the bikes longer, the difference with resale value and operating cost may go even more in favor to the Yamaha. I forgot to mention that you can buy for ~$400 a 4 year Yamaha extension warranty (total 5 years of peace of mind).

Last point. Don't buy the hype of crossing deserted land with it, or with the GSA. I've done some dirt trails with the BMW. It was very gratifying, mainly because I came out alive and in one piece. But these bikes are at their best doing the ride you described. They are Range Rover, not Jeep-Willis, if you see what I mean.

Anyway, whatever you chose, these bikes are really good and will make you happy.

I have learnt one lesson. To read and listen to everything that is said by others including the press, but to make up my own mind. Remember journalists write from their own perspectives. It is possible that they are paid to write.

I was just about to buy the GS. Someone told me to wait and ride the S10 which was being launched in April 2010 (South Africa). I waited and for four month rode the GS and rode the S10. Asked lots of questions to do with parts, maintenance, service, etc. The GS had the advantage in many ways. It is the Range Rover of biking, that is what my heart told me. My head told me that the S10 was the bike to get.

It is three years since I bought it: I have 65,000km, I have added farkles worth 7, 000 $ to suit my riding style, the only thing that has failed is the oil seal to the rear hub and a switch controlling the tail light. Is this not amazing, a wonder, something to behold. ? I ride it everyday shine, rain or cold. I use it as my commuting bike. Do I regret my choice? Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! Before I bought the S10, I researched and came to the conclusion that the S10 had endeared my heart. Above all, it is not an expensive bike to maintain. Because I am not mechanically oriented, I take to the dealer every 10000km. Average cost 110$. Has it delivered. I leave that to your imagination. Would I buy another, as true, as true can be. ::025::

 

[spacemanspiff]

Hi AZ_Tenere,

I just recently bought one of the gently used S10's in up-state NY, rode it dang near cross-country and have been bombing around on our dirt by-ways since getting back home. I can't find much wrong with it other than that it doesn't appear to have a helmet lock (wtf?), the seat cover material feels a lot like friction tape, and the rear especially is surprisingly softly sprung. Other than that I have nothing.

Others have stated better why folks are unloading them (Now is a great time to pick them up while it is still winter --cold/wet elsewhere but brilliant riding around here). I don't know if you have ridden one yet, but you are welcome to check mine out and see what the fuss is all about (I'm in Catalina. We can meet halfway somewhere).

It is a big behemoth of a motorcycle, but one that is remarkably well balanced and comfortable, has ABS that actually works, is surprisingly adept on packed dirt roads, nice to work on with a great dealer network, and has proven to be the class leader in durability and reliability. It isn't the Italian horsepower king, is one cylinder shy of being a triple, I don't get a latte when I go the dealer, and that is more than OK with me.

Cheers,

 

[cakeboy]

THE SIMPLE ANSWER IS ------- if charlie and ewan took an S10 around the world tomorrow , there wouldnt be one left in the showrooms next wk ..

 

[Rasher]

I came from Sportsbikes wanting a good all-rounder (and to slow down a bit) and bought a GS - 18 months and a lot of problems later I bought an S10 and could not be happier.

In the UK Yamaha's are expensive, so a GS is a fair bit cheaper, this has stopped the S10 selling very well, they tend to come up as ex demo's or pre-reg bikes at about £2k less than new price and then sell (why Yamaha don't jut cut the price £1500 and sell three times as many I just do not understand)

Anyway, this means few new bikes appear here, and used ones look to have lost a lot of money, but for the most part UK buyers have paid well under full price for one, I paid £9400 for mine with 149 miles on the clock, but on paper it looks like it lost £4k in the first year, in reality I have lost about £1500.

This makes them great value as a second owner in the UK, as a 1 year old S10 is about the same price as a 3 year old GS - do the maths on which will cost most in servicing and repairs.

People always chop and change bikes, in the UK many riders change every couple of years, often for the sake of change but mostly because the press tell them their bike is now crap and they need the latest and greatest bike as it is 0.15 seconds a lap quicker, or gets does the Quarter mile 1/10th quicker etc.

The people that love the S10 are those who are not bothered about following fashion, and understand what they are getting - a great all rounder, it is not the fastest, lightest, cheapest or best handling in the class, but it does everything very well and is probably the most reliable in its class, the latest BMW has a already got a large number of major issues - but is the darling of the press and the BMW marketing machine has managed to knock out as many in a year as Yamaha have in four :exclaim:

Bike sales success and desirability is often not related to how good or bad a bike is, but how it is perceived and marketed.

I think it sacrifices performance for reliability, weight for strength and price for quality - I cannot fault it, but I can find many other bikes that are better in several areas, but all of the others have a weakness or two I can happily live without, or more to the point refuse to live with.

 

[GrahamD]

THE SIMPLE ANSWER IS ------- if charlie and ewan took an S10 around the world tomorrow , there wouldnt be one left in the showrooms next wk ..

Probably right.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

DirtDad,

I don't know you as well as I would if we hung out. But we both have been here a while and neither of us is a mute.

Don't do it!

$15 per jump is not expensive enough to inhibit a junkie. Maybe you aren't susceptible. But you don't know that. (crack trap)

Sorry, Snake, I have no control over this one. It's an agreement my daughter and I have had going back many years. She graduates from college, we're going skydiving. I didn't feel right doing it while she was younger (yes, I know it's not dangerous). She graduates in 4 months and we're taking the plunge.

 

[RED CAT]

Don't understand why they don't sell more S10s here. I guess people just don't realize what a great motorcycle they really are. I have seen brand new 2013 S10s going for $11,999. Still slow to sell while GS1200s are flying out the doors for $10,000. more. The GS is certainly a little faster and lighter and has the name but it ain't $10,000. better. Have to admit in this city of 1.1 million people I have now met about a dozen on S10s. And now the 2014 S10s are out and I want one of the ESs. ::001::

 

[rem]

Sorry, Snake, I have no control over this one. It's an agreement my daughter and I have had going back many years. She graduates from college, we're going skydiving. I didn't feel right doing it while she was younger (yes, I know it's not dangerous). She graduates in 4 months and we're taking the plunge.

Getter done, son, and good on you. ::008:: Me, I'd need some fresh underwear as soon as we hit the ground. You did good. You're a good dad. R


Sorry, off topic. The Tenere is great. Nothing wrong with it, just people's choices. R2

 

[jasonc32amg]

There's nothing wrong with the S10. I think the "problem" is that it's often an impulse buy where Joe Blow thinks he's going to get away from it all and after he purchases the bike realizes that he doesn't have the time or skills. I can easily see someone watching the Youtube videos of people manhandling the S10 offroad leading to some terrifying experiences for someone with limited experience on stock tires trying to imitate what they have seen. Also, I don't care what any politician says, this economy sucks. A $14k recreational purchase can cause some serious stress if you lose your job or take some other sort of financial hit. I think the years will look kindly on the s10.

 

[RockyDS]

Don't understand why they don't sell more S10s here. I guess people just don't realize what a great motorcycle they really are. I have seen brand new 2013 S10s going for $11,999. Still slow to sell while GS1200s are flying out the doors for $10,000. more. The GS is certainly a little faster and lighter and has the name but it ain't $10,000. better. Have to admit in this city of 1.1 million people I have now met about a dozen on S10s. And now the 2014 S10s are out and I want one of the ESs. ::001::

New 2013 models were $11,999 at the Calgary bike show. That's a steal of a deal. And the 2014 ES MSRP at $17,499 is pretty good too.

And my bike was showcased by Alberta Dualsport at the show too.

I honestly don't think a GS or KTM would have attracted as much attention as the S10. Many people asked me about my experiences with the bike, the pros and cons of the alternatives. I tried to be fair and impartial but also honest.

Yes, after 20,000 kms mostly two-up, I've had a few issues but nothing like the grief I've heard from with the competitors.