With a history that dates all the way back to the famous Paris to Dakar rally of yesteryear, the Yamaha Super Ténéré->ke2784 is the ultimate machine for experiencing all facets motorcycling has to offer.

In terms of its design, the Super Tenere is more utility than it is specialty. The design of the bike is highlighted by the raised snout and narrow windscreen. There are also slab-sided aluminum panniers, a tubular handlebar, adjustable seats, tall mirror stalks, a multi-function carrier system on the back, and a 19" front wheel that completes the picture of a bike that can ride on just about road it travels on.

Where the Super Tenere lacks in design sizzle, it more than makes up for in performance. At the heart of the bike is an ultra-compact 1,200cc DOHC parallel twin engine mated to a six-speed wide-ratio transmission that features a very unique 270 degree crank whose close firing order gives the engine its unrivaled power characteristic. The bike also incorporates YCC-T fly by wire technology which is matched to an all-new traction control system, regulating ignition timing, and fuel injection volume based on rear wheel spin.

The Super Tenere features an all-new steel frame that is designed to reduce rider fatigue during long rides. The steel main frame allows the bike to enjoy balanced strength and flexibility, while the suspension set-up on the bike gives the Super Tenere the comfortable riding characteristics a bike of its name deserves. The suspension consists of 43mm forks on the front with 7.48" of travel and adjustable preload, compression, and rebound dampening, plus an adjustable pre-load suspension on the rear that allows the rider to adjust for varying loads or a passenger with the simple turn of a knob.

Get the full specs on the Yamaha Super Tenere after the jump. } }

2012 Yamaha Super Tenere

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Yamaha Super Ténéré
  • Engine/Motor: compact parallel twin engine with a unique 270° crank
  • Transmission: wide-ratio six-speed transmission
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Engine

-The all-new 1199cc parallel twin liquid-cooled engine features a

unique 270° crank for superior traction because both pistons fire

so closely together. It’s almost like having a big-bore thumper

without the uncomfortable vibration.

-Compact engine design uses a dry-sump oil supply inside the

crankcase, and side-mounted radiator for surprising narrowness.

-8-valve cylinder head optimizes the fuel charge for spirited

performance. The cylinder head cover is ultra-lightweight

magnesium to help centralize mass.

-A two-axis primary balancer smoothes out engine vibration for

all-day riding comfort.

-Forged aluminum pistons and carburized connecting rods for

durability and performance.

-Downdraft twin bore fuel injection system with 12-hole injectors

is tuned for off-road adventures, and is equally at home on long

stretches of open highway.

-Proven YCC-T fly-by-wire technology is matched to an all-new

traction control system, which regulates ignition timing and

fuel injection volume based on rear wheel spin. Three riderselected

modes are available to match conditions and the

rider’s preference.

-Yamaha D-Mode has two settings: “T-mode” for Touring and

general riding, giving a softer response; “S-mode” for Sport

riding when the rider wants the most performance possible.

-Wide-ratio 6-speed transmission has gear ratios optimized for

everything from slow dirt roads to higher speed sport riding.

-The low-maintenance shaft drive is clean and reliable with a

compact rear axle gear case thanks to its hypoid gear design.

Chassis and Suspension

-The all-new steel frame is designed to reduce rider fatigue during

long rides. Using a steel main frame offers the best balance

of strength and flexibility, one good at absorbing jolts from

uneven road surfaces.

-The engine is a stressed member of the frame. Locating the

crankshaft low and close the foot pegs gives the bike a remarkably

light feel, even off road.

-The ABS and Unified Brake System (UBS) work together to help

prevent wheel lock during braking. This new system allows the

rider to operate front and rear brakes together by simply pulling

the front brake lever, especially helpful when riding while standing

on the pegs. Applying the rear brake first overrides UBS to

provide traditional separate front and rear brake control.

-Adjustable pre-load suspension allows the rider to adjust for

varying loads or a passenger. The forks are compression and

rebound adjustable and the rear shock is rebound-damping

adjustable as well.

-A generous 6-gallon fuel tank allows for long touring with less

down time for fill-ups.

-The Super Ténéré comes equipped with an adjustable seat height.

1 inch of adjustment provides a low height for shorter riders or a

roomier riding position for taller riders in the high position.

-Front and rear hydraulic discs are both wave-type for great performance

on or off road.

-The grooved foot pegs show Yamaha’s attention to detail. While

the rider is seated, rubber cushions provide excellent comfort.

When the rider stands to tackle more technical riding conditions,

the rubber compresses, letting the rider’s boots contact the

metal foot peg surface.

Additional Features

-Handlebar brush guards are standard equipment.

- The flexible luggage system design has three possible set-ups:

standard with no top case/side bags, top case installed, and

side cases installed. Genuine Yamaha top case and side cases

designed for adventure touring are available as accessories.

These accessories were included during the design of the

motorcycle so as to enhance the look of the bike.

-Body components help direct cooling airflow to critical areas

of the bike.

-Both side stand and center stand are provided for complete

parking convenience.

-R1 style turn signals and reflectors.

Pricing

The 2012 Super Ténéré was available through a Priority Delivery Program at Yamaha dealerships nationwide beginning in September 2011. The Super Tenere has a starting MSRP of $13,900 and will be available in Blue as pictured as well as Raven.

Specifications

Model

XTZ12BB; XTZ12BL

Engine Type

1199cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke 2-cylinder

DOHC

Bore x Stroke

98.0 x 79.5mm

Compression Ratio

11.0:1

Fuel Delivery

Fuel Injection with YCC-T

Ignition

TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition

Transmission

Constant mesh, 6-speed

Final Drive

Shaft

Suspension/Front

Telescopic fork, 43mm tube, adjustable

preload, compression and rebound damping,7.48-in travel

Suspension/Rear

Monoshock, adjustable preload and rebound

damping, 7.48-in of travel

Brakes/Front

Dual 310mm hydraulic disc, ABS/Unified

Brake System

Brake/Rear

282mm single disc

Tire/Front

110/80R 19M/C

Tire/Rear

150/70R 17M/C

L x W x H

88.6 x 38.6 x 55.5 in

Seat Height

33.26 or 34.25 in

Wheelbase

60.6 in

Rake (Caster Angle)

28.0°

Trail

126 mm

Fuel Capacity

6.0 gal

Est. Fuel Economy

N/A

Wet Weight

575 lb

Color

Raven; Blue


Quotes

Motorcycle ---- "Engine power is routed through a wide-ratio six-speed transmission to a shaft drive system using a hypoid rear gear to ensure everything is as compact as possible. The Ténéré's engine crankshaft is kept low and close to the footpegs in order to keep the bike's center of gravity low"

Cycle World ---- "At the heart of the Super Ténéré is a liquid-cooled, 1199cc parallel-Twin with dohc and four valves per cylinder. Twin counterbalancers quell vibes, while the 270-degree crankshaft provides uneven firing intervals for improved traction should your adventures become slippery. Bore and stroke measure 98.0 x 79.5mm with an 11.0:1 compression ratio"

Road Big Mag ---- "Overall, I found the Super Ténéré comfortable and fun to ride. It’s got plenty of smooth power on tap and great wind protection. All this adds up to a bike that you can tour on far and wide, on road or off, for long periods of time"

Total Motorcycle ---- "All it takes is one look at the rally-inspired 2012 Yamaha Super Tenere and the wonder lust sets in. And there's no stopping it with a super compact parallel twin engine with a unique 270 degree firing order, a wide ratio 6-speed transmission"