Super Tenere or Stelvio NTX or ?

[gregarious]

My wonderful wife has informed me that my anniversary present will be a new motorcycle .

I need a tall adventure type bike, as my body doesn't work so well any more. Leaning towards a Super T or Stelvio. Any thoughts?

Greg

 

[escapefjrtist]

If you're looking for something reliable, then it's the Tenere hands down!

--G

 

[gregarious]

I am definitely leaning towards an ST ES, love the reliability and shaft on my 2 FJRs.

 

[Abercrombie FJR]

Well I like the looks of the Stelvio as much as the Tenere.

Tenere is lighter.

Tenere has more horse power.

Tenere has proven bullet proof reliability and just got better with the 2014 improvements.

Tenere has much better dealer network if you actually intend to tour with it.

The Stelvio is more exclusive, exotic and sexy. That pays off in front of Starbucks.

The truth is, I don't know **** about the Stelvio but I do know that as soon as I was up and walking around from hitting a deer and totaling my Tenere last fall, I was making plans to replace it. Before replacing it I looked hard at the Triumph Explorer, the new 1000 VStrom, KTM 1190, and the GS. They all had great points but I knew what I was getting with the Tenere.

 

[gregarious]

I love the single sided swing arm, huge gas tank, and all included accessories on the Stelvio. Downsides are dealer network, no cruise control, and seems to have a lot of issues with vibration. Nothing that can't be fixed with Loctite, but I don't really want to be screwing around with non basic maintenance. I guess I am just re assuring myself that the Super T is the way to go..

 

[Abercrombie FJR]

Yes I seen that Gas tank is huge, but I have to get off and pee every three hours or 200 miles.

 

[AVGeek]

Another vote for the ST here, loving mine!

 

[gregarious]

I think everyone hear has confirmed my suspicions. I will do a test ride of them both once it gets warmer, but I am 90+% sure it will be the super t. Thanks everyone!

 

[Queensland Ken]

Love my 8V NTX ABS

Have a look on the GuzziTech Forum, very little goes wrong with them.

The wiring to the driving lights may short and take out the main headlight fuse, an easy remedy.

Build quality is good but you do get some corrosion.

An easy bike to maintain, eg took 45 minutes to do the first valve check.

It will spank a FJR in the twisties and sit at 100mph on a dirt road easily.

Cheaper than a GSA and far far more reliable.

 

[20valves]

Love my 8V NTX ABS....It will spank a FJR in the twisties and sit on 100mph on a dirt road easily.

I seriously doubt your first statement and that bike @ 100mph on a dirt road...NO THANKS!

 

[El Toro Joe]

Love my 8V NTX ABS

Have a look on the GuzziTech Forum, very little goes wrong with them.

The wiring to the driving lights may short and take out the main headlight fuse, an easy remedy.

Build quality is good but you do get some corrosion.

An easy bike to maintain, eg took 45 minutes to do the first valve check.

It will spank a FJR in the twisties and sit at 100mph on a dirt road easily.

Cheaper than a GSA and far far more reliable.

Doesn't look like it gets dirty very often...

 

[Hudson]

I'll be the odd one out: I've ridden a few Motoguzzis, and given how heavily discounted they seem to be around the PNW, I'd look at one closely. Lots to like:

1. Shaft driven

2. torquey motor, lots of fun

3. great looks.

4. great feel/vibe (literally and figuratively)

5. Air cooled

6. lower seat height

7. larger gas tank

8. great build quality and components

9. Easy to service valves (makes up for the service interval)

The parts issues and dealer network are factors, for sure, but that really depends on your local dealer. In Seattle, the MG dealer is great, service is reasonable, and he stocks commons parts. If I could get a new 2014 or 2013 stelvio at a significant discount (like $5-7k off list), I'd look pretty hard at that. I would not pay close to list, however, as these bikes seem to drop in resale value relative to the S10.

You also have to be honest about your off-road intentions. The Stelvio has a shorter suspension travel, and is more plush than firm, great for touring but not so much for off-road prowess. If you really intend on experimenting with dirt, it's not the right choice, but most people who buy these adv bikes rarely venture past forest roads or gravel roads. You'd probably have to tweak the Stelvio suspension to get a firmer handling on-road machine, however.

Do your research on the Stelvio issues, ride em both, and buy the one that speaks to you. I wanted an ADV bike with more off-road capability but amazing power and handling, so I chose the KTM 1190R, considered the S10 and a GS, and ended up paying top dollar to have a KTM. Careful shopping might have allowed a Stelvio and a Norge for the price of the KTM.

 

[lnewlf]

never mind the bikes- where did you get her??

 

[gregarious]

Mail order. Just Kidding.... My wedding present in 2000 was a new motorcycle, and it is a self perpetuating gift. That being said, I haven't bought a new bike since my 2006 FJR, so that is nine years..... She is a great woman, I am lucky to have her......

 

[gregarious]

I will probably be doing close to zero dirt riding, just want a taller more comfortable bike. I am 6'4", so more leg room will be a definite plus with either. I am torn between the two. Test ride soon, and I will let you all know what I decide...

 

[Queensland Ken]

Must admit, I haven't been that fast on dirt.

Too scared to come off with my guts, still getting over my operations.

But it is very stable and easy controllable at 120 kms on good dirt and has real good road manners.

My mate was the manager of Shearwater Motorcycles in Tasmania and use to give his poor Stelvio curry, he is a very good rider.

He's into multi day camping off road adventures.

I bought mine for my "bucket list" hoping to ride some off bitumen remote locations, if I ever do improve.

The suspension is very good (for my guts), the FJR brakes are better than the Brembo's and it has relatively good fueling.

The bike can "pop" on deceleration, some owners have the ECU hacked and add a Power Commander to improve it.

I have a Staintune exhaust that tends to make the popping worse.

The valley of the rims are shallow that make tyre changing a small challenge.

It has separate motor & gearbox oils with a dry clutch plate (that can squeak a bit when cold).

It is a relatively easy bike to service, have a K&N air and a Scotts oil filter ready to go in @ the next service.

Also has a relay arm that requires the normal attention.

Can get anywhere from 60 mpg US to 35, depends where / how I ride.

I'm 6'4" and can easily maneuver the bike around, good riding ergonomics.

I'm thinking of changing out to shorter bars, make it a bit more road friendly.

Mirrors are a bit hopeless at speed.

The pic was taken some 400kms after I rode the bike home, will never be that clean again.

 

[gregarious]

I can get a leftover 13 for 4000 off. Which is very tempting. Come on warm weather so I can test them both!

 

[kballowe]

Having owned six Moto Guzzi's and one Super Tenere - I vote for the Super Tenere.

 

[gregarious]

Kballowe. Did you have a lot of problems w the Guzzis? If you had 6 there must be a lot you liked about them. I have heard the quality control has gotten better since Piaggio took them over.