Comments on: 2012 Yamaha Super Ténéré: MD First Ride (Bike Reports) (News)

By: Stique9

Stique9 — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 18:00:39 +0000

Jim, you Canadians are all the more lucky as you get the adventure bikes when we here in the states never really did. I`m planning on going to Canada to bring me a Varadero here to the states. I was hoping Honda might be bringing it here so as to rid their complete stock of them as I understand they intend to rid their stock of Varaderos by 2012.

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By: Michael Cyprus

Michael Cyprus — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 17:47:12 +0000

Hi Chris nice to hear your opinion, below are my comments on your suggestion.
I did all levels of California Superbike School for some years now and Enduro schools (this for my skills). To name a few of my motorbikes I owned Honda CB1100, 2xHayabusa, ZX636, ZX10R, 2xHonda XR, 2xKawa KX, VStomDL1000 and so on… (this for my Bikes). Now I own a Super Tenere and I’m expecting the New ZX10R plus my KX250. You get the picture?
I did many long trips in Europe and I’m a committed petrolhead.
Try my facebook they are all there.
I tested almost any kind of bike on earth including many models of BMW which I dislike as WELL overpriced for their quality and KTM which I dislike as VERY prompt to faults and overpriced like Ducati.
I fully agree with Roy plus T mode is for city, fuel saving and relaxing riding.

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By: Jim

Jim — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 12:42:03 +0000

You Americans are so lucky to get this bike at a very competitive price. I wonder how may $1000′s more it will be in Canada? No price yet on Yamaha Canada website. If it is too overpriced I will look into importing one from the USA.

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By: Roy

Roy — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:30:32 +0000

Interesting to see the new S10 reviews emerging from the States and that some strongly positive reviews are appearing. The vast majority of European reviews this year have been negative towards the new S10, mainly criticizing the engine response as being flat, wheezy and boring. After studying the various discussion forums, real owner’s opinions (particularly from Australia and SA), and having personally owned a new S10 for two months now (Sweden) I think that many of these Euro reviews have over-done this point and/or in some cases have a hidden agenda (dependant on sponsorship money from BMW and therefore obliged to give this newcomer some heavy criticism). Looking forward to seeing more -*honest*- reviews from the States..

My own findings…The new S10 has superb suspension, brakes, amazing comfort, high speed stability (very planted at 180km/h and still feeling good at 200 km/h), very nice low-end torque and great roll-on in 5th and 6th at highway speeds and beyond. Almost perfect for the majority of driving situations and definately a very compitent tourer. For driving involving hard acceleration, I do however concur with the Euro reviews in so far as the engine can feel flat in 2nd to 4th from 4500 to 5500 r.p.m., especially when 2-up. The S10 is power limited in 1st to 4th and has a torque dip at 4500 r.p.m. At-least this is the case in Europe to get the bike compliant with latest noise emission regulations. But, I think this point is strongly over-emphasized as a negative factor in some of the Euro reviews. Overall the new S10 is great alternative to the R1200GS, especially for those who do not want to buy a BMW for whatever reason, financial or otherwise… I am personally very happy to see new alternatives to BMW beginning to emerge. All for the greater good…

One comment to the review, that there is “very little difference between S & T modes”. I cannot agree with that. In T mode the S10 is very smooth and sedate and in my mind makes driving in busy, build-up areas more manageable and less tiring. T-mode is also a good option when carrying a pillion by enforcing restraint. S-mode is a complete transformation.

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By: Bogey

Bogey — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 19:04:12 +0000

Bollocks. ’06 BMW GS – with spoke wheels. 45,000 miles. No spokes loose so far. Lots of offroad, no damage. I would not care to have had cast rims on some of the rides I’ve been on.

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By: Michael Cyprus

Michael Cyprus — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 17:12:54 +0000

Do you know how many tracks assisted those 2 bikes during the trip and how many parts they replace?

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By: Barry

Barry — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 13:58:43 +0000

Really!! 21″ slows it down. Maybe the 950/990 ADV will not hang with a R1 or 1198 or similar bikes, but these things rip and handle quite well for a large adventure. Maybe I am old school but what electronics that make a riders life easy are later the ones that cause problems on the road. Simple is better for travelling without issues.

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By: Stique9

Stique9 — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 16:04:17 +0000

I`m just glad and thankful to Yamaha for bringing the Super 10 here to the states. It would be great if Honda did the same with the XL1000 Varadero.

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By: Capt'n Obvious

Capt'n Obvious — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 14:36:56 +0000

Interesting show….Long Way Round. Two guys riding around the world on BMWs, a REAL adventure. I know, I know, bikes were donated but would you attempt this trip on any other bike aside from maybe a KTM Adventure? I wouldn’t. I’ve had a BMW GS and Suzuki V-Strom 1K. No comparison. BMW can go almost anywhere, limited mostly by the sanity (or lack thereof) of the rider. V-Strom, with upgraded brakes a great street bike, don’t take it off road. Just my 2 cents. The Yamaha Super T is very interesting. Would love to catch a ride on one.

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By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 14:22:08 +0000

If you need all the electronics to make your life easy your skills are lacking. The KTM is eight years old now and still is the best bike for the dirt. The rest are just poser adventure bikes. If you want a touring bike buy a goldwing. Have you ridden a KTM?

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