The Adventure Touring segment had a pretty nice evolution in the latest years and there is also no secret that the entire segment was always dominated by the legendary BMW R 1200 GS.

Yamaha has decided to enter this segment very late its first Adventure Tourer being launched in 2012.

To be able to stand a chance in front of its main rival, the Yamaha Super Tenere needed a competent engine, so the Japanese manufacturer developed a new 1199cc parallel twin engine with a unique 270° crank for proper torque and traction. The same crossplane crankshaft can be found at the Yamaha R1 so you can expect to impressive performance figures. To give the bike a proper weight distribution, the radiator is side mounted.

Another useful feature is the traction control which regulates ignition timing and fuel injection based on wheel spin. The bike features two driving modes namely Sport and Touring. The first offers an extra grunt while the latter has a more serene character.

Hit the jump for more information on the Yamaha Super Tenere.

2013 Yamaha Super Tenere

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Yamaha Super Tenere
  • Engine/Motor: 1199cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke 2-cylinder DOHC
  • Transmission: Constant mesh, 6-speed
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Key Features

-The Super Ténéré is built for adventure, with an exceptionally compact 1199cc parallel twin with a unique 270° crank for excellent torque and traction. Engine mass is kept low for excellent handling. Narrow 2-cylinder inline engine is slim and compact for carving tight lines in twisty mountain roads.

-Wide-ratio 6-speed transmission has the right gear, whether on the open highway or off-road.

-Twin downdraft fuel injection with YCC-T® (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle) delivers optimum throttle control and acceleration. Two-position “D-Mode” (Drive Mode) throttle-response mapping for rider preference.

-Traction control lets the rider get on the gas with more confidence. It regulates ignition timing and fuel injection based on wheel spin. Three modes available to match rider preference, including off.

-Super Ténéré has both an Antilock Braking System (ABS) and Unified Braking System (UBS). With UBS, squeezing the front brake alone also provides some rear-wheel braking; pressing the rear brake first overrides UBS for traditional separate front and rear braking action.

-Whether riding across town or crossing a continent, rider comfort and convenience are important. Super Ténéré delivers, with an adjustable seat height and windshield, tunable front and rear suspension, low-maintenance shaft drive, and more.

-Special spoked wheels carry tubeless tires.

-Multi-function carrier system on back is ready for optional luggage and touring accessories.

Engine

-The 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 a traction control system, which regulates ignition timing and fuel injection volume based on rear wheel spin. Three rider-selected 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 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 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 preload 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 windshield and seat height. One inch of seat height 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 optional flexible luggage system design has three possible set-ups: standard with no top case/side bags, top case installed, or 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.

Specifications

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, 7.5-in travel

Suspension / Rear

Monoshock, adjustable preload and rebound damping, 7.5-in of travel

Brakes / Front

Dual 310mm hydraulic disc, ABS/Unified Brake System

Brakes / Rear

282mm single disc

Tires / Front

110/80R19M/C 59V

Tires / Rear

150/70R17M/C 69V

Length

88.8 in

Width

38.6 in

Height

55.5 in

Seat Height

33.3 or 34.3 in

Wheelbase

60.6 in

Rake (Caster Angle)

28.0°

Fuel Capacity

6.0 gal

Fuel Economy**

40 mpg

Wet Weight***

578 lb

Warranty

1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)

MSRP*

$14,790 (Matte Gray) Available from October 2012


Quotes

Autoevolution ---- "The 2013 model sport ride-by-wire throttle controlling the combustion and fuel mix for better mileage, a fast and punchy power delivery in complete control and safety. The 2013 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere comes with two engine mappings: the T for touring and the S for aggressive, sporty riding, suitable for a wide variety of pilots."

Totalmotorcycle ---- "The lessons Yamaha learned during the Dakar Rallies, have been utilized in the development of the Super Ténéré. Lightweight, compact, and easy to handle, the Super Ténéré offers a host of rider assist technologies that make it the ideal adventure touring mount. But there is more, a lot more. The Super Ténéré is an ultra versatile performer that will turn any ride into an enjoyable adventure, including the commute to work. From pavement to gravel to dirt, the Super Ténéré is ready to provide an incredibly fun riding experience."

Cycleworld ---- "As we’ve discovered in the past, tires are a critical piece of the puzzle with adventure bikes. Running knobbies off-road is mandatory if the itinerary involves more than a mile or two of dirt; but if a lot of asphalt is on the menu, knobbies compromise handling, braking and wear. So, we’ll be experimenting with rubber, too."