Don't listen to this guy peddling a satnav, etc. If you are interested in getting one of these bikes, here's what you need to know: -Early models 2010-2013 had restrictions in the lower gears. An ECU reflash will sort this out. - Again the early models had clutch vibrations. The 2014 onward clutches had extra damping, swapping out is easy. - the 2010-2013 models had (although rare) camchain tensioner failure. Again if you hear rattle on start up, swap out the units for the upgraded 2014 on tensioners. - Swap the oil out at 6,000 miles intervals along with oil filter. - Valve clearances at 24,000 miles along with air cleaner. - Spokes are the only true weak point on the bike. They are prone to rust and can break on long off-road rides. Take spare spokes to Magadan. - Brake fluid every two years. - If you are unsure about the model year, the analogue rev counter is on the pre-2014 models. All LCD dash from 2014. - The engine is bulletproof albeit a little bland. A little bland, but riding by and waving at folk kicking their BMWs and KTMs by the side of the road is fine by me.
I agree with a lot he has to say about the bike, and disagree with some. I have done over 35 ooo kms on my 2011 version of the super ten and have not one single complaint about it. What professional riders such as the presenter in this video forgets is that the average rider enjoys having the TC and ABS functional. It makes for a safer ride. I have towed numerous GS1200 with my Tenere, sometimes for hundrds of Kms through the African bush, and it is still to disappoint or hurt me.
I bought this bike, done about 10,000 on it . Been Spain and Portugal on it two up, swapped it for my 990 KTM. In my opinion it is miles better in every way apart from off-road. Its comfy for pillions unlike the Multi-strada, the original Yam luggage with liner bags is 100% waterproof, with loads of room, the original screen with side wind deflectors are excellent (I'm 6ft 4"). It's over engineered, will last a lifetime, has had no re-calls (BMW), I just love it and the engine is better than 990
7 years later....:) I'm also a 6'4" rider in the market for one of these. Long-legged, with a wife 2 up. Is it comfortable for "guys like us"? Are the newer models the same dimensions as the one you rode? Thanks, if you see this.
I don't know what makes you guy over there smile but everytime i drive mine either on Highway/offroad my smile gets bigger everytime I'm loving this bike but i maybe don't know bikes with 25 others! The tenere is tops in my mind!
I went with the Yamaha over the BMW and for me it has been a good choice. It is just simply fun to ride and is having more than enough power for me. I have had two Ducati sports bikes so if I was looking for power, I simply would be back on a sports bike but I have fallen in love with Adventure riding. The fact that this bike weighs around 6X more than I do and I can still get to ride such a machine without stress is just brilliant. My goodness. This bike is a smile on every ride for me.
I went with the bmw over the Yamaha. The Yamaha has no switch to turn off the abs, the beemer has. The Yamaha takes forever to get to the speed I want to ride. The Yamaha should have 110 bhp. Well should have, because they probably are on vacation. The beemer has downlow grunt and is faster then the Yam. The beemer has no TC. And for a bike of 250 kg only having 110 bhp, you dont need it. Compared to the beemer the Yamaha is boring to ride. Luckely I had zero issues with the beemer.
A comment on comfort would have been nice, particularly on long rides but all in all not a bad review. I do disagree about traction control though, I think it's a good thing on wet shiny tarmac.
Really good job of a review, much better than I expected. Thank you so much for spending most of the time honestly reviewing the bike rather than just play music while showing it going down the road.
Fair review, I test rode one in Holland last year and was amazed at how well it handled- very neutral steering for such a large bike. I would consider this to replace my BMW 1150GSA, but I really like the feel of torque on the boxer motor... This is a nice all arounder.
coming from the 990 adventure you have to miss the grunt, but don't forget that the first three gears on the ST are tuned down - certain dealers can fix this via a software "upgrade" - yet this will cost some money it's said to be totally worth it and raises it over about 20hp and newtonmetres on certain areas of the curve - i'd give that a try
Should of got one of these but I got a VStrom, This doesn't seem like its going to rust and look like its 10 years old in two weeks, This is me next bike.
It's actually quite simple to turn off the ABS on the Super Tenere. 1)Turn the bike off 2) Put the bike on the center stand so the rear wheel is off the ground. 3)Start the bike and put it in second gear The rear wheel will spin freely and the bike will disable the ABS until you start the bike up again. I also disagree that the traction control is overkill. It is really good and handles changes in terrain on dirt roads really well. It's got plenty of power to justify having traction control
Simple is an OEM switch, not pulling over to the side of the road, hoisting the bike onto the centre stand, starting the engine, and putting it into second gear.
Great vid all round, I tend to agree with everything that Michael has said; the boys from Aus Road Rider did a review on this bike a few months back, looks good but failed to be in the same grade as the 650; Yamaha just trying to have a go at the big bike tourer; back to the drawing board, improve it, & try again?!
Of course the power seems low if you are used to the bmw gs or multistrada, but if you are used to a lot less like i am with my klr650, which seems quit powerful, the super tenere would seem like a veyron! And it would be imple enough to add your own abs disconnect switch just after the fuse to make the process easier and would be a hard off until you turned it back on.
Excellent review by a quality English man. The English make great diplomats. I will interpret his review, in American English. The Yamaha motor is lacking/ poorly made. The fact that you can not turn the ABS off, when leaving pavement, will either scare you or cause you to die. Great bike to run to Starbucks, with Harley riders.
Aiee, $6K alone for the luggage? Sorry, this is totally beyond my means. . . and a rather ugly bit of kit at that. Looks like one's bolted on something from from the Russian Army.
I'm gonna agree, for a bike of that caliber 8000 miles isn't near enough, but they've got to do what they can to get a good review out in some timely manner. What I was unhappy with was the panniers - SHOW me that you've dumped the bike on both side panniers while moving, off-road, then tell me how well they, or their rack, hold up and protect the bike. In this class one isn't testing the bike or the panniers if one isn't pushing either; a scooter would do the easy roads and minor off-roads.
Hi Michael, I would like to ask you whether you have ever experienced or heard about a vibration issue. I am willing to buy this bike, but what I hear about this vibration issue is putting me off. What do you say?
For $14.5k for the standard model here in the U.S, about $3k more than a F800GS, I'm not quite sure what Yamaha is smoking. You take an 800 and put $3k into aftermarket upgrades and you got a killer(& proven) bike.
Unavailable at the time of this video, but the SW Motech Trax Adventure beat the hell out of those metal mule cases...did you see the dodgy hole cut out of the top box lid for the handle? Trax Adventure are stronger, better looking, and better manufactured using laser cutting and cold metal transfer welding. £2000 is obscene for that set up.
Olá, tenho uma tenere 2012 e fui trocar por uma DX, você que tem ideia de trocar por uma, primeiro veja se tem na loja, pois estou esperando a 2 meses reclamei no SAC da yamaha, foi a mesma coisa que nada, estão se lixando para o cliente. Liguei mais duas vezes perguntando sobre a entrega e a atendente falou que estava sobre analise, estão analisando oque, sendo que pague à vista.
When you said the engine does not have punch, that was the end of it for me. I was really thinking about getting a Super Tenere, but weak engine, no thanks. Great review, thank you.
+hdidane00 Only if you want an automatic, which I don't. I chose the Super Tenere over the Africa Twin because of the shaft drive, inverted forks and cruise control. I'm sure the Africa Twin is a wonderful bike, it just depends on what options are important to you. Oh I almost forgot, the Africa Twin has tubed tires, something I don't want.
This bloke seems to be PEDDLING various brand names.....so how can you trust his reviews without suspecting he is getting something back in return. This could even extend to the bike itself.BMW is notorious for this sort of stuff.
She is my bike and I agree with Michael. But I wonder he does not mention the Tour/Sport modus, which is absolutely stupid and of course the fan. I never had a bike, where the fan is so often working. In town it is a pain, when I have to park her cooking.
@anzac2404 i agree with you, i proved this bike in the touring mode and didn`t like it,it weights the same as the beemer 1150 gs was at its time! no disconectable abs??? come on Yamaha! you can do it better please!
you cant have it all in 1 bike - if your like me atleast 4 bikes in the garage to keep me happy - dirt bikes - trials - motocross - then a crotch rocket - then a cruise like xtz 1200 0r chopper type whatever then a super motard xr650r for example no need for complaining now or any bitchin you would be pretty much set
No ABS defeat mode is the main fault and shows the on road bias of the machine, too bad Yamaha:( Any vehicle spending significant time on even just gravel should have this feature. My 2011 F150 Ford pickup's traction control and automatic transmission shift calibrations on ice/snow and gravel is a joke. I guess Alaskan/Northern Canadian driving conditions are not accounted for. All of the cars/trucks here suffer from premature shock absorber wear also. Maybe my truck is not all that modern?
What would be the point in a magazine giving a 120,000 mile long term test that comes to a conclusion years after the bike has gone out of production? especially when the whole point of this sort of thing is consumer advice - nobody would be able to buy a new one. by the time they get a review? fool.
6k for luggage?..6k?? Id want the bike included..i just laugh at how you tried to justify 100 quids worth of aluminium costing 6k and everything else after that had no interest..A set of oxford lifetime luggage and the fuel and accommodation for a 3 month tour of Africa Sounds like better value for your 6k or maybe a pre-owned honda Africa twin ( the original xrv750), a 500 quid service and the rest for your 3 month trip! I know you tell us its goid value but would you pay that for some metal boxes and a rack..defo much better bike options out there with character for less too so ill give the bike and the luggage a miss thank you..
i am always wonder that is it really necessary to have that much bigger engine on bikes? this much engine size (1200) works well on family hatchbacks like hyundai i20 etc with 5 people seating capacity 1000kg car weight and people weight extra and capable of doing 150-160 km/hr easily with A/c working....... 1000cc engine is biggest engine and too much for racing 300+ km/hr and why people need this much bigger engine and increase carbon foot print of earth.. for normal 120-140 km/hr speed 500cc engine is big enough and even 300cc bikes do 170-190 km/hr tops which is not safe for cruising or touring and and can do fast accelerations too... i think this much engine is for lazy people afraid of gear shifting
what we need to know is would you pay for it and the luggage out of your own pocket instead of being loaned it for a year or would you look for a second hand low miler
Don't listen to this guy peddling a satnav, etc.
If you are interested in getting one of these bikes, here's what you need to know:
-Early models 2010-2013 had restrictions in the lower gears. An ECU reflash will sort this out.
- Again the early models had clutch vibrations. The 2014 onward clutches had extra damping, swapping out is easy.
- the 2010-2013 models had (although rare) camchain tensioner failure. Again if you hear rattle on start up, swap out the units for the upgraded 2014 on tensioners.
- Swap the oil out at 6,000 miles intervals along with oil filter.
- Valve clearances at 24,000 miles along with air cleaner.
- Spokes are the only true weak point on the bike. They are prone to rust and can break on long off-road rides. Take spare spokes to Magadan.
- Brake fluid every two years.
- If you are unsure about the model year, the analogue rev counter is on the pre-2014 models. All LCD dash from 2014.
- The engine is bulletproof albeit a little bland. A little bland, but riding by and waving at folk kicking their BMWs and KTMs by the side of the road is fine by me.
thanks buddy
What is the average cost of an ECU refresh?
@@ThePricansaint I'd say $150-$200.
Thanks! I have a DR650 thinking of doing the USA to Ushuaia trip. Looking into upgrading to a Super10.
Hate the Tracer clocks fitted today(2021),prefer those!
I agree with a lot he has to say about the bike, and disagree with some. I have done over 35 ooo kms on my 2011 version of the super ten and have not one single complaint about it. What professional riders such as the presenter in this video forgets is that the average rider enjoys having the TC and ABS functional. It makes for a safer ride. I have towed numerous GS1200 with my Tenere, sometimes for hundrds of Kms through the African bush, and it is still to disappoint or hurt me.
I bought this bike, done about 10,000 on it . Been Spain and Portugal on it two up, swapped it for my 990 KTM. In my opinion it is miles better in every way apart from off-road. Its comfy for pillions unlike the Multi-strada, the original Yam luggage with liner bags is 100% waterproof, with loads of room, the original screen with side wind deflectors are excellent (I'm 6ft 4"). It's over engineered, will last a lifetime, has had no re-calls (BMW), I just love it and the engine is better than 990
7 years later....:) I'm also a 6'4" rider in the market for one of these. Long-legged, with a wife 2 up. Is it comfortable for "guys like us"? Are the newer models the same dimensions as the one you rode? Thanks, if you see this.
I don't know what makes you guy over there smile but everytime i drive mine either on Highway/offroad my smile gets bigger everytime I'm loving this bike but i maybe don't know bikes with 25 others! The tenere is tops in my mind!
The quality of this review and video, along with the perfect music, is almost a case study on how to do it right.
Really?
Looks like a description of accessories to me.
+Ern Reeders Yes, that too.:-)
I went with the Yamaha over the BMW and for me it has been a good choice. It is just simply fun to ride and is having more than enough power for me. I have had two Ducati sports bikes so if I was looking for power, I simply would be back on a sports bike but I have fallen in love with Adventure riding. The fact that this bike weighs around 6X more than I do and I can still get to ride such a machine without stress is just brilliant. My goodness. This bike is a smile on every ride for me.
I went with the bmw over the Yamaha. The Yamaha has no switch to turn off the abs, the beemer has. The Yamaha takes forever to get to the speed I want to ride. The Yamaha should have 110 bhp. Well should have, because they probably are on vacation. The beemer has downlow grunt and is faster then the Yam. The beemer has no TC. And for a bike of 250 kg only having 110 bhp, you dont need it. Compared to the beemer the Yamaha is boring to ride. Luckely I had zero issues with the beemer.
think you have it wrong way round BMW s are boring Yams all day everyday 👌
I’m seriously considering the Super 10.I think it’s the best value out there,and shaft drive puts it over the top IMHO.Great video,thank you.👍
A comment on comfort would have been nice, particularly on long rides but all in all not a bad review. I do disagree about traction control though, I think it's a good thing on wet shiny tarmac.
Really good job of a review, much better than I expected. Thank you so much for spending most of the time honestly reviewing the bike rather than just play music while showing it going down the road.
Weak engine rubbish, it's an adventure bike not an R 1, and it's well built and finished well unlike the GS and I speak from bitter experience.....
Agreed, the engine is fine in my opinion, more than enough power for the type of bike that it is.
+Kevin Thompson maybe they think everyone wants a crotch rocket
Good video. The audio, which has been a problem in past video, is excellent.
I hear him talking about how smooth the power delivery is. In slow technical places I hated mine till I got it flashed. It was abrupt.
Great review, I like the length, the in depth look into the bike, and the riding shots. Keep it up guys!
Fair review, I test rode one in Holland last year and was amazed at how well it handled- very neutral steering for such a large bike. I would consider this to replace my BMW 1150GSA, but I really like the feel of torque on the boxer motor... This is a nice all arounder.
Great review Michael! Nice to see something decent from MCN occasionally!
coming from the 990 adventure you have to miss the grunt, but don't forget that the first three gears on the ST are tuned down - certain dealers can fix this via a software "upgrade" - yet this will cost some money it's said to be totally worth it and raises it over about 20hp and newtonmetres on certain areas of the curve - i'd give that a try
Thought it was a bike review, but the luggage and sat nav seemed to dominate the review. Bizarre!
I've only enjoyed mine. I live and ride 2 up in the Easterncape, S.A. 99% of the time, dirt road cruise. Ride it and enjoy.
Should of got one of these but I got a VStrom,
This doesn't seem like its going to rust and look like its 10 years old in two weeks,
This is me next bike.
Michael Guy - best dude at MCN!
What happened to Michael Guy? I liked his bike reviews.
It's actually quite simple to turn off the ABS on the Super Tenere.
1)Turn the bike off
2) Put the bike on the center stand so the rear wheel is off the ground.
3)Start the bike and put it in second gear
The rear wheel will spin freely and the bike will disable the ABS until you start the bike up again.
I also disagree that the traction control is overkill. It is really good and handles changes in terrain on dirt roads really well.
It's got plenty of power to justify having traction control
that works how you figure that 1 out ?
That's the obsolete procedure. Here you can have a switch on the handlebar: th-cam.com/video/CARN9KFf14Y/w-d-xo.html
Simple is an OEM switch, not pulling over to the side of the road, hoisting the bike onto the centre stand, starting the engine, and putting it into second gear.
Great vid all round, I tend to agree with everything that Michael has said; the boys from Aus Road Rider did a review on this bike a few months back, looks good but failed to be in the same grade as the 650; Yamaha just trying to have a go at the big bike tourer; back to the drawing board, improve it, & try again?!
Thanks for a great review, very intelligent and thoughtful..
You can actually turn off the ABS by a small trick. Look it up!
Picked up a 2010 luv the big girl replaced my 1250 bandit good power and brakes going too flash ECU get rid of restrictions nice acropovic too come
It’s got it all except for a “beak” on the front, which makes it even more enticing.
Of course the power seems low if you are used to the bmw gs or multistrada, but if you are used to a lot less like i am with my klr650, which seems quit powerful, the super tenere would seem like a veyron! And it would be imple enough to add your own abs disconnect switch just after the fuse to make the process easier and would be a hard off until you turned it back on.
Boa Tarde, você quando comprou a Xt1200 Super Teneré, quanto é k a mita Custoun ano k saiu pra o mercado?Abraço desde Portugal
Excellent review by a quality English man. The English make great diplomats. I will interpret his review, in American English. The Yamaha motor is lacking/ poorly made. The fact that you can not turn the ABS off, when leaving pavement, will either scare you or cause you to die. Great bike to run to Starbucks, with Harley riders.
Aiee, $6K alone for the luggage? Sorry, this is totally beyond my means. . . and a rather ugly bit of kit at that. Looks like one's bolted on something from from the Russian Army.
@himaro101
Wrong. They were using the R1150GS Adventure.
Any test these MCN guys do (with all due respect lads) BMW's always win
Probably BMW send them on nicer foreign jollies with better gift bags and accomodation.
Boa noite, era uma dessas k eu keria, pra Fazer Grande Turismo, isto é Passear, Grande Abraço desde Portugal.
I'm gonna agree, for a bike of that caliber 8000 miles isn't near enough, but they've got to do what they can to get a good review out in some timely manner. What I was unhappy with was the panniers - SHOW me that you've dumped the bike on both side panniers while moving, off-road, then tell me how well they, or their rack, hold up and protect the bike. In this class one isn't testing the bike or the panniers if one isn't pushing either; a scooter would do the easy roads and minor off-roads.
Spearfisher1970 a
Hi Michael, I would like to ask you whether you have ever experienced or heard about a vibration issue. I am willing to buy this bike, but what I hear about this vibration issue is putting me off. What do you say?
@061575292 No, they were on BMW GS1200 Adventures. They have the pistons sticking out the side
The ABS can be deactivated by manipulating the digital screen with the main kickstand down.
For $14.5k for the standard model here in the U.S, about $3k more than a F800GS, I'm not quite sure what Yamaha is smoking.
You take an 800 and put $3k into aftermarket upgrades and you got a killer(& proven) bike.
wish someone over 6 foot would do a review, or atleast a long inseam.
Unavailable at the time of this video, but the SW Motech Trax Adventure beat the hell out of those metal mule cases...did you see the dodgy hole cut out of the top box lid for the handle? Trax Adventure are stronger, better looking, and better manufactured using laser cutting and cold metal transfer welding. £2000 is obscene for that set up.
What rain suit do you have on?
Nice review thanks Miky....
about the power, can you re-map it so the response gets better?
pulpanochamaster - Yes😎
every tenere/super tenere owner mentions Nick Sanders :). Nick Sander could travel on any vehicle, event on sport bike :)
Olá, tenho uma tenere 2012 e fui trocar por uma DX, você que tem ideia de trocar por uma, primeiro veja se tem na loja, pois estou esperando a 2 meses reclamei no SAC da yamaha, foi a mesma coisa que nada, estão se lixando para o cliente. Liguei mais duas vezes perguntando sobre a entrega e a atendente falou que estava sobre analise, estão analisando oque, sendo que pague à vista.
When you said the engine does not have punch, that was the end of it for me. I was really thinking about getting a Super Tenere, but weak engine, no thanks. Great review, thank you.
I want this bike so badly
And this episode brought to you by.... Metal mule!!!
Like the clocks on that compared to the crap Tracer ones on the current model(2021).
is the new Africa twin a better all around bike? how about a comparison?
+hdidane00 Only if you want an automatic, which I don't. I chose the Super Tenere over the Africa Twin because of the shaft drive, inverted forks and cruise control. I'm sure the Africa Twin is a wonderful bike, it just depends on what options are important to you. Oh I almost forgot, the Africa Twin has tubed tires, something I don't want.
very good review.
This bloke seems to be PEDDLING various brand names.....so how can you trust his reviews without suspecting he is getting something back in return.
This could even extend to the bike itself.BMW is notorious for this sort of stuff.
Which year is produced this motorcycle? I think is 2014
***** Ok thank you for the ansewr but I have got one more question.Which motorcycle is better bmw r 1200 gs or yamaha xt 1200z super tenere
She is my bike and I agree with Michael. But I wonder he does not mention the Tour/Sport modus, which is absolutely stupid and of course the fan. I never had a bike, where the fan is so often working. In town it is a pain, when I have to park her cooking.
$11,900 in the USA is you deal correctly. Cost to dealer is propbably $8700
8000 miles is an eternity for Yamaha
Beautiful...
@anzac2404 i agree with you, i proved this bike in the touring mode and didn`t like it,it weights the same as the beemer 1150 gs was at its time! no disconectable abs??? come on Yamaha! you can do it better please!
Know another channel for car& bike reviews? Comment plz
Standard shape tin boxes pop riveted together £2000 ie the price of a half decent winter bike!!!!
@brcosmin I think 8000 miles is plenty to get to know a bike
You can switch the ABS off with a button on the handlebar: th-cam.com/video/CARN9KFf14Y/w-d-xo.html
This or klr650. Tenere will be used while klr is new
Spot on as a GS fighter, both have a motor that is less enticing than the KTM twin:(
You have the best job ;)
Funny how that satnav can be locked, but there are two Allen keys holding it! HAHAHHA
mcn can you do a review of some 250 dual sports, for us 250 riders out there?
If the ABS/TCS have fuses you can turn them off. :o)
you cant have it all in 1 bike - if your like me atleast 4 bikes in the garage to keep me happy - dirt bikes - trials - motocross - then a crotch rocket - then a cruise like xtz 1200 0r chopper type whatever then a super motard xr650r for example no need for complaining now or any bitchin you would be pretty much set
Right, but that BMW will be in the shop all the time so what's the point? lol
No ABS defeat mode is the main fault and shows the on road bias of the machine, too bad Yamaha:(
Any vehicle spending significant time on even just gravel should have this feature. My 2011 F150 Ford pickup's traction control and automatic transmission shift calibrations on ice/snow and gravel is a joke. I guess Alaskan/Northern Canadian driving conditions are not accounted for. All of the cars/trucks here suffer from premature shock absorber wear also. Maybe my truck is not all that modern?
@brcosmin if u dont know ur bike after 8000 miles...ur doing it wrong...
what kind of jacket and pants is this guy wearing?
Luke Milk B.B.
Hi there, What A Great Idea. salt tasteful What's happening, guys. !
Stand still human
There nothing compared to whats out on the market these days- still at least there not as big as the price tag!! ouch.....
8000 miles? Long term test? Come back when it's got at least fifteen times the amount.
little bit of off road - balls-deep into the mudd ... =))
@topbanana188
8000? Meh, she's still getting broken in.
What would be the point in a magazine giving a 120,000 mile long term test that comes to a conclusion years after the bike has gone out of production? especially when the whole point of this sort of thing is consumer advice - nobody would be able to buy a new one. by the time they get a review? fool.
Dear Santa ....................
Is there such thing as a yamaha power train that has stopped working?
nice bike but the ducati multistrada 1200 is of caurse beter bike!!!
6k for luggage?..6k?? Id want the bike included..i just laugh at how you tried to justify 100 quids worth of aluminium costing 6k and everything else after that had no interest..A set of oxford lifetime luggage and the fuel and accommodation for a 3 month tour of Africa Sounds like better value for your 6k or maybe a pre-owned honda Africa twin ( the original xrv750), a 500 quid service and the rest for your 3 month trip! I know you tell us its goid value but would you pay that for some metal boxes and a rack..defo much better bike options out there with character for less too so ill give the bike and the luggage a miss thank you..
Do you even ride?
Why those hideous over-sized panniers?
Нихуя непонятно!
that would take years and the bike would be near dead
i am always wonder that is it really necessary to have that much bigger engine on bikes? this much engine size (1200) works well on family hatchbacks like hyundai i20 etc with 5 people seating capacity 1000kg car weight and people weight extra and capable of doing 150-160 km/hr easily with A/c working....... 1000cc engine is biggest engine and too much for racing 300+ km/hr and why people need this much bigger engine and increase carbon foot print of earth.. for normal 120-140 km/hr speed 500cc engine is big enough and even 300cc bikes do 170-190 km/hr tops which is not safe for cruising or touring and and can do fast accelerations too... i think this much engine is for lazy people afraid of gear shifting
what we need to know is would you pay for it and the luggage out of your own pocket instead of being loaned it for a year or would you look for a second hand low miler
great review.
great review