Hi all, I just thought I would share my first impressions of the Tenere, as I picked up mine on Monday.

Feeling a bit saddle sore after the Afghan Heroes Wootton Bassett bike run on Sunday, I headed up to Barnstaple on my Kawasaki Versys, my second one, having done roughly 15 thousand miles on each one over a two and a half year period. I had originally intended to buy the 2010 Versys, but did not "gel" with it when I test rode one, so I threw caution to the winds and splashed out on a new Tenere in black, added hand guards and deflectors, tank protector, headlight guard,bash plate,engine bars and most important a centre stand. I did not test ride the Tenere, I just decided that the quirky looks and the big single engine would make a change from the Versys with the added option of an element of "off road-ability" which the Versys sadly lacked.

Therefore I leapt aboard the new Tenere, somewhat "Nureyev like", as she is a tad higher than the Versys. That said, my 19 stone of relaxed muscle compressed the suspension and I didn't feel too unstable, we pulled out into the traffic and I was surprised at the superb low down grunt of the Yamaha engine, I headed back from North Devon, via the old Crediton Road, which is nice and twisty, the fitted Tourances giving the sure fitted grip that made them my favorite choice of rubber on my old GS850 BMW, keeping the revs smooth and circa 4k I happily cruised home at about 50 to 60 mph, ensuring a nice smooth and snag free ride. The lightness of the Tenere and the sure footedness astonished me, cornering felt very stable and although the seat is narrow, I actually felt comfy. The riding position was just right, maybe the bars could have been an inch or two wider, but I found nothing to fault. I have done only 96 miles since yesterday, but the fuel useage seems miserly, we shall see what it is like when run in? I would be interested in what sort of cruising speed you guys consider "Normal" on the Tenere? My Versys was happy as larry at 6000RPM which equated to 80mph loaded. (I did Arromanche to Ypres at this speed without a hiccup)
Overall first impression, very good, the gearchange is silky smooth, build quality seems good, although I plastered the voltage regulator connector in Vaseline, as it seems exposed and will make a "boot". Has anyone fitted any form of fender extender, as my Versys used to throw crap back into the rad, is this an issue with the Tenere? I am hoping to get running in out of the way and enjoy the Summer exploring Dartmoor and Exmoor a little more, so we shall see how the Tenere stands up!

Congrat's on the purchase.

I'm still sort of running mine in, but with ~600 miles on the clock a steady 80 is easy. You're right about the handling, it's surprising and I've stiffened front and rear up quite a bit which helps.

I agree it needs a fenda extenda, but they're rather steep... Might prolong the downpipes though and I've sorted the regulator/rectifier connector with a party balloon sleeve.

1st service any minute so with new oil I'll be troubling the rev limiter, but should be good for just North of the ton I reckon..

Just up the road from you so to speak, I went to Wotton Bassett aswell.
If you think the ten is torquey then you need to have a go on mine

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:tenere:

Mods, Oxford heated grips, Givi Rack and top box, Stage 2 DNA filter and top, 02 sensor eliminator, Metal Mule taller screen, Seat hump trimmed off, .KEVS FUEL MOD (THE 1ST ONE FOR THE TENERE) , Extra fuse box, 12volt plug in socket, Zumo550 sat nav, , Barkbusters


What Bill Clinton REALLY said to Monica Lewinsky was: "Sack my cook"

Sadly Bike now sold 11/6/11

Mine does 120kph (70mph ?) at 4700rpm

tank is 16.3l +6.7l reserve = 23l

fuel gauge flashes on mine around 300/320km and I can still do 100/120km (70miles) before running out of petrol.

there is no fender extender as the mudguard is already very close to the tyre, it clogs in mud easily (off road)

bash plate,engine bars: they tend to break, make sure you have the "revised/new design" version

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former Red owner !

Thanks guys your advice/comments much appreciated. I made my first "faux pa" yesterday, when I checked the chain on the centre stand! DOH! Adjusted as per the manual and then found why they say "adjust on the side stand"! My old Versys was very similar, except you had to adjust with someone on it. A bit of a pain, as I was looking forward to the joy of a centre stand for just this task...hey ho...at least i can clean it and spray lube the chain easily, so there is that as a bonus. Riding home in the wet, I discovered that grabbing a handful of gas on wet roads with the Tourances is not a good idea...a bit of "butt twitching" ensued and a little less throttle at the next junction. I cant wait to get her run in, then next project is luggage as I was not keen on the Yamaha Boxes, at the price, they looked a little flimsy, so I shall explore other avenues. Then I must get out and explore some of the back lanes on Dartmoor and Exmoor where the Versys couldn't go.


Ian

I have had a go and WooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooW!

What a bike-makes the standard version ride like a Royal Enfield on diesel!

Sounds really good too!

If you find the back lanes entertaining I would recommend you to try the TKC80 tires, they are excellent for this kind of bike. You gain a lot of confidence on the gravel without losing too much of the road capability. When run in the bike will feel even better, the bike will grow on you.

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Realy got my "sad head" on today, coming home from work and hit a large piece of flint in the road, straight through the new Tourance (200 miles only) like a knife through butter, gutted! Pushed it a mile home, which was no fun, then discovered nothing in the tool kit to get the front wheel off!! AAARRGGHH! So then off to a friends to steal a 14mm allen key to undo the spindle. Too late to finish tonight, but think I may have goosed the tyre! As it is tubed, I will be getting the wheel off early and hunting for a replacement...proving to be an expensive week...

I did he same thing but on a rear tyre stuck in the middle if France in no mans land under 38 degree heat with no shade........ I know how you feel its bad news on such a new tyre.

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Previous bikes:TS50 - RD125LC - XT250 - ZXR750L3 - BMW 650 Funduro - BMW 1100GS - XT660Z Tenere

Thought about a fender extender but apart from price (�25) I do like getting the bike dirty on green lanes and yes the mud can gather. To help keep the radiator clear I made a simple piece of plastic which catches nearly all the crap. Since fitting it I have had no muddy lumps blocking the radiator.



Even with yesterday road muck you can see that it works. Its not long enough to catch the front mud guard even under heavy braking.

Just a thought.

Enjoy.

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DickyC

Gun Metal Grey 2014 XT660Z
'Advice is sought by someone who knows the answer but doesn't like it'

'The adsence of alternatives clears the mind marvelously'