Archive for December, 2010

2012 Yamaha Super Tenere 1200

Tuesday, December 14th, 2010

The new Yamaha Super Tenere arrived in Colorado Springs. Yamaha is showcasing it around the USA at some of their top dealers and today one was in town for a few short hours. These are not demo bikes to be test ridden by customers but instead are put on display so that prospective buyers can see them up close and personal before plunking down $1000 to get on the order list. They will not be on dealer floors this year. If you want one, get out your deposit and they will build you one. I know nothing more about the ordering program but I’m sure that the guys at Apex Sports in Colorado Springs, Co., namely Mike Stokes, can fill you in on the details.

The no demo rule was bent and I was able to take a spin (thanks Mike) around the block. It was a very brief ride and not enough time to give a fair evaluation. Also, a personal disclaimer is in order. Although I’ve been in the motorcycle business for 38 years and have ridden and owned many different brands and models, I bleed orange. There are 4 KTMs in my garage and one (the 950 Adventure) is a direct competitor to the Yamaha.

The large bore (950cc-1200cc) adventure market was created by BMW and they still dominate the sales. The Euros have several new models on the horizon, but the current contenders are the BMW GS1200, KTM 990, Suzuki V-Strom, Triumph Tiger, and the new Yamaha Super Tenere. Of these, the KTM is the only one that is happy in the dirt (not sand) and inspires confidence at high speeds on dirt/gravel roads. My wife and I often ride 2 up on dirt roads, while fully loaded, at 60-80 mph without being on the ragged edge. Because of the road biased tires, 19″ front wheels, and short suspension travel, I personally would not do that with any of the other brands.

The KTM is happy on dirt (race bred at the Dakar) and has no problem with the tarmac while all of the other models are basically street bikes that excel on pavement, can be gingerly ridden on dirt roads but rocky mountain passes would be a struggle.

Enough said, the Tenere is impressive at first glance. Even though it’s the wrong color (blue not orange), it has excellent fit and finish, endless bells and whistles, and some very innovative designs. On the short list are traction control, ABS brakes, closed loop fuel injection, and ride-by-wire throttle.

My first (very short) impression; It’s a porker at 575lbs but carries the weight low and therefore doesn’t feel that heavy. The seat height is low (it was on the tall setting) and can be made even lower. This is good for most guys but my 6′3″ old carcass was a little cramped. The engine has plenty of juice to get the job done but I wouldn’t call it a monster motor. It seemed more comparable to the KTM 990 and had typical twin torquey power. As expected, the fuel injection was flawless, smooth and precise. Unlike many fuel injection systems, this is a true closed loop system that compensates for changes in temperature, elevation, etc. It has a huge bazooka muffler that is very quiet, a very BIG plus for me.

My overall impression is that it is a very versatile street bike that compares best with the Suzuki V-Strom. It’s been a very long time since I’ve thrown a leg over the V-Strom but I would rate the Tenere as having better everything….. power, suspension, components, technology, and style. It’s a great choice for those that primarily ride asphalt but want the option to ride poorly maintained paved roads or the occasional dirt/gravel road.

My list of pros and cons:

Pros:
* Price
* Cool styling
* Adjustable seat
* Great for the tarmac
* Very quiet muffler
* Reverse spoked tubliss rims
* Traction control
* Closed loop FI
* 2 position seat
* Bar mounted ignition map switch

Cons:
* A little cramped
* 7.5″ of suspension travel – not enough for dirt
* 19″ front wheel limits tire choices and has too wide of a contact patch for dirt
* Porky (150lbs more than the KTM)
* The muffler must weigh 50 lbs and looks like something Darth Vader would like
* Not very dirt worthy
* Cheesy handlebars

Tags: , ,
Posted in News | 2 Comments »

Stay Out of the Dog House

Sunday, December 12th, 2010

Tags: ,
Posted in Videos | No Comments »