Yamaha Super Tenere - an evening with the Tenere

[sportsguy]

Last night Eastside Motosports here in Bellevue, WA hosted an evening with the Super Tenere. Good times.

Saw a few FJRForum members there and as usual, took some sh1t...

Now to make with the pics... (all original large size images here)

escapefjrtist, neihart, Tom and Hudson shootin' the breeze - yep, food and drinks were provided:

Crystal, our hostess:

Protective gear for the Tenere from altrider.com, here in Seattle:

Skid plate you could truly drop the bike on - note all attachment points use dual bolts:

Crash bars - full tubes, excellent work. Thick mounting flanges and full diameter tubes, non-crushed and yet they offer full coverage with no clearance issues:

Great rear rack - very light and an added storage cubby due to it's two level construction:

...and now onto the bike...

Underseat space - not much storage space but raising/lowering the seat is super easy - very similar in action to the FJR:

 

[ahchiu]

Great Pictures, sorry I missed it.

 

[blufjr]

IMO: BMW can't even come close to looking cool :coolsmiley02: when compared to our FJR's, but from the pictures, the GS looks :dribble: better than the Super Tenere.

 

[beemerdons]

Great Pictures, sorry I missed it.

+1, Gunny; very nice photos SportsGuy, Thank You!

Gorgeous George, thanks for taking our Dad out for the evening; Mom wishes he would get out of the house more often! Did you buy him those suspenders for Christmas? I just knew I should not have gotten him a gift necktie again this year!

 

[sportsguy]

Great Pictures, sorry I missed it.

+1, Gunny; very nice photos SportsGuy, Thank You!

T'was truly my pleasure...

...and I wasn't even surprised when Hudson started needling my Dad trying to extract info to use against me...LOL

IMO: BMW can't even come close to looking cool :coolsmiley02: when compared to our FJR's, but from the pictures, the GS looks :dribble: better than the Super Tenere.

Well now this is a first for me. It's pretty rare to encounter someone who's opinion is so totally wrong!

 

[Niehart]

Thanks Sports Guy.

Fun night, cool bike and your Dad was nice guy even if he would not give us the goods on you.

Don, I think you’re going to like this bike. Something that surprised me was at idle there was no shake to that twin, none, zip, nada.

Also ALT Riders stuff was hell for stout. Weighted more that Mama Yamaha's stuff but very well built.

The shop had three different accessory packages that if ordered now, were 25% off. I can see where there are going to be some big bucks spend on accessories.

 

[ahchiu]

Thanks Sports Guy.

Fun night, cool bike and your Dad was nice guy even if he would not give us the goods on you.

Don, I think youre going to like this bike. Something that surprised me was at idle there was no shake to that twin, none, zip, nada.

Also ALT Riders stuff was hell for stout. Weighted more that Mama Yamaha's stuff but very well built.

The shop had three different accessory packages that if ordered now, were 25% off. I can see where there are going to be some big bucks spend on accessories.

Maybe it was a good thing I missed this, otherwise I would have been doing some very early Christmas shopping..BTW I prefer the looks of the Tenere over the GS, what I like better is the maint cost over the GS

 

[Hudson]

escapefjrtist, neihart, Tom and Hudson shootin' the breeze - yep, food and drinks were provided:

For avoidance of doubt, in the photo above, I am gesturing about the Yamaha's seat size, and not about any anatomical aspect of the receptionist, Crystal.

I was pretty impressed about the Teh-nair-rey (as opposed to ten-a-ray as I had been mistakenly referred to it). It seems well put together, lighter and slightly more powerful than a GS (at least torqueier), and particularly when clad with the Alt Rider stuff (which is better made and cheaper than the Yammy accessories), quite durable. It is a reasonable deal too, especially if the dealer discounts. For a $500 refundable deposit, this is very low risk, as the demo bikes will be available before yours ever shows up for delivery.

George. Talkin to you...

Sure, the BMW has ESA and your ass will stay warmer on a GS, but otherwise they seemed equals, with the Tenere enjoying arguably better weight distribution (an advantage not apparently availble to Sportsguy and his considerable girth, as was observed when he sat atop said Tenere and made various vroom vroom noises), much easier DIY maintainence (24k valve intervals), better gas mileage, and likely better reliability. If I ever got excited about this category of bike, I'd probably drop my dough on the Yammy over the GSA or GS. Plus, I also have a sense that the Yamaha will see much more dirt time than a GS ever will, much the same way an FJR will likely see more miles and chicken scratches than their K bike counterparts.

I'll tell you two things, though.

First, while I make fun of Harley guys for their incessant chroming, the Adventure bike guys are way worse. Protective armor for your brake fluid resevoir? Geez, the alt rider and touratech catalogs are like porn for these guys, and these bits are the very definition of "functional sparkle."

Second, I have serious doubts about Sportsguy's claimed family tree. His dad seems very normal. Perhaps the adage about genetics skipping a generation is at play here...

 

[beemerdons]

Plus, I also have a sense that the Yamaha will see much more dirt time than a GS ever will, much the same way an FJR will likely see more miles and chicken scratches than their K bike counterparts.

Wait just a second, Brother Hudson, McQueeney and Swisher ride K bikes!

From https://www.bmwmoa.org/ridetour/mileage_awards/roll/

Grimes Lyle 1,000,000

High, Thomas 1,000,000

Klas James 1,000,000

McHugh Kenneth 1,000,000

McQueeney David 1,250,000

Randolph Ray 1,000,000

Sewell Ray 1,000,000

Swisher David 1,250,000

 

[SkooterG]

It seems well put together, lighter and slightly more powerful than a GS (at least torqueier

It's not. It's heavier and has less power than a GS. Sorry.

much easier DIY maintainence (24k valve intervals), better gas mileage, and likely better reliability.

Reliability, perhaps. Time will tell. DIY maintenance? The GS, while it has more frequent valve intervals, they are easy to perform. My guess is significantly easier than the ST. Really, there is not much to do (and it's easy) in the form of maintenance on a GS.

Now, when it comes to price, the Yammie is definitely a better value. And it should be since it's the heavier/less powerful pig.

 

[beemerdons]

It seems well put together, lighter and slightly more powerful than a GS (at least torqueier

It's not. It's heavier and has less power than a GS. Sorry.

much easier DIY maintainence (24k valve intervals), better gas mileage, and likely better reliability.

Reliability, perhaps. Time will tell. DIY maintenance? The GS, while it has more frequent valve intervals, they are easy to perform. My guess is significantly easier than the ST. Really, there is not much to do (and it's easy) in the form of maintenance on a GS.

Now, when it comes to price, the Yammie is definitely a better value. And it should be since it's the heavier/less powerful pig.

There is nothing I really hate more, especially on our dog pile Friday's, than having to agree with my illegitimate bastard son SkooterG, but he is indeed correct on all of his points. And please bear in mind, this is coming from a Yamaha FJR Forum Member who possesses Yamaha Factory Order Number of 156491; And, I will be picking up my Raven Black heavier and less powerful pig XTZ12BB in May from D & H Cycles in Cullman, Alabama.

The GS is 60 pounds lighter, which is a huge amount of weight difference in real world off road situations. The BMW GS valve adjustment is a piece of cake, once you have performed it once, with a competent mechanic instructing you. My BMW Club AZ Beemers has Tech Days where Club Wrenches such as Mark Meadows and Russ Locke instruct club members how to do it; it is much, much simpler and faster than adjusting FJR valves; trust johnny80s, RadioHowie, myself and some of my fellow FJR valve adjustment numb nuts on our FJR Forum on this issue.

Not that this affects me, because I'm old, senile and slow out in the dirt, but the Super Tenere has tested out so far way down at least 10 or more horsepower and much less torque than the BMW GS. I'm really looking forward to picking up and farkling my new ST12, but I'm not kidding myself that it'll outperform the BMW R1200GS in Copper Canyon, Baja California or The Yukon Territory!

 

[sportsguy]

Sure, the BMW has ESA and your ass will stay warmer on a GS, but otherwise they seemed equals, with the Tenere enjoying arguably better weight distribution (an advantage not apparently availble to Sportsguy and his considerable girth, as was observed when he sat atop said Tenere and made various vroom vroom noises), ...

I dislike you. I'll have you know MY "weight distribution" is fine...!

Second, I have serious doubts about Sportsguy's claimed family tree. His dad seems very normal. Perhaps the adage about genetics skipping a generation is at play here...

... I swear. He wasn't an actor...

 

[escapefjrtist]

Gorgeous George, thanks for taking our Dad out for the evening; Mom wishes he would get out of the house more often! Did you buy him those suspenders for Christmas? I just knew I should not have gotten him a gift necktie again this year!

Don, sometimes the folks do need to get out of the *home* so I'm happy to help! Don't worry about a new necktie though.

Pops left his Polished Rock Bolo Tie at home when it clashed with the suspenders...

escapefjrtist, neihart, Tom and Hudson shootin' the breeze - yep, food and drinks were provided:

For avoidance of doubt, in the photo above, I am gesturing about the Yamaha's seat size, and not about any anatomical aspect of the receptionist, Crystal.

...we'll leave this one alone for now. However, it was a talent rich environment the other night!

George. Talkin to you...

Still sitting on the fence...Besides, I've got until March 31st.

... I swear. He wasn't an actor...

...I guess this explains why your *dad* avoided you like the plague, right?

Thanks for the great pics sportsguy. I've gotta say I'm impressed with what I saw in the bike. Completely smooth when idling or up through the rev range and looks like a complete package. The AltRider accessories were well made and a relative bargain compared to the Yamaha stuff. Of course by the time you add all the guards it'll be over 600 lbs!

--G

 

[doctorJ]

"Not that this affects me, because I'm old, senile and slow out in the dirt, but the Super Tenere has tested out so far way down at least 10 or more horsepower and much less torque than the BMW GS. I'm really looking forward to picking up and farkling my new ST12, but I'm not kidding myself that it'll outperform the BMW R1200GS in Copper Canyon, Baja California or The Yukon Territory!"

Yes, the GS is lighter etc. but according to MCN, they felt the XTZ was superior to the GS for dirt/offroad riding. I guess weight isn't the only factor then. Apparently the weight it does have is carried lower so the COG makes a big difference. As for onroad, they gave the nod to the GS. If I could get a GS for 1. the same price and equipped the same, and 2. had a dealer closer than 2 hr. away and 3. had confidence in same reliability etc. I might go for a GS. Since none of those hold up for me, I'll go with me raven beauty coming in May. Now back to your regular scheduled programming.

doctorj

 

[SkooterG]

Yes, the GS is lighter etc. but according to MCN, they felt the XTZ was superior to the GS for dirt/offroad riding. I guess weight isn't the only factor then. Apparently the weight it does have is carried lower so the COG makes a big difference. As for onroad, they gave the nod to the GS. If I could get a GS for 1. the same price and equipped the same, and 2. had a dealer closer than 2 hr. away and 3. had confidence in same reliability etc. I might go for a GS. Since none of those hold up for me, I'll go with me raven beauty coming in May. Now back to your regular scheduled programming.

doctorj

Damn. See now there you go quoting facts. I was waiting for someone to bring up that article. I do trust MCN, though I don't think they get everything right. Still, based on their initial impressions of the ST I think Yammie did a better job with the ST than I thought they would. First off, remember they were comparing the ST to what they 'remembered' about the GS. We'll have to wait for the direct head-to-head comparison which I will find VERY interesting. Also, they did say they think the ST will be superior off-road, but it wasn't because the weight or COG was lower, (in fact I would think the GS's boxer motor will give a lower COG), but they theorized that the ST's swingarm is much lighter and longer than the GS's which allowed it much more consistent contact with the ground improving traction and off-road driveability.

The ST has some neat stuff. The GS has a lot of neat stuff. ESA is really freaking cool. I like it much more than I would have thought. Also, a three year 36k warranty is nice too.

 

[beemerdons]

Yes, the GS is lighter etc. but according to MCN, they felt the XTZ was superior to the GS for dirt/offroad riding. I guess weight isn't the only factor then. Apparently the weight it does have is carried lower so the COG makes a big difference. As for onroad, they gave the nod to the GS. If I could get a GS for 1. the same price and equipped the same, and 2. had a dealer closer than 2 hr. away and 3. had confidence in same reliability etc. I might go for a GS. Since none of those hold up for me, I'll go with me raven beauty coming in May. Now back to your regular scheduled programming.

doctorj

Damn. See now there you go quoting facts. I was waiting for someone to bring up that article. I do trust MCN, though I don't think they get everything right. Still, based on their initial impressions of the ST I think Yammie did a better job with the ST than I thought they would. First off, remember they were comparing the ST to what they 'remembered' about the GS. We'll have to wait for the direct head-to-head comparison which I will find VERY interesting. Also, they did say they think the ST will be superior off-road, but it wasn't because the weight or COG was lower, (in fact I would think the GS's boxer motor will give a lower COG), but they theorized that the ST's swingarm is much lighter and longer than the GS's which allowed it much more consistent contact with the ground improving traction and off-road driveability.

The ST has some neat stuff. The GS has a lot of neat stuff. ESA is really freaking cool. I like it much more than I would have thought. Also, a three year 36k warranty is nice too.

I want to make it PERFECTLY CLEAR I'm really EXCITED about getting my new Yamaha Super Tenere this May and going offroad! As EXCITED as HotRodZilla gets while rubbing one out while looking at a picture of Rosie O'Donnell, or our Bustanut joker whacking off to the latest copy of Sheep Husbandry, or our RadioHowie getting EXCITED while jerking it to wildlife Manatee videos.

My only complaint and confusion with my new XTZ is, since Yamaha Corporation was starting out with a "clean white sheet" design, is why in the hell didn't they engineer to OUTDO the BMW R1200GS. You know that their Number One Competition Target was the BMW R1200GS that SkooterG rides and their Number Two Competition Target was the KTM 990 Adventure that our Forum Member CHRIS_D rides; so why in the feck did they not beat both the Katoom and the Beemer with their newest design in the large dual sport market - WTF!!!

The R12GS weighs 505 lbs. and the KTM 990 weighs below 500; Yamaha's "published" weight is 575 lbs. The Beemer Twin puts out 110 hp and the Katoom Twin even more, both with more torque; and the XTZ does not come close to either horsepower or torque ratings with their Germanic competition. Like I say, don't get me wrong on my love for my new Super Tenere, I intend to ride the wheels off of it from the minute I get it (a ride to Guatemala will be its first adventure!); but as a Yamaha rider since 1975 (1969 for BMW and 1970 for Harley-Davidson) I really feel that Mama Yamaha could have done a whole lot better with the new XTZ!!!

 

[FJRay]

I think ir's all speculation until a bunch of them are used and abused by real world idiots out having fun. At that point the world will know who has the biggest and best one.

 

[beemerdons]

I think ir's all speculation until a bunch of them are used and abused by real world idiots out having fun. At that point the world will know who has the biggest and best one.

Well Brother Ray, If you're looking for a real world idiot having fun: I'M YOUR IDIOT, MAN!!!

Way to slow and senile offroad to overuse and abuse either my BMW GS or my XTZ though!

 

[doctorJ]

I think ir's all speculation until a bunch of them are used and abused by real world idiots out having fun. At that point the world will know who has the biggest and best one.

Well so far in the USA that is a very limited number, but if you want to read all about the Australian, European and South African experiences they do abound on the internet. As for direct comparisons, I think that is a hard thing due to so many areas for comparison such as price point, warranty, extended warranty availability, dealers, aftermarket support, reliability, maintenance, yada yada. In the end, whether it is the Super Tenere, the 1200GS, the Katoom or whatever, people really should just get what floats their boat and just enjoy the heck out of what you get without having to justify or defend your choice.

doctorj