2011 Super Tenere
Yamaha made some 2011 model announcements for the U.S. Market this morning. A number of our readers have expessed an interest in the Super Tenere adventure bike previously available in the European market, only. Well, Yamaha is bringing the bike to the U.S. for the 2011 model year through a “Priority Delivery Program” at Yamaha dealerships beginning in September. To get one, you will have to place a $500 deposit with your dealer, and expect delivery of the bike beginning in May of 2011. The starting U.S. MSRP will be $13,900, and the bike will be available in blue (as pictured above).
The Super Tenere was tested by MD here, and left a quite favorable impression. It offers huge gas tank capacity and capable handling, both on-road and off. Yamaha has stressed mass centralization, and the handling prowess of the Super Tenere, and early returns indicate they hit the mark.
2011 FZ8
Also available in the U.S. for 2011 will be the FZ8 Naked announced last year in Europe. In many ways, it is a smaller displacement version of the U.S. market FZ1. At 779cc, it reportedly offers a good mix of low-end torque and high-end pull . . . a merging of the characteristics of 1,000cc nakeds with 600cc nakeds. We will see what we think when we get a chance to test one. Here is a link to Yamaha’s press release with all the details on the U.S, market FZ8.
The only color available is Raven (as pictured), at an MSRP of $8,490.
An entirely new model from Star will be introduced for 2011. The Stryker could be considered a response to Honda’s Fury chopper in the 1300cc category (the Stryker displaces 1304cc). Major differences are immediately apparent, however, as the Stryker is a much more menancing-looking bike in all black (pictured), although it will also be available in Impact Blue and Reddish Copper at a slightly higher MSRP. Base MSRP of the Stryker is $10,990 for the Raven (all black model).
We have always been impressed with the performance of Star’s fuel-injected cruiser v-twins, and we don’t doubt that the 1304cc Stryker will offer plenty of power for most riders looking for this type of motorcycle.
2011 Star Stryker
The Stryker has the requisite low seat height of 26.4 inches and wide 210-series rear tire. The chopper look is helped by the 21 inch front wheel and raked-out fork angle. Star throws in real steel fenders and belt drive.
The 60 degree, v-twin, fuel injected engine is smoothed out by dual counterbalancers. Star claims the cool looking exhaust system offers “a magnificant exhaust note” off the showroom floor.
Interestingly, Star goes on extensively about the excellent handling delivered by the Stryker despite the raked-out front end and huge rear tire (often a detriment to handling, particularly in combination). Despite these chassis features, Star claims the Stryker has both “solid straight-line performance . . . while at the same time providing light, nimble handling characteristics, even at low speeds.” Here is a link to all of the Stryker details provided in the press release issued this morning. Availability in U.S. dealerships should begin in September of this year.
I imagine I could buy a Super Ten in North Carolina, ride it to Alaska, wind down to Baja, take some dirt roads to Argentina, then zip back to North carolina. In the US we’re encouraged to spend money on our crazy dreams, so let’s do it. The Super Ten appears to be extremely comfortable, pavement-worthy, gravel-worthy, reliable and less uppity than a BMW GS. Maybe I’ll make that trip to Alaska and Argentina and maybe not (probably not) but it’s worth having a bike that says I could.
The very same reason so many people bought SUV’s; not because they would but they “could”.
Very funny, guys…I ride a 535 pound Gen-1 FZ1 and 505 pound 1200GS (a LOT more with all my gear on the back!)…..Neither is too heavy to take me around some of the best twisted mountain passes in this country and still be able to carry me and all my gear across America to get to them…..And I’m a GIRL………If Yamaha had come out with this bike last winter I would have bought it…instead, I had to go to BMW to find what I needed….Dang…
I can’t speak for everyone but I think most who are griping about the weight still have delusions that these bikes are “Dual Sports” in the same way that a DR-Z400 or WR250R is a dual sport.
exactly. A bike like the Ten is really just an alternative to a Gold Wing. If I was, for some strange reason, looking for a bike that was really riding the highway for long periods of time I’d probably pick this before I picked a Wing or a GS, mainly because they are so ubiquitous. I do think the styling is interesting but if I had to live with a bike every day for mundane chores like commuting and running errands, I wouldn’t be in the market for such a large, expensive bike. There are much better bikes for doing the normal motorcycle routine than any of these.
-todd
Not “exactly.” Not in my view, anyway. A Goldwing is close to twice the weight and is not designed with gravel/dirt roads in mind like bikes in the XTZ12’s market segment. I said they aren’t dual sports but that doesn’t mean they won’t give a rider a fighting chance when a road isn’t paved. I just wouldn’t want to attempt any single track or tight woods riding on one of them.
Sorry, I just read the MD Tenere test, reporting its weight as just below 550 lbs. The Ten and the FZ8 look positively fantastic. The Ten looks about perfect and I’d take it over a new BMW GS (while traveling in MT I asked a GS Adventure rider about his bike: he recently had to replace the clutch slave cylinder).
The coming Triumph triple adventure (enlarged 675cc motor) also seems attractive, but I’m pretty sure it will be chain drive vs. the Ten’s preferred shaft. The Triumph will obviously cost less, weigh less, and likely be more dirt oriented.
Re. the Tenere’s 575 lb reported curb weight being too high: I put tens of thousands of miles on a 2000 BMW R1150GS (which I generally loved). Multiple magazine road tests reported its curb weight at an average of about 586 lbs. When I sold the GS I had decided a preferred maximum curb weight would be closer to 475 to 500 lbs.
About a month ago I put about 15-20 miles on a 2011 H-D XR1200 (XR750 replica) with a reported 575 lb curb weight. Purely subjectively, under most circumstances and always above parking lot speed (15 mph), the XR felt about 100 lbs lighter than the GS rather than it’s actual difference of about 10 lbs.
It might be worthwhile to consider potential subjective differences rather than live only by concrete objective ceilings regarding specifications.
For you guys that think the Tenere is heavy, start reading………..only 281 pages.
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=545850&page=281&highlight=1200+tenere
and Wasp Works
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=595933&highlight=wasp+works
I have always liked the UJM (my first bike being a Honda CL350, the “scrambler” version) and have owned ZRX1200’s FZ1’s and Z1000’s (the new one is real nice, just can’t see buying a bike with less than 150 mile range). Currently ride a Versys and would consider an FZ8 if it had an adjustable suspension and ABS would be nice. As is, my V only has 22,000 miles so I figure I have a while to wait…
Woo hoo. Another round of over-expensive motorcycles with more performance than can ever be used. I thought BMW’s GS was too heavy all ready. Now the Ten raises the bar on that. If motorcycle companies want to start selling bikes again, try to focus on lighter, less expensive, more manageable bikes. It’s not like a 1200 will perform any better than a 650 in the real world. I hope the FZ8 doesn’t replace the FZ6, entry level riders already shy away from the FZ6 because of its performance. As if a beginner is looking for more power and weight. It’s too bad companies like Yamaha and Honda forgot how successful they were selling RD350’s and CB350’s. They keep driving their sales down, selling only to experienced riders and forgetting to attract new riders with inexpensive, manageable motorcycles. My wife wants to ride but the only thing she is comfortable on is some of my vintage bikes in the garage. She’s entirely intimidated by all the big bikes in the showroom. Apparently they figure she’ll buy a FZ8 and just learn to get used to it.
-todd
That Stryker looks like an old Suzuki Intruder 1400, lol!
“What is old, becomes NEW again”……
The 80’s…Part Deux!
I’ll pass.
After viewing the new Triumph Adventure bike on the Triumph website, I will definitely wait for the new triple. It looks way more dirt oriented and not a dirt-poser like the Tenere. The Tenere looks to be a streetbike with a tall suspension that might be able to tip-toe it’s way across a fire road if it had to. At $14,000 you can get a much better touring bike than the Tenere if that’s what you’re after. It sure ain’t made for going offroad.
The 1200 Super Tenere is a wonderful bike. I already have one here in Australia next to my ’09 and ’99 Vmaxes. After doing many long rides in the U.S in the past 5 years through every possible road and weather conditions I wish I’d had the Tenere. It’s not a Vmax in terms of power and attitude but it’s an incredibly user friendly, brilliant handling all rounder that eats miles and with the ABS and traction control you can’t do much wrong even in the dirt. It has plenty of power and great torque for a bike of this kind.
I don’t like the factory “suit cases” and I’m waiting for the New Zealand made Ventura rack system to be completed so I can use all the great Ventura bags I already have. My own personal situation needs the seat more like a Vmax (flat rather than sloped down to the front) and I will fit bar risers. That’s the problem being brought up on naked upright bikes like the old RD350 and 400 as well as XS1100. Hard for me to change to the more modern forward hunched seating position even though the situation is worse for a short 5’6″ rider like me. Taller riders will love it as is.
The boss is all kinds of excited by the Super Tenere, in fact he’s ordered three for the floor, paying the deposit ourselves – and I bet we’re not the only dealership that does that.
I actually kinda like the looks of the Stryker, or will after a decent exhaust is installed. Beats all heck out of the Fury as a usable motorcycle IMO; belt vs shaft, metal vs plastic, $11k vs $13k, etc. We’ll sell every one we get.
The FZ8 also looks really cool, and at a decent price point. Too bad there’s so little market for real-world performance nakeds, although with no competition in that displacement there may be a niche. In contrast to the Super Ten however, the boss has ordered zero so that should tell you something.
WOW that Stryker is hideous! The exhaust on the Raider has always been nasty but now in flat black it looks like a homemade piece of junk!
The FZ8 is good looking but we will see how many they actually sell. (same for the super Ten!)
2010 BMW R1200GS: M.S.R.P. $14,950
2011 Yamaha Super Tenere: M.S.R.P. $13,900
There’s a Dealer in Texas who is already offering the Super Ten for $12,499 OTD, excluding taxes. Same $500 deposit, same May 2011 delivery. I don’t quite get the hoopla over the $14k price. Are bikes in general too expensive? I believe they are. Compared to its only true competition, is this bike too expensive? I don’t see it that way.
And which dealer is this?
http://www.yamahasportscenter.com/
Here’s a link to the ADVRider forum thread….
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=616082
The bikes aren’t even here yet and the jap shops are already whoring them out. For a grand more I would get the Beemer.
Offensive and derogatory slurs aside, at the discounted price it’s $2500 more for the 1200 GS. Plus, I’d suggest paying extra for the BMW extended warranty. It’ll pay for itself with the first final drive failure. When that one fails, it’ll be money in your pocket.
Yamaha makes the XT660, Triumph is delivering a 675 cub and BMW has an F650 an F800 and the R1200. The Vstrom, Versys, and the updated KLR are in the same market space.
But how many units, and at what prices, do the manufacturers sell in the U.S.?
Someday we in the U.S., some of us anyway, may view motorcycles as useful transportation. Until we do we’re going to be given what the marketers believe we want to pose on: Cruisers and race replicas.
The Super Ten is nice, but I would never drop 15K on a bike I could not test ride for a while, much less sit on. The weight is a let down as well. I think there will be better options out there when I replace my Ulysses with another adventure/touring bike.
I got excited about the FZ8 until I realized there was no ABS and the suspension offers no adjustments beyond pre-load for the rear shock. I’ve been holding out for a good, everyday/commuting naked with some snap, ABS and decent suspension for a while.
Super Tenere seems pricey at $13900, especially compared to the Kawi Versys at $7599. Perhaps it does everything so much better that it’s worth it, but the Versys is supposed to be pretty capable as it is. Is the Super Tenere $6200 better than the Versys?
I doubt having none available in the showrooms is really going to help sales…
Two completely different motorcycles. The Versys has basically one competitor – V-Strom 650. Not that there’s anything wrong with that – I’m a Wee-Strom owner myself and I think the Versys is a very nice bike. Let’s be honest though. Both, (Versys and V-Strom), are budget bikes with low cost components so that they can meet their price points, (which, obviously, are very different than Yamaha’s price point for the S-10 – see ABS, UBS, D-mode, etc.). You cannot compare them to the Super Tenere any more than you can compare them to the R1200GS or 990 Adventure – or a hang glider, for that matter.
Bad comparison. A Versy customer is not a Tenere customer and visy Versy.
Love the Tenere just can not see the 14 big ones for it .
For those of you considering the adverture touring bike Triumph will have a killer bike on the market Spring of 2011. There are some teasers of the bike out if you search triumph adventure 2011. Also looks to me if you’re in the Tenre market you should check out the Triumph Tiger.
By dropping most of the Liners, clearly Yamaha is running away from the big v-twin cruiser market. Hope it’s not the lifter issue. Disappointing, but probably wise. I’ll hop on a Victory next time around.
The ‘Liners aren’t gone. They are going to be released as 2012 models, probably as a mid year add on.
I had previously thought that the Super Tenere would make an excellent, practical bike. But when I see that the weight is 575 lbs., this is just too heavy for this sort of bike, buy at least 100 lbs. And to make matters worse, $13,900 is practically the same as 14 Large, and 14 Large is too Large for this bike, in my opinion. I expect that Yamaha believes that it is competing with the R1200GS and the new Multistrada. Maybe so, but it is a whole lot heavier than either of those other bikes. I think it should cost less, by several thousand dollars.
I really like the idea of the Tenere, my Strom is getting old at 130K miles. But I’m a bit worried about the lack of aftermarket, that lack of a skid pan won’t do. I definitely tend to use my bikes in the gravel, and I’m gonna have to see whether something is available from Europe and how much it will set me back. I can see someone in Italy (or Japan) grabbing a skid pan or crash bars and exclaim “I’m going to America!”.
Yamaha sells engine guards, a skid plate, etc. in Europe for this bike. I don’t see how they’d have any trouble filling the warehouse in the US with them by May 2011.
Stryker:
Ugly tank, fenders, exhaust, headlight placement, belt drive, radiator. All of it.
Then I suggest you don’t buy one—you won’t be happy with it…
The Tenere looks great, though comes in a bit higher than I thought it would, they must be really proud of it. Hey Honda! Time to bring the Varadero (both of them) to the States! Nice to see a new Fazer too.
Hey Honda,
Pay attention. Your competition is bringing over new product in the form of a naked bike and an adventure touring bike. Why can’t you do the same?
The passenger perch on the Stryker looks kind of slide-right-off-the-back-y.
And I’m still having a hard time seeing how the FZ8’s missing 200 cc is a downgrade with no upside to compensate.
Ya I’m with you on that…… Sleeving down the 1000 isn’t going to save very much weight and the lack of adjustable suspension just makes it too budget.
This bike is awesome looking and really interests me, but I would not buy it. Yamaha has just missed the mark w/ the Super Ten by about 100lbs (and $3 grand).. I would gladly give up 400cc’s of motor for a 475lb wet weight on a bike like this. Still I hope they sell a ton of Super Teneres.
Way back when Yamaha required an advanced $500 deposit or else to get in que for a six months wait for delivery of the then new to the USA FJ1300……that was the end of me purchasing Yamahas.
I called and had long discussions with the marketing guru/talking head that thought up this program….without result ofcourse nor real explanation of what the goal and objectives were for the advanced deposit approach.
Fast forward to now…….no advance deposit program for the FJ1300 anymore due to the Concours 14 being on the showroom floor without the hassle of such a program and wait for delivery. One would think this might be a lesson with the Super Tenere since in this case there are established competing bikes in already in this market.
So again …….no sale for Yamaha to me.
Some of you have obviously forgotten the Yamaha SECA 650 all the magazines said the US needed so badly that Yamaha should bring them to the US market…Yamaha brought it to the US market and what do you think happened to it???…There were “lines around the block” at every Yamaha dealership in the country so long that they couldn’t sell many…It lasted ONE year here if I remember correctly…
As for “test rides” when was the last time you bought a new car and the salesman let you take it for a “test drive” buy your self???…No person in his right mind would climb on the back of a motorcycle with some of you “Ricky Racers” while you abuse a machine to see if it will do “wheelies” better than the scratched & dented piece you rode in on—OH—you didn’t ride in, your’re just thinking about “riding again” but don’t have your “motorcycle indorcement” on your drivers license but you’ll get one after you get a “test ride” and you buy a motorcycle if the motorcycle you “test ride” isn’t “to big for you…
Just saying…
CoronaGeezer
Stryker-(big yawn), yet another cookie-cutter cruiser in black.
FZ8-Great size bike, too bad it’s just meant to look mean sitting still and not good for much except wheelies and rides under 5 miles long. Oh that’s right-bike company demographic stats show that’s all motorcycle riders do nowadays!
Super Tenere-Great idea, an honest to goodness rideable bike with function. But what the hell happened to the quarter fairing/headlight area? Did somebody at the factory forget to put all the parts on it or something? Man that’s ugly!
Yamaha always comes close but never seems to be able to build a complete bike!
Fuzzyson, you must mean rides 500 miles long? I have been riding mostly naked bikes for the last 30 years. I think the FZ8 looks like a cool bike. I might have bought one, if it came out sooner. I bought a Triumph Street Triple R, who’s ergos look quite simular to the FZ8. I almost never ride mine more than 500 miles a day….but that might only be because I don’t care for riding at night in deer country, there is only so much daylight.
Wanted the Fazer8 ABS (in white, no less) and we get the FZ8 with no ABS. Looks like I’ll be replacing my FZ6 with an F800ST, as previously planned.
That Stryker has got to b the ugliest bike I have seen in a long time. Looks like the old Suzuki Cruisers…yechh!
Yup, they’re mining there own design language, weird as that was.
All nice bikes from Yamaha but I will never buy another bike with-out A.B.S braking and Yamaha seems to be best at not at least offering it as an option. In this day of increased motorcycle sales and new riders I think we need all the help we can get.
How about an AC & CD player option???…Take a “riders course” and learn how to “break” properly before relying on ABS to save your BUTT…
I love how all the old guys think that they can beat ABS with their mad riding skillz. Maybe on a clear, dry day, in the morning when their attention is 100% and after a few practice tries they could do it. But the other 99.999% of the time, forget it. I don’t care how how many years they have been riding or how many miles they have under their belt, the facts are against them. ABS is a godsend for anyone who rides, newbie or veteran.
I agree, be the best rider you can be, but dammit, it is just plain stupid to tell people not to get ABS (or traction control) if it is available and they can afford it. It is like saying “Who needs disc brakes? Just learn how to ride and brake properly, before relying on disc brakes to save your butt. Drum brakes are all you need.”
Super Tenere? Nice looking bike, but what does it do better than a GS?
Will I even be able to test one, or do I just plunk down my deposit and hope for the best? My local BMW shop, on the other hand, will wheel out whichever bike I want to ride, put gas in it, and wish me a pleasant afternoon.
“Nice looking bike, but what does it do better than a GS?”
Likely, NOT grenade its final drive.
The wet weight of the Tenere is 575#. That’s a lot of bike to take off-road! It would be nice if they could pare the total weight and the size of the engine. Who needs 1200cc’s in a dual-purpose machine? It would be a whole lot better of a bike if they could get the weight around 400# and would certainly be easier to handle off the highway.
It’s not really intended to off road. Off pavement? Yes. Off road? Not so much.
Hurray for the Super Ten! If you want one, you’d better get one soon, because it will probably not be here for very long.
The FZ8 looks good, too. The seat is a little too sportbikey, though. Why is having a comfortable seat not cool or fashionable?
The Stryker looks okay. Weird styling. Those chrome muffler tips are just bizzaro.
if the stryker’s engine is the 1300 found in its v-star 1300, then it’ll call for valve adjustments every 4K miles. i talked to an unhappy 1300 customer who was eager to trade it back to the dealer for a warrior.
the stryker looks great, imho, but the pipes stink – the color and the shape – ugh.
the raider is prob’ly a much better value.
Valve adjustments have become the major hidden cost in motorcycle ownership. I’m convinced it’s by design to give the dealerships recurring revenue. All buyers should ask to see the maintenance schedule before purchasing.
As a former Fz6 owner, I am intrigued by the FZ8, especially if it solves the former’s 70MPH vibration/flat spot issues. But raven? I still don’t get the black sportbike thing..
The Super is a porker and has a very vulnerable rad arrangement.
That leaves a new cruiser and a slick naked. Yamaha is on the ropes financially.
The first manufacturer that returns to the concept of the UJM is going to realize
a market share that will make them very happy.
For those who weren’t born yet when the 70’s were happening, the UJM is “Universal Japanese Motorcycle”. Something that could do anything and offered good value and
wouldn’t mean you have to mortgage your house if you suffer a parking lot tip over.
Think of something like the old Kawasaki 650cc four that was fast, reliable, and could
tour and handle fairly decently. How you spent your money in the aftermarket was up to you and it usually evolved around something from K & N and something from Kerker, and maybe an ignition upgrade.
Cheep UJMs are long gone thanks to “lawyers” who have convinced people “its not their fault” and motorcycles should “start–stop–corner & wipe your nose” witout any “operator input”…And what ever you do — don’t ride off with the “side stand down” — sorry forgot — you can’t do that any more — if you put the bike in gear with the “side stand” down the engine quits…So you can’t make that stupid mistake…
Wow! The Super Ten is coming here?!? Great…I wait so long for Triumph to replace the Steamer Tiger I held onto for 10 years, and wound up never replacing because nothing appealed to me.
Now Triumph is bringing one out just when a Tenere comes to our shores. I loved and miss my Tiger terribly but a Tenere is a bike I have drooled over for YEARS.
CONLFICT!
no edit?
I meant CONFLICT!
Disappointing the FZ8 won’t have ABS here in the States. Conveniences like that make for even better commuting options. I also want a shaft final drive. I’d easily give up some sportiness for more convenience.
Road tests from Europe confirm the Tenere feels heavy compared to the BMW R1200GS- still I’m sure it’s going to be a fantastic bike. I particularly like the fact they emphasize it’s a high reliability/low maintenance bike. Hopefully we’ll get a street/standard version also. Thanks for making this happen Henio.
I’m happy to see an excellent looking new naked sportbike coming to the states. I think it’s a shame that there are so few offerings in this category.
The Super Tenere will be a welcome too!
Cool seeing an 800cc bike. That and 750 cc seem to be a good size between 600 and 1000cc bikes. Love to see an 800 cc sportbike.
This is America. We are supposed to get the faired version of the FZ8 to replace the FZ6 : ) I hope they aren’t done with announcements for the year. Maybe the faired version is still coming? Please say it is.
I’d like to see the smaller displacement Tenere here in the U.S. More useful motorcycle in my opinion.
I agree I have been wanting to replace my KLR ever since I saw it on Yamaha UK. Bring it to the US and I’ll but it.
I am 100% with you on that.
I agree, as well. The Aprilia RXVs are very close to what I’d be interested in, except that they are almost $10k, the dealer network is miniscule, and only the supermotard is street legal. Something that can comfortably run on American highways but doesn’t weigh 500 lbs.
Wow. I didn’t think we’d get the Super Ten so quickly. I’m very glad to hear it, though. The MSRP comes in a little lower than I expected, as well. This will very likely be my next bike.