All very fair points. Given that the GS is known for catastrophic shaft failure (what could be worse?), breaking forks, electric gremlins and lots of owners pissed off at how much they need to depend on the bmw dealership network I wouldn't consider one if I could afford one. Also I'm told that if you want someone to fit extras like heated grips or aux lights, most mechanics won't touch a BMW and the only option is a pricey BMW shop. No doubt the bike handles and performs amazingly but they can't be relied on. I've not found (and I have looked) a single example of shaft drive failure on a Super Tenere. But for some reason the Yamaha has been sidelined by the press and gets slated by journalists but the owners love them. My 2010 runs like a dream and I have absolute faith it will always do what I ask of it.
I have to say I'm in love with my '14 Super Tenére. Beautifully built. Solid feel under you. Great fuel mileage & range. She's eye candy wherever I go. Easy to accessorize.... In all she's a keeper for sure
For me it is actualy weird to find so many bmw motorcycles on the secondhand market of only 1,2,3,4 years and so on. When I'm looking for a Tenere they are all much older. I know there are a lot less of them because of the numbers sold. But it seems people just sale the Yamaha's only after years of riding. Not because they are disapointed after such a short period. Plus BMW might have a few good points but the one big PLUS for the Tenere is the 5 to 6000 euro difference to start with. And that is before you start adding options !!
I don’t think they’re unreliable. I’ve got a 2014 model bmw r1200gs with 50k km on the clock. Runs good and service it myself to save on cost of ownership.
That is so true the Super tenere 1200 does not have to change every so often as with a dozer from first desighn till last they are all bullet proof reliable, no need for all the fansy to cause more complications, the Tenere is comfortable, digital before bmw, it has all the important features, traction, abs, what more do you need¿ the rest is more trouble 😂
A GS burns oil because it’s a boxer. A boxer engine from a Subaru also burns oils. Has nothing to do with reliability but everything with the way the cilinders are fitted. Horizontal.
I own an old BMW R1100GS (1998) for 11 years now, has nearly 70.000 km now (bought it with very low mileage). I'm sooo glad I didn't have more money on a newer model back in 2011. I totally understand what you are talking about - having a GS, also see many people complaining in forums about major failures of gearbox/clutch/final drive/even the engine!
I had an r9t Urban GS and it used 1L of oil in the first 10000km. Dealer said it was a good one, anything under 4L per 10000km was considered within specs for BMW…
