Yamaha Super Tenere coming to America

[troy]

In mid-2011, Yamaha plans to sell their "2012" Super Tenere in the USA. This is a bike I've lusted at while reading foreign ride reports. However, after looking at the specs and the almost $14K price tag, why would I want a Super Tenere over a BMW F800GS?

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/produ ... /home.aspx
http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/produ ... specs.aspx

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/647/7837/ ... -Look.aspx

[Savage]

Sweet! If you want one you better get one, I doubt they'll bring them in for too many years because as you know DS don't sell very well. They won't sell for MSRP.

[phatt]

Troy:

I believe this bike will replace my DL650 in a few years. There should be a few low mileage used bikes by then and reliability issues should be identified. According to sources on ADVrider, about 1500 were pre-sold in the US in the first week that reservations were accepted.

This bike will compete with the 1200 GS as a long distance tourer with ability to handle off pavement work as well. From reports I have read the 800
GS touring capabilities are suspect. It comes down to what you want or need the bike to do for you.

Phil

[safiri]

Hmmm, interesting.

Yamaha vs. BMW:
19" front wheel. F has a 21".
MSRP is 1-2k higher.
7.5" travel 43mm USD fork vs 9.0" 45mm USD.
575 lbs with 6 gallons of fuel vs. 455 lbs with 4 gallons. (This is the killer for me ... 100 lbs to carry 2 more gallons ... BMW reports 60 mpg at 55 mph, so 4 gallons is >200 miles.)

Having ridden Daryl's F800GS and been duly impressed, the Yamaha would have to be dang good.

[troy]

I have to agree with Mike. I've ridden:

• BMW 1200GS Adventure
• BMW F800GS
• BMW F650GS
• KTM 950
• DL650 (Vstrom, my personal bike)

By far, the #1 bike in that list that I'm lusting is the F800. I would not hesitate to ride it to the ends of the earth. So although I like what I see in the Tenere, I do not imagine it could dethrone the F800. I think it's hard to argue that the Tenere serves a different purpose than the F800. If it does, then the only thing it could offer is more comfort for the long-haul, but I found the F800 to be very comfortable. All my opinion of course!

[Hank Moody]

It looks nice and it is great to options, but I really love my F800. I also noticed this is a shaft drive vs. a chain drive for the F800. I have been averaging about 50 MPG, but I like the power so I have been twisting the throttle

I actually was out ridding tonight and happen to stop by the PO's house. He is really regretting selling me the bike and said it was a mistake on his part. He is likely going to get the BMW R1200 Engle has for sale. I asked him why he didn't get another F800 and he wants to do more long distance, multiple day trips off of the bike and he feels the R1200 will be a little better for the pavement.

The only negatives for the F800 IMHO are the seat and the heat coming off the engine. I fixed the seat with an AirHawk pad and that actually helped the heat a little with the change of position. The F800 will cruise the pavement all day and yet can handle a fire road or light ATV trail with no problems. A lot of guys on ADV are getting into taking the F800 on some serious trails, but that is why I have the 450 EXC.

I would also like to try a Triumph Tiger and compare it to the F800 and the KTM 950.