Welcome aboard.

I think you'll find answers to all those questions here. My bet is that re shaping the seat to reduce the hump up to the pillion perch might help and a couple of gizmos called the Kev mods will sort the engine issues for you.

Popping exhaust is totally normal, but blocking the AIS pipe will reduce this. I've only had my tenere 10 days and have found answers to all my questions on the forum. Just use the search function and I'm sure you will too.

Happy riding!