Kawasaki Concours Forum

Riding => It's not a Concours - other Bikes => Topic started by: TJ on July 22, 2012, 01:01:46 PM

Title: Yamaha Super Tenere
Post by: TJ on July 22, 2012, 01:01:46 PM
Anyone have one or rode one? Thinking of flying down to the lower 48 next June and buying one and riding it back. It will not replace my Concours but will be an additional bike in the stable. Decided the KLR doesnt have the power I am used to.
Any and all opinions are appreciated.
Title: Re: Yamaha Super Tenere
Post by: gpzrocker on July 22, 2012, 02:04:00 PM
advrider would be where I would go.
Title: Re: Yamaha Super Tenere
Post by: Pokey on July 22, 2012, 03:28:07 PM
Consensus is that it is amazing.........moving very close to the top of my next steed.
Title: Re: Yamaha Super Tenere
Post by: kdm on July 23, 2012, 04:45:35 AM
Rode one at Daytona .Nice handling bike,pretty good power ,light weight compared to the C 14.
But I rode an old school V-strom 1000 right after ,and , believe it or not ,  liked it better .
The engine seemed smoother ,and the ride was cushier-  but it handles just as good on the street.
No doubt the Yamaha is the better ride for dirt roads , as the Strom was always more street oriented.

Try 'em both -see what you think !
Title: Re: Yamaha Super Tenere
Post by: Cold Streak on July 23, 2012, 12:30:00 PM
A friend bought one and now his FJR sits unused most of the time.  He rode it about 2000 miles the first couple of weeks he bought it, including a trip from MN to WV and back.  He also made a trip out west over a mixture of pavement and dirt later in the summer and was ecstatic about how it handled it all.
Title: Re: Yamaha Super Tenere
Post by: Gumby on July 23, 2012, 01:27:06 PM
Yamaha has some rather odd videos on their site with this bike.

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelvideo/651/1104/0/video.aspx (http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelvideo/651/1104/0/video.aspx)
Title: Re: Yamaha Super Tenere
Post by: Awaz on July 24, 2012, 08:36:22 AM
How does it measure up to the Triumph Tiger Explorer? If it was not for my dog gone inseam, I would have loved to have an adventure bike.
Title: Re: Yamaha Super Tenere
Post by: ugocon on July 24, 2012, 08:57:29 AM
I think that the Super tenere is the sole opponent to the ultra-power of the BMW GS.
I read extensively about this bike and reading between lines you understand that it has superior qualities in off-road vs. the GS and overall comparable road performances at a lower price (and with Japanese quality ;)  )
But you'll very hardly find a magazine/site openly supporting the ST vs. the GS because the BMW has such a solid position on the market (I suppose in US as well: in Europe is by far the leader) that editors are scared to lose advertisment or support from the manufacturer and also credibility.
It's much easier to support a winning bike than an outsider!

The only complaint you'll find about the ST is the lack of ABS disactivation switch that could cause some bothering in off-road.
But there's a trick: crank up the bike while on the stand and put a gear to rotate the rear wheel.
After about 30 sec the ABS goes in error and disconnets until you crank it up again ;)

Title: Re: Yamaha Super Tenere
Post by: jayke on July 24, 2012, 09:56:57 AM
Don't forget about the Moto Guzzi Stelvio too.  Motorcycle Consumer News just gushed over it last month.  A buddy of mine just bought one. It's really nice with top shelf suspension and brake components.

They tested the Trimuph Explorer this month.  So/so review, paned the basic suspension, brakes and the throttle by wire effort was too light.  Hit a bump and you turn the throttle.

I can’t imagine actually riding one of these big AV bikes off road.  My little KLR650 gets me huffing and puffing sometimes and I ride like a little girl off road.
Title: Re: Yamaha Super Tenere
Post by: Pokey on July 24, 2012, 11:14:53 AM
Don't forget about the Moto Guzzi Stelvio too.  Motorcycle Consumer News just gushed over it last month.  A buddy of mine just bought one. It's really nice with top shelf suspension and brake components.

They tested the Trimuph Explorer this month.  So/so review, paned the basic suspension, brakes and the throttle by wire effort was too light.  Hit a bump and you turn the throttle.

I can’t imagine actually riding one of these big AV bikes off road.  My little KLR650 gets me huffing and puffing sometimes and I ride like a little girl off road.


No dealer support kills the Guzzi for many of us here in the good ole USA in my opinion. The Tenere has the advanatge over BMW and Triumph as well in that comparison, but BMW has so many magazines sucking up to them that they will usually still win. ::)
Title: Re: Yamaha Super Tenere
Post by: Jim M. on July 24, 2012, 12:56:32 PM
 I was about to pull the trigger on a Super Ten when a deal came up on my current C-14. I had test ridden the S-Ten and liked it very much. It will be my next bike.
Title: Re: Yamaha Super Tenere
Post by: martin_14 on July 30, 2012, 12:24:24 PM
But there's a trick: crank up the bike while on the stand and put a gear to rotate the rear wheel.
After about 30 sec the ABS goes in error and disconnets until you crank it up again ;)

 :rotflmao:
Italians!!!  :thumbs:
Title: Re: Yamaha Super Tenere
Post by: AZBiker on July 31, 2012, 03:59:38 AM
Yamaha has some rather odd videos on their site with this bike.

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelvideo/651/1104/0/video.aspx (http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelvideo/651/1104/0/video.aspx)

I thought the video was cool.

That's exactly the kind of riding I used to do on my Sportster.  Some pavement, some dirt, some gravel.
Title: Re: Yamaha Super Tenere
Post by: Son of Pappy on July 31, 2012, 10:13:58 AM
If your'e looking for a road bike that can do gravel roads great choice.  What I see is a VStrom badged with Yamaha as an example.  If your'e looking for an ADV bike?  What I have seen and heard it does what it was designed for, but not serious off road work.  If you plan on more off road stuff, please remove that blade also known as a windshield and get some good protection.  Most of the time off road you will/should be on the pegs, not the seat and the shield becomes moot anyway, and who wants a piece of plexi angled toward their throat, knowing full well that some trails have attributes conducisve to verticle changes? http://www.altrider.com/en/product/category/fmid/43/cid/1/d/Parts+and+Accessories+for+Super+Tenere+XT+1200 (http://www.altrider.com/en/product/category/fmid/43/cid/1/d/Parts+and+Accessories+for+Super+Tenere+XT+1200)
I for one will stick with my '05 KLR, tractor like torque, simplicity and proven durability with plenty of power for any load I have ever thrown at it.  What other bike can gain real power for .22?
Title: Re: Yamaha Super Tenere
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on August 01, 2012, 02:59:18 PM
I spotted a Super Tenere at the local dealer today and stopped in to check it out. I was pretty surprised since my local Honda/Yamaha dealer usually only has cruisers, crotch rockets, and ATV's.  Turns out that the parts guy already bought it but told me the paperwork wasn't finished yet and to take it for a spin.  I told him I didn't want to do that if he is buying it, and he said that his test ride was full throttle so he didn't mind if I took it out and flogged it for a bit.  What was I supposed to say?   ;D

It ran very nice and had more torque than I expected.  I think Pappy hit the nail on the head when he said it is rebadged VStrom.  Pricey bike but if you don't like Suzuki then it is a great choice for fire roads or a trip to Alaska.
Title: Re: Yamaha Super Tenere
Post by: Pokey on August 01, 2012, 04:33:27 PM
I spotted a Super Tenere at the local dealer today and stopped in to check it out. I was pretty surprised since my local Honda/Yamaha dealer usually only has cruisers, crotch rockets, and ATV's.  Turns out that the parts guy already bought it but told me the paperwork wasn't finished yet and to take it for a spin.  I told him I didn't want to do that if he is buying it, and he said that his test ride was full throttle so he didn't mind if I took it out and flogged it for a bit.  What was I supposed to say?   ;D

It ran very nice and had more torque than I expected.  I think Pappy hit the nail on the head when he said it is rebadged VStrom.  Pricey bike but if you don't like Suzuki then it is a great choice for fire roads or a trip to Alaska.


Hardly.....and there are a few Strom riders that have converted, they say it is superior in almost every way.
Title: Re: Yamaha Super Tenere
Post by: kdm on August 01, 2012, 05:03:02 PM
Have you ridden one , Brian ?

Try to do a back -to - back test ---You might be surprised !

Plus the Strom is much more -how should I put it - within the means of the working guy.

Alas .....to be rich .... and buy 'em all !
Title: Re: Yamaha Super Tenere
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on August 01, 2012, 06:57:47 PM

Hardly.....and there are a few Strom riders that have converted, they say it is superior in almost every way.

My time on a DL1000 was limited to a 15 minute ride about a year ago.  And yes the Tenere seemed to be a better bike according to what I remembered, but it was a closer comparison than you might think........especially when you factor in the $$$$$ difference.  Still a nice bike though.
Title: Re: Yamaha Super Tenere
Post by: Pokey on August 01, 2012, 07:48:32 PM
Have you ridden one , Brian ?

Try to do a back -to - back test ---You might be surprised !

Plus the Strom is much more -how should I put it - within the means of the working guy.

Alas .....to be rich .... and buy 'em all !


Had a 1000 Vstrom for 5 years, really enjoyed that bike. However it is exactly what it is.......a cheap poor mans version of an ADV bike. There is a very good reason why "so many" owners upgrade the suspension and the brakes, BECAUSE THEY SUCK. The handlebars are junk, doesn't come with a centerstand, and has very little to no engine protection, and the alternator output is subpar for the purpose intended. The 650 is a much better platform than the 1000, especially the new one. But to keep the price cheap they still had to make the same budget brakes and suspension. Yes there are a gazillion aftermarket goodies available, but I would plop down the extra coin for the Tenere in a heartbeat. And here is the catch.....many Strom owners will spend just as much or more for making the bike much better, when they could've just got a Tenere. ;)


By the way, I have a friend who has owned allot of bikes over the years. His favorite bike without a doubt was the Strom, but he sold that and now has a Tenere. He has zero regrets.
Title: Re: Yamaha Super Tenere
Post by: kdm on August 02, 2012, 05:41:07 PM

Had a 1000 Vstrom for 5 years, really enjoyed that bike. However it is exactly what it is.......a cheap poor mans version of an ADV bike. There is a very good reason why "so many" owners upgrade the suspension and the brakes, BECAUSE THEY SUCK. The handlebars are junk, doesn't come with a centerstand, and has very little to no engine protection, and the alternator output is subpar for the purpose intended. The 650 is a much better platform than the 1000, especially the new one. But to keep the price cheap they still had to make the same budget brakes and suspension. Yes there are a gazillion aftermarket goodies available, but I would plop down the extra coin for the Tenere in a heartbeat. And here is the catch.....many Strom owners will spend just as much or more for making the bike much better, when they could've just got a Tenere. ;)


By the way, I have a friend who has owned allot of bikes over the years. His favorite bike without a doubt was the Strom, but he sold that and now has a Tenere. He has zero regrets.

Understood --you can really spend a lot upgrading suspension ,brakes etc.

To change the subject -- what the hell is that thing ??!! :o
Title: Re: Yamaha Super Tenere
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on August 02, 2012, 05:48:45 PM
The Super Tenere is selling for less than what I thought they would.  I figured they were selling for closer to MSRP of $14,500 but there are quite a few out there that have sold for around $12,000.

Maybe a nice used example will find it's way into my garage after a rider decides that he doesn't need this bike to "summit" Mt Starbucks every weekend.   ;D
Title: Re: Yamaha Super Tenere
Post by: ZG on August 02, 2012, 06:57:32 PM
Understood --you can really spend a lot upgrading suspension

 :-X   ;)
Title: Re: Yamaha Super Tenere
Post by: TJ on August 02, 2012, 11:40:12 PM
The Super Tenere is selling for less than what I thought they would.  I figured they were selling for closer to MSRP of $14,500 but there are quite a few out there that have sold for around $12,000.

Maybe a nice used example will find it's way into my garage after a rider decides that he doesn't need this bike to "summit" Mt Starbucks every weekend.   ;D

I am with you. Bike doesnt seem as popular as people claim it is and alot of dealers have them in stock and they are not moving out the door very fast.
Can't get over the fact a new KLR will set me back about $6,500 (retail) and weighs about 150 pounds less. Right now am thinking to stay with a KLR unless I can get a killer deal on a Tenere. But then been hearing great stuff about the Triumph 800 XC that will run the quarter in low 12's and weighs in wet at about 475............ decisions decisions decisions..............
Title: Re: Yamaha Super Tenere
Post by: Pokey on August 03, 2012, 04:02:33 PM
I am with you. Bike doesnt seem as popular as people claim it is and alot of dealers have them in stock and they are not moving out the door very fast.
Can't get over the fact a new KLR will set me back about $6,500 (retail) and weighs about 150 pounds less. Right now am thinking to stay with a KLR unless I can get a killer deal on a Tenere. But then been hearing great stuff about the Triumph 800 XC that will run the quarter in low 12's and weighs in wet at about 475............ decisions decisions decisions..............


Apples to oranges IMHO. ;)