Trading R1200GS for the 2008 Yamaha Tenere?
 

I have a 2007 R1200GS but I am considering trading it for the new Tenere. Yes, it looks like I will get some cash for the trade which I think would be a fair amount, but I am interested in your opinions on the bikes themselves.

I don't have a car and live in Germany, so the bike is my only transportation mean. I have ridden K75RT, K1200GT, and the GS, all beemers. But these days, I like to ride more offroad and perhaps taking overland journeys. That is why I am starting to think about a smaller yet capable bike. Plus after my trip in Vietnam riding on a 125cc, I am more convinced that a smaller bike is better.

I like the GS and have ridden it for over a year or 15,000 km. I am thinking about the Tenere because:
1) I like to do more offroad
2) I like the design
3) I have more confidence in learning how to do some basic repairs myself
4) It feels smaller although it is not on paper, but I am 5'8" (172cm) tall so the GS just feels a tag bigger and heavier.

What I am not sure of about the Tenere is:
a) how is it handled on autobahn for a long stretch?
b) any maintenance issues on long distance travel?
c) it is only 20kg lighter than the GS but with only half the horsepower and torque as the GS
d) GS has this front shock in addition to the fork spring, which prevents from hard front-diving when hard braking, would driving a Tenere require significant changes in my driving style?

Honestly, my heart has already left the GS and gone to Tenere, so I'm looking for some harsh reasons why I shouldn't trade. Naturally, I am interested in any of your opinions and experiences.

Many thanks in advance.
?c?

I reckon that the Tenere will be as much of a pig in the dirt as your 1200 or my 650 Dakar. Better of with a DR650 IMHO. Super easy to work on and plenty of farkles. OR wait for the 690 adventure. I hear the 690 enduro is a pearler (sold like hot cackes here) and light as for the trails. Rode a 625 which is a few kg heavier than the 690 and compared to the Dakar it feels like a 450. Just can't do anything wrong with it. Hopefully KTM will aim the adventure towards the luggage friendly adventure riding with a beefy alternator. If I had another year I would have waited for it now that I do more trail riding. Man I wish I was in you shoes. G650X is nice too.

Like you I'm 5'8" and ride a R1200GS, but the Adventure version. After putting 48,000 miles on my previous 1200GS, I've now done 45,000 miles on the 1200GSA in 20 months and have done 3,000 miles offroad, mainly riding solo in Morocco.

I took my XR400R on one Moroccan trip but this didn't have electric start, had extremely limited fuel range, problems with luggage and couldn't handle fast main roads, let alone motorways. So I've now sold that.

I wanted something lighter and lower for a second bike, but still something that could do gravel/rock tracks, take luggage, had a reasonable tank range and could handle long distance (France>Spain) motorway sections. A year ago I would have said the Ténéré would be the bike I was going for, but in the end I decided on the new 800cc F650GS twin cylinder which I'm picking up this week.

On paper it's a compromise on the offroad specification, but I think it will be ideal for my particular set of needs.

Tim

Thanks Tim and Tmotten. Yeah, As I have been a Beemer guy since I started my riding career, I have also thought about the G650X with Touratech Rallye remodifications and the F800GS. Also I have thought about the XT660R with Off-the-Road remodifications into a Rallye type bike. On remods, the biggest issue for me is its resale value. Very few people would want to buy that. I have seen a F650GS (old version) of the true dakar-ready version selling at half of the full price (bike + remod= EUR 20,000) on only 10k km. Still EUR 10,000 is not exactly cheap. On the F800GS, I think it is a good bike after I test drove it, but I just don't like the look. If Touratech is going to make a Desierto 3 fairing or similar for the F800GS, that would be a different story. But Tim, I am sure you will have a good time with it. My Touratech guy here told me they are going to make a bigger tank and a different shield/fairing probably next year, so watch the Touratech space, Tim. My current idea is if I get the Tenere, I will go to Off-the-Road and see what sort of remods I can do such as the exhaust system etc. in order to both lighten the bike and boost the power. I think the not-so-radical kind of remodifications would not hurt the resale value, I hope.

And yeah Tmotten, I have also looked at the KTM 690 Enduro and the dealer told me the adventure version would come next year. However, I've always heard the negatives of KTM, e.g. break down a lot, difficult to fix (or even change oil), parts take long time to come by or even difficult to get in other places, and the maintenance schedule is really short (6000 km on KTM vs. 10,000km on Beemer or Yamaha). Yes, most guys ride KTM at Dakar, but they seem to have a whole crew fixing their bikes every night. Admittedly, I have this subjective bias, but I'm open to hearing the facts and your opinions too.

It's all relative and personal really. I know that in Europe there is less of the really tight stuff single trail than here in Oz. Being European myself I think I know what you're saying in terms of type of off road stuff. Not too sure about resale once you start taking it off the road though. I know that my Dakar is only a year old but looks like it's been to Iraq and back. I'm not expecting anything back for it, which is a shame because only recently I started riding with this bloke and his mate, and it's a lesson every time.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/attac...1&d=1211415108
He bought it for the Aussie Safari but does 1500km days on it (no joke). Hasn't had any issues with reliability. Same for his mate. I know what you're saying about KTM though. They seem to have more lemons than most other brands. Still dying to see the Adventure though, but it all depends how long you want to wait. My dealer is saying later this year. They'll walk out of the door.
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p...n/824d3287.jpg
The bloke on the 1200 didn't last the whole day. He had the wrong tires, but still he would have struggled later on. Our Dakar's were by far the heaviest and we knew about every kilo in them.

Yamaha Ténere !
 

I would go for the Ténere, I think it is a great bike. I own a 2007 XT 660 R that are modified for RTW trip that I went last summer ( Round The World - sverrirt.blog.is) and the bike was perfect. No problems at all, very low fuel consumtion, easy to maintain and fix yourself if needed. One of the thin that I did with the bike was to put in larger fuel tank and change the exhaust system to 2-1 system that does not go under the bike. The new ténere has fixed that also, so they basically copied my bike. I also lifted the bike a little bit, ( I am 6,4") and raised the handlebar. I recommend the Yamaha, simple and reliable bikes.

Hey,

The TEnere got rave reviews in an off-road mag my mate gets apparently. I think it's called 'Trail'. Will try to find out for you.

Matt :)

i was investigating the xt660r's for a while. went to yamaha.com and compared the new tenere and xt660r. engine and frame looks the same. just the fairings and a bit extras make the difference (eg, tank, suspension, engine guard, etc)

anyway, my main issue was the surging. i have read that in low speeds it surges in previous models. how is it with new xt660r (2007-2008 make) and the new tenere? there is also a mod called kev mod on xt660.com, but i wouldn't do any mods.

As far as what I have read, the surging problems are history. Besides, the frame, the rear sub-frame in particular, is apparently designed for carrying luggage, so stronger and hence heavier. Also, the exhaust system is very different, the Tenere has its head pipes wrapped around the engine and end in a flat exhaust box which looks like two pipes but it is not. The R has two pipes come out and lead to two exhausts but sacrifice the ground-clearance. I sent a couple emails to the dealership and Akrapovic to check out the specs (weight savings and horsepower etc.) on their expensive "dual exhaust" system on the Tenere. Will keep you posted when I hear anything.

2 cents worth
 

You've had some good information in the responses so far: no one has mentioned that the Yam is a single cyl - I know it is obvious, but you don't say if you like riding singles - just something to dwell upon: on the highway, the single is never going to perform like a twin etc (there is an earlier thread about twins Vs singles if you want to get more ideas on those lines).

Weight: all modern bikes are getting heavier I reckon - get rid of the cat converter when changing the exhaust and that has to help with the XT660Z.

Finally, the Tenere is excellent value at the asking price (but Tims' new GS650 is also right in there on that point!).

Yes, I am aware of the fact that it is a single, versus my twin boxer GS. Your reminder hits the nail of my dilemma, as I know the highway is the ultimate sacrifice for a single. The undecided element of my decision is the highway drive. Is it stable? How's the handling, the vibration on a long stretch of highway or autobahn for that matter. I don't need the really high speed. I had the 2006 K1200GT with over 150 horses under my seat, I was never comfy enough to go over 160km/h. On the GS, the fastest I went was 180km/h. The most comfy speed for me is between 120-140. At that speed, I would like to have as good of an idea as possible to see if it is 'acceptable'. Yes, I could test drive it, but since I will need to lower the bike significantly at the purchase, I could not test drive it with the seat-height lowered. No dealer would make the modification to let me test drive it. So it's a paradox. The only way for me to know is to gather as much experience/opinions from you guys as possible.

Well IMO, the only single that can be described as smooth on the highway is the "old" F650GS which can hold around 80 MPH all day without too much vibration from the engine (or wind blast for that matter): it is a hard act to match or exceed I reckon for a single in these areas of consideration, but the new F650GS looks like and a very good successor. Only time and folk such as Tim in buying the bike will tell.
No help I know!! :rolleyes2:

Seems like everyone want you to have a got on the Tenere. Here's some info.

2008 Tenere - ADVrider

Yamaha Tenere
 

The biggest problem with the Tenere is trying to buy one.
I have been trying to get a test ride for months, but the dealer could not give me a delivery date, so i gave up and bought a Tiger.
The dealer rang me last weekend to say they had been allocated only 2 bikes(Fowlers of Bristol).
Hopefully the supply is better in your country.
Cheers Ourade.

I too am giving serious consideration to getting a new Tenere. At £5,000 or so it seems a really good deal compared to BMW/KTM alternatives that are considerably more expensive.

I see you mentioned Autobahn riding - this is the only area where the single cylinder won't perform well. Providing your happy sticking to no more than 70 MPH all day, it'll be fine. To ask anything more of a single is simply not being realistic. Same kind of thing with my XT6. It's great around town and on country roads but forget high speed long distance stuff.

Small and light is the way to go. The Long Way Round/Down guys looked idiots riding those monsters where they did. Cut down on weight and sheer bulk and it will reap benefits in almost every respect. Forget the BIG monster adventure bikes unless you propose to carry a pillion or intend to do a lot of high speed motorway stuff.

The new Tenere should have plenty of grunt to briskfully push along a heavy rider and his RTW gear. I understand that the engine is derived from the XT660 which has plenty to go in the mid range.

The Tenere's pedigree is second to NONE! Don't be put off by any negative comments here. Anyone who knows a modicum about the XT range to tell you this thing is probably likely to be the very best model ever, although many would say the first generation Tenere's were King through sheer simplicity.

You won't find a better priced new trail bike (although at only £3,000 the Kwaka KLE 500 is rather good value too).

The Honda XR650 is a good bike but is simply not in the same league as a XT or Tenere when it comes to RTW. I rode my mates XR650 last week and was blown away with it's RAPID exceleration! Wooooooooow it goes like stink! But it was very uncomfortable to say the least. It had no cush drive which made it very snatchy. Glad to get back on the XT6 sofa afterwards.

I reckon you should give serious consideration to the TENERE! I am... :thumbup1:

Patrick,

The very first picture - where is it, that looks bootiful. I'm dreaming of a similar trip. Fed up with the glorious British weather - :stormy:

Hey guys, many thanks for your detailed feedback and the pics, Patrick. I think the decision comes down to whether I will ride more highway or dirtroad. If highway, stay with the GS; if dirtroad, Tenere! I think I am in the phase of dirtroad. I rode touring bikes, RT & GT, for a few years to many countries in Europe. Nowadays, I just wish I could go offroad more and am content with 120-140km/hr on highway, but feel being tied down by the big GS. Although I took the BMW enduro course in Germany last year riding the GS and I did ok despite falling numerous times, a lighter bike gives me more confidence. I could pick up the naked GS, but with luggage will be a problem. For example, today is my first day I used both saddle cases and the top case filling with only clothings, I could immediately feel the bike's weight and its loss of handling.

Patrick, you are right, the GS comes close to all-purpose bike, but it leans just a bit towards the long distance asphalt stuff, while I see the Tenere leans towards the soft offroad stuff. The hair is thin, but the bikes are vastly different.

The Vietnam trip also let me see I don't need a lot of stuff to travel sufficiently, I don't need to have a big machine to travel, and I don't need to travel fast, but still have a grand time. May be because of that, I've also come to a bit of philosophical phase in my life, in which I just get rid of stuff I don't need or I haven't used (hence the three cases of clothing to red cross), and am trying to minimize my possession, both at home and on the road. Travel light is the key. I think the whole idea of coming to a leaner and smaller machine that allows only truly essential luggage is central to my bike decision.

As you can tell, I am leaning towards the Tenere (bloody hell if yamaha is not so slow delivering the bikes, I would be riding it now rather than talking about it :). Nevertheless, I am still trying to see if there are MAJOR negatives of the bike. For example,

1) heat issue - as the head pipes go around the engine under the seat, how would the rider feel when idling?
2) if it goes for hours on highway at 120-140km/h, any heat issue, oil consumption issue, strain on the engine etc.?
3) Chain vs. shaft drive - I have been pampered by having a shaft-drive bike for years, is chain really that maintenance intensive? I heard that ideally one should clean and lub the chain after every extended ride.
4) I don't have a garage, so the bike is left outside year in year out through winter. BMW doesn't give me serious starting problem, any common starting problem in cold on a yamaha, especially for an electric start that has no choke, i.e. the new Tenere?

What are your experience, recommendations? Any thing else I should be mindful of if I own the Tenere? Many thanks.

The Tenere is not going to improve the ease in the dirt much as all. According to some sites it's heavier dry than my Dakar which is a real pig. That's why I suggested the new KTM adventure or the DR. Have you looked at the KLR? You could get a DR first (cheap) and wait and see what's coming out of the factories in 6 months. Honda is pretty quiet on this new and growing market as is Suzuki.

Suppose it depends on the type of off road you're looking at. Maybe some pictures? The pictures Mollydog and I put up would be a real struggle for any 200kg bike (wet weight) with an inexperience rider and not really an off road bike. I think KTM is really the only brand that build dirt biased adventure bikes. All the others seem to be more road biased which makes sence when you consider the market being in highly populated Europe and US.

If the new KTM 690 adventure is going to look like this http://www.raidxtreme.com/webpics/ktm-dakar01.jpg and costs around EUR 10,000 with luggage, I will take it. Two problems: 1) I can't wait, and 2) the one in the pic apparently costs over 30grand EUR.

Don't worry about it going to look like that. That's the Rally Raid one. The price will probably be competitive with the new F800 and F650.

Fair enough on not wanting to wait for it though. Make sure to post when it comes out and you wanna know how much the Tenere could be sold for though. ;)

once again, someone posted a picture on this here hubb wider than many monitors in internet cafes are able to display, so that the readers of this thread have to keep scrolling left and right in order to read the thread.

The picture is too many pixels wide :nono: - not to mention, why is it even here - it doesn't add relevance to the post - just adding bandwidth because someone has a picture of ?? something?? not sure what it is - the guy in the sleeveless t-shirt?

fix it!

Apologies, that wasn’t my picture and wasn’t hosting it, which I do now.

This is a question not related to on the road while travelling stuff, so bandwidth shouldn't matter IMHO.
It's relevant to provide some context as to what some people consider off road, and others call 'I'll never go down there' off road.

Hmm, I appreciate photos never capture how difficult the terrain looks, but this looks like the upper end of the sort of trail that I have done in Morocco on my 12GSA (some even with luggage). Though I have to say that it's the experience I gained riding harder trails on my XR400R that gave me the confidence to tackle more difficult stuff. I did 60 miles of piste riding in the dark last month, though this wasn't planned!

There's a short write-up of the Ténéré in Bike magazine which says the Ténéré is better in sand than a Transalp or a 1200GS would be, but mentions that at 183kg dry weight, the bike is heavier than BMW's new twin (800cc) F650GS. When you look at the high weights of the Ténéré and the Transalp you realise what a good job BMW did with the 12GS!

The article complains of the Ténéré's finger-numbing high-frequency vibes, abrupt fuel injection and "lack of easy grunt at any speed, and above 70 mph in particular..." Plus criticises the bike for under-damped suspension and having a merely-adequate hand-me-down engine.

On the positive side they write that the ride position is good, the tank has 200-mile potential range and the windscreen provides adequate protection. The article concludes says it's a genuinely dual-purpose machine like no other.

Tim

While I am looking for ways of reducing the weight of the Tenere if and when I get it, here is some info on the Akrapovic muffler on the new Tenere straight from Akrapovic itself:

The slip on system for 2008 Yamaha Tenere has already gone into production. You can buy it only through Yamaha´s dealership. Due to agreement we cannot give you detailed information. Our system has two mufflers is actually 1 - 2. The complete system weigh about 0,8kg less than stock. For more information, please contact your Yamaha dealer.

0.8 kg of weight reduction is puny given the cost.

I never saw the benefit in having twin exhausts on a single cylinder engine when many twin cylinder engines manage perfectly well with a single exhaust! As well as the weight penalty it interferes with pannier mountings.

josephau: What about keeping the GS for the moment and getting a really lightweight 250-400cc low-cost second-hand trail bike to help improve your technique? At only 20 kg lighter than the 12GS I don't think the Ténéré will allow you to have the confidence to build your technique.

I appreciate it's not the advice you're after, and logic has nothing to do with bike purchasing decisions. :)

Spot on!
 

Exactly what I have thought on bikes like the Honda Dommie:

+ no matter which side you drop the bike, a silencer is going to get damaged.

Totally agree about the weight saving on the new(ish) 1200GS over the 1150: I have mused for some time about that loss of 30Kg, compared with all the new offerings from Honda etc that are increasing in weight.

Thanks Tim for your suggestion. Having more than one vehicle is not exactly on my agenda, because a) I don't have a garage, and b) I used to have a car and a bike, then realized I never really get to know or enjoy either. Besides, I doubt that I want to get into too hardcore of dirt riding. I know it may sound a bit contradictory to my earlier comments, but I do see a difference, at least for me, between hardcore offroad and soft ones. In addition, while the weight is an issue on offroad, it is a positive thing on highway to gain stability. As you and others say, there is no perfect bike for all road conditions, but I am trying to figure out that personal sweet spot in a large common grey area.

I just read another guy who test-drove a F800GS and a Tenere, and he is trading his Africa Twin for the Tenere. He agrees on the lack of power on the Tenere comparing to the F800, but he seems to love everything else of the Tenere.

This friday I am making a test drive on the Tenere with the seat taken out and my sitting on some blankets in order to solve the seat height problem.

Take a look at the F650GS as well, at least it's the right height for you!

full words at ADVrider - F800/650GS (merged) threadfest

My review (and many others' views) on the F650 and F800: F650/800GS road test reports by UKGSers

Thanks for the articles, Tim. May be I forgot to mention, I did test-drive the F800GS, though not the 650. 800 is a solid bike with solid performance, but the look just never rocks my world. It looks to me a wannabe mini-1200GS. Yes, this is the irrational part of the decision. Its capability on highway is unfortunately negated by the useless windshield, so what's the point of having all those horses under the seat when I may be blown off from it. I know Touratech has a large screen which looks like a mini-barndoor, and it said that it is coming up with a larger tank and perhaps the 1200-type Desierto fairing, but next year. We shall see that, but I just can't wait that long.

OK, I think I understand now. Looks are very important to you. You are well and truly fixated on the Ténéré despite needing to sit on blankets. And you are not really interested in considering alternatives.

Best that you go and buy it. Good luck. :)

Tim

Yes, look is important. Name me one commercially available and street-legal dual purpose bike that actually looks like a rallye bike? I think Tenere comes damned close, and yes I like the rallye look. I would have gone to the F800GS but the look just did not rock my world.

There seems to be kits for lowering the Tenere already and of course people who cut/reshape the foam on the seat. These are the stuff I will have to do if I get the bike, but of course, no dealer would do those modifications first for my test drive.

I don't see how people like the look of the Tenere. Am I the only one that thinks it looks like a crasshopper?

From left of centre
 

Possibly slightly off topic but I derive great happiness from having kept an Adventure bike for over 15 years now and updating it as we go, rather than going for some modern overmarketed piece of bling every couple of years. My old girl is tailored absolutely perfectly for my needs now.

It's a '93 Yam XTZ750 (UK to Cape Town/All around Europe/Top to bottom of the whole Middle East) that is having its third reincarnation at the moment, with a gorgeous 850 TDM (270 degree crank) engine and WR450 forks fitted. It will end up lighter than a KTM 990 Adventure and a BMW 12GS with its' Excel rims, Ohlins shock and other bits and bobs, and will definately be more reliable than a KTM. I've blasted it through sand dunes in Saudi Arabia, the mud of the Central African Republic and the German Autobahns - happy days

I know it doesn't directly answer your question but it's food for thought. I don't really keep a record of how much I've spent but over 15 years, but I think my period of bike ownership has been relatively cheap - good job few people think my way else we'd all be stuck in the stone age.

Don't believe the hype !

I am chinese, I used to watch the TV show Kung Fu, and I love the shape of the grasshopper! :thumbup1:

I picked up some real-live stats from the Tenere owners:
at 3000 rpm = 90 Km/h
at 4000 rpm = around 118 km/h
at 5000 rpm = around 135 km/h
I can cruis at 140 km/h on highways (around 5200 rpm)

I think it is impressive for a single. If he can cruise at 140 which is my comfort speed anyway, I dig it! They are all at the vib-free range so it seems, as I read some reviews that the vibrations kick in at 5000rpm plus.

Hi Dick, I am wishing to reach to your zen-ness by keeping and riding one and only one bike for a very very long time. I had a BMW 1994 K75RT for a few years, but I wasn't zen enough to resist the temptations of new bikes. Thanks for your advise.

My Dakar does that. Although now that I changed the gearing to a smaller front sprocket it's up in the 6k for 140, but fiddle with the gearing enough and most singles probably do that. Problem is that you'll pay for it in the dirt though. If you wanna do a lot of 'faster than the speed limit' riding, look for a 6 speed I reckon.

What do you mean I'll pay for it in the dirt?

My comfort range is 120-140km/hr, which is sufficient for the autobahn, as I don't need and want any faster. Though I agree with you on a 6 speed such as my 1200GS if I want any faster.

That was a generic 'you', not you personally.

What tmotten is referring to is the problem that bike manufacturers seem unable to grasp the need for a wide choice of ratios that can handle on one extreme the need for a very low offroad first gear, and at the other extreme a high top gear for road liaison stages. Even with a six-speed box BMW doesn't offer the ratios needed for the 12GS, and with a five speed box it's even more likely that bikes won't offer the two extremes, and if you raise the road gearing with different sprockets you adversely affect the offroad gearing.

Tim

6 speed with smaller front sprocket would seem to be the best answer, which is why I want an Elefant 900 (my 650 and 750 are 5 speed).

I had a look at the new tenere yesterday, can't say it looked serious in the flesh, good clearance though. but then I can't stand the big GS's either, too much gadgetry and just too big (for me anyway). I reckon the best way to go is to pick one camp and stay in it. I do love my big trailies, but realistically they are crap in the dirt compared to a dirt bike and no good near the limit on tarmac compared to a sports bike. My ideal garage would have a 450 single for dirt roads, a fireblade for tracks and a big trail bike (Elefant 900) with small wheels and road tyres for riding around and general touring.... one day....

Exactly. Thanks Tim... ;)

Henryuk,
You hit the nail on the head, a garage full of different bikes for different riding. I have always said to my wife that I need about six bikes but for some reason she doesn't agree.
My V-Strom will do for now.
Cheers
Ian:thumbup1:

Josephau, get the Tenere while you can they seem to be sold out over here in the UK so I may have to wait till next year.

Lots of great views on this thread, and some good choices of bikes.

BMW new 650 gs (800) great bike great price but much more road biased.

BMW 800 gs great bike but expensive compared to Tenere

New Tenere - great looking bike, low seat height great price, - availabilty.

My choice is the Yamaha based on price and looks and all around ability. It seems to bridge a perfect gap in the market.

I am interested to see what Honda etc bring out but for the time being the Tenere has lots going for it.

Get one have fun and let us know what its like.:scooter:

Ohh there are also rumours of a new super tenere, that may upset the BMW 800 gs if they can undercut the price.

As far as a KTM adventure goes they are great bikes but you have to be pretty tall to ride them. At 5,7 I was struggling to put my tip toes on the floor in the dealers. let alone out on the trail.

I did it! Yes, I traded my 2007 R1200GS for the Tenere. With only 130km on it after picking it up on friday (then got really ill so haven't been able to get the first 1000km), I am absolutely happy with the trade decision. Since I'm only 170cm tall, the bike is equipped with rear lowering kit (50mm) from alphatechnik.de and another 30mm seat reduction. This bike somehow rides even smoother than the test bike which was also spanking new. May be because it's MINE :clap:

Looks great happy travels

Congratulations on your new bike! I'm picking up my new Tenere on 1 July. Can't wait... I went for the multibike scenario, being a Guzzi-head with a Quota for the 2-up touring, a sidecar rig when bringing the kids and a Husaberg for the real dirt stuff. And now the Tenere for solo gravel "adventures".

Life is gooood, isn't it? :-)

Hi Hans, thanks. Since you are from Oslo, just want to let you know that the first trip I will take with the Tenere will be likely to Nordkapp from Frankfurt.

Wow, that's what I call "breaking in tour de force"! When are you leaving and how much time do you plan to spend?

Hi Joseph, are those the yamaha panniers? What's the quality like? Have fun on your new ten. :mchappy:

Thanks for the link Hans. I plan to start end of July early August, and take about three weeks. I am taking a 'break' from working, so the duration is not exactly an issue. Some friends suggest me to go up via Sweden, then return via Norway. Do you reckon it's a good way to go?

Hi Flyingdoctor, yes they are yamaha panniers, and I like them because they are slim, light, and well-built which fit the profile of the Tenere. The inside is made of hard plastic and the outside is of some alu-alike material, very similar to how the BMW GS variocases are made. Check out the pic which shows how the cases are not wider than the handlebars (Moto Revue) Touratech people claim they are not waterproof like the zega cases, I suspect it would only be true if you submerse the cases entirely under the water. They are not one-key system like BMW.

Well, the Swedish route is boooooring, but takes you up north fast. Take the E4 to make use of the higher speeds in Sweden. Then you can spend more days on the interesting stuff, meaning the coastal route from Nordkapp and south. In that sense your friends' suggestion is sound.

Fortunate bastard
 

Indu,

Yep, life is good: Sounds like that is getting close to a perfect garage for you.
I am still searching.
Maybe a couple of twins and a couple of singles; there again - life is full of choices!!

i hope you a save and enjoable tousands of kilometers with your new bike.. yamaha is good!!

Many thanks ozhanu.

You will have to keep us posted on your trip North. I wanted a Tenere but Uk availability has messed things up so now inspired by Tims 650 gs I am looking at the BMW. I cant afford the luxury of lots of bikes so it needs to be able to mix it up from motorway to mountain and everything else in between. I dont know about Sweden but the bits of Norway Ive seen put it top of my list of destinations. Its like NZ but little more than an hour away.

Thanks Hans. So is there a route in Norway I can take to go north that is much more interesting than the boring Swedish route, yet without double backing the same route when I come back?

Hi, sorry for my late response. Been away, you see, on my new Tenere 8-)

Anyway: Use the E6 north and any coastal road, e.g. RV17, down south. Use your map to plan the southbound excursion, and be prepared for LOTS of small ferry trips. Nice breaks from all that riding, though.

I Love my new Tenere
 

I ditched a Varadero for a Tenere - fell in lust with it as soon as I saw it in the dealer, done a swap and I've clocked up 660 miles already (in for it's first service on Tuesday).

Yep , it's single, and it's got nowhere near the power of the big Honda, but it's a whole lot more fun.

It's fine on the dirt too, I've had mine on Green lanes up here in the Lakes (UK) at it behaves perfectly. A bit skity on the slimy stuff but it's only got Metz Tourances on it so what would you expect?

The weight is no problem, it doesn't feel like a big bike at all, in fact it feel as light and nimble as feather in a breeze. This is maybe due to having a 1/4 tonne monster previously.

I love my Tenere, nearly as much as my TTR.....:D

Gas Up intersting take, if the Tenere is like a grown up TTR then I think I will have to be patient and wait till next year. It wont be a bad wait with my TTR to keep me busy.

Stealthy Black Tenere on its way
 

Well I am well chuffed I managed to find a new Tenere in a dealers not too far away and should pick it up on Saturday so I cant wait. I did find the bike pretty tall which seems to go against what the review in TBM said. I will see how I get on and then may look at the lowering kit. It was empty so i guess it will sink a bit with a full load on board.

This thing will look like a monster when parked next to my little TTR:scooter:

In case you haven't found the lowering kit, here it is but in German http://www.alphatechniksql.alphaplan...gruppe2=Yamaha

Congrats on your new bike.

Thanks for that I was struggling on the site but will look into it further if I cant manage without. Cant wait to get out there. The bike looks awesome like a big dakar bike. I have dreamed of this since I used to watch the Dakar in the eighties. I like the idea of a trip up to Nordkap as my brother lives in Haugesund and has an XT 600. I am trying to convince my wife that a 2 up holiday will be a great idea but she wants to know why the bike doesnt have a plug for her hairdryer !:scooter::scooter::scooter:

I am also getting excited at all the custom parts that my Dad can produce for me. I have been eyeing up some metal for some frame protection.

Josephau, hi i got the bike yesterday its great, but at the moment it feels vibey over 3000 revs, is this normal for the running in period ? :scooter: upto 3000 revs it is very smooth. I put a New Tenere Topic on the Yamaha forum part of this site as I keep loosing this thread. Its a great bike and looks amazing.

Congrats on your new bike.

For me, I didn't notice any vibration until it reaches 4000rpm when I first picked up the bike. Having said that, when I test drove a black, brand new tenere, it vibrated more than my bike. It was a very hot day when I test drove it, I wonder if the heat has anything to do with the vibration with a brand new engine. I posted the vibration issue in another blog, and the owners said the bike will get smoother the more you ride. Now my bike is running smoother with just over 200km and I can say I don't notice any vibration until 4500rpm. So the bottom line is: just keep riding.

Whenever it's convenient, please send it some pics!

Once you've got some parts from your dad, I would love to see some pics. The metal frame protection is a very interesting idea.

No worries got a couple of busy months ahead new kitchen but will begin doing the parts in the winter will keep you posted.

Bike is going great 660 miles young and ready for run in service.:thumbup1:

Well Guys, since I started this post with a question, I am now going to answer it myself with feedback on the bike after 11,000km.

Yes, I made the switch in June. I got a good deal of trading in my R1200GS for the 2008 Tenere at a Yamaha Dealership in Germany. We swapped the bike with panniers, stock for stock, and I am happy with the terms and the eventual price. I actually received good amount of money from the dealer because I wasn't riding the GS that much so it had really low mileage.

At the beginning, it took some getting used to riding a single. The vibration was the most noticeable character that sort of bothered me. Then again, I came for twin, threes, and fours, the adjustment was required. However, this problem gets resolved later, which I will come back to later.

The fuel mileage just beats almost anything out there in the all-road bike category. Without auxiliary tank, it is reported to have gone over 500km or 310 miles in 23 litre tank. I personally have not reached that distance in reality probably due to my riding style, fear of getting stranded, and laziness of getting a canister. When I was riding the GS, I had to start looking for gas station at about 250km, whereas I could still go for a long while on the Tenere.

One of my big worries before trading was the Tenere's performance and stability on autobahn. To my delight, it is comfortable even with my BMW enduro helmet, decent speed and power, and very stable. It's not crotch rocket or Goldwing, but it does not alter much my usual riding style, speed, and fearless factor. Of course, if I want to push it, the bike does feel struggling a bit especially at unwise speed. Riding in the city or the countryside, the agility of this bike is about the same as the GS at worst case. It dances between lanes if I want to, or what some say it is flippable, with panniers. I also have more confidence riding in dirt and exploring new paths because at least I would not have too many problems lifting up the bike if it drops. It's not light, 183kg dry and 210kg wet, but feels much much lighter riding as well as lifting up comparing to the R1200GS of which the specs would say only 10kg heavier. How does it handle on dirt? Well, I don't think I am qualified to judge due to my limited off-road mileage, but I am definitely more confident on it with the Tenere than the GS, and I did much more offroad these days than when I had the GS.

The suspension is smoother than I thought and definitely than the GS. Going through bumps is unnoticeable whereas the GS is more telling. Having said that, I do like the telelever suspension (the spring behind the fork) which dampens braking dive, because it also provides highspeed curving with extra stability and confidence. It's a great concept, I wish one day someone would come up some universal adaptable system that would fit on any bikes.

The instruments are good except it is a touch too bright in pitch black, i.e. countryside where there is no street lights. I have the stock panniers primarily because I got good deal on it and I like the look. Yes, I am shallow :) There are many after-markets offer which I am sure are stronger and better in quality, but I just like mine that is 95% waterproof due to its slim design and elegant mounting system. I was really thinking about replacing the exhaust, but none that is available that rocks my world after searching around. The problem in after-market exhaust is that the manufacturers tend to a) not disclose info on the weight/weight saving or the power difference if any, and b) a sound file. At the end of the day, we buy pipes because they look and sound good, and it would be a bonus if it saves weight and gives better power. The stock sounds good enough right now, so I am not going to fuss about it.

I took the bike for a 7000km up and down Scandinavia through 95% onroad and 5% offroad. The bike gave me zero problem. I just gas it up, lub the chain every so often but probably not often as it should be, checked the oil once but the bike eats puny amount of it. As the bike gets break-in more and more, the vibration also began to subside. It first occurred between 3500 and 5000rpm. As I rode more, the range shortened to 1000rpm difference, then to 500rpm, then to now almost unnoticeable. Yes, it could be I get used to it, but believe me, the break-in difference is significant on a single I guess.

The upgrades I now have are: heated grips, auxiliary power outlet, magura handlebar, acerbis handguards, bashplate, engine guard, TKC80 tires, DNA airfilter, and lowering kit. I forgot to mention that at 895mm stock seat height, there would have been no way I could ride this thing. So I had a 50mm lowering kit plus 30mm of foam shaved off from the seat. Now I am happy. Though when I had fully loaded luggage on my trip, the bike sank enough such that at times I could not extend the sidestand fully even it was already shortened, so I had to find friendlier surface to stand the bike.

I said it in another blog and I say it again here: The Tenere is not great at anything, but it is good at everything. No bells and whistles, just a simple machine that gets you anywhere on almost any terrain but with decent amount of comfort and efficiency. Yes, I am very happy with the trade.

Great write-up there Josephau. I have passed 10 000 kms and I'm too very satisfied. I'd say that I concur with you on most points. I'm only 174 cm but do not want to lower the bike in any way as I think it will interfere with its already limited off-road abilities. So mine stay stock, except heated handlebars and other minor mods.

It's a GREAT bike, folks!