2013 Yamaha Super Tenere 1200
YAMAHA XT1200Z SUPER TENERE (2010 - 2021) Review
8
Highlights
- Big-capacity member of the XT range
- Perfect for big miles
- Can handle some off-road exploring
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5) |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £340 |
| Power: | 109 bhp |
| Seat height: | Tall (33.3 in / 845 mm) |
| Weight: | High (576 lbs / 261 kg) |
Prices
New N/A
Used £5,000 - £12,500
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakes
3 out of 5 (3/5)
There was a time when Yamaha's Tenere range of bikes ruled the earth, literally. As desert and dirt blasters for Paris-Dakar like competitions, the name Tenere became synonymous with adventure and off-road riding. Then it all went quiet and BMW took on the mantle of Adventure bike champions with its modern-day GS range.
- Latest news: Yamaha Super Ténéré falls foul of Euro5 restrictions
Yamaha's revival started with the 2008 XT660Z Tenere, a delightful 660cc single-cylinder thumper dressed in traditional desert-romping plastics (high screen and seat height, long suspension). The introduction of the XT1200Z Super Tenere carries this adventure theme further.
The big sticking point is the £13,500 price tag, which makes it more expensive than a fully-loaded BMW R1200GS Adventure, over two grand more than a KTM 990 Adventure and just £700 less than the all-singing, all-dancing Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Touring.
As good as the Super Ten is, it can't live with its rivals in terms of on-road performance, build quality and all-round fun-factor. In short, it's way overpriced for what it is.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: Engine
4 out of 5 (4/5)
A wet weight figure of 261kg borders on hernia-in-the-making. Well, you'd think so. The truth is the Tenere loses any sensation of bulk when its wheels are turning.
Yamaha have got the weight distribution spot on and the only time weight is a problem is backing it out of the garage or picking it up. Surprise of the day was how stable the Tenere is at speed.
At 120mph it's rock steady and can cut an easy swathe through fast A-roads and nadgery stuff. It's easy to get carried away... What is an absolute pain in the neck and upwards is the savage wind buffeting from the top of what is a very low placed screen.
If it wasn't there you could live with a blast to the body, but the low screen accentuates the noise in the helmet to induce a headache. It is height adjustable via four piddly screws whereas the competition has two easy grip thumbwheels.
Engine
Next up: Reliability
3 out of 5 (3/5)
A 1199cc liquid-cooled parallel twin that is just as adept at autobahn speeds as it is lugging rider, pillion and luggage. Performance isn't ground-breaking but the engine is smooth and there are minimal vibes.
Power delivery can also be tamed (not that it needs to be) by switching to Touring mode via a bar-mounted button. Smoother throttle response and claimed improved fuel economy are the result.
MotoGP tech features in this engine – by placing the crankshaft closer to the rider and low in the chassis, while maintaining decent off-road ground clearance, the crank's gyro effect doesn't intrude on the bike's steering. Yamaha's ECU-servo throttle-injection system also figures.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: Value
3 out of 5 (3/5)
Purposeful chassis components… in other words there are a lot of component parts that come out of the same bins as many other Yamaha models – at least we know they work. The new engine should not be feared because Yamaha's relationship with parallel twins is longstanding. There's a nasty Rickman fairing-type rubber trim on the tank and for £13,500 rubber brake hoses seem cheap.
Value vs rivals
Next up: Equipment
2 out of 5 (2/5)
There's nothing wrong with the Super Tenere other than the price. This is a machine with the same kind of build-quality as a Honda Transalp, which is perfectly acceptable but nowhere near worth its £13,500 price tag.
If Yamaha had priced it under ten grand it would be a cracking package, but as it is you can have a lot more from the competition for a lot less.
Other machines from the time to consider include the BMW R1200GS Adventure, KTM 990 Adventure and Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Touring.
Equipment
3 out of 5 (3/5)
The Super Tenere has ay traction control system that is hardly noticeable when it cuts in and can be turned off for off-road use, 2) clever ABS and linked brake system that can measure lever pressure against speed and balance the braking effort between front and rear.
Use only the rear brake and its ABS module doesn't cut in to allow easy/safe turning around in the middle of the road, 3) fuss-free shaft drive, 4) complete pannier system. It doesn't come with all the toys you can get on the new Mutlistrada and R1200GS Adventure, though.
Specs | |
| Engine size | 1199cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4v four-stroke parallel twin. Six gears |
| Frame type | Tubular steel backbone frame. Cast ally swingarm with shaft drive. |
| Fuel capacity | 23 litres |
| Seat height | 845mm |
| Bike weight | 261kg |
| Front suspension | Fully adjustable |
| Rear suspension | Adjustable for preload only |
| Front brake | 2 x 310mm wave discs with 4-piston calipers |
| Rear brake | 282mm wave disc with single-piston caliper |
| Front tyre size | 110/80 x 19 |
| Rear tyre size | 150/70 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance | |
| Average fuel consumption | 45 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £96 |
| Annual service cost | £340 |
| New price | - |
| Used price | £5,000 - £12,500 |
| Insurance group | 15 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance | |
| Max power | 109 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 84 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 136 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | 230 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
2010 – XT1200Z Super Tenere First Edition launched
2021 - Yamaha opted not to update the Ténéré 1200's parallel-twin engine for Euro5 emissions regs and so the model is discontinued.
Other versions
The smaller capacity Yamaha XT660Z Ténéré was the first bike to carry the legendary name in the modern era. Yamaha currently have the Ténéré 700 standing alone as the only adventure bike in their range.
MCN Long term test reports
Bike of the Day: Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere
Why it's MCN's pick: Yamaha's Super Tenere is the forgotten bike in the adventure class and although in many ways it simply can't match the mighty GS, it shouldn't be overlooked if you are after a road-biased adventure-styled machine. Launched in 2010, the Super Tenere uses an 1199cc parallel twin t…
Read the latest report
Owners' reviews for the YAMAHA XT1200Z SUPER TENERE (2010 - 2021)
28 owners have reviewed their YAMAHA XT1200Z SUPER TENERE (2010 - 2021) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your YAMAHA XT1200Z SUPER TENERE (2010 - 2021)
Summary of owners' reviews | |
| Overall rating: | 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5) |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5) |
| Engine: | 4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5) |
| Reliability & build quality: | 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5) |
| Value vs rivals: | 4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5) |
| Equipment: | 4.1 out of 5 (4.1/5) |
| Annual servicing cost: | £340 |
5 out of 5 Overlooked gem.
31 October 2021
Version: Standard
Year: 2012
Excellent bike. Much overlooked in favour of 1200Gs wrongly. It's all about hype and marketing. If you want a normal sized dual purpose adventure bike this one is great.
Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
4 out of 5
09 October 2020 by Glenn Lewis
Version: ZE
Year: 2015
Annual servicing cost: £300
Very solid (low tech) which is a big plus for me. Comfortable, good fuel consumption and can easily carry the summer camping road trip gear. Worst feature is that the ignition coil packs are very susceptible to water and damp conditions. Eventually (at about the 40'000 mile mark) they corrode out and are expensive to replace, the bike having twin spark heads.
Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Seat is a bit hard. Two hours max duration.
Engine 4 out of 5
Engine is a little lack lustre for a 1200. But, and a big plus, it is shaft drive.
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
See above regarding the ignition coil packs
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
It is low tech by today standards which is great. Must have accessories are a Fenda Extender on the front. And good aftermarket luggage. Yamaha's own luggage is pants. I have Givi Trekker on mine and it's great. I run Avon Trailmasters on mine. A great improvement over the original Bridgestones.
Buying experience: GT Motorcycles in Plymouth. They are great to deal with. Purchased with only 4000 miles on the clock for about 9 grand.
5 out of 5 Japans answer to the Deutsch death trap.
31 August 2020 by Robin Hart
Version: First Edition
Year: 2010
This is exactly what you want if you are lanky and love travel and the great outdoors. This is the machine that will efficiently travel as far and fast as you want, and will go anywhere you can reasonably ask it to.The slating MCN and other journo's have given this bike is a scandal and it makes me disregard the opinions given by MCN. I have to distrust MCN as a result. There is no real contest between this and the GS since XT1200's do not have shaft drive failure, or snapping forks. So why claim it falls short in comparison? I call shenanigans on MCN.
Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
The torque is fantastic, and so easy to use. I can climb on this after a long week of night shifts and easily dominate a long run. Comfortable, excellent view of the road, amazingly sheltered from the weather with such minimal but well placed fairings. The fuel modes are well suited to real world riding and the brakes work exactly as they should. I bought mine with lots of back and forth between NE Scotland and SE England in mind and it excels in that role. No vibrations noticeable although you can hear and feel that its a big dirt bike. It has such a steady stable feel and gives a very reassuring sense of road holding which is almost a hazard as it makes you feel invulnerable.
Engine 5 out of 5
I know many owners like flashing the ECU but after 15k on it I don't feel the need to do that. When I want acceleration I have it, no matter what gear I'm in. Top gear cruising is serene, drop gear acceleration is fierce. I love it.
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Cannot fault it, this thing is built as if it was made to military spec.
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
I'm a bit of a novice and did the oils and filter, sparkplugs and air filter myself with little bother. Now I have a performance air filter I get 50.5mpg average with a mix of local commuting and motorway runs. 55-60mpg on a long trip which I think is outstanding given how much grunt this has. The service intervals, solidly dependable shaft drive, and universally acceptability to any mechanic puts this a long way ahead of the GS in my view.
Equipment 5 out of 5
First Edition had Yamaha luggage and I've had no issues with it, its a little finicky but when you know to press on the lid when you lock it it works well all the time. I wouldn't change them. The wind deflectors are an essential I think, they do an amazing job. Grab rails and rear frame is very versatile for strapping down luggage. There is space to load this bike right up with a lot of weight and bulk and pull away as if theres no load at all. In every way this is a can-do machine.
4 out of 5 Tractor Beam
21 July 2020 by SuperT
Version: (with ECU upgrade to make 2014 power)
Year: 2013
Annual servicing cost: £300
For real world only bike when you don't have a car license and you want comfort, utility, handling, luggage, reliability and anti theft uglyness, hands down best bike in real world. Gutted I sold mine, nothing has beaten it since (zzr1400, mt09, cbf1000, cb1000rr). I could hustle through central London traffic at Rush hour embracing scooters, although am an ex dispatcher so maybe not fair comparison. Number of times I could get through gaps noobs on smaller bikes couldn't. It was so good in town a 125 scooter rider once tried to ram me off the bike after I got bored and did a wide non aggressive overtake. Apologies to the other biker who's bike got hit by his scooter when I dragged the idiot off to give him what for. Bottom line: Never had any issue with low speed control or handling, and I'm of slight build. Out in country roads it's fantastic.
Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
better than you'd think for the weight. Corners well, just don't drop it off road, Jesus you'll need to hire a crane. Dropped it outside my house once, Almost couldn't pick it up, took me 5 attempts with long breaks, and I was deadlifting at the gym back then. Front end dives, but it's tolerable. You're not driving this bike to maximise heavy breaking stability before hitting a corner at 140mph.
Engine 5 out of 5
you don't Rev it, it's just low down torque and power lower in the Reve range when you need it. I can drive this bike stupid fast anywhere, and frankly after seeing a rider in front of me hit a deer a couple of years ago on a A-road, and seeing numerous deer jump out in front of me, I have no interest in doing high revs at high speeds. When I speed I do it incognito, and this bike sounds like it's doing 60 when it's doing 120 on the m-way, completely relaxed, so the police will always be looking at the red lining it on the inline 4 motor, not you on T10.
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
never had a single problem in 20k miles (bought at 10k miles), thing seems bullet proof.
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
pretty cheap to run, and what man don't tell you is that valve clearance (the big service) is only every 24k on this and other modern Yamahas, compared to every 6k on gs (although much easier to get to). Just ride it and enjoy lowest maintenance of any bike. Got to be best kept secret in the bloated adventure bike (250kgs) segment. Only down side, which may be due to older model with no electronics but bought for £7k, then part-ex next year for £4k, could not get better quote. Was told dealers have trouble shifting them, which is a real shame. I think with later models you might have better luck.
Equipment 3 out of 5
yammer luggage is total crap as others have said, get it vanilla and go 3rd party. Cruise control is amazing, how did we live without it (hey I'm over 45 now). traction control? why? It's not fast enough.
4 out of 5 why don't more people look at this bike
17 April 2020 by Graham
Version: xt1200ZE
Year: 2014
Annual servicing cost: £80
I would recommend this bike to a friend. Best Tank range 300 miles two up with luggage, Comfort , no drive chain, perfect for touring or off road. worst finish on the frame and rear shock could be better, stock screen caused turbulence
Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Brakes stops on a 6 pence for a big bike and is very stable due to EAS, rear brake also good for control. comfort, We have ridden this bike two up across Europe regularly, 3280 miles in 14 days with only the odd sore bit. Normally we can ride for 2.30 Hours quick 5 minute walk round and off again. This is with standard seats.
Engine 4 out of 5
I would like around 15 BHP more on the road if i was being fussy, but you don't buy this type of bike for a track day. When you ride it off road the engine characteristics and power delivery make perfect sense.You have plenty of torque even when two up with luggage.
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Very well built no problems at all, The frame paint could be thicker as does mark easily, Corrosion starting on rear coil spring.
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
I do my own serving and repairs, The bike is straight forward to work on even with the Electronic suspension. I had to replace the handlebar support bushes which were around £20, genuine Yamaha fork oil is expensive £27 a litre
Equipment 5 out of 5
The electronic suspension is brilliant and copes with anything you can throw at it. The heated grips work well and you can adjust the the 3 heat settings between 1-10. So setting 1 could be 10, setting 2 could be 7 and so on. your choice The bike has On board diagnostics via the screen as well so if you are out in the sticks you have basic info should and engine management light come on ( never needed it though but it's nice it's there) I would recommend the GIVI screen. I added a USB port, loads of places to attach your NAV system and cameras. Tyres I have used Michelin road 5 and Dunlop road smarts both last well, I would guess at around 8000 miles
Buying experience: bike coast £7500 from a dealer 18 months ago, great value when you compare this bike to the competition.
4 out of 5 Excellent choice for long range adventure, providing you are tall and strong...
25 January 2018 by Stevie Weavie
Year: 2016
Annual servicing cost: £500
Excellent long distance tourer with limited, though useful, off-road capabilities
Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Ride is excellent for long distance. Ergonomic is superb for 190CM/6'3" guy. The engine is rough at low RPM and sounds iffy.
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Luggage locks are garbage and prone to fail. The electric array under the right panel looks poorly arranged. The right panel fasteners design is poor and an after thought. The unequal "nostrils" are a poor choice of the industrial designer. Think of your child having such nosytils... just saying.... Other than the luggage, the general quality is good and so far (32,000 KM) no other issues.
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
The bike is very reliable, as most Yamahas are. I do not foresee expensive repairs coming due to normal use.
Equipment 4 out of 5
Luggage has poor locks. Everything else is OK. The cruise control, ABS, traction are great. The windshield leaves some to be desired. The saddle is great for an OEM
4 out of 5 My first Yammy and Road/Off-Road style bike.
31 May 2017 by fastride
Year: 2013
No bike should get 5 out of 5 as no bike is 100% perfect, but this is not far off. Garage maneuvering you feel the weight, but you just have to be a little careful. On the move, it's very flickable and it seems to lose its weight, which is low down anyway. Can carry loads of kit for rally camping trips (not done any 2 up riding on it). Seat comfortable for several hours at a time (splash n dash), and bike as a whole is very comfortable to ride. Downers: I found the OEM screen bad for buffeting, so bought the MRA Vario-Touring one and its brilliant, instant cure, along with Touratech adjustable screen bracket. Riding back from Orkney Islands, not stopping (apart from re-fueling), till hitting Carlisle services, my backside was in agony (I'm slim, so no extra padding). Now thinking of a custom seat, or getting off the bike more often at fuel stops (cheaper option) :0) Would definitely recommend this bike to others and who want to be a little different from the GS crowd.
Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
I would say its a decent enough all round bike, although not taken it off-road in anger. Its fast on the road when you want it to be, its stable and its a lazy cruiser when you want to watch the world go by, and you can when you are sat up there with White Van Mans height. Brakes work very well and great linked system that does not intrude in a bad way.
Engine 4 out of 5
Engine spins up fast and is quite smooth for a big twin (my other bike is a V-twin sports), and will pull all day long without straining. Feels like plenty of power available (but more is always welcome of course), and feeds in quite nicely, although in Towns where slow riding and gentle throttle control is required and 'S' mode selected, its quite jerky, thus switching to 'T' mode smooths that problem out nicely. Obviously a slight fueling issue here, maybe a newer re-flash may cure it.
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Build quality is great, no issues in 4 years of ownership. Starts on the button every time thus far. Only had one issue which was a warranty fix, and that was a hairline crack appeared on the top of the heated grip control dial box in first year. Replaced without problem and no reappearance of crack.
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Dealer serviced since new, but prices seem reasonable to date. Fuel consumption around 50mpg-ish. Longest to date, full tank from just south of John-0'Groats and got to Pitlochry, with a little still left in tank (but dared not risk any further).
Equipment 3 out of 5
Bought bike with OEM pannier set. Side pannier sizes OK, take a decent amount of kit for a weekend and slim enough to still allow filtering. Top Box - naff - too small. Replaced with a Givi Outback Trecker 56ltr - now perfect carrying capacity all round. Bad decision by Yamaha to use Ignition key for their pannier locks too, nearly snapped mine - be very careful when moving side panniers. As mentioned earlier, swapped OEM screen for MRA Vario-Touring one, almost perfect now, and also fitted the Touratech adjustable screen bracket. OEM Battlewings were good for me, but once worn out, replaced with TKC-70's when they were newly released. Great Tyre on road and loads of grip, but in middle of a wet grassy farm field in the morning, I needed a push to stop the rear spinning when trying to start off (being in a small rut did not help). Best of all for me is the Metal side stand (mentally, feels more solid/robust) as opposed to the later Aluminium one.
Buying experience: Bought from Wigan Yamaha dealership and they were fantastic. OK, they may be making a sale, but I have not come across a main dealership who were so genuinely helpful and friendly. Great deal was haggled (bike deal I saw for sale had gone), and bought new 2013 model with full pannier set, world crosser decal set, wheel tape, cockpit fairing winglets, heated grips, metal sump guard, crash bars and spot lights, and tank guard for just over £13K and delivered to my door which was several hours away.
5 out of 5 Great Bike
08 May 2017 by jvan
Version: Electronic Suspension
Year: 2016
Annual servicing cost: £200
I also have a 2015 Multistrada 1200S Touring - Brilliant bike, different category. Had a 1200GS Adventure, bought brand new - nice bike but top heavy and in Canada way too expensive, and overrated. Super Tenere way better value, not as top heavy and in all other respects just as good or better
Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Lovely suspension, easily adjustable, great brakes and ABS
Engine 4 out of 5
Smooth, adequate power. Engine sound could be better, but great exhaust note
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Yamahas don't break
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Way better than BM
Equipment 5 out of 5
Has all the bells and whistles at bargain price
Buying experience: Great experience at Argyll Motorsports
4 out of 5 If she was a truck she would be called Bigfoot.
22 June 2016 by R Smith
Year: 2013
Annual servicing cost: £90
Fantastic bike and very agile for its weight also very sure footed. The power delivery is very smooth and gives the rider a real feel of confidence I just wish the bike came with a gear indicator as it is a feature I have enjoyed on previous bikes
Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Lovely comfortable commanding riding position and great brakes.
Engine 4 out of 5
Great lazy engine with bags of low down grunt when you need it.
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
No bike is 5 out of 5.. if there was we would all have one.
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
The bike is easy and access able to work on so I carry out my own maintenance. So I only purchase the parts and oil.
Equipment 4 out of 5
Everything I require is on the bike as standard but I do miss the gear indicator.
Buying experience: Fantastic experience and the bike was better than described. A big thanks to Gavin at Crescent Motorcycles Bournemouth.
4 out of 5 impressive and getting more well known
09 April 2016 by melward53
Version: ZE
Year: 2014
Annual servicing cost: £280
brakes and weight balance excellent, needs crash bars to protect fan and radiator, not as common as a GS!
Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
its heavy but balance is very good as radiator to side and engine forward, linked brakes excellent (front brings in back with pressure related to speed and weight), bike stops really well, impressive
Engine 4 out of 5
not super high power but fuelling clearly better than pre 2014 models, don't see the need to re flash, Touring mode is good for being lazy and bike pulls well from low speed in 3rd or 4th, doesn't need reving like a GS
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
seems well made, no obvious corrosion through its first winter. lost one rear spoke nipple which didn't stop me riding it, dealer warranty job
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
reasonable dealer costs for 6000 service, parts cheap if you do it at home too
Equipment 4 out of 5
get cockpit wind deflectors, they work well got a big back rack, the OE is small
Buying experience: Yam dealer, 2014 64 demo model with 200 miles and 4 months old. £10,600 in early 2015
5 out of 5 Flying sofa
07 February 2016 by Carr u like
Version: ZE
Year: 2014
Annual servicing cost: £450
Very comfy, great in the Alps. Great on the motorway. 40000km came round quickly in two years. No issues.
Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Use this all year round in Switzerland, when there's no snow on the ground. 14 hour days back to back no problem.
Engine 5 out of 5
Smooth. Lots of pull. Great sound on overrun coming down the alpine passes. On autobahn will cruise (control) at 200+ kmh. 400km on a tank means only three stops to the UK.
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Touch wood, 0 issues.
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Self serviced, new tyres, oil, filters, plugs, each year.
Equipment 4 out of 5
Cruise control great for long mway trips. Electronic suspension great on cobbled passes like Tremolo. Added gps and some better headlights for the dark mountains.
Buying experience: Local Yamaha dealer. Great support and advice. I don't see him often though as it's so easy to work on the bike yourself.
5 out of 5 Excellent adventure tourer
30 June 2015 by Bob
Year: 2012
the best bike I have owned in 30 years of riding
Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
It rides excellent on everything from motorways to mountain passes, I have just returned from the Alps where the bike was faultless. Comfortable for 400 miles a day.
Engine 4 out of 5
Lovely 1200 twin, smooth drivable power, but as always more power would be nice.
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
very well built and finished
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
reasonable service costs for a large motorcycle
Equipment 5 out of 5
Everything you need easy to read
Buying experience: Bought from a dealer with a good discount made it a good deal for such a good motorcycle
5 out of 5 Ideal Long Term Bike
23 June 2015 by cowmando
Year: 2011
Annual servicing cost: £869
Great: Comfortable ride. Reliable. Great build quality. Comfortable to ride. Inspires confidence. Great for 2 up for short commutes or day-long riding. Fuel efficient. Reasonable maintenance needs. Not so great: Bike is big and heavy, especially if you install panniers and top box. Doesn't come with sufficient protection (crash bars and roost protection, like a bash plate). Slow maneuvering can be a pain especially in heavy traffic but you get used to it. This bike is my daily commute. To and fro work is about 38 miles daily. Tropical heat and humidity. Mostly highway both in heavy and light traffic. Recreational riding on weekends too. Farkle friendly. Lots of stuff you can get aftermarket to spruce up your ride. :)
Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Very very comfortable. This bike gobbles up the miles and you're left wishing you had more energy to carry on riding to the next day. Brakes are great. Have never had to activate the ABS but in the few instances where I needed to squeeze and stomp on levers to stop, bike has pulled up without fuss or wheel lock. Great in the wet with decent tires. Wear waterproof boots as water tends to splash on left foot. Perhaps a consequence of my Alt-rider bash plate. Can get warm on the left due to the radiator's placement but it isn't a deal breaker. I ride in extremely hot conditions (95F before heat index) with mesh jacket and kevlar armoured pants and the heat from the radiator is insignificant. Keeps you nice and toasty in cooler weather though. ;)
Engine 5 out of 5
Predictable power band. Smooth. Some owners complain about vibration, but it isn't noticeable. Decent pick-up but because of weight you're not going to fly like a sports bike. If you want that kind of acceleration, get a sports bike then. :) Roll on power while in 5th or 6th gear is respectable. No real need to drop gear. Pulls like a tractor, there's lots of torque. Reliable (see above).
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Extremely reliable. Parts easily available. Predictable in that you just follow the maintenance schedule and you're good to go. Never once have had to tow the bike. Only major issue so far is the spark plug distributor cap thingie which corrodes as water collects at the spark plugs. I ride a lot in the rain (consequence of where I'm located). This is easily remedied by getting a splash guard matt and bracket.
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Maintenance cost breakdown: $150 (3 times a year) for replacement Mobil 1 twin oil, yamalube shaft drive oil. Spruce up K&N air filter, oil filter. $250 ($1000 every 4 years on average) for valve adjust (including labour and required replacement parts like gaskets etc.) $169 ($338 Metzeler Tourance tyre lasts an average of 2 years) Compares very well to a BMW GS and KTM. Also expect long term ownership to be much cheaper compared to the other brand equivalent. Did extensive research before making the plunge and buying my first Yamaha. Been a Honda rider all my life. But Honda doesn't have equivalent ride (perhaps the new Africa Twin but I couldn't wait). New BMW adventure bikes have a multitude of mechanical and electrical issues that surface post warranty, KTM's not reliable. And both these brands don't seem to fare well in the high heat and humidity where I'm located. Empirical and anecdotal research persuaded me to get the S10. 39-43 mpg average.
Equipment 4 out of 5
I use ACF50 on all exposed unpainted meal surfaces so no issues with rust. I follow a 4 month application schedule to ensure rust is kept away. Galfer designed wavy brake rotors fitted. Wish the bike came with more protection but I did have fun hunting for and installing my own farkles. Bike is very farkle friendly. Installed GIVI outback trekker aluminum boxes. Grocery runs are doable. Have actually sold my car as I was getting more utility and fun out of the bike.
4 out of 5 excellent
14 May 2015 by amit
Year: 2010
excellent combination of long touring bike with off road abilities
Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 3 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 jackintherok
20 June 2014 by jackintherok
10,000 miles in and this bike gets better. Pretty well meets expectations or better in every quarter. Definitely is not better than a sports bike, sports tourer, cruiser, commuter, or an off road bike at what they were designed for, but it's competent at all. Low speed manoeuvring took a bit of getting used to but practise cured that and now it's better than any large capacity bike I've owned. Holds corners really well with Pilot Road 3's (not as well with stock Bridgestone's). Flippablity remains an issue at speed in curve combinations, because it's a bit of a lump. As my interests changed I considered other more tailor made rides, but after a couple of days decided that the S10 offers the best compromise. As compared with the R1200 GS, well I've not owned one so can't say, but with a 32 inch inside leg the BMW is problematic for me on uneven sloping/ground, and here in Korea the beemer is 20% more expensive, is driven by posers, and has a reputation for unreliability. Main issue with this bike is that its reliability makes it a little boring. It just goes on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on …. and when others hit problems I've gotto wait for them to be fixed or act as gofer.
Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 bargin
01 March 2014 by homer11
when yamaha dealers are selling super tenere's old stock 2013 models for less than the cost of the new v-strom 1000 it has to be an absolute bargin
Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 Great ride, great fun, long distances.
06 February 2014 by
I took a Super Tenere for a test ride 18 months ago and did not get on with it at all. Having spoken at length to other riders including one that raced for Yamaha I concluded that the TDM900 was the bike for me, plenty of power, runs all day without problem either mechanically or me physically. Been around long enough to be well sorted, I brought one, rode it to Marmaris in Turkey, high up into Norway and the highlands of Scotland. I then took it to my local Yamaha dealer for a 12,000 mile service and they gave me a Super Tenere as a loan. I clearly missed something on that first test ride because I instantly fell in love with it. Handling was fantastic, brakes smooth and powerful, willing and silky engine, comfortable to ride and could see no reason why it would not suit my long distance tours. I returned it with reluctance, picked up the TDM and went up to Norway. Every time I saw a GS the ST came into my head, it was going to be my next bike, I would not fall for the hype that is put about around the BMW and who wants to be part of the 'flock' anyway?? The 18,000 mile service came up so I took the ST out again, this time for a full days riding and I did not give it back. I've only had it now for two weeks but have no regrets, it still ticks all my boxes. Yes its heavy when you're pushing it around and I'm sure I'll curse loudly if I ever drop it but bikes are for riding not weightlifting. Yes its expensive but compared to the GS its running costs are going to be lower so cost of ownership over your length of ownership is the more important figure. Yes the standard luggage does not have the toughness of some of the aftermarket kit. No its not a sports bike but it will still beat 99.9% of anything on four wheels from a standing start and with a bigger grin factor, sport mode is a lot of fun. Who truly has produced the perfect bike, they don't exist, if they did why would the manufacturers bring out new models every year? As one other reviewer so rightly pointed out if you look at the reviews from the US and in particular Australia where they do use their bikes in proper adventure conditions this machine competes with anything else on the market. I have no regrets and look forward to my next adventures and not all on tarmac!!
Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 I think its a great machine
03 February 2014 by patann
I brought my super Tenere which cost me around £13500, which was fully equipped with panniers and top box and tank bag, and lots, lots more, in May after a test ride. Since then I have covered 5200 miles. This summer did a tour of Europe doing 2500 miles. Previously I could only manage to do about an hour, hour and an half due to wrist pump problems. I think the bike is a fantastic machine and is vastly underestimated. I am at present thinking of up grading to the 2014 model which has a few more gadgets on it, these changes can only make it a a more formidable machine. P.S dependant on who test rides the machine.
Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
2 out of 5 Kevin Ash called it right
11 September 2013 by jonhartstone
Yamaha Super Tenere review from new purchase to sale after 3 years and 24,000 miles Background – I've been riding for 35 years and do a 4,000 mile trip each year. On this bike I've been to Portugal, the Amalfi Coast and the Alps. After 3 years of use I've decided to go back to Vstrom's as I've had 3 before and it's a light, brilliant tourer. Here are my thoughts on the XT1200 Pros· Excellent Headlights· Excellent seat – I did Lake Garda, Italy to London in one day [950 miles] with no problems Good vibration free mirrors· Unobtrusive trouble free shaft drive Reasonable tank range at 220+ Cons Heritage – the much vaunted Paris-Dakar heritage gives you a bike with spoked wheels and a sticker with a sand dune on it. If you take this to the real desert [I've lived in Dubai] and drop the bike, you're going to die if help doesn't come because you can't pick up a 267kg bike on soft sand or mud. So dirt tracks are what this is for and what all the promotional videos show Weight – many reviews say how light the bike feels when it's moving. Frankly once any heavyweight bike is moving it's easy to keep it up. It's low speed manoeuvring, particularly with a pillion, that will have you gingerly moving around fearing a drop. This is my main reason for getting rid of it Luggage – once you have established this is not an off-road bike you might then look at whether it makes a good tourer. Luggage is high up for me. The luggage is plastic with aluminium sidings. Neither top box or panniers can hold a helmet. The Panniers are rectangular and if your pillion has short legs they will find it uncomfortable getting their legs to sit over the panniers. The locks periodically shake loose in the housings and have to be tightened and the method of attaching the luggage will amaze you with the multiple operations required compared to, say, Givi's Monokey system. The soft inner luggage will quickly shed the zip pulls as they break off inside the boxes. Finally, the ignition key used to open the boxes protrudes 2 inches and could easily be accidentally snapped off when in the lock. I had a spare made to avoid this Residuals – I paid £14.5k for this bike and got £5.6 part exchange for a Vstrom. The value plummets faster than the GS it's meant to be up against Radiator – the radiator fan blows hot air over your left leg and travelling through Spain in 43C it brought home that you don't want to go to the desert on this thing. Insurance – I park it on the road in London. Because so few people bought this bike insurers were loth to insure me as they didn't know how to price it. On the day I bought it, the Yamaha recommended insurance agent refused to insure it as it wasn't on their books and I finally found one company that would insure me for £700. Over 3 years I've got that down to £500 but its something to watch out for. BTW I have 9 years no claims. Cachet – While I've had this bike my pal has had a GS1200 and Multistrada 1200. Nobody looks at the SuperTenere against those bikes. This partly explains the terrible residuals.
Ride quality & brakes 2 out of 5
Engine 3 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 1 out of 5
Equipment 2 out of 5
3 out of 5 Not for me
18 April 2013 by tiggr2
Always liked the idea of an adventure bike (ex enduro rider) so why my FZ1 was in for service I took the world crosser for a test drive. From the off I was mightily impressed, I rode it for just above an hour its the comefiest bike Ive ever ridden, it handles well, brakes superbly, its not mega rapid but its no slouch, loads of low down power, easy overtakes, its got a road prescence andis high enough to see over all hedges as I said \i was very impressed and ready to part with cash. I got back and picked up my fazer with all the info and part ex cost printed out for me. I fortunatly didnt buy on the spot because I wanted to check the part ex price to see if it was worth selling privatly. My fazer felt small, harsh and revy by comparison then I realised what the yamaha was missing - sole - the fazer is fun, its involving, its got sole. If you only poddle or only tour the Yam is "probabaly" an ace bike, but its not for me. As a two up or pure tourer if I could afford a secong bike yes (though its VVV expensive) yes but as an only bike no, sorry not for me.
Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 3 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 1 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 Brilliant machine.
20 October 2011 by Chris132
I took one of these out for a long test ride and found it to be quite amazing, so I bought one. There is a noticeable difference in the traction control modes and the riding modes, brakes were very encouraging and the ride is incredibly comfortable, the bumpy roads of Britain will no longer be a chore for me as this bike seems to just take them in its stride. As for people saying they are expensive, well yes but you get a lot for your money. I've ridden a GS and it was plain dull in comparison to this. When you look at the cost of the machine and what it comes with, then compare it to the GS and what you get as standard is far superior. The GS adventure is about £11600 new and you don't get any traction control or ABS. The XT1200Z has some great deals I got mine for £11000 (with crash bars worth £245 for free) and it comes with ABS and traction control as standard, to get ABS on the GS Adventure you're looking at a further £990. It's not the amazing bike it's supposed to be and in my personal opinion (and it would seem a lot of others on this site), MCN got it totally wrong. This is every bit as practical as the GS but with more for your money and more fun. This is worth the money and I'm so glad I got one. I've ridden sports bikes for a few years and a couple of naked bikes, the super tenere takes the best of these and puts it into a usable, fun but practical machine.
Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
5 out of 5 XTZ1200Z MCN got it wrong
16 August 2011 by ugg998
I have ridden both the GS and super ten and I now own the super ten. MCN got it wrong,, this bike out classes the Gs hands down, smoother more comfortable better suspended i could go on. Cum on MCN lets have a fair test with Adventure riders not Racers and learn to use the equipment on the bike before riding. I paid £12000 for mine with every extra and I think it was a bargain.
Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 The review???
15 August 2011 by xtz00
I cant understand how the motorcycle world determines its pricing, refering to 'MCN overall verdict' As the owner of a Super Ten i have absolutely no regrets with the purchase. One of the major factors was the price, in Australia a fully loaded GS1200 adventure is about au$33,500 a 990 Adventure is about au$23,000 and a ducati multistrada touring 1200s start at $29,990. The Super Ten was au$18,700 ride away, it is so cheap in comparison to the competition. In regards to value for money i dont think there are to many bikes out there with the features, handling, comfort and performance that this bike offers.An awesome bike.
Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
5 out of 5 break-in
11 November 2010 by realRider2
I can say now, after testing the bike over and over, this bike will last a long time, very robust, very stable, good looking, very powerful in S mode, brakes like no other bike in the market (these brakes come straight from MotoGP),don't have to worry about lubricating the chain, very smooth but when you push is like a angry rocket, not heavy at all, very economic, very agile in traffic, very comfortable, good value for what you get,reliable, outstanding finish, and quality everywhere where you look. This is a MOTORCYCLE!, a real one! and I have no regrets after purchasing her. Beautiful!
Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
5 out of 5 YAMAHA
11 November 2010 by realRider2
Hello, You guys (from this pretend magazine) don't like Yamaha, do you? Just checking most of the Yamaha reviews and what a coincidence!, not many stars....I wonder why?
Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
5 out of 5 Yamaha's better motorcycle!
03 November 2010 by passas
Without doubts, Super Tenere!
Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 What?
03 November 2010 by realRider2
I saw a video from MCN testing the Yamaha, BMW, KTM and the italian (I don't know why that bike was there...???) You forgot about the Yamaha, why? last place?, how?, are you riders or journalists? probably the last one. I don't understand how the best bike around come last!. I had the opportunity to test it, very well, not just one ride. Also I tested the BMW, KTM and the "italian". You know? No surprise at all, the Yamaha was above all of them no doubt! Get rid of "the italian" and you get the Yamaha from 0-100km/h in 3 sec, of course Traction control OFF and sport mode! (Did you guys tested her like that?) The BMW is an Elephant!, too heavy when riding. The Yamaha is so light, is such a good feeling. The KTM is good Off-road and that's it, a bit ugly as well. The Yamaha is so far the best adventure bike in the market. For you guys who still thinking between a BMW and a Yamaha, no more thinking, get the Y. cheers I am glad I have one!
Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
3 out of 5 Oh dear
17 June 2010 by hughcam
One more nail in Yamaha's coffin
Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5
Engine 3 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5
Value vs rivals 3 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
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Source: https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/yamaha/xt1200z-super-tenere/2010/
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