Alaska 2017 Debrief, How did the Yamaha Super Tenere do? 

Just wanted to say that this is one of the videos that inspired me to get a Super Tenere. A mechanic came into the store I work at, and upon learning I was looking for an ADV bike mentioned his friend was selling one. I jokingly asked, "Is it a Yamaha Super Tenere?" and he said he thought it was. The rest, as, they say, is history. I could not be happier with my Super Ten.

You get to take a trip to Alaska, then get outta going to a wedding? I'm doing something wrong!

Thanks Craig, I think this was the one video we were all waiting for. There's no better test that an intensive 12000 mile tour through different terrains . And.. you're back in one piece!

Nice video. Looking forward to all the debrief videos. Thanks Craig.

I’m seriously considering one of these as my next bike.Your very comprehensive and informative video may very well have persuaded me! Glad you had a safe and enjoyable trip!

Happy to see that things are going well and safe. Awesome!

This video was a lot of fun to watch and hear all the details. Looking forward to the other videos that you will put out about the trip. Good stuff.

I just got 2018 S10 ES and I love it! Thank you for great info. It made my decision easy.

Thank you Dr. Slab....Great review...especially appreciated the review of your seat modifications and modified brake lever. Evidently a great outing that gave you a chance to review the Tenere'.

I really enjoy listening to Craig. Very clear English, easy to understand everything for a non-native English speaker. Good info, Super Tenere is so reliable, one of my favorite bikes. Thanks for the video.

Thanks for your great videos Brother! It’s nice to listen to someone who speaks clearly and stays away from the unnecessary bombastic BS. You do a fantastic job of giving us the facts and I really like your mods. I’ve been riding for over 40 years and am preparing to trade my FLHT on a ST, with your great tips I know exactly how I can tailor it to fit and perform I. The manner I require. Ride On.

Really enjoyed all the updates. Great trip. And update.

You rode more on your trip than I do in a year these days. Thanks as always for your work.

I really appreciate this review. I have the same windscreen setup except I have the 20 inch Madstad screen. I have also added the MRA x-creen spoiler which has made a MASSIVE difference in my buffeting problem. I am going to look into a seat replacement. Glad you enjoyed your trip!

Thanks for this review. Doing my research on ADV bikes and liking the Tenere. Glad to see someone talk about it that's actually done with the bike what it was meant to do.

Great video! S10s are awesome bikes....love mine. Looking forward to all your debrief vids. Great job.

Good talk through on the bike. Congrats on your epic adventure. ATB Gez.

Followed this whole trip, how awesome. I was waiting for the bike story, it is a must do for me now.

Well Done Craig! Look forward to the Alaska videos!

thanks for the effort and the sharing. as someone looking at used teneres, i'm psyched! thumbs up.

Used your input as important consideration - taking possession of 2017 ST ES with under 1,800 miles this coming week. Seller also follows your channel - and he has outfitted the bike with many of the same adds you made. I intend to do Alaska in 2019 - from Lincoln NE to Deadhorse and back, taking 60 - 75 days to do so. Thanks again for your work. You helped awaken some inner adventure seeking vibes !!!

Great vid and i can only imagine what a great adventure your Alaska ride was.

Alaska looks incredible. Thoroughly enjoyed this vlog.

Very comprehensive review Craig. I think the Tenere was the perfect bike for your trip (and most trips for that matter).

Craig I enjoy your comments and particularly like the modifications you show. I think each rider and motor can use modifications to make the ride easier, more comfortable for the long haul. Sorting the bike/rider is also a safety issue. If you are sore because the seat isn't working or is down right painful your attention is removed from the ride and focused on your bottom. The same goes for other parts of our anatomy. Thanks for your wisdom. Chuck (GS rider)

Great inspiration to do one trip like that, from Costa Rica to Anchorage. I bought a Yamaha Super Tenere, with the long trip idea on my mind. So, I don't know, maybe one day. Thanks for your tips...! ✌️

7:23 - 7:26 _"..over a hundred miles per hour.."_ Whoa. :O Wow. Those 20 minutes went by fast. Love this video report. Thank you, Mr. Ripley. Glad you made it back safe. Looking forward to your weekly videos afterwards, whenever you get the chance to make them.

Great review and what a trip!! Makes me want a super ten.

The S10 is a proven workhorse. Thanks again for all the videos you publish. I hope you get the guys to talk about their bikes as well.

Very good video thanks for your time great info will be looking at one of these thanks

Thanks for sharing your experience.

Glad to hear this bike served you really well.

First off... I was raised a Masshole,,,,, but born in Ireland... now live in the Mid-Atlantic region.... Congratulations on your trip. I've got a FBMW 800ST and have been doing 7-8hr trips around the mid Atlantic region, camping in state parks and on the beach. I strive to do a trip length similar to what you just completed. It will happen some day. Thank you for ALL the information. It's been a great resource. Derek

Glad you guys made it back safely. I just completed a 4 day tour through MT, ID, WA, BC & AB on my 2016 Ducati Multistrada, and it was fantastic. The only issue we had were that the deer were out in abundance last weekend and we came a little too close for comfort a couple of times.

Thank you sir. This was helpful.

great detailed debrief..... love that bike.

Great video, must admit I love my Super Tenere on my third, ride safe matey Gaz 😎

I could easily copy this review and apply it to my 2013 ST from my AK trip. Great bike!

Great review

Excellent report.

Enjoy your videos greatly. Trying to decide on a bike, so looking forward to hearing about the Ducati and Triumph too.

Really comprehensive and great explanations.

37000 miles on my 2012 Tenere an no problems. The Tenere is a tank/pack mule.

Sounds like you made some excellent choices with your modifications and additions.

Glad to hear the bike did really well. I just might be looking at one for my next bike.

Thanks for the reply. My friend Ron and myself are taking a "gold panning" tour this coming summer, to Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and Montana. I'll be riding a new Triumph 880 Tiger, and Ron a Kawasaki Versys 650. We've been in these areas several times on our Harley's. Looking forward to our new tour. Your videos have been a great help.

Craig. Thanks for a great, well-rounded review. And thanks for giving us some ideas for minor improvements. I am a US Air Force veteran and finally pursuing the things I defended all the years. I rode a Harley, but being in New Mexico, there are just too many roads here that a Harley can't handle. I am actively looking for a S10, and your review has given me the confidence that it is the bike for me to ride here. Jeff

REAL life videos...keep them coming ...ride safe !!!!

Thanks Craig for the excellent video. This made up my mind to buy a S10.

Damn, I like that brake platform/riser!

Went to Alaska in July! My 2015 Tenere was flawless. 8700 miles on K60 tires. This was a ride of a lifetime...

I agree with you review on the Mitas E07 Dakars, they are awesome tires.

Really glad to hear the trip went well. Enjoyed the daily updates. A comment about your gas mileage in the wind. Without a doubt, the worse gas mileage I've ever gotten on my FJR1300 was riding back from the Black Hills to Mitchell, SD on I-90. Fought a SE wind the whole way. Probably loss 25% in MPG. Like you, running a larger than stock windscreen too. That thing can act like a sail in strong winds. Not saying your tires didn't add to the affect, but that SD wind doesn't care what type tread you're running. LOL. Ride Safe!

Great video, I knew a couple that drove a Honda 350 from West Point, NY to Alaska, down to California, and back, both on that one bike. They did get married, so I guess it was a good trip.

I don't know if any one else commented on this, but in my experience the bigger the windshield the worse the gas mileage. For the main part the better the protection, the less aerodynamic the bike. I have seen profound differences at the pump from changing up to a large shield. Always a trade off. And the greater the effect of strong headwinds and crosswinds. A little few less mpg is worth it for minimizing the bugs hitting you and minimizing the fatigue that comes from a constant wind blast. Good job on the ride, very inspiring, good job on videos.

Awesome review of the bike 👍

Great info, and great words at 1:28

Craig. Nice videos. I stumbled on your VLOG by accident and have really enjoyed your Alaska, Bike and equipment videos. I never considered the Tenere, but you have me thinking about it. Keep up the good work! Keith. 2014 BMW R1200RT

Wow. That is a loooong trip.

One comment on gas mileage. I have a Triumph Trophy. The windscreen is electronically adjustable. When completely down, my mileage is generally about 45-48 MPG at 70 mph. When in the fully up position, it will drop at least 5 MPG. So you can see that wind resistance is very important and perhaps the reason you did worse MPG than your riding partners with smaller screens. However, the protection from bugs and stones is more important than gas mileage, in my opinion. Thanks for the videos!

Great stuff!!

Thanks for the first report. I look forward to your take on all the upgrades you did to the bike. Glad you made it with no mishaps.

I HAVE A TENERE AFTER 1200 MILES BOUGHT A 27'' WINDSCREEN AND AIR HAWK SEAT I LEARNED THE HARD WY ON THE INTERSTATE LOVE THE TENERE!!

Just came across your trip and thought I'd let you know I found a GREAT tire pressure and temperature monitor on amazon called CAREUD. I've been using it for 2 mo and just absolutely love that I always know the pressure and temp of my tires. Its a simple set up of putting on new valve caps.

I'm glad the trip went well and I hope to try the same thing in a couple years. As you post more vids about the trip, could you give us the low down on how the other two bikes did on the trip? Thanks for the vids and information. :)

I'm on my second Super Tenere. First a 2013, second a 2015 ES. Have over 40,000 miles between the two and can also report, zero oil consumption for those miles and I change oil at 5,000 miles. And Craig is spot-on about being impatient to start them. You do need to wait a second or two for the computer to boot up and keep your hand OFF the throttle while it does so. Then they start without a problem but tweaking the throttle during boot up seems to piss them off and they get stubborn. I can't imagine a better machine for the motorcycle camping / cross continent touring I love to do.

Fellow MA Super T owner here. I too average about 44 mpg on my older 2012 Super T with 50/50 (Shinko 804/805) tires, winglets and a 21 inch windscreen. I've recently gone to the height adjustable Givi Airflow windscreen and in the lowest position I'm getting a mile or so better mpg.I look forward to more videos.

Great touring bike Craig. As you've found out. Very reliable and capable machine. I'm glad you had a smooth tour machinery wise! It may not be a GS but clearly served you just as well. For me the Ducati just edges the Tenere, only for the fun factor the extra performance brings. Thanks for sharing your journey Craig.

Love super tenere nice video very pro. Hello from Miami

another awesome video

My friend Craig thank you for your review of the Yamaha Supertenere, the next year the friends I met on the trip to Prudhoe Bay wants to go down to Tierra del Fuego, I am thinking of doing this epic trip on a Yamaha Supertenere, two of my American friends will be riding on BMW1200, the third is still to decide his bike, I am seriously thinking about the Supertenere

I did a 300 miles trip on the day I got it as it was far from me. 5,5 hours in the saddle and all I got out of it was a bit of bum pain but that's normal sitting for 5 hours anyways... and even that was gone in almost 2 minutes after I got off the bike. My dream bike lived up to all the hopes I had for it! The standard wind shield on the '11 model in its tallest setting is baaaaad for a guy like me - 6'4"- as all the air hits the visor... need to get a screen extension for this bike if you're this tall. - I had mine from my 660 Tenere when I rode the bike back home - . Managed to get 50mpg out of it at the speed of 80mph. This might gonna drop to your mpg when loaded with a bit more weight. Don't forget that this guy has 6 gears so use it! I don't feel the need for cruise control thx to the fly-by-wire throttle, so if it is not standard on newer models from the '11 then might should skip it, as it doesn't require any effort to keep it at a constant speed as you have to keep your hand somewhere anyway... I do 20mph@2500rpm in 2nd, 30 in 3rd same rpm, 40 @2200rpm in 5th, 80 @4000rpm in 6th, 90mph comes at about 4500rpm... If you want a twin exhaust on it , look up NONE exhaust here on YT. Costs about £870. It feels great even while filtering through traffic between cars. I don't really understand this power issue with this bike... from 80-90mph is about a sec... that's already well over the speed limit in maaaany countries... 80-100, maybe 2 secs... It's just silly what they're talking about... also, their bike will be serviced more than the Super10, so thus will make more miles;)) Heard about a guys summary about this bike: He did about 160 000 miles on his, without any major mechanical failure... this is what I bought in for and no fiddling with the chain... Wide roads to everyone!

great video.

Really useful stuff, thanks. And what a trip! Am very interested in this bike. I think it really holds it's own against the competition even today. I would still rather have this than a GS or KTM which are way more expensive.

You say the video is too long. I think it’s not long enough. Epic. Love this. Amazing. Can’t wait to get a Super ten soon. Trying to hold out to see if the 2023 changes or if I should grab a 2015 or newer. I wish it could get near 50 mpg but I understand the weight and power Thoughts? Ride on!

Thank you for this Video.

I saw one clip and thought, Idaho? Nice! Truly a trip through God's country! I've been day dreaming of a long trip! I appreciate the videos and they have helped alot on my upcoming selection of bike! Being 6"7' 220lbs the Tenere is gping to be a pretty good fit.

Really enjoy your videos. As a thought the large windshield may have affected the mpg also? Keep up the great work. Kind regards from the Uk

Just got back from a 7k mile round trip from NYC to the west (Co, Wy, etc.) on my SV650. Thinking next time I do a big trip or even a medium trip, it might be nice to be on something shaft driven, and maybe even something with wind protection! Like the idea of the Tenere. Thanks for the high mileage review of this bike. Helpful. Maybe I'll make a high mileage review of the 3rd gen SV, could be useful to someone. Thank you!

I ride a XT660R, and I was never a big fan of Yamaha, but I chanced my mind. They are indeed built like tanks. My bike might not be as comfortable as the ST, but still like to do longer trips than the normal commuting. I haven't done 1000's miles trip, but racked up over 4000 miles in less than 5 months. I might just upgrade to the ST when I feel it is time to up the game regarding my bike choice. And I also want to try out this long motorcycle trips at some stage, when my daughter is a bit bigger, as she also enjoys riding with her daddy :-).

Great info!

Really neat to have spent time with you in Anchorage Craig. I think you might like Anakee Wild tires. I'm not sure what's going on with your mileage. My ST gets 48 regularly, 54 on slower group rides. Then again, I have the full suite of upgrades. I'm not sure if that's the difference or not. Darned glad you made it home safely. Perhaps some year you guys could ship your bikes up and see more of the state. Ken

I can n't wait to watch rest of the trip videos. I have a question about the direct drive shaft vs chain? I read a lot about it and how the dds do better compared to belt and chain in power transmission wise. Have you experience any issues with that ? And do anyone on the trip had issues with their chain drive?

Very informative review. You would love traveling through South Africa & Lesotho. I'm considering a Super Tenére or Africa Twin. Thank you for supporting our Vet's. I was an army ranger in South Africa. Becoming a citizen of these great United States in 2020. Trump 2020!

Thanks for the informative video, I like the look of that Super T I sure wish I was taller to be able to ride it. I’m a short dude I’d trade my Harley Street Glide in a heartbeat if I could handle the Super T.

Great video. Love the comments about getting out of going to a wedding after coming back from a 12k mi trip! lol you must rate.... Anyway, a friend in WA is wanting me to join him on the AK ride in a yr or two. I'm in TX. He's already done it solo once which I thought was pretty balsey.... Been jonesing for a KTM though lately mostly bc of the looks, elec. aids, fantastic suspension and the big honkin motor it has (1290) Not sure if that's a wise choice though since I hear they R not always the most reliable things out there. Yami and BMW have something in common: Shaft drive. There's one less thing u have to jack with on a long trip like you've just done.... and I know the Yami has been shown to be reliable. So thanks for making the decision more difficult!! lol Now it looks like the Super Tenere just got moved up twds the top of the list.

I live in Eastern SD, and the wind is always blowing. My '14 ST gets low 40's MPG when I set the cruise on 80mph down I-90, a bit less when it's real windy/gusty.

It is not a video of a good adventure, it is a scientific report !!! Ah ah ah! A trip of three friends with three different bikes is pure motorcycling. Thanks for sharing.

65.000 Miles on a 660 Tenere en no problems at all. The Super Ten is my big dream.

Love your videos chief!! I just picked up two days Ago anniversary edition yamaha ST ! I saw ur bike’s headlights you got protectors on it what brand would you recommend also PIAA accessories lights any pacific models? TIA

Well done. I was this close )( to go on an adventure ride myself. Bought a KLR650, upgraded equipment, then I was diagnosed with Hydrocephalus. I had to quit my job and sell all my adventure stuff. Sucks I know. At least I have people like yourself that can give a well-rounded idea of what it's like out there. Thank You.

Craig, you've done a great job of comprehensively documenting your ADV riding choices and experiences. One topic that I wasn't sure if you addressed was the electronic suspension on the ES version of the Super Tenere. How often did you adjust the settings during your Alaska trip and how often do you adjust them for your normal, everyday riding? Does the ability to make adjustments while riding make a substantial improvement to the the ease, comfort, and safety of different riding conditions of road type (asphalt, gravel, dirt), surface quality (potholes, ruts, washboard), weather conditions (dry, wet)? Thanks in advance and keep up the great videos!

I can verify losing mileage in the Dakotas thanks to wind. I've run into 50 MPH headwinds before there and watched my fuel drop faster than I had ever seen. The news that night let me know I'd been duking it out with a 50 MPH headwind all day. I knew it was strong, but that strong surprised me.

Thanks for sharing an overview of your experience and also how the bike went. Really like your hat, can I ask where you bought it or what brand it is please?

Thanks for sharing your trip with us Craig,do you think it would have been much harder to have done it on the Vision?.

Great Video I was the first buyer in Northern Illinois of a my 2012 Tenere love mine! What kind of bags are those?

Great Video on Alaska Trip, but you got to give me some more juice here: 1. What was the biggest distance between gas stations? Did you bring extra gas with you? 2. What was the hours of operations on most gas stations? I’ve heard that some close during daylight :)? 3. Tell us more about your camping equipment, sleeping bag, pad, what weather you had during nights? Was it cold?.. etc. What was the ratio between camp/hotel nights? 4. How many days you didn’t drive? Any unexpected days, like being sick in Fairbanks? 5. If you traveled together, did you use Scala or some other RF communication? 6. Any type of navigation on this road trip? GPS or maps? What was the phone reception on this road trip? 7. How many times did you have to wash your clothes? Was it hard to find laundry rooms in motels? What was your inventory on socks, t-shirts, etc.? 8. Did you reserve your motels/hotels in advance? If not, on how many spots did you hit “no vacancy!” sign? 9. How much did you pay for: gas, hotels, campsites, food, and what was the grand total? Much appreciated!

Windy? Yes you are! Happy trails!

I recently got back from Alaska (June-July 2017) on a Super T. I had to have my forks rebuilt in Anchorage. I also had the luggage carrier break completely off the bike taking my top case along with it. My extended warranty took care of the fork rebuild. Yamaha and my dealer refused to do anything about the luggage carrier and top case.

I am familiar with the Tenere, I ride a FJR now. I am very curious of what Sleeping Bag & Tent u used for this trip, Very informative video, Thanks.