Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere test

Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere
More than 20 years have past since the introduction of the first Yamaha Super Ténéré. The absence of a large versatile trail bike from the catalogue was beginning to be felt. The Japanese constructor has rectified the situation and for 2010 proposes a new model destined to rival the competition. Yamaha has set it sights high in trying to take on the R1200 GS, the best selling BMW in the world.

The Super Ténéré is well armed for the challenge, with a well thought out and brand new party cycle. Steel was used for the frame to offer a smoother all-terrain ride.

Sold this year in the form of a limited edition, the Super Ténéré comes with an adventure pack with saddle bags and an engine boot, all of which is made from aluminium.

Innovations can also be found to the engine. The 2010 version comes with a new 100 brake horsepower1200cc twin cylinder that allows for a smooth ride despite the weight of 261 kilograms.

The instrument panel is easy to read and complete and there are two engine mapping setting to chose from as well as 3 different anti-skid modes.

The new Super Ténéré offers a comfortable ride. The riding position isn’t too high for a trial bike of this size and there’s no problem posing your feet flat. However, there is a drawback in that the handlebar is too high and too wide, which, however, is an advantage in all terrain use, but the seat is a little too hard for long rides.

Apart from that, the Super Ténéré, despite its weight, handles very nicely as well as lively and the turning radius is better than most.

The engine has plenty of torque and is very smooth in the mid rev band, offering some nice surprises. The gearbox is very smooth and reactive; however, the engine is quite noisy.

The brakes are top quality and can take on any and all types of terrain. It can handle the more torn up surface although tarmac is its first predilection. Even the bumpier roads don’t pose a problem thanks to its top notch adjustable shocks.

When all is said and done, the return of the Super Ténéré is a success. It has plenty going for it as it sets to take on BMW, beginning with its price of €14,999, which is 200 less than the GS Adventure, which becomes a lot more expensive when adding on options to achieve the same performance levels as the Yamaha.

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