Yahama Super Ténéré - Who's going to buy one?

[zolo]

Yamaha Super Ténéré

Seriously considering trading in the GS for this come May 2011. It has EVERYTHING the GS has - driveshaft, unified braking, ABS, traction control, drive mode for "sport" or touring... etc., etc. Also all of the luggage, heated grips, and other comfort stuff.

Pre-sale started September 1st....

[Victorian]

I think Yamaha developed a great bike! For riding in western countries. ABS, shaft drive are great.
But for traveling exotic places I would pick an old school dual sport. I have read many stories of riders being stranded in Africa because one (or two) of the electronic components crapped out and it proved impossible to fix the bike on site. But then again, for riding around North America or Europe, I think it's a great bike.

What's the price tag? Same as the BMW?


I owned two of the original Super Teneres in the past. Both I used for traveling in Africa and put over 100.000km on each.

Cheers and please post pix of yours!!!!

[cnynrat]

Looks like a very cool bike. Unfortunately, it's also got a few things the GS doesn't, like 70 or so extra pounds (compared to the 1200 GS).

And I thought the GS was heavy!

[Victorian]

Wow, it's heavier than the GS?

[zolo]

I think Yamaha developed a great bike! For riding in western countries. ABS, shaft drive are great.
But for traveling exotic places I would pick an old school dual sport. I have read many stories of riders being stranded in Africa because one (or two) of the electronic components crapped out and it proved impossible to fix the bike on site. But then again, for riding around North America or Europe, I think it's a great bike.

What's the price tag? Same as the BMW?


I owned two of the original Super Teneres in the past. Both I used for traveling in Africa and put over 100.000km on each.

Cheers and please post pix of yours!!!!

I agree about electronics, but many exotic bike expeditions abroad have been ridden on a GS or KTM with many similar electronically controlled parts.

I'm sure Yamaha has an even better reputation for reliability when it comes to these parts. I've ridden my GS all over and have had no issues concerning the electronics. This year alone has brought nearly 20,000 new miles to my GS. (Granted, none of these miles were in Africa, but none were stranded miles either.)

The computer controlled stuff on the Yamaha bike is more of a choice between modes - traction can be turned off, drive mode is a choice of switching between two modes, etc., and if any of it failed, it does not look like it would strand the bike. (Who knows though, it might shut the thing down.)

Nothing on this bike would stop me from riding it anywhere in the world. The options on it are no different than the GS, Tiger, KTM, and the price is less than a GS.

As I write this, I feel like I'm writing my way out of getting one and keeping the GS cause its been so awesome. The Yamaha is a cool bike and it will steal sales from the GS.


My GS currently:

[zolo]

Looks like a very cool bike. Unfortunately, it's also got a few things the GS doesn't, like 70 or so extra pounds (compared to the 1200 GS).

And I thought the GS was heavy!

Yeah the Yamaha has a little bigger tank,(nearly a gallon more.)
Not sure where the other weight comes from though.

Its still less that a GSA.

[Victorian]

Love the pic of your bike

My bike never had any issues while using it every day for 3 years, rain, snow sunshine everything worked fine. Then with almost 100.000km on the clock I took of to tour Africa and because of all the vibration (from riding on rough roads and dirt tracks) almost every electronic component died on me while in the middle of the Sahara in Mauretania. I had to replace everything on that bike that was fed with electricity! Lesson learned. Never again take anything more complicated then a Yamaha TT600, XT500, Honda XR600 or anything along that line on a trip far away from a dealership.

As a side effect, those bikes are also lighter and more fuel efficient

But again, The new Super Tenere is a great alternative to the BMW!

[zolo]

Love the pic of your bike

My bike never had any issues while using it every day for 3 years, rain, snow sunshine everything worked fine. Then with almost 100.000km on the clock I took of to tour Africa and because of all the vibration (from riding on rough roads and dirt tracks) almost every electronic component died on me while in the middle of the Sahara in Mauretania. I had to replace everything on that bike that was fed with electricity! Lesson learned. Never again take anything more complicated then a Yamaha TT600, XT500, Honda XR600 or anything along that line on a trip far away from a dealership.

As a side effect, those bikes are also lighter and more fuel efficient

But again, The new Super Tenere is a great alternative to the BMW!

That just plain sucks....
I guess we will see here in the next few years.
Pretty sure the 1200cc Ténéré has been on sale in other parts of the world for awhile. The US is late to the party as usual. The thread on the bike in ADVrider.com is up to like 370 post and when I was reading, many inmates are abroad. Posting up and answering US questions.

Thanks on the pic. Like I said it will take a really badA@@ Yamaha to sway me from my GS.
But I loved the looks of the older smaller Ténéré that never made it to the US.
When I got the GS I was looking for an ADV bike that could go most places, and could be loaded down without balking at the weight or terrain. So far so good.

My question remains though who is going to buy one and why?
What are the pros and cons and should I keep the GS or go for it?

[AUTO360]

The fact that the ABS can't be turned off makes it clear that I would not be interested. Personally, and this is only my opinion, but all the electronic stuff turns me off big time. ABS, traction control, sport or touring mode...etc. About the only electronic thing I like is fuel injection. No choke and and less effects of altitude changes. For me, simpler is better. I prefer being in control. But hey, I like crank windows and manual door locks on vehicles so I am not the majority.

Matt

[zolo]

The fact that the ABS can't be turned off makes it clear that I would not be interested. Personally, and this is only my opinion, but all the electronic stuff turns me off big time. ABS, traction control, sport or touring mode...etc. About the only electronic thing I like is fuel injection. No choke and and less effects of altitude changes. For me, simpler is better. I prefer being in control. But hey, I like crank windows and manual door locks on vehicles so I am not the majority.

Matt

Uhh yep me as well. I have a rig with crank windows and manual locks.
Not sure your point here.

I dont think that if any part this bikes ABS or Trac control failed it would strand the bike. Im not even sure its FACT that you cannot turn the ABS off. It doesnt state that on the Yamaha site. I havent read enough on ADVrider to find out for sure either way.
The Tenere is a proven bike that is now availible in the US. Its another option offered in the ever exspanding ADV bike market.

The question was would you give up a proven GS for this new rig. Many think yes. Im just putting it out there.