step 3 in the search for my new 2-wheeler, the adventure option...
After the first "Dakar" period, when motorcycles were nothing more than big enduros with large fuel tanks and greater protection, the first Super Ténéré was a revolution in motorcycling.
equipped with a monstrous twin-cylinder engine belching out 70 bhp/din, the SuperT put down all the big enduros of the time, but!
Enduro tires (an obligatory choice at the time... there weren't any that were good enough!) the ridiculous brakes (2 x 245mm discs, just like on today's 50s) and the very high center of gravity made it rather complicated to handle at low speeds.
20 years on, has the new Ténéré managed to erase all these imperfections?
the great outdoors is mine!
By Olivier Quinten - Motoplanete exclusive - Manufacturer photos
I had no trouble finding the 2010 Super Ténéré when I arrived at the Yamaha garage.
It's lined up with the rest of the range available as a test bike, and it sticks out like a sore thumb.
Long, high (the adjustable seat peaks at between 845 and 870 mm) and imposing, I had no idea what to expect, despite my staggered test experience.
A short presentation tour with Christian, who details the accessories on this First Edition.
Basically: headlamp cover, engine guard (highly recommended to avoid scratching the bike if you lose your balance) and sturdy panniers. The "full-alu" look gives them a hiker's style, but above all, they have enormous capacity. Quite simply, when you open them, you're expecting an echo!
Let's move on to the passive safety equipment.
UBS + ABS coupled braking system
ABS anticipates when the wheels are about to slip and intervenes gently.
that's nothing new, but the UBS coupled braking system gives you the choice of braking both wheels with just the front lever, or fully controlling each wheel by first touching the rear brake pedal.
Together, they give you exceptional braking control in almost any situation.
The next system was the one I had the most doubts about.
The technical data sheet states that "the Super Ténéré is equipped with Yamaha Chip-Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) technology with three levels of traction control - including a control disconnect" when you feel like a little Wheeling.
Ps: Wheeling a SuperT requires either - infallible technique or - a big pair of corones.
It also has different engine maps (Yamaha D-MODE): sport or touring
I mount the beast and
off we go... on the road
The enduro-style riding position and wide handlebars make it easy to feel at ease on this famous beast (261kg fully loaded), and I set off at the first roundabout without a moment's hesitation.
As is often the case with this type of bike, you need to pick up speed to feel comfortable on the handlebars, but here the overall balance is surprisingly good, and the 1200 handles with ease from the lowest speeds.
After a short spurt on the freeway, I realize that my helmet is whistling. My first thought was to adjust the height of the windscreen.
Well, no, there's no adjustable windscreen, which is surprising on a bike packed with electronic equipment...
Well, let's play with the two-position adjustable seat height.
Bingo, acoustic comfort is immediately restored.
I quickly head for the south of Belgium to enjoy our beautiful (and bumpy) Ardennes roads.
The ride on the freeway gives me a taste of the flawless protection of the bike's front end - yes, the front end, not just the fairing.
The width of the cooling scoops plus the huge fuel tank (23l) also shelter the rider.
Cruising speed is naturally set at 180 km/h (in Germany!), and if you've taken the trouble to remove the panniers, the bike maintains an imperturbable line and cruises without problem at over 200 (still in Germany!)
I finally leave the freeway (a pleasant ordeal in the SuperT) and hit the back roads.
I can't help testing the traction control system on the first gravel-filled bend, and it works really well...
The engine delays acceleration and the bike stays in line, a system that should become commonplace on many torquey motorcycles.
The wide handlebars allow you to steer the beast smoothly, all the more so as the engine (over 100hp/din) responds at all revs.
the bottom line:
It's hard to fault Yam's big new 1200, but on the other hand, it fails to titillate my biker soul...
The look remains within the norm, and if the BMW GS has been a favorite for so many generations, the SuperT has nothing to be ashamed of.
The engine and efficient chassis will be real allies on long solo or duo rides.
But my choice of new bike is still pending, as I await my test of the FZ8.
Last minute!
A new contender for my future bike, the Suzuki GSR 750, which I've just discovered at the show.
Well, I'm launching the reservations and offering myself a comparison with the FZ8.
To be continued
Oli the Belgian
helmet
Gloves
jacket
braking
Chain kit
Oils
Find an intercom
Parts
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France
Bikers' reviews Leave a review - 29 reviews
In town, despite its imposing size, it's easy to handle in traffic, which is a bleuffing good thing for such a beast (3 years old in Paris).
On the road, it's so comfortable you'll never know you're on it
The kind of bike that can take you to the ends of the earth and back
It's a pity Yamaha stopped manufacturing it, at least in France! Rating : 5/5 Respond to Moufette
The plastics don't move and the paint is very well made. My next bike will be the same! Bruno and 50 springs ... Rating : 5/5 Respond to Nono
at 50000kms I've changed a part on the rear brake damper at a cost of 54 euros
I recommend a comfort saddle because after 40000kms the foam settles and the noise is not flattering
Apart from that, I'd buy this bike outright.
it's excellent for both touring and riding
Only happiness. Rating : 4/5 Respond to DENS
2000 Kms a month with it, leisure or work, and nothing but pleasure, with Yam reliability (or Japanese reliability in general), unlike others, which I wouldn't recommend, unless it's absolutely necessary to have a certain logo on the tank... Rating : 5/5 Respond to thierryg
I sold it after a month...that's a long time.. Rating : 1/5 Respond to ROULE TOUJOURS
Legendary reliability, incredible comfort, a true box-engine with powerful engine braking and torque to spare, and proto handling.
For me, the areas for improvement are fuel consumption and lighting.
The strong point is that it's the only motorcycle in the world that protects its rider's health:
No electromagnetic radiation, because all the electronics are located at the front right, so 0 volts/meters at saddle level. A jewel... and very little vibration.
I'm very satisfied with this truly exceptional machine Rating : 5/5 Respond to Casey 27
The only thing that annoys me is the fan, which goes off too often when it's a bit hot.
True, the gear indicator is missing.
As for the rest, it's all good stuff.
J.Jacques Rating : 5/5 Respond to JJandb95
I'm very happy that it's still so poorly rated in the comparos, but that won't stop it from delighting its future owners, who will appreciate its qualities. Rating : 5/5 Respond to Kwan44
Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation
A very good bike for long-distance duo trips.
Its lack of engine character is more than made up for by its road-going qualities.
the horsepower isn't demonstrative, but it's there, and this bike can be appreciated over long distances. Rating : 4/5 Respond to jean
I've just bought a 1200 worldcrosser and I'd like to know what you recommend for the givi equipment concerning the side cases and the top case
merci d\'avance
fred Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation
my opinion after 6 months of driving
bought in january 2012( model 2011) used 7500 km.
I drove 12500 km with it:
The face, I like it, flattering.
A little heavy but not too high (I'm 1m86), comfortable even for two, not bad protection
engine: sluggish, my biggest regret
but you get used to it.
Don't ride it even lightly, it's not its thing.
Long, busy rides, yes
but excessive fuel consumption
2equipped with SW Motec, you can take your gear with you!
i did the whole of the Isle of Man and Italy, no problems or breakdowns, just a crash at the stop, my fault
good bike, lacks a bit of feel Rating : 3/5 Respond to genesis
After owning multiple XT Ténéré 600 CC used in Africa and the Sahara, I switched to a BMW 1200 GS and ended up with a BMW 1200 GS Adventure with a 32 l fuel tank (not 36 korrygan) with which I rode on Moroccan tracks and trails that were not always well-built but dry; it's royal despite the weight and very amazing provided you know a bit about TT riding techniques, but not comparable to my 450 KTM enduro
It seems to me that Yamaha has not done a bad job in terms of overall design and reliability, no doubt at a rather reasonable price; less attractive than a Ducati 1200 Multistrada, no doubt, but for long-distance riding, it's worth a look, or at least a try, despite the minor shortcomings mentioned by korrygan. Rating : 5/5 Respond to JPO