I have a GS, non adventure and let me tell you, they aren't all that. It is one fine machine, just too big. The pig weighs over 500 lbs wet, the center of gravity is way to high if you like to dice it up off road. The 19 inch, yeah, that is right 19 in front tire BE-LOWS off road. The front end gets sucked into the sand and this thing tracks like a pig, there will be no planeing the GS through the sand. While off road, at least for me, I spend more time worrying about if this 500 lb plus pig is going to fall over on me than I do just riding it. The windshield is very nice and helps a bunch but off road all I can think of is biffing that thing in an off.
As a road bike, it is nice. Comfortable day long riding. The GF doesn't like being two up on this as there isn't nearly the room and comfort for her as compared to the FJR. There is the fun factor for this bike, it is a blast to canyon dance but still, nothing compared to the FJR.
I will give the GS the fact that it was the most solid feeling out of the three adventure bikes I tried, V-strom, KTM and then the GS. The V-strom felt weak and cheesy, like the DR series (GF had one for a brief period so I should toss that in there too). V-strom had a weak suspension and the handle bars felt like something off a wal-mart bmx bike. The KTM while solid just didn't have the right feel for me. Think it was mostly the seat and the GF didn't like it either. Too tankish, but thinking back on it, should of been the way to go for me. The GS is a good bike for fire roads and for somene that can ride these things without a care. Seen some people do some amazing things on these bikes. Guess my fear of getting hurt by this thing because of all the crap that sticks out, mirrors, windshield, cylinders etc.... keeps me back.
Back to the Tenere'. One of my hopes for this bike is that they didn't cheap out on the suspension. One of the main complaints of the DR was weak suspension components. A new owner will have to dump another grand into the suspension. Which is why for my next DS it will be a KTM 690 E and not a HONDA 600 XRL. I like turn key stuff nowadays.
I think this bike would do well here. Probably better than the Honda and cheaper than the GS a good niche to be in and might cause honda to up their game.