2010 Yamaha Super Tenere First Ride [motorcycle-usa.com]

[atadaskew]

It was inevitable. Yamaha’s new Super Tenere was bound to be compared to BMW’s R1200GS. It should be, they’re both from the same adventure bike genre after all. The trouble is, the Beemers sell like hotcakes and there has to be a reason for that. Could the Japanese really challenge the mighty Germans to produce a motorcycle that’s equally capable all round? It’s a tall order which ever way you look at it. On paper, things do look promising. A 108.4 bhp, 1199cc Parallel Twin against the German 110 bhp, 1170cc Boxer engine. Both bikes have a shaft drive, aluminium luggage and a riding stance designed for hours in the saddle... hence the mammoth press launch.

Read the entire first ride here:  http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/277/7526/Motorcycle-Article/2010-Yamaha-Super-Tenere-First-Ride.aspx

[bomber]

thanks for posting -- the looks of the beast and the fact that it has linked brakes and non-switchable ABS says something -- confusion over what market niche to grab, perhaps?

Course, my meteoric rise to the top of motorcycling marketing might lead you to dismiss my opinions.

;-}

[chornbe]

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/277/7526/Motorcycle-Article/2010-Yamaha-Super-Tenere-First-Ride.aspx

Absolutely zero surprises.

So in all, the Super Tenere is an adequate all-rounder. It’s fun, comfortable and easy to ride. But in the UK the biggest stumbling block isn’t its performance but its price. Compared to BMW’s R1200GS, it isn’t any better, it has fewer options and it is more expensive. For the price of a Super Tenere, you could lavish a GS with BMW’s Dynamic package that includes a tyre pressure control, ABS and ASC (traction control) Then you could add a Premium package, which includes a chrome exhaust pipe, heated grips, an onboard computer with oil warning light and LED indicators and still brim the tank and pay for your first night away. For diehard Yamaha fans, maybe that doesn’t matter. For everyone else, I’m not so sure.

[bluepoof]

Wow, I'm not in the market for that bike...but the article is by an awesome, smart, well-versed, funny woman contributor/rider who used to be a Gladiator!  

[Spanky]

If she comes with the bike, I'll take two!  

[mugwump58]

Somewhere I have seen a video, in French, that shows how to turn the ABS off.

[ST1300Rider]

I saw one of these in Italy last month. The first bunch are/were internet order and came with some fancy graphics and a special number. In person, up close it's a beautiful bike. Fit and finish, paint etc. are near perfect. It will be interesting to see if it makes it here.

This has to be the ugliest exhaust evar......

[R Doug]

Honda VFR v. BMW K - - -  FAIL

Yamaha Super Tenere v. BMW - - - FAIL


Dear Big 4, please do what you have done best in the past and quit trying to be something you are not.  Continue to make the best bang for the buck bikes with low maintenance and high mileage capable motors.  

[Windblown]

Honda VFR v. BMW K - - -  FAIL

Yamaha Super Tenere v. BMW - - - FAIL


Dear Big 4, please do what you have done best in the past and quit trying to be something you are not.  Continue to make the best bang for the buck bikes with low maintenance and high mileage capable motors.  

+1

File under "WTF were they thinking?"  Heavier, less power, more expensive, and it looks like a V-Strom. Way to go Yamaha!  

(and this from a Yamaha fan)

[atadaskew]

This Yam fails on so many levels, from price, weight, performance to mind numbing details like this:

The screen is adjustable, but doing so is not exactly a two-minute job. Where the GS just needs you to twist a couple of knobs, the ST requires an allen key, screw driver and the removal of a side panel. It’s just a shame it’s so overcomplicated.

It's like they have no idea what other mfgs' bikes are like.

[squeezer]

I saw one of these in Italy last month. The first bunch are/were internet order and came with some fancy graphics and a special number. In person, up close it's a beautiful bike. Fit and finish, paint etc. are near perfect. It will be interesting to see if it makes it here.

I can't see it being competitive here if it's priced the same as in Europe.

[Walker]

I used to really want a Tenere back when I had my KLR.  Not so much anymore.

But why are they showing this bike parked in the sand with giant dunes behind it and only street tires on the bike?  = FAIL

[forester]

Oh Cool, look - a Blue V-strom!  

[atadaskew]

hmm, this bike seems to have gone over as well as a lead balloon.

Eat yer heart out Honda VFR12!

 

[martee99]

I would love to be in the middle of the desert with her.

[bluepoof]

I would love to be in the middle of the desert with her.

You realize she was a Gladiator, right? She'd whup your ass!  (er, not that they're anything wrong with that if that's what yer into... )

[JamesG]

That they invited 'Merican juros to the press ride gives some hope that maybe they intend to someday sell them here (or Yamaha is just trying to piss us off).

[atadaskew]

That they invited 'Merican juros to the press ride gives some hope that maybe they intend to someday sell them here (or Yamaha is just trying to piss us off).

They thought they were inviting Canadians.

[Blunder]

This has to be the ugliest exhaust evar......

Gotta make room for that catalytic converter.

[JamesG]

Um.... Moto-USA.com?