Originally Posted by Squiggles What do ya think of the Super Tenere? Looks to be somewhere between the ktm and the beemer but perhaps a bit more cost effective? I always thought the r1200gsa would be the best but the more I looked into it the more perculiarities and horror stories became apparent I don't know the ins and outs of the Tenere, but its to be compared to the R1200GS, not the GSA. As I said before, I wouldn't buy the GS, as its too similar to the KTM, which is already a great bike. I would also consider the new Multistrada, but again, only a 20L tank. If I could get a larger fuel tank for it, I think it would be my number one choice, as its more road biased and runs normal street rim sizes. Anything with a fuel tank below 25L is not even going to be considered, for me. As it is, with mods to the KTM, with both fuel tanks, it holds 30L, which I've got used to. If I was shopping between GS and Tenere, at least the BMW is a known quantity, with the Tenere being a bit new. Both shaft drive, so low maintenance, but as always, its about the riding you will do. The GS has got more options available, things like ESA, tyre pressure monitoring (it tells you the actual pressure of each tyre) etc etc. More stuff to go wrong, but seeing that stuff on the fly may be wanted? The BMW's seem to be pot luck. You either get a great one, with bullet proof reliability, or you have no end of horrors. For this reason, I would look at a 2nd hand one for a better idea. However, I have a reputation of breaking things (and no-one else has ever had problems yada yada), so if I presume I will break something, I'd rather have the two year warranty from new, as then I don't get the bill. One thing appears for certain, is that when something DOES go wrong, its going to cost heaps to fix. Add on parts, the options are far greater on the GSA, than the Tenere, with plenty of advice and tips, companies making various parts etc, which makes certain stuff very easy.
Originally Posted by Gremlin long response What do ya think of the Super Tenere? Looks to be somewhere between the ktm and the beemer but perhaps a bit more cost effective? I always thought the r1200gsa would be the best but the more I looked into it the more perculiarities and horror stories became apparent A would you trade your GS for a S10 thread Can't wait for some longer term reviews to surface.
Re: reserve. You kind of forget about the concept of reserve. I've found the range to empty selection on the computer to be very accurate. I ignore the fuel warning entirely and rely on the range.
Great read, I always enjoy your blogs and informed comments. Keep us updated on how you get on as I am very interested.
mmm, good point re fuel consumption... no idea how to reset. Bike had done a total of low 2000km. Squiggles: I haven't swapped yet, but I am definitely trying to sort it. Experience won't trade the KTM as they are trying to clear the floor for 2011 models. Mount Motorcycles will trade (and they have a R1200GSA demo) but have offered 4 figures as a trade value, unseen. Speaking to salesmen, mates etc, its probably worth $12k (high mileage has taken a toll value wise) as a good buy, but of course, its what someone else will buy it for. Even the demo R1200GSA is $35.5k, so its an expensive swap. Reasons for changing are: - Ride in late February called the TT2000 in the South Island. I'm going to try for the basic route (2000km) plus all add-ons (approx 1300km) in the time that most will do the basic 2000km. This means up to 3300km in 40 hours, so the gear has to be right up there in performance. As the KTM currently stands, I would need the seat custom done, as even the SMT seat I got can't manage 40 hours (well - not many seats are designed to anyway), and a custom fuel tank, as even the extra 11L isn't enough for the night time between Queenstown and the east coast (no gas between them for the whole night). ie, more money to be spent, still not going to be perfect. I figure that at this point, I may as well start with a better base (and even the GSA will be altered in some ways). The only downside is that besides the big rides like TT2000, Grand Challenge etc, its going to be a massive overkill of a bike for fun rides to Kaiaua. It will be capable of 3 and a bit rides to Kaiaua and back, without a fuel stop... - The KTM has a max output of 450W at 6000rpm, and I don't even ride it that high in the revs. It can handle what I currently have, but not much more (I've asked the shop the load figures for a base model, but its not the kind of figures KTM knows, or expects people to ask). The BMW, at 720W, will allow for all current accessories, no problem, and extra lights. It comes with extra driving lights, I'll upgrade the low and high beam and also fit fog lamps as well. - The KTM sports a 19L fuel tank standard, which gets it further than sports bikes, but I laugh at KTM's marketing saying its for touring. It will do about 250, maybe a bit more excluding reserve, which I don't call touring. The BMW is better on gas and has about 29L before reserve. This means I don't need an extra tank (which I've used on the KTM), which means 2 to fill and extra complexity (aka, more to go wrong). Devil reckons he has done 600km or more? (a bit into reserve tho) 2up and with luggage. I've gone worldwide asking for a larger tank on the SM, nothing exists, only for the 990 Adventure, which is too dirt biased. 95% of my riding is probably road, but I do enjoy exploring forests, hence why a full dressed tourer is not an option. Don't get me wrong, the KTM is a great bike, but my riding has morphed massively since having a sportsbike, and the KTM is no longer the best option for such long distances in short times. I do worry about handling on the BMW, as the KTM is brilliant, which makes the long distances in short times easy... but useless if you have run out of gas.
Why the swap? (Couldnt see a blog post on it). Have you run out of power with your accessories on the 990? Or is the main reason fuel range?
You get used to the indicators very quickly, and then you realise how much sense they make. I dont have any trouble switching back to normal indicators. Re: Fuel consumption, did you reset it before you left? Because if you dont manually reset it, it'll of course be an average consumption since it was last reset, which could have been 10,000km ago! Corner entry: A lot of people subconsciously have their inputs tuned to the expectation of the steering geometry steeping as the front is loaded up under decelleration. The lack of dive can confuse people initially and make it feel like it's understeering or standing up. There's a simple solution to this, it's called - 'You're doing it wrong.'
Nice detailed review. Enjoyed reading it thanks.
Haha, nicely written.
Nice work.
Don't leave us hanging!!!!
I like microwaving cats :3
Sweet as. I won't be at Puke but keep an eye out anytime you're at HD. I'm often at HD Ride Days. http://www.flickr.com/photos/dty1/5248081597/
I did like round three, I started track days on the 20th of jan 2010 art days ,I have done 4 more used them for setting up my bke ,Started racing this season round 3 was my best race meet so far, I raced in f3 and pro twins there is a lot of stress in starts and passing , In the 1st pro twins race I got my knee down wow after that the bike felt awesome. I will try and find you shane to say high next race meet, My times go a lot faster in the day my laps .com is so gd , my race number is 36 i found a photo on flickr from damien toman there is one of you there 2 http://www.flickr.com/photos/dty1/5240404407
Not ever!! Still plenty to sort out and there's power to be gained. The gearing is very close now. I lose ground to everyone out of slow corners but gain lots on high speed stuff cos the chassis on any 600 is way better than an SV's. A slipper clutch would help a hell of a lot cos I'd be able to hit the slow corners in the same gear but higher speed without locking up everything. Slipping the clutch manually is a bit hit and miss.
Well put chicky. Im keen to get behind any rides and collections for the SPCA. I know our local one does so much for their furry friends, including reuniting lost pets with their owners. They deseve all the help they can get! And I agree, anyone caught abusing animals in any way should be put in the same position as their victim. Like those school boys that were playing hacky with that puppy and throwing it through a basket ball hoop, sick m(*&#%fu(*&s!
does it make u want an sv even a bronze one?
bastard... cheers for the lift tho. 2 men on a honda! Pity this one came prepared with chest and back protector
Damn, sounds like a good day of riding. And scoffing pies, always good. But seriously dude, Pepsi? Compare your good day riding to mine today. Got blardy soaked this morning on the commute. It seems my waterproof trou aren't waterproof anymore. Gloves are drying out in front of a heater in my office. Boots are damp. And with rain finding its way in through my jacket collar I've been in wet clothes most of the day, but they've finally dried out in time for the commute home, in more rain! I love motorcycling I suppose it's been a while since we had much rain in Akld so it was bound to catch up eventually... With the amount of commuting instead of enjoyable riding that I do I was rather disappointed to miss the swarm ride this week Still gotta borrow your 900 for a few days to see how the commute compares to my Gixxer. Maybe next year some time.
Well done John Boy!
