Yamaha XTZ 1200 Super Ténéré 2013 — Specifications

So, Yamaha has finally unleashed its heavy artillery to challenge the queen of trail bikes? The arrival of the XTZ 1200 Super Ténéré in 2010, and this 2013 version we have in hand, had the effect of an earthquake. We were waiting for the return of a myth, that of the 750 from the 90s, and we find ourselves facing a desert-going vessel weighing 261 kg fully fueled. The message is clear: Yamaha is no longer targeting only the sands of the Ténéré, but the asphalt of Route 66 and the roads of all of Europe. With a price of around €15,000 at the time, it planted its flag in the garden of the BMW R 1200 GS, without complex.

Swing a leg over, and the first sensation is that of an imposing, even majestic, machine. The 845 mm seat height, adjustable, commands respect, but once underway, this weight disappears with surprising grace. The secret? This inline two-cylinder engine of 1199 cm3, firing at 270° for a growling sound and a torque of 113.8 Nm available from the mid-range. Its 106 horsepower isn't looking for a fight with a Ducati Multistrada, but they offer a linear and reassuring thrust, perfect for swallowing up kilometers loaded. That's where the comparison with the GS becomes interesting: the Yamaha focuses on smoothness and regularity, where the Bavarian can seem more nervous.

The onboard technology is a true argument for serene travel. ABS and linked braking UBS are standard, a real plus in the wet. Traction control, with its two modes plus deactivation, comes directly from the R1 sportbike. It saves your bacon without being intrusive. The shaft drive transmission, discreet and low-maintenance, confirms the grand touring orientation. For a test ride of the Yamaha XTZ 1200 Super Ténéré 2013, it is this quiet versatility that stands out. The 23-liter tank promises good range, even if some seasoned travelers would have preferred one or two liters more.

But don't be fooled, this isn’t a heavyweight. The steel frame, the 43 mm fully adjustable inverted fork, and the rear shock provide the stability of a locomotive in curves. However, forget technical trails: its weight and integrated protections make it an adventurer for wide tracks and dirt roads, not for trials. It’s a trail-GT, end of story. It is also what makes it a choice mount for units like the police, seeking a reliable, visible machine capable of weaving its way with authority.

So, who is it for? For the demanding globetrotter who wants an alternative to the GS, smoother, perhaps less characterful, but with formidable efficiency. It also suits the motorcyclist seeking a unique machine, with a distinctive style, capable of long-distance travel without a drop of sweat. For a purchase of a used Yamaha XTZ 1200 Super Ténéré today, models around 2013 represent an excellent reliability/equipment ratio. It doesn’t have the aggressiveness of a KTM Adventure, but it possesses that Japanese robustness and serenity that, for many, is the very definition of motorcycle travel.