Hey Eddie, how would you compare your Super Tenere and your V-Strom? Reason I ask is because I am looking to get something to tour on. Something I can put in long days on and get up into the mountains. The other bike I like is the Triumph Tiger but they are SO expensive! Interested to know your thoughts since you have owned both bikes....thanks!
ps. No, my SCR is not for sale
The DL1000 is both lighter and less expensive than the Super Tenere. The engine is based upon the TL1000's and the bike itself was pretty comfortable. In fact, I kept mine longer and rode it farther than any other bike I've owned. (6 years/37k miles) Valve adjustments came sooner, but were easier since the entire fairing and airbox could be removed in about 10 minutes. Gear-driven cams were a blessing if shims needed swapping. I had a 1st generation DL and wind blast was noisy around the OEM screen & fairing. That's all been changed. Haven't ridden a new one.
There were some issues that needed to be addressed such as the infamous clutch basket "chudder" and the sprocket hub bearing was only sealed on one side, which could lead to it's early demise without warning. (see photos).
Why'd I get a Super Tenere vs. a DL1000 the second time around? I sold the DL in 2008 & bought a DL650 in 2011. Within the 1st two tanks of gas, the 650 developed a pronounced knock in the left side. It sounded more like the sharp snap of two wrench heads being slapped together. The dealership had the bike a total of 80+ days and I only had it 60 something after several 40 mile trips to let them see about it. They never called their Suzuki tech rep and adamantly insisted there was
nothing wrong with the bike.
I called a former Suzuki mechanic friend and before I could tell him what to listen for over the phone, he said,
"What the h*ll is that knock???":frown2:
I wrote Suzuki and they suggested I take it to a dealer even farther away, even after I simply wanted their rep to see the bike in person (That was refused.)
In the end, no warranty work was offered and they bought it back from me. 2 minutes after I'd done that paperwork and been paid, I stepped in the shop area to say bye to the former shop owner (His girlfriend's son had taken over). He pulled me aside and said, "I'm sorry we sold you a lemon. Must be a Chinese made crank or something." His words! My bike was in a corner in pieces with two techs pouring all over it.
And they insisted nothing was wrong with it while I owned it.
I'll NEVER own another Suzuki again or buy anything from that dealership again.
In contrast, My Yamaha developed an oil leak at a clutch cover dowel pin boss over a year out of warranty. The dealer had me bring it over and we changed the cover in the showroom, documenting the event for the Yamaha folks. Turned out the dowel pins were too long on some bikes - cracking the Mg covers.
Total cost to he and I? $0. They covered it 100%.
