Yamaha XTZ 1200 Super Ténéré 2016 — Specifications

Are you looking for a large trail bike that won’t let you down at the end of the world, but also knows how to blend in on Sunday drives? The Yamaha XTZ 1200 Super Ténéré, in its 2016 version, is one of those machines that claims to do it all. With its 112 horsepower and 116.7 Nm of torque, it’s not a wild animal, but rather the quiet force of a sophisticated tractor. Its advertised weight of 257 kg fully fueled makes it a substantial machine, a reality you must accept before turning the key. This isn’t a motorcycle for sensitive souls or lightweight riders; it's a vessel designed to devour kilometers with a certain authority.

The seat height of 845 mm may be intimidating, but once in the saddle, the motorcycle proves surprisingly balanced. Yamaha worked on weight distribution, and it’s noticeable from the first few meters. The 270° inline twin delivers its power with remarkable progressiveness, especially after the revisions made since 2014. The electronics are there to help, with its riding modes and traction control, but they don’t seek to dominate the experience. Compared to a BMW R 1200 GS of the time, the Super Ténéré positions itself as a more mechanical, less aseptic alternative. It doesn't dance with the same lightness, but it offers a feeling of unwavering solidity, reinforced by the steel frame and shaft drive, a reassuring choice for those thinking about the long term and maintenance.

On the road, it offers astounding stability. The braking, with its petal discs and coupled ABS, is powerful and reassuring. The suspension, although adjustable, is calibrated for comfortable touring rather than attacking trails. This is where the shoe pinches for pure adventurers: with its weight and integrated protections, it’s not really a machine for deep sand. It prefers gravel roads and winding roads. Its 23-liter tank offers decent range, but a little more would have been appreciated to truly compete with the competition in the long-distance travel arena. For a Yamaha XTZ 1200 Super Ténéré purchase, it’s important to be honest about its use: it's a trail-GT, a luxury tourer, much more comfortable on pavement than in the mud.

Its price, around €14,000 at the time, positioned it as a serious competitor to other large trail bikes. Today, on the used market, it represents excellent value for money for those seeking a reliable, capable machine with character. It has even found an unexpected use, as some wonder what motorcycles the police of the BRAV-M use. They move around using Yamaha XTZ 1200 Super Ténéré motorcycles, a choice that speaks to their robustness and agility in dense urban environments. This is an additional argument for this machine, which, despite its age, retains a certain relevance.

Ultimately, the Super Ténéré is not the lightest, most powerful, or most high-tech in its class. But it has a soul, a presence, and a reliability that forge its legend. It is aimed at the demanding globetrotter who prioritizes raw sensation and durability over electronic frippery. For a Yamaha XTZ 1200 Super Ténéré test ride, you need to get on it with an open mind, accept its size, and let yourself be carried away by its tireless engine. It may not surprise you, but it will never disappoint you. It's a road companion, not a track courtesan.