New Tenere with sticky bolts and questions
 

Hey there...
Let me start by introducing myself as a new member of the tenere owner's club. :)

I recently replaced my Africa Twin with a white Tenere -08, in the search for a more fun and modern bike. It has 6000km on the clock and look as new. I tried to get the grey plastic tank panels off to get a look how some crashbars may be mounted.

But, the bolt in the bottom left corner on the left hand side won't come loose, because the nut is turning freely in the black plastic behind. I couldn't pull it out either, at the first try. Is more force the solution? Common problem.

The bike is stock except hot grips, OE hand guards and a top box.
I will probably add: center stand, bash plate, TT upper crash bars, an old gps and later on SW motech boxes. Any thoughts? Anything to stay away from? Anything to add?

Welcome,

I would go for 'old' original Yamaha bashplate + lower engine bars. I know it very hard to get them but seems to be the best option (for me obviously).
Alternatively you can go for this : http://www.adventure-spec.com/defaul...0z-tenere.html but its quite expensive.

Forget (again its my opinion) the high engine guards etc. (i.e. givi )

I would also look for head light protector (depends how seriuos is your off road riding) but anyway its good protection. (folding brake pedal is also worth considering- I am in the process of 'upgraiding' mineafter last spill)

Have you got standard exhaust? If so try to find something else original one is very heavy and doesn't sound good (single pipe is nice and you get some storage space where the second exhaust was).

Center stand, hmmm, again its up to you but for me (and probably most of the members here) is not necessary and, again, its extra weight. (chain lube you can do it easly on the side stand, chain adjustment - get paddock stand (24 quid) or suitable cut-to-measure timber will do ;).

Try to get in touch with Kev here and ask for his recommendation regarding MOD's.

Regardning luggage its individual choice but I prefer soft luggage (I do ride solo so its easier, lighter and cheaper for me).

BTW, It might be worth checking of your regulator/rectifier has been sorted out - early Tenere models had a problem with them.

Nice bike - enjoy.

Yes, a common problem. You'll have to pull the panel off with the captive nut (well serrated not so captive nut) still attached and remove it with mole grips once you've got the panel off. Superglue it back into the plastic housing and copper grease all the bolts when you refit. That's what I did anyway...

I suspected that's the only solution... Thanks!

What is the atory about the regulator/rectifier?

If it hasn't failed yet on an 08 bike it's probably not going to now. I've had no bother with mine and neither have many others, it affected a few early bikes mostly 08 models (and some 09 registered 08 bikes). The problem lies with poorly sealed connectors at the reg/rect unit letting in moisture causing poor connections and high resistance spots, resulting in melted terminals and the bike running out of juice and conking out. The prudent thing to do is check the connector is seated properly and use a dielectric grease to protect it. But as I said, you've probably got one that was assembled properly (or someone has had it fail while under warranty and had a new loom fitted by the dealer). You could check the bikes history? But I wouldn't panic.

That's what I call a complete answer! Thank's for the info!

Sorry, been away for few days!
Thanks Pleiades for explaining :)

Oups... I didn't mean to come a cross as unthankful. I was just impressed of how detailed help you guys gave me.

thumbs up!

Had an evning in the garage today... OTR bash plate, SW motec stand, relay (for hot grips) fitted. New oil, filter and lubed chain. The plastic panel and nut removed. Will leave it in 5-56 a while to let the surface corrosion solve. I also noted that the front engine bolt (that is replaced when fitting OTR bash plate) had a thick layer of white corrosion...

It seems this bike corrodes easily?
Is there a cure? like cover it in a mist of oil :) (I've actually tried that already by accident, you know that filler cap...)
I guess I'll give every bolt that goes back on some copper grease.

They do corrode easily, but it's just as easy stop with a bit of TLC. Cover everything (obviously excepting the brakes etc!) with ACF-50, it does a cracking job of protecting a bike over winter whether you ride it or store it.