Yamaha XTZ 1200 Super Ténéré 2014 — Specifications

When we talk about modern adventure bikes, one name always comes up, that of a Bavarian giant. Yet, in the shadows, Yamaha has patiently forged its own response with the XTZ 1200 Super Ténéré. In 2014, it receives its first real update, not to proclaim victory, but to refine its character. It's far from the hard-core trail bike of the 1990s; here, we're talking about a grand touring workhorse capable of leaving the pavement. With a weight of 257 kg fully fueled, it’s not lightweight, but it has lost a few kilos since its debut. The heart of the beast, this 1199 cm3 twin-cylinder engine, gains two horsepower to display 112 hp, but the essential is elsewhere. Engineers have worked on smoothness, and the 116.7 Nm of torque at 6000 rpm are felt with a generosity that soothes riding. The D-Mode system offers two mappings, one for the city and one more sporty, making this engine more versatile than ever.

On the saddle, the position is typical of a large trail bike, with a seat height of 845 mm that may intimidate, but which offers a feeling of dominance on the road. The new digital dashboard, including gear display, is a nice evolution. They added cruise control, a welcome comfort for long straight stretches, but removed practical elements such as the center stand or passenger handgrips. A questionable choice that will push many towards the accessories catalog. The braking system, with its petal discs and coupled ABS, inspires confidence, while the shaft drive transmission promises simplified maintenance, even if we still wonder how it compares to the famous Paralever of the competition. The 23-liter tank ensures correct range, but in this segment, some competitors do better.

Who is the rider of this Super Ténéré? It's not the extreme adventurer seeking dunes. No, it's the demanding globetrotter, the one who wants to devour continents on asphalt but keep the possibility of venturing onto a dirt track without stress. It is less nervous than a KTM 1190 Adventure and less omnipresent than a BMW R 1200 GS. Its price, around 15000 euros at the time, positioned it as a serious alternative. Moreover, its reputation for robustness and versatility even led it to be chosen by some police units, such as the Brav-M, for its maneuverability in congested areas. This detail says a lot about its agility despite its size.

So, did the 2014 Super Ténéré succeed in its challenge? It has managed to evolve discreetly and intelligently, prioritizing smoothness and electronic comfort over the race for raw numbers. It doesn't seek frontal confrontation, but offers a serene and well-equipped travel experience. For those seeking a reliable, comfortable companion capable of straying from the beaten path without drama, it remains a terribly seductive option. Numerous tests and discussions on forums confirm it: it has managed to forge its own identity in a highly competitive segment.