Yamaha Super Tenere - World first test ride

The new Yamaha XTZ1200Z Tenere is a great alternative to a BMW R1200GS or Ducati Multistrada says MCN’s Trevor Franklin.

• Adventure special issue of MCN, on sale this Wednesday

Trevor has so far covered 260km in southern France up to and over the Pyrennees, encountering snow, twisty, gravel strewn roads and more, this is what Trevor has to say:

“At all times the Tenere has proved a good tool for these roads. The all-new 1200 engine’s a peach – punchy throughout the range and sooo happy to sit at 70-100mph, with no vibes to speak of.

“The shaft drive, despite the lack of gizmos, is faultless, too, while the ergonomics and comfort mirror BMW’s GS. It comes with a lot more agility than the GS, though, and because of its conventional forks gives much more feel from the front end, which in turn makes it more fun.

“On this first impression it’s a valid third alternative to the BMW R1200GS and Ducati MTS1200 Multistrada, delivering the comfort and mile-eating ability of the GS for those who don’t want a BMW and ruggedness for those who’d rather have a Japanese than Italian machine. It’s a worthy successor to the Tenere family”

The new Super Tenere uses a 1199cc inline parallel twin motor and a 270 -degree crank. It also comes equipped with three-stage traction control and adjustable seat. The bike is designed to go after sales of the BMW R1200GS and BMW RG1200GS Adventure. 

The First Edition as tested here comes with left and right aluminium panniers, headlight protector and bashplate. It costs £13,500. 

Read the full test in next week’s MCN, on sale 12 May 2010.