Mike's Tenere & Motorcycle Blog

Just got back from chatting with Bob Light at Checkpoint Yamaha & test riding a 2015 Super Tenere .  They just bought two 2014s at special pricing $13,999 Canadian…the trade off was giving up the 2 nd year oem warranty that now comes with the 2015 models.  In 2014 Yamaha did a number of useful updates: http://www.advpulse.com/adv-bikes/2014-super-tenere-gets-major-updates-but-is-it-enough/ I want my next bike to be an all-road tourer with good wind management, long distance comfort & fuel range, lighter than my current 2009 BMW K1300GT but with some of the amenities the BMW has like shaft drive, cruise control, electronic suspension, adjustable seat, tire pressure monitoring, on board multi-function display, heated grips & seats, easy windscreen height adjustment & luggage. The price on the 2014 at Checkpoint is very good, but sans luggage or other accessories, which makes selling my 6 yr old bike for a new one with many similar features & capabilities...

2015 Suzuki V-Stom DL1000 (test ride) I test rode the new Suzuki V-Stom DL1000 & liked it much more than the 2012 I rode several years ago f eeling like the modern day version of the venerable 1981/82 Yamaha XV920RH, narrow between the legs. . If only it had better wind protection & a prettier front end. It’s definitely the value leader & very well spec’d for the money.  Finally a 1 litre twin that feels strong right off idle…I found none of the lean fueling jerkiness that a few reviewers have commented on…it definitely needs a pipe as you barely hear the exhaust. The motor feels more burly and manly than the wee-strom with pleasant stronger power pulses, while feeling modern & refined…I like the ever so slightly rumpy idle that tells you there are beer mug sized pistons down there.  Pickup is linear & strong up to 6 – 7k with a very entertaining mid-range that invites short shifting. I immediately became comfortable & found it very easy to live with...