Big, torquey and tough: the new Super Ten is more than ready to tackle its adventure-loving rivals.
It’s obvious why Yamaha decided to create a new generation Super Ténéré with a 1200cc twin-cylinder engine. The only surprise is that the Japanese firm has taken until now to come up with a successor to the original 750cc Super Ténéré, which dominated the Dakar Rally in the 1990s – long before BMW’s R1200GS showed that big dual-purpose bikes can sell in enormous numbers.
Ducati’s super-powerful Multi- strada 1200 has already arrived this year to add to the mix. Yamaha’s 1199cc contender is a more direct rival for BMW, with a similar chunky image and blend of on- and off-road ability. Like the GS engine, the Yamaha’s has twin pots and shaft final drive. But in Yamaha tradition it’s a liquid-cooled parallel twin, with a max output of 108bhp that is almost identical to the boxer’s.
Is it a genuine all-rounder?
It’s certainly built for versatility and adventure, especially in this initial Special Edition form, which includes an aluminium bash-plate and matching panniers. Yamaha say production numbers are limited this year, so they’ve decided to sell only this upmarket version. The basic Super Ténéré will be available next year.
Yamaha chose a suitably advent-urous press launch, too: a trip from Paris to Marrakech in Morocco, using a succession of riders, after which five of the bikes would be presented to motorcycling charity Riders for Health. I joined the first leg and the Yamaha felt big, torquey and tough as I cut through Parisian rush-hour traffic on the first morning, heading for the mountains of the Massif Central.
What’s it like out of town?
Although the Yam is tall, and quite heavy at 261kg wet, it’s very easy to ride. The motor is superbly flexible and has an appealing, smooth-revving character, thanks partly to its balancer shafts and 270º crankshaft layout. Heading south on the autoroute, the Super Ten chugged along effortlessly at 80mph, with acceleration in hand towards a top speed of about 130mph, and with the small, height-adjustable screen helping keep the wind off my chest.
Despite its hard-man image the Super Ténéré is very sophisticated. Its frame is made from simple steel tubes but the list of high-tech electronic features includes YCC-T ride-by-wire throttle control with a choice of two maps, plus adjustable traction control and a linked, ABS-equipped brake system.
How about the chassis?
Handling was pretty good, after we’d turned off the autoroute onto winding roads heading towards Clermont-Ferrand. The Yam carved through the turns feeling lighter and more agile than I’d expected, though under hard cornering its long-travel suspension felt a bit vague – not surprisingly, as there’s a generous 190mm of travel at each end.
One thing the Yamaha lacks, unlike the GS and Multi, is the option of electronically adjustable suspension. Although the Super Ten’s remote rear suspension adjustment knob is a handy feature, it’s not the same thing at all. But I liked the powerful linked disc brake set-up, whose efficient ABS system was welcome when rain made the roads slippery.
On a long trip I’d normally be glad of the 23-litre tank’s near 200-mile range. Instead, in the cold and wet I was glad when the tank ran low, giving me a chance to warm up. Fortunately the Yamaha’s broad seat was very comfortable so didn’t add to the pain.
What’s it like off-road?
Better than I’d expected for such a big, heavy bike. As well as being torquey and well-suspended enough to hold its own on the dirt, the Super Ténéré is as tough as a French farmer’s tractor. It was great on the second day, on bumpy, potholed dirt tracks that the suspension and tyres dealt with impressively.
Any bike this big and weighty is bound to be challenging off-road at times, but the Super Ténéré’s blend of flexible engine and capable chassis made it fun; at least until the snow began.
Fortunately we were soon back on the main road and splashing towards the second night’s stop in Toulouse, where my trip ended while the bikes carried on towards Africa.
Does the Ténéré hit the spot?
Yes, definitely. This Special Edition, which comes with non road-legal headlight protector as well as the bash-plate and panniers, is being sold exclusively via the Internet for £13,499.
That’s quite expensive, given that the proven R1200GS can be equipped with extras including electronically adjustable suspension for less.
However, a cheaper, basic Super Ténéré will be sold via Yamaha dealers in the normal way next year.
Unless you’re desperate, it might make sense to hang on until then. But Yamaha’s classy newcomer is a serious rival for the mighty GS, with the advantage of being fresh and distinctive.
The shortlist of bikes for a round-the-world ride — or perhaps just a big daily commute — just got longer.
Words: Roland Brown
Pictures: Paul Barshon, Alessio Barbanti and Friedemann Kirn
Original Article at Motorcycle Monthly
(n.b. Bold emphases are not the author's)
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