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!