Yamaha XTZ 1200 Super Ténéré 2018 — Specifications

Is there a name that can be too heavy a legacy to bear? When Yamaha revives the Ténéré myth in 2010, it is no longer to launch a purebred desert racer, but to establish a flagship model in the lucrative market for large trail bikes. The XTZ 1200 Super Ténéré of 2018, which can be found for around €13,999 as a recent used model, is the culmination of this transformation. It traded the spartan soul of the predecessor 750 for the trappings of a touring machine capable of devouring miles. With its 257 kg when fully fueled, it clearly announces its intentions: this is a matter of comfort and stability, far from the lightweight and nimble trail bike.

Under the 23-liter tank beats the heart of a hard worker. The 1199 cm³ twin-cylinder engine delivers 112 horsepower, a power that does not seek performance but regularity. Torque, on the other hand, is massive, with 116.7 Nm available from mid-range speeds. This is where its character lies: unstoppable traction, a diesel-like flexibility that swallows kilometers effortlessly. Shaft drive seals this pact of tranquility, eliminating the chore of the chain for those planning long journeys. Faced with a BMW R 1250 GS, more agile and technological, or a KTM 1290 Adventure, more explosive, the Yamaha plays the card of serenity. Its traction control system and riding modes offer appreciable safety, but the whole lacks that touch of madness that characterizes its Austrian rivals.

The chassis, with its steel frame and 43 mm inverted fork, is designed for ease of use more than for extreme performance. The seat height, adjustable around 845 mm, remains a challenge for smaller riders, confirming that this machine is aimed at experienced road warriors seeking a royal seat. On the road, it is astonishingly stable, a true transcontinental. But its weight is felt as soon as you leave the pavement. It can cross a path, but forget technical trails: it's an elephant compared to a true adventurer like the Ténéré 700. Its role lies elsewhere, as evidenced by its adoption by some police units, who exploit its relative maneuverability in the city and on the highway for surveillance missions.

So, who should consider buying a Yamaha XTZ 1200 Super Ténéré? The methodical traveler, one who prioritizes rider and passenger comfort, autonomy, and reliable mechanics over a profusion of raw sensations. It is a machine that rewards with its consistency more than with its enthusiasm. To test ride the Yamaha XTZ 1200 Super Ténéré, you must accept this philosophy. It will not thrill you in tight corners, but it will bring you home after 800 kilometers without a crick in your back, with a sense of duty accomplished. In a comparison of Yamaha XTZ 1200 Super Ténéré with its competitors, it does not win on the technical specifications, but it seduces with its soothing character and its robust common sense.