Some final thoughts after 300,000 miles on Yamaha Super Teneres

Choosing the Yamaha Super Tenere for the first 300,000 miles of my million mile quest to raise awareness and funds for Multiple Sclerosis was no accident. Unable to secure a bike sponsor, I decided to find a motorcycle that wouldn't need factory support! Here are some final thoughts about the adventure bike that I have been riding for the last five years. Thanks to all the companies that lended a hand, outfitting the two bikes with accessories, parts, service and riding gear. I look forward to the next 1/4 million miles or so on my new luxury touring rig provided by Yamaha, the Star Venture. Please follow along by subscribing, liking me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Let my sponsors know how much you appreciate their supporting my journey.

[masterspin]

I honestly tried to watch he whole video but the music is killing me..lol!

[wavek]

The free publicity Yamaha are getting for this, I absolutely think they should donate the cost of this bike to your cause.

[marybarosso]

Been riding Honda Goldwings since 1980. Have ridden about 800, 000 miles. After watching this videl i bought a used 2013 Yamaha Super Tnere with 23, 000 mi.es on it. The bike is a real joy to ride and i love it. Thank you. Bob

[BlueRidgeKat]

Thanks. This was/is worth watching.  Get really tired of the 1, 000 mile and 10, 000 mile reviews on motorcycles, they are worthless because the thing is still brand new. Until you get to at least 50, 000 don't even bother talking about one. I just rolled over on 55, 000 with a little 650 I'll have an opinion on it when it hits 100k.

[CurtisDrew]

I operated an ADV Bike Outfitters Company for 16 years and worked on a lot of big ADV Machines. Did mainenance and custom fabrication to them. I closed shop in 2016 to fight cancer. All the bikes that came though my shop were all ridden hard. So I got to see a lot of "Will Fail" parts on almost every brand. I chose the Big 2013 Yamaha XTZ 1200 Super Tenere because of what I had seen.
Example:
Out of necessity, and the large call volume from riders passing through, I use to keep on my shelf a replacement rear swingarm and rear diff for the 1200 GS BMW's because I changed out more cracked or broken ones than anything else I did. Loved that single swingarm but I just replaced too many broke ones to want to buy one.
The Tenere's shaft drive and swingarm are a beefy selling point. And wheel changed ar really easy.
(Well for me they are!)
We also provided a custom crash guard, engine guard and luggage carrier fabrication service. Most of my customers would buy pannier systems "off the rack" so to speak, then find out that Mass Produced racks couldn't be modified to do any more that it was designed for. IE...Carrying the weight of added fuel carriers, rifle scabbards (I love to dove hunt in East Texas!!!), machette carriers, water jug racks, easy removable back rest (I used Isuzu Rodeo Headrest and they worked perfect), large descrete secure tool Stuff like that. So I got real good at fabricating carriers made from larger than Factory tubings & that looked mass produced, but had room and the strength to take an extra mounted item and still take a hard hit on the ground. They could carry a s**t ton of stuff if need be.
The Tenere Riders only came to me to fabricate stuff for their machines. So I didn't have to do any fixing of broken bits to get them back on the road. That's why I bought one for myself. I love riding it.(rode it into town yesterday to get ice cream)
And yes it has gone sliding down on the highway and other than a cracked windscreen it was picked up and ridden the rest of the trip with no issues. (The Windscreen struck a post in the slide.) (NO other damage other than scraping off the powder coating)

I prefer the Tenere over say, a Touring bike because mine rides how I sit, and can do dirt roads and trails without issue. After all, I am an ADV Rider! It' just so comfortable on the road. I even designed and built air conditioner for mine. A lot like and evaprative swamp cooler. The only way to cross West Texas in the Summer. :)
Great Video Paul!

[bogdanvelica]

that's why I bought one .... I've studied the motorcycle market for about an year before I've made my purchase and Yamaha delivered!

[michaelmcdermott]

I've been looking at a lot of reviews on doing research into the 1200 super tenere. I had the old 750 back in the 90s. That was a great machine with loads of power. I've currently got a BMW R1200GS. It's a fantastic machine to ride, however it's plagued with electrical problems. Typical BMW over engineering. So the 1200 tenere is on my short list now. I like the shaft drive for its low maintenance. The fact that you have done nearly 300, 000 miles on 2 of them is a great testimonial to their reliability, which to my is very important. Safe riding buddy.

[tazlirazali]

I had 2010 1st Edition still running perfectly.Now clocked at 70, 000km. What a piece of mine machine. Good video total agreed.

[pennsylvaniacitizen]

Excellent video - could do without the background music, though. The Tenere is a good choice and I will consider for sure after watching your videos. Thanks for what you do.

[countryacademy]

i just picked up a new 23...so far I'm in love with it. I'm primarily a sportbike rider but this is a game changer for me.

[johnnymoretti]

I have a 2013 S10 with less than 20k miles. You've inspired me to ride more and not worry about how the S10 will serve me on the road. Good luck on your quest!

[dcxplant]

Thank you Paul! Despite not having the latest "gadgets" like TFT with CarPlay, what a fine machine this is, thank you.

[mikemcnevin]

Excellent review! I’ve been considering a 2017 Africa Twin, and until your review, only given passing consideration to the big Yamaha. I love the fact that it’s shaft driven, and that it’s not a garage queen. You use it, much like I use my 06 KLR650. The KLRs been a good bike, but I need a bit more power on the highway. Well done, honest review. Thank you!

[onthebeach]

I've owned many brands, and in the ADV segment, have been a big fan of BMW's, however I too bought a S10. My decision was based on it being the only other bike in this segment (besides BMW) that was shaft drive, as I'm not a big fan of chains. The S10 is not the fastest, lightest, cheapest, fanciest, or most feature laden, but what it is, is absolutely bullet proof. It's the Sturmovik (for those that know their WWII Russian aircraft) of the motorcycle world, absolutely tank like, and easy to maintain. If I had to pick one bike to ride around the world on, with the idea in mind that I had little to no dealer support, and reliability was paramount, this would be the bike...it will take you to hell and back and will never complain.

[WeLoveYouAfrica]

by far the best video ever on Super Tenere. I have a very old one, i am still trying to decode the VIN, it is a European standard, i bought it in Togo west africa

[stoneblue]

It would have taken a dozen BMW bikes to come near your accomplishments and goals my friend, you picked the right bike!

[hermannvierkoetter]

I've had mine since 2015 with a custom sidecar and must say "this is the best bike I ever had". And I have and had plenty of bikes. Been all over Russia, Asia and Europe. Not one problem

[Frankaufham]

Great video, I actually made the same experience. 😉👍
But why did you do 300.000 miles on two Super Ténérés and not on one? Could you please further elaborate on this one? - Thanks! 🤔

[vb]

Thank you for this review. In seven minutes, everything is most necessary. This is one of the videos that played a positive role in making the decision to purchase a motorcycle of this particular brand (a little newer, though). Thank you again! Russia, Moscow.

[bertbirge]

Your videos would be much better without that very distracting music.. just sayen..