Tenere vs Explorer vs Stelvio NTX

[Jud]

Thanks for all the replies and man,,,, it looks like there are alot of happy Tenere owners!

Now if I could just figure out how to mount the Guzzi's 8.5 gal tank and the Explorer's cruise!!!!

[Jud]

Originally Posted by kirb

I had an FJR (recenly sold) to put a deposit down on a NTX. I have a Griso now and love the Guzzi motor and character. That is one item that you cannot replicate in an online review.

I liked some items of the Explorer (I never buy first year anything), didn't want another Yamaha, and needed something more touring to replace the FJR. I have a KTM, so the far off road requirement doesn't impact me. I wanted a long haul touring rig with good range and the NTX is ideal for me. It's also comfortable as all hell. The only other mount I was considering was a 1200 Multistrada, but it didn't speak loud enough for me.

I really like the package that Guzzi put out. Fully decked out (short heated grips, but control is still there) and ready for long tours. They took a good package, improved it, and made it great. Mine shows up in August and I cannot wait.

I think your concerns about the factory luggage is true for all the models you list. They all have weak luggage and/or mounts. The SWmototech seem to be more stout than most.

I have a close dealer, but it doesn't bother me about the light network. The bike is about as simple as you can get these days and the overall CARC drive train has proved itself quite rugged since 07. Guzzi build quality is very good. You can see it when I service my Griso. I just adjusted the valves, reset the TPS, and adjusted the throttle bodies. Took an hour.

Owning a v-twin is something everyone should do...ducati, aprillia, guzzi, or harley. There is just something about them that you cannot put on paper.

Funny you have a Griso as I have been buggin on one since they came out. Absolutely stunning bikes and aout the only reason I haven't broken down and bought one yet is because I already have 5 bikes and I just have a hard time buying a bike just for looks. More of a "Function over Form" type feller. But if I had alot more of my financial pie that I could spare for bike,,,, a red or black Griso would be next to the FJR for sure.

As far as the luggage goes,,,,, what I ment to convey was that I can't buy the NTX without the OEM luggage and I cn buy the Explorer and Tenere without it and add what I want later. The NTX is a very good deal for all the stuff it includes "if" you want it all. I like the tank, the grips and the wheels. Not too found of the luggage but,,,,,,, only because I know Murphy on a first name basis.

[BlueLghtning]

Jud, I'm surprised you haven't been able to throw your leg over a Super Tenere yet. I got to take a demo out a few times at Mountain Motorsports, plus I rode Bloke's when he had one.

The Tenere is definitely a nice bike. I loved the transmission on it and definitely enjoyed riding it. My only complaint was I could feel the heat coming off the radiator, but since you owned a 1st gen FJR, I'm sure it wouldn't bother you. I haven't got a chance to throw one around off road though.

I was there with you at Rider's Hill when we were looking at the Stelvio NTX. Definitely gotta appreciate that big tank.

I do love the way the Explorer looks and is my background on my tablet. The 5.3gals on it though is a bit disappointing. Its not terrible, but not where you really want it.

[pluric]

Originally Posted by Jud

Thanks for all the replies and man,,,, it looks like there are alot of happy Tenere owners!

Now if I could just figure out how to mount the Guzzi's 8.5 gal tank and the Explorer's cruise!!!!

Where there is a will (and wallet) there is a way....

http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/ind...65780#msg65780

[Jud]

Originally Posted by pluric

Where there is a will (and wallet) there is a way....

http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/ind...65780#msg65780

Yep, that is cool. I can weld, I can do body work but I would screw something like that all up!

I have been wondering how much it would cost to do that very same thing to my wife's Honda Ascot. Derned thing has a 2.5gal tank and I would love to get it up to around 3.5-4gals at least. In the end, I know it would be cheaper just to run a smallish dragster type fuel cell mounted on a rear rack along with a T fitting and a cut-off valve before the OEM petcock.

I know I'm griping but man, these are supposed to be "Adventure" touring bikes. Bikes that just might be taken places where fuel stops are far and few betwee. It's would be soooooo easy to engineer in a tank that would give at least 250-300+ miles but most of the manufacturers just can't be bothered. The kicker is that the Explorer actually originally had a large tank but it was redesigned {screwed up} because some marketing wiz listened to the "It's too top heavy/it's too ugly" crowd.

But hey, I'm just sweating the small stuff but I figure if I'm spending upwards around 15K$ I should damned well be able to bitch about "stupid" if I want to!

[Jud]

Originally Posted by BlueLghtning

Jud, I'm surprised you haven't been able to throw your leg over a Super Tenere yet. I got to take a demo out a few times at Mountain Motorsports, plus I rode Bloke's when he had one.

The Tenere is definitely a nice bike. I loved the transmission on it and definitely enjoyed riding it. My only complaint was I could feel the heat coming off the radiator, but since you owned a 1st gen FJR, I'm sure it wouldn't bother you. I haven't got a chance to throw one around off road though.

I was there with you at Rider's Hill when we were looking at the Stelvio NTX. Definitely gotta appreciate that big tank.

I do love the way the Explorer looks and is my background on my tablet. The 5.3gals on it though is a bit disappointing. Its not terrible, but not where you really want it.

Mountain Motorsports ehh? Doesn't the before mentiened person work there? If so,,,, I ain't going to Mountain Motorsports to ride no bike no matter how much I like it. Not only that, with the work hours I'm doing now, I'm lucky to make it to Cycle Gear on a Sunday much less get the time to set up a test ride. Not bitching, the money is good a welcome change from the last 2-3 years!

Yep, as far as the heat goes,,,,,, I think you are right. Not much to worry about there as I'm not overly bugged about my FJR and about the only bike that I've rode that's as bad or maybe worse was the Ully I rented for a week.

[TIGERRIDER007]

Jud, I agree with bahill. I went to Cycle Nation of Canton to satisfy my curiosity. Jerry G. went on an escorted demo ride with me. It was really a very professional experience that had that "you are a VIP" feeling. I will give them first shot when it's time to deal.

I have ridden the Explorer (three times), but not the NTX. Although the Triumph is very impressive, I don't think it fits me well.

Below is what I posted on another thread:

Functionality, price, and dealer support clinched the #1 spot for the S10, for me. Waiting until my wife's car is paid off in a few months, then I will have my own blue S10 to reek havoc in the North Georgia mountains and nearby landscapes.

I was set on the Multistrada, if you want comfortable speed then this is the one, but then started "thinking"....and if I was going out to the garage one early morning to mount a steed for a trip to the Ozarks or explore West Virginia or explore around the Biltmore and Blue Ridge Parkway, which one would it be, my 955 Tiger or the Multi or the S10 (my choices for next purchase).

After a demo ride on an S10, it will work perfectly. Already have a list of goodies to throw on when that day comes, and with a good deal of quality farkles, I'm still under msrp of a Multi or an Explorer or pretty close!

[olie]

Originally Posted by pluric

.... You can't help but miss the top end
rush of the FJR. The friendly ergos and mid range of the Tenere appeal to my senior
riding style more.

Now instead avoiding certain routes I look forward to the paved road ending and letting the
Tenere do it's thing. Which it does surprisingly well.

I did not look into the other models you mentioned. Mainly for all the things you already said
about the Yamaha. Peace of mind goes a long way.

Sort of a similar story with me, although I am still keeping the C14 for that rush, solo or 2up, for the time being...

[Mikef5000]

Originally Posted by Jud

I know I'm griping but man, these are supposed to be "Adventure" touring bikes. Bikes that just might be taken places where fuel stops are far and few betwee. It's would be soooooo easy to engineer in a tank that would give at least 250-300+ miles but most of the manufacturers just can't be bothered.

If I care to do so, I can get 250+ miles out of the stock S10 tank. I've seen 52 mpg average for a whole tank, and there's easily 5.5 usable gallons, closer to 5.9 theoretical gallons. It would've been easy for the engineers to add more fuel, but then they'd add more weight, causing more to complain/shy away, and add that weight up high, hurting the excellent low COG.

I wanted more fuel before I bought the bike, now that I regularly see 200 miles on a tank of mixed city/highway riding in Sport mode, I've come to the conclusion that the factory tank is perfect.

The longest stretches of roads without fuel I know of (in North America) are on the Dalton hwy and the Trans. Labrador hwy, both are about 250 miles. If it were me, I'd buy a liter of water at the gas stop prior to the long stretch and dump it in my camel back, then fill it with fuel for backup, and hit the road riding somewhat easy in touring mode. It's not really worth having and Aux. fuel tank and/or MSR fuel bottles.

[20valves]

Get the Tenere, you can add fuel capacity easily a number of ways (Rotopax, etc.) if you need to. I'm keeping my old FJR just cause it's SO damn good on the road but I ride the Tenere more than any other bike in the garage. About 10K miles on it so far since 7/30/11. Gas, maintenance and tires have been my only expenses. Bike appears to be bulletproof as all my Yamahas have been. My dealer here in OKC has sold about 6 of 'em, has one himself and has one on the floor (blue). Get one and you won't regret it!

[pluric]

Originally Posted by 20valves

Get the Tenere, you can add fuel capacity easily a number of ways (Rotopax, etc.) if you need to. I'm keeping my old FJR just cause it's SO damn good on the road but I ride the Tenere more than any other bike in the garage. About 10K miles on it so far since 7/30/11. Gas, maintenance and tires have been my only expenses. Bike appears to be bulletproof as all my Yamahas have been. My dealer here in OKC has sold about 6 of 'em, has one himself and has one on the floor (blue). Get one and you won't regret it!

It's true. I always read where people want 300 mile plus range. How often do you really
NEED that? Going to Prudhoe I did need extra gas. I generally carry extra gas on long rides
because I'm too lazy to fill up at half tank stops. If I didn't have the extra gas I would be more
attentive and just keep the tank topped off.

The iron butt crowd maybe, personally I prefer pulling over than peeing down a syphon hose.

Now that I've said that let me contradict my self by saying yes, I set everything up for having
extra gas.











The extra gas on the Rhino is in case I have to burn it to survive.



Not mine, but a good idea.



Lack of attention did have me "needing" this.

[Mikef5000]

Originally Posted by pluric

Now that I've said that let me contradict my self by saying yes, I set everything up for having
extra gas.

I will also contradict myself by saying I have a 3 gallon auxiliary fuel tank that I'd like to plumb in to this beast. As I stated earlier, it's not needed at all, but it fits oh-so-perfectly on the sub-rear-seat luggage platform, I just can't help but entertain the idea of adding it.

[pluric]

Originally Posted by Mikef5000

I will also contradict myself by saying I have a 3 gallon auxiliary fuel tank that I'd like to plumb in to this beast. As I stated earlier, it's not needed at all, but it fits oh-so-perfectly on the sub-rear-seat luggage platform, I just can't help but entertain the idea of adding it.

Aww admit it. You just want to be able to charge desperatiton prices when your
riding buddys run out. Cha-ching.

http://motorcycles.about.com/b/2010/...motorcycle.htm

Personally I think this guy has a full tank. He's just smarter than the rest of us.

[Blakebird]

Originally Posted by pluric

It's true. I always read where people want 300 mile plus range. How often do you really
NEED that?

If I have 300 mile range, I use it.

Four bikes have had it, two of them I currently own.
R1150GS, Guzzi 1200 Sport, TE 630 w/ Safari tank, and the Stelvio.

[roarin calhoun]

Originally Posted by pluric

Aww admit it. You just want to be able to charge desperatiton prices when your
riding buddys run out. Cha-ching.

http://motorcycles.about.com/b/2010/...motorcycle.htm

Personally I think this guy has a full tank. He's just smarter than the rest of us.

My gawd,pluric discovered GIRLS. Progress,at least from the last page. Keep tryin there,M&M guy.