Found on overseas site In the latest issue of BIKE #8.2008, Swedens biggest motorcycle magazine, they had a really interesting duel between Yamaha Ténéré and BMW F800GS. They took them out in the Swedish "desert" and tried to figure out which one they would prefer to take furthest away from civilization. To cut to the chase; they picked the Teneré
A quick translation of the summary (excuse bad grammar and swenglish):
"These kind of bikes will inspire the adventurer in you, be sure of that. For the really tough trips the Yamaha fits best, even though the BMW got a stronger engine. The shorter wheelbase of the Yamaha makes it feel much smoother in tight sections and the bigger fuel tank, that combined with less thirst, gives you confidence to go further away from civilization.
More that makes the choice even easier are details like the roadbook mount at the top of the instruments. Solemn and intelligent for them who want to explore more. The rider position is mature and the 5 kilos more compared to the BMW doesn't feel at all.
Both models have a strong reputation to live up to and the Yamaha does it best, at least when your path is filled with big rocks and dung. That it costs 30000Skr less then the German doesn't hurt either, if you invest that money into some performance boost and accessories you will always be a step ahead"
Worth mentioning is that the BMW was equipped with TKC80 tires while the Ten had the std tourance tires. Things they mentioned was the 2-up seat that they found a bit limiting, and the big step between 2nd and 3rd gear. The only point where the GS really kicked the Ten's ass was on the wide gravel roads where it could make use of the hp and leave the Ten in the dust. Other then that they couldn't find much where the BMW was better then the Yamaha.
The reliable components and the rock steady engine was the finishing touch that made the Yamaha their choice if they would go where no man gone before.
Can scan the article if anyone want, but since it's in Swedish I figured it wouldn't tell most of you much and the ones who can read should go and buy the magazine instead.
A quick translation of the summary (excuse bad grammar and swenglish):
"These kind of bikes will inspire the adventurer in you, be sure of that. For the really tough trips the Yamaha fits best, even though the BMW got a stronger engine. The shorter wheelbase of the Yamaha makes it feel much smoother in tight sections and the bigger fuel tank, that combined with less thirst, gives you confidence to go further away from civilization.
More that makes the choice even easier are details like the roadbook mount at the top of the instruments. Solemn and intelligent for them who want to explore more. The rider position is mature and the 5 kilos more compared to the BMW doesn't feel at all.
Both models have a strong reputation to live up to and the Yamaha does it best, at least when your path is filled with big rocks and dung. That it costs 30000Skr less then the German doesn't hurt either, if you invest that money into some performance boost and accessories you will always be a step ahead"
Worth mentioning is that the BMW was equipped with TKC80 tires while the Ten had the std tourance tires. Things they mentioned was the 2-up seat that they found a bit limiting, and the big step between 2nd and 3rd gear. The only point where the GS really kicked the Ten's ass was on the wide gravel roads where it could make use of the hp and leave the Ten in the dust. Other then that they couldn't find much where the BMW was better then the Yamaha.
The reliable components and the rock steady engine was the finishing touch that made the Yamaha their choice if they would go where no man gone before.
Can scan the article if anyone want, but since it's in Swedish I figured it wouldn't tell most of you much and the ones who can read should go and buy the magazine instead.
