That's my one reservation, I've got a couple of mates who have them, one has had no problems in both of his (other than recalls on the launch model) the other has had side stand switch and 3rd to neutral issues. If I'm honest I've discounted the TEX now many for the reliability issue and the fact the nearest dealer is 50 miles away and has a cr@p reputation. Which model S10 did you buy? Z or ZE? or Gen 1?
Ownership experience
- Thread starter Tobers
- Start date
I bought a 2015 gen2 new last March its not the ZE but that said if I could have found a ZE in Blue at the right price I would have bought 1.
Another S10 owner here... 2014 ZE.. ARD cases fitted along with a few other farkles...
I bought a new Triumph Explorer when they came out, didn't get on with it.... despite two foreign trips two up. I just didn't seem to ride right .... seat was really uncomfortable as well, probably the ergonomics didn't suit me.
I've had numerous Pre-WC GS's .. still love them... but at the moment I'm happy with the Super Tenere.
There's a bloke on the S10 forum that has put 130,000 miles on a 2012 S10 and performed minimal maintenance on it, and never washed it
Mines on 5000 miles so you get the feeling they will last
I bought a new Triumph Explorer when they came out, didn't get on with it.... despite two foreign trips two up. I just didn't seem to ride right .... seat was really uncomfortable as well, probably the ergonomics didn't suit me.
I've had numerous Pre-WC GS's .. still love them... but at the moment I'm happy with the Super Tenere.
There's a bloke on the S10 forum that has put 130,000 miles on a 2012 S10 and performed minimal maintenance on it, and never washed it
Mines on 5000 miles so you get the feeling they will last
Ban_6
Registered user
i bought my S10 new in Oct 2012. The hard start issue is odd but its not a deal breaker and is not a huge issue either.. Its happened to me twice, but ive never gotten stuck anywhere. They do take big cranking power so its wise to fit a good battery, with plenty of oomph. I ride all yr round and its been particularly salty this winter, it did get into the bike a bit but I have manged to fend off, even with ACF 50....Ive got 45k kms on it now. I was looking to replace but went through every bike and I keep coming back to the S10. So if i can i will try to upgrade to a newer updated version if I can, but I will be stick with the Yam. Very good handling etc, quick enough, but if you ride proper hard and fast, it will require a rear shock. But im talking pushing on proper on twisty roads. Its only had the small wire harness recall for the headlight, so overall is a damn good bike. Plenty of pwoer to be had with an ecu flash and header pipes. The bike isrestricted heavily. In saying all that, the new LC gs is not as powerful as bmw claim, in fatc a french mag recently tested gs, tenere and new africa twin, the S10 had more power stock, fact
I had the valves clearance check etc at 40k and they are swiss watch precise, zero adjustment needed
Things that bug me: spokes are shit, they dont stay as fresh looking as the gs and same with some of the bolts, they do oxidize. Other than that its fine.
Another S10 owner here... 2014 ZE.. ARD cases fitted along with a few other farkles...
I bought a new Triumph Explorer when they came out, didn't get on with it.... despite two foreign trips two up. I just didn't seem to ride right .... seat was really uncomfortable as well, probably the ergonomics didn't suit me.
I've had numerous Pre-WC GS's .. still love them... but at the moment I'm happy with the Super Tenere.
There's a bloke on the S10 forum that has put 130,000 miles on a 2012 S10 and performed minimal maintenance on it, and never washed it
Mines on 5000 miles so you get the feeling they will last
IMO the engine config on the TEX1 is not suitable for a big traillie. Good engine Im sure, but smoothness of a para twin is the way forward, there is no doubt.
I ended up buying an ex dem 2011 model is May 2012, now done @20,000 miles with no issues, had the headlight harness changed under recall but it was working fine.
Gen2 bikes have less restrictions in lower gears and although few major changes there were a lot of minor ones which add up - IMO worth the extra few quid for a Gen2 to get cruise control even if you do not want the electronic suspension version.
I have had the suspension "sorted" on my Gen1, nothing wrong with it as such, but the forks can be improved significantly with springs and oil and the rear shock is a bit weedy for two up or even a hefty guy plus luggage.
I have also mad mine remapped to suit the Arrow full system and remove the restrictions which has given it a fair bit more zap, not essential, but like others I cannot see another bike to replace this one so justifies a bit of modification money as it is far cheaper than a new bike.
Overall probably the best bike I have ever owned.
Gen2 bikes have less restrictions in lower gears and although few major changes there were a lot of minor ones which add up - IMO worth the extra few quid for a Gen2 to get cruise control even if you do not want the electronic suspension version.
I have had the suspension "sorted" on my Gen1, nothing wrong with it as such, but the forks can be improved significantly with springs and oil and the rear shock is a bit weedy for two up or even a hefty guy plus luggage.
I have also mad mine remapped to suit the Arrow full system and remove the restrictions which has given it a fair bit more zap, not essential, but like others I cannot see another bike to replace this one so justifies a bit of modification money as it is far cheaper than a new bike.
Overall probably the best bike I have ever owned.
ECU remapped by CJS racing (Near Bristol) custom setup on the dyno with each cylinder being individually mapped for fuel and ignition and the throttle maps tweaked to remove the restrictions in both modes.
Cheers, I've got a mate with a Gen 1 that had spoken to our local dyno guy who couldn't do much with his S10 without a PC5 but I've heard quite a bit about CJS, I'm not a million miles away if I end up with a Gen 1 and need to have it sorted. My Strom is on Ebay now so as soon as it's sold I can start the hunt proper!
Still got myself a Strom, use it for some commuting and last month went out a couple of times on it rather than re-taxing the S10 for just 1 or 2 rides. The S10 is a different class of bike to the Strom, but the little Suzuki does have a lot of character and I still really enjoy riding it, but when getting back on the S10 it feels much higher quality, as well as being more comfy - and a lot more powerful of course.
IainMac
Registered user
If you do get a Gen1, consider replacing the clutch basket with the Gen2 version as the original can be quite vibey due to it. Also for all versions check the frame for paint failure/rust at the engine mount tube ends (under the rubber bungs) and in around the various brackets on the frame rails under the tank ( peer in with a torch). My S10 1st Ed had significant rust in all those spots. If it feels like it has a minute misfire in cold conditions part throttle, one of the ignition coils maybe fubar, its usually the outside one on the lhs cylinder, fills with water and corrodes. Mine was stuck solid and needed a pipe wrench to twist free after removing front top engine mount plate.
My Gen 1 was bought new in November 13, now done 16100 miles. The only issues have been a lost spoke from the back wheel, a bit of spoke corrossion and lots of damage from two deer strikes.
I use the standard screen but I'm only 5' 10" with a 32" inside leg. With the winglets fitted it isn't perfect but infinitely better than an 1150 or 1200 oilhead GS.
The rear shock isn't up to the job of carrying a pillion and luggage unless the pillion is flyweight.
I have Vern's Worldbeater panniers,IMO undoubtedly the best, fitted as I'm usually carrying luggage of some kind.
Engine response, power, torque, pickup and smoothness were successfully massaged with a trip to Hilltop.
It may be 15 BHP down on an LC as standard but for me it's still a far better bike. The Yam's superior clutch and gear change operation alone make it the better bike IMHO, without needing a quick shifter!
The failings of the current BM's are masked by a superb marketing campaign. Poor quality components cheaply made in China presented as a premium product which it certainly is not. There is also the small matter of confidence that when I set out on a trip I'm certain that I won't be ending it on a recovery vehicle.
I use the standard screen but I'm only 5' 10" with a 32" inside leg. With the winglets fitted it isn't perfect but infinitely better than an 1150 or 1200 oilhead GS.
The rear shock isn't up to the job of carrying a pillion and luggage unless the pillion is flyweight.
I have Vern's Worldbeater panniers,IMO undoubtedly the best, fitted as I'm usually carrying luggage of some kind.
Engine response, power, torque, pickup and smoothness were successfully massaged with a trip to Hilltop.
It may be 15 BHP down on an LC as standard but for me it's still a far better bike. The Yam's superior clutch and gear change operation alone make it the better bike IMHO, without needing a quick shifter!
The failings of the current BM's are masked by a superb marketing campaign. Poor quality components cheaply made in China presented as a premium product which it certainly is not. There is also the small matter of confidence that when I set out on a trip I'm certain that I won't be ending it on a recovery vehicle.
I have a 2013 bought new in October 2013 on interest free credit! Came fully kitted with luggage etc.
Mods I have done include swapping the luggage to Givi kit....felt the yam stuff was a bit delicate...especially the locks!
New rear shock fitted...Nitron..was has transformed the bike..especially when 2 up and loaded. Wasn't cheap but well worth it.
Also had PC 5 fitted with rolling road set up. Has 101bhp at back wheel and 79 torque things. Plenty enough for me.
Lots of other bits and pieces, engine bars,sat nav, taller screen etc etc.
Never had any issues apart from the feel from the original tyres...but the Pilot Road 4's I have now feel a lot safer and smoother.
Yamaha did the headlight cable recall and I've no idea what the hard start issue is. Never happened to me.
Bike has 12500 miles on now..mostly from our European trips and tbh I can't ever see me changing it unless the next S10 is something out of this world.
Mods I have done include swapping the luggage to Givi kit....felt the yam stuff was a bit delicate...especially the locks!
New rear shock fitted...Nitron..was has transformed the bike..especially when 2 up and loaded. Wasn't cheap but well worth it.
Also had PC 5 fitted with rolling road set up. Has 101bhp at back wheel and 79 torque things. Plenty enough for me.
Lots of other bits and pieces, engine bars,sat nav, taller screen etc etc.
Never had any issues apart from the feel from the original tyres...but the Pilot Road 4's I have now feel a lot safer and smoother.
Yamaha did the headlight cable recall and I've no idea what the hard start issue is. Never happened to me.
Bike has 12500 miles on now..mostly from our European trips and tbh I can't ever see me changing it unless the next S10 is something out of this world.
+1 on that. If they could keep the strength ( mine has survived deer hits on two occasions at >60mph) and handling but loose 40Kgs in weight I'd change otherwise not very likely in the near future. Even at the current weight the CoG feels much lower wheeling the bike about than the old 1150GS. The bike actually feels lighter.
To be honest Rasher, if I'd had a 650 I'd have kept it too and used it for commuting and spinning about but a 1000 is too close to the S10, it's also a big chuck of cash towards a new bike!
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