Why I Chose the Yamaha Super Tenere, Walkaround & Mods

It's been a long time since I bought a motorcycle, so this was a big deal for me. I had been thinking about a Super Tenere for a while and found one pretty much the way I wanted in North Carolina. In this video I describe why I chose the Tenere and go over some of the features and modification on the bike once I got it home.
Special Thanks to 191 Motorsports in Asheville, NC for making this deal work flawlessly.
Modifications:
MRA, X-creen windshield deflector: www.twistedthro...
Side Windshield Deflectors: www.amazon.com/...
Rugged Ridge Driving Lights: www.amazon.com/...
Alt Rider Crash Bars: www.altrider.co...

[@martymorgan9977]

I’ve been following your videos for a while, I really enjoy them!

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Thank you! I haven't had much to say about the Tenere lately. I've had it 5 years and it still runs great. No issues at all!

[@schnitzjr]

First two minutes rationalizing why you need a new bike. C'mon Keith, you NEVER have to rationalize a new bike purchase! lol

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

I've been trying to rationalize this for years...that was my problem.

[@wanderer1440]

I bought the First Edition out of the showing room with side cases for a bargain years ago. Everybody wants the GS ADV (I will never understand why), which in Germany costs you easily 40 to 50% more. And as you say, a BMW is a lot less reliable. The only thing I am not 100% with you is the programs. I want it simple, I turn left into sand and right into mud and do not want to have to change the bikes setting. In 3 years and 30000 km I never turned off the "wheel-saver". I never use the T mode. As top I have a GIVI for 2 helmets, but yours was free, so no complain. Bars and motor protection I bought GIVI as well. I ride her in Guatemala everyday (I have no car). So she is used for everything. What dont I like about her? She could be higher (Im tall). The first 3 gears have less horses, so I have bridged the clutch cable. In town she needs some petrol and oil. The best, I had her down on both sides - no damages at all. Nice video and all you said is true. Good buy - good luck!

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

+Wanderer Thank you for the comment! That's quite a record on your bike. It's encouraging for me to expect good results from the Tenere. I haven't done much off road riding yet. My early impressions are that I don't need to fiddle with the modes or traction control very much. It seems pretty intuitive of the conditions when I just leave it alone.

[@TheRealCristianLuca]

GS is better than the Yamaha in most every respect besides reliability. The handling of the Yamaha is way inferior. The way you feel on the GS it's something you simply can't put a price on. The GS gives you so much confidence it makes the Yamaha a joke. The Yamaha is very top heavy, handles worse in the dirt and on tarmac, and it's overall a very unimpressive bike. The Yamaha is really an outdated bike in terms of riding feel and handling.

[@TheRealCristianLuca]

Yeah I said that. But also it depends on your luck. Some folks got really unlucky with the GS and got one which broke quite often, but again, this can happen with any other japanesse bikes. However I think the SuperTen is a very beautiful bike, especially the white version or the full black version.

[@muzzamoose]

keith i respect your points and like you value shopping is something i totally agree. I am also considering the Tenere and the Honda but still have to test ride them. I have seen a Tenere with the arrow exhaust , it sounds mad and makes it breath better and reduces a fair bit of weight.. cheers Muzza

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

The 270 degree crankshaft makes the Tenere sound pretty evil, even with stock exhaust. It's almost June so I think it would be worth waiting to try the Africa Twin. You can't go wrong either way.

[@travelinben1966]

Great choice.Awesome bike!Ride safe!👍

[@tiger6102]

Man I would love to do week long trip with you and your buddies. I do not like riding alone :). I have 2018 Super Tenere ES and I am loving it!

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

We never did the week long trip this year unfortunately. Maybe next year. Where are you located?

[@tiger6102]

AdventureswithMe NJ

[@yajnaamakusa8786]

This was an awesome bike. Isn't it discontinued now?

[@chowhound33ify]

nope ,still in production

[@tommybarbarossa]

Hello my friend , yesterday I bought me also an Tenere 1200 Worldcrosser, 2013, 12000 km, and I am happy, Greetings from munich/Germany/Tommy

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Congratulations on buying the bike Tommy! Awesome.

[@DiarioDiUnMotociclista-Vlog]

Great choice, that's my bike ;)

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

+Diario di un motociclista I'm loving it so far!

[@lecobra5582]

me too...

[@stephenbushway9885]

Congrats, Keith! She looks new. Well, 700 miles IS new! Look forward to doing the Puppy Dog with you this season. Steve

[@mrbjay5443]

That's a gorgepus bike, WOW NICE!!!

[@azdesertdog]

Excellent choice bro! I wanted one when I bought the V Strom but it was the first year of the style and I couldn't make it work. I have wished I held out ever since. This thing is set up well too. A skid plate and a good set of tires and you could go anywhere. Congrats!

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Check around, Yamaha still has a lot of them in the warehouse, great deals are out there.

[@motogusnz]

I’ve just purchased a 2017 yellow 60th anniversary edition. I look forward to watching your other vids.

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Thanks...that's an awesome looking bike!

[@SigmaSheepdog]

Congrats on your purchase! I have been wanting a Super Tenere since 2012 but I have yet to buy one. I really need to, though. Currently, I am looking at the same year and version as yours but it has about 3700 miles but it doesn't come with any accessories. I suppose that it could be a clean slate to accessorize it the way that I would like. I would like the ES model but I'm not sure if I really need the electronic suspension. The main thing that I really want is the cruise control. Good luck and I hope that the bike serves you well!

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

It's not a bad market for used bikes. There are always a few in ADVRider's flea market as well as the Super Tenere forum. There are also a ton of new leftovers, including '14's still in the Yamaha warehouse. Talk to a dealer. I've seen some dealers online selling '14 and '15 leftovers with and without ES for 20% off MSRP. There are a glut of these right now. Good luck!

[@motorbikermiles1835]

Good bike. Had mine 4 years with no problems. The locks on the panniers are crunchy, I press down on the lids to take the pressure off the key turn. I would like the new displays and screen adjusters on mine. Enjoy. From the UK.

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Thank you for the comment! I fully expect years of trouble-free enjoyment out of the Tenere. So far no disappointments.

[@richardmourdock2719]

"Crunchy?" I'd call them trash. First thing anyone who buys one of thse should do, is take the inner cover off the locks, then remove, one at a time, the two little screws that hold the lock to the turning plate, then get the best loctite you can buy and put them back in. When they vibrate out, and they will, two of my three did, they are a pain. I'v enver been able to get the center box lock back together again. Other than that, great bike though.

[@schnitzjr]

Man, they put the oil filter up high. I guess that protects it from rocks and stuff.

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Yeah, they put that in the worst possible spot. Must have figured people were going to buy skid plates anyway.

[@richvogel6902]

Nicely done video. It was unclear to me however. Does this bike have a gear indicator?

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Sorry that wasn't clear. Yes, it does. It's always on in the display. I showed this in another video, but forgot in this one. Thanks for the comment!

[@davindersangha3761]

when opening panniers, push slightly on top of lids before turning key.

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

+Davinder Sangha best advice the previous owner gave me

[@duken4evr]

I have the same bike ('14 model) in black and gray. The windshield is an MRA Vario, pretty cool little add on, it costs around $130 too. Rotate the forward facing fastenters by hand will allow you to change the angle of the screen. Of course, the "legs" let you change the height. I elected to simply clamp my Vario to the top of my stock screen (which is height adjustable) without the "legs" and angle it to the "perfect" position to tune away wind buffeting. Bought mine used too, it came with a Yosh RS-4 pipe, I highly recommend it. The can gets rid of the stock sewing machine sound without being too loud and barks nicely but not obnoxiously when you get on it. The "flat plane" 270 degree twin sounds like a 90 degree Guzzi or Ducati - , very nice. I saw some dyno charts, the can gives around 3hp more across the board. Not a ton, but the sound and looks alone are worth it. The Yosh weighs probably 8 pounds less than the stock boat anchor too. You can indeed turn ABS off for going off road. Turn off traction control and pop a wheelie. This confuses the ABS into turning off, and the ABS light comes on the dash :P I had forum member AVC8130 (on the tenere forum on ADV Rider) flash my ECU for $225. This eliminated the fuel cut and the power restriction in the 1st 3 gears (which makes those ABS defeating wheelies easier) and also reduced engine braking, which makes the shifting better. The ECU flash is a worthwhile mod. ECU Unleashed can do this too, but they are more like $500. Tony (AVC) lives in your general neck of the woods too. Do put a skid plate on it if you plan to leave the pavement. The oil filter is very vulnerable. Another protection mod is to add a Pyramid "Fender Extender" to the bottom of the front fender, which is short and as a result, the front wheel sprays a bunch of shit up on the front and, more problematically, on top of the engine where the air intake and spark plugs are while riding in the wet. This is a must do mod to protect the engine if you ride in rain or muddy dirt roads often. Finally, there is a pretty active Facebook group dedicated to these fine machines. Check them out. Looks like you got a good one! The '14 and later bikes are highly sought after used as they have some worthwhile refinements to the engine (new head, pistons, clutch basket, better cam chain tensioner) as well as cruise control and LED lights, vs. the earlier bikes. I agree with ya, I kinda prefer the tach needle equipped instrument panel on the older bikes vs. the new bike's all LCD screen - oh well. The Tenere is an extremely durable solid bike that will really go the distance for ya. Enjoy!

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Thanks for all that...very informative. I'm going to have to refer back to it for reference. I've had good luck with my screen too. Yes, I really do need a skid plate. 2 years now and I am still using the stocker.

[@TWISTEDSTRINGS69]

I really like this bike.. I`m having problems between buying this or the KTM 1190 Adventure. I really want the KTM but what you get with the Yamaha for the price is hard to turn down. The KTMs are so damn expensive !

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

I hear you. I checked out the 1190R at the International Motorcycle Show in NYC in Dec. It just grabs you...there's something about it...very visceral in a way the Tenere isn't. If I had ridden the KTM this story might have a different outcome.

[@robkcra]

Hey Keith! As a fellow S10 owner (2015) I follow your exploits with great interest and delight. Your “how to” videos have been most helpful. Thank you! I see that you have chosen the Altrider crash bars and am wondering if you are able to remove the cowlings or fairings from both sides of the bike without having to remove them (i.e. the crash bars)? Thanks much!

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Thanks so much Rob, I really appreciate the kind words and am glad the videos help. I'm looking forward to doing more Tenere videos once spring hits. The altrider bars were on the bike when I bought it. But yes, you can remove both side covers without removing the bars. You have to finagle them a bit, but they will come off. The only issue is in removing the battery. You need to remove the side covers then. It is not a big deal. Four bolts total and they go back on without any problem. They are well made and designed. I really love them. Thanks again for the comment!

[@stumper92]

Congrats on the great looking new bike! Looking forward to seeing some new videos and your opinions of the bike over time.

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Thank you! This is a big change from the KLR. I'll definitely be doing videos as I go along. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@stumper92]

I too am a KLR owner. And I love my bike. But I really want something with better road manners for those longer hauls.

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

+stumper92 my first impressions of this bike are that it can go just about anywhere. Very smooth, comfortable, good power. I took it off road a bit and I have to get used to a 600 lb bike moving under me.

[@stumper92]

I bet! That is a considerably more heavy bike. I rented a Triumph Tiger 800 last weekend and was hoping I would like it more than I did. The seating position just was not very comfortable for long distance riding.

[@jblue1299]

The GS is an excellent running bike for about 3 years, then the warranty expires, and the bike begins to fall apart; at this point the GS becomes a very expensive bike to own!!

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

I've got a buddy that's had his R1200GS about 8 years. He rides it pretty hard at times. He's never had an issue with it. No final drive problems...nothing. Another friend has one too with similar reliability. I think they are great bikes overall, but just not for me.

[@SkyRider365]

Very nice bike! Looking forward to watching your touring videos.

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Thanks! We are going to be starting the season off soon with a ride up the Puppy Dog Route in Vermont over Memorial Day Weekend. I'll definitely do a report from the road.

[@MrRazcob]

That's my old bike. I ran it without oil and traded it in to Rt191 motosports. They were selling it for 10700.

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Nice try. :). I talked to the original owner and confirmed his name on the title.

[@rech2119]

great , it is my next bike

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

You'll love it. A year later I still love it

[@tomasdeya5275]

Great deal, .What was the company nama of the upright part of the windscreen ? Congratulation again

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

It's called X-Screen. I saw it online for $133. I would say it works pretty good. The bike is very quiet; I really notice it when I jump on another bike and feel the buffeting or have my music drowned out by wind noise.

[@JohnVanMeter58]

Thanks. I haven't seen this video. But I really enjoyed all of them. John

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Thanks John!

[@firegrunt03]

You a devil? lol

[@firegrunt03]

You a devil? lol

[@Georgia4Low]

prefect choice.... hands down this bike can handle anything a GS1200 can and do it at cheaper price tag with the same if not better reliability... love the throaty sound the Tenere has also.. -Richard Hughes

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Thank you! I did a lot of research on this bike and have had my eye on it for the last few years. It fits me perfect and I think I'll be able to go anywhere I want, for as long as I want on it. My buddy has a GS and we will definitely be doing a comparison video soon.

[@tylerapanell]

nice!

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

+Tyler Apanell Thanks Tyler. I'm looking forward to getting some miles on this one.

[@muzzamoose]

did you consider the new honda africa?

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

+Muzza Moose Yes, I did. I was able to see it at the International Motorcycle Show in NYC in December 2015. It didn't really knock me out with its styling. But it seems an ideal ADV bike: not too big, but big enough for touring. Ultimately I decided against the Africa Twin for a few reasons: 1) it wouldn't be available until June, which was a few months after I was looking to buy; 2) I'm a value shopper and as a new bike I knew I wouldn't be able to get any kind of discount vs the Tenere; 3) worried about first year reliability with a new model (had issues with this with previous two bikes). I'll be interested to see how the Africa Twin does once it does arrive next month. It looks like it could do really well in this segment.

[@sbmcbaker]

Semper Fi hardcore, congrats

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

+UnEasy CBRider Thanks...I'm not a vet...I won that shirt in a fitness contest. lol

[@rusty2075]

I want one !!! nice bike.....

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Thanks! I was just commuting on it yesterday...perfect bike!

[@rusty2075]

Nice bike just bought one today !!!

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

+rusty2075 wow, congratulations! Will there be a video?

[@rusty2075]

yea I will make videos ..

[@lecobra5582]

perfect bike...(from France)