Yamaha XTZ 1200 Super Ténéré 2020 — Specifications

Is it still the right time to invest nearly €13,000 in a trail-GT that debuted in 2010 and whose last significant modifications date back to 2014? The question naturally arises when examining the 2020 Yamaha XTZ 1200 Super Ténéré, facing competition that has largely evolved its models. BMW, KTM, and Triumph have all injected massive doses of technology and performance into their adventure bikes, while the Super T seems to navigate with a certain tranquility, almost disconnected from current marketing battles.

Yet, it remains a deeply endearing machine. Its inline twin-cylinder engine of 1199 cm3, offset at 270°, delivers 112 horsepower and 117 Nm of torque. These figures are not the highest in the segment, but they translate a philosophy: reliability and suppleness rather than a lavish display of power. The engine has been refined to be more progressive, and the D-mode system with its two maps (Touring and Sport) allows you to adapt the character to the usage. On the road, this engine is a true pleasure, with a responsive feel without being brutal, and the shaft drive brings that ease of use so precious for a long-distance traveler. The weight, announced at 257 kg fully fueled, is a point of discussion. It places the Yamaha in the category of imposing machines, slightly behind the lighter GS models or the more agile KTMs, but this mass is well distributed and the steel frame offers a feeling of unwavering solidity.

The equipment has undergone adjustments that are sometimes contradictory. The fully digital dashboard and cruise control are welcome additions. The adjustable bubble on four positions and the comfortable seat, with a seat height of 845 mm, are assets for long distances. However, some versions have seen the disappearance of the center stand or the top-case support, practical elements that sometimes get on people's nerves. The braking system, with its petal discs and coupled ABS, is effective and safe, while the 43 mm inverted fork and rear shock offer a good road-off-road compromise. But let's be honest: it's no longer a machine for the desert. Its size and weight are more suited to long-distance touring on varied roads and stabilized tracks. It excels in this role of comfortable and capable road bike, much like the motorcycles used by some police units for their robustness and maneuverability in dense urban environments.

The price of the Yamaha XTZ 1200 Super Ténéré, around €13,000, invites serious reflection. For a Yamaha XTZ 1200 Super Ténéré purchase, you really need to be attracted by its specific character: a reliable and sonorous engine, excellent road handling, and a modern adventurer image without being excessive. In comparison, the Yamaha XTZ 1200 Super Ténéré faces more versatile and technological opponents. It suits the touring rider who prioritizes regularity and pure mechanical feel on continental journeys, rather than the track rider or the true desert adventurer. Its essence is that of a grand touring bike with a trail spirit, a compromise that has its nobility but which, today, must be justified in the face of fresher and more aggressive alternatives.