Yamaha XTZ 1200 Super Ténéré 2019 — Specifications

What makes the Yamaha XTZ 1200 Super Ténéré still rolling in 2019? The answer is simple: unwavering loyalty, much like an old hunting dog who knows the terrain by heart. But let's admit it, facing competition fueled by innovation, such as the BMW R 1250 GS or the KTM 1290 Adventure, this Japanese giant is beginning to feel its spark plugs. Its last significant update dates back to 2014, and it shows. Nevertheless, for a Yamaha XTZ 1200 Super Ténéré purchase, the argument remains solid: it's a reliable, stable machine that prioritizes regularity over displays of power. With a price approaching 13,000 euros in France, it positions itself as a serious alternative, less flashy but often more reassuring.

Mounting this beast is first and foremost about dealing with its size. The 257 kg when fully fueled is felt at a standstill, and a seat height of 845 mm can intimidate shorter legs. It’s not a motorcycle for beginners, that’s obvious. Once in motion, the mask falls. The 1200 cm3 twin-cylinder engine, with its 112 horsepower and 117 Nm of torque, doesn’t seek to excel. It delivers its power with remarkable composure, a supple torque present from low RPMs that makes long stretches hypnotic. The shaft drive ensures maintenance-free transmission, perfect for grand touring, even if a chain would sometimes be preferred for a path. Compared to a GS, more lively and technological, the Super Ténéré plays the card of serenity. It’s an engine that has never shone with its exuberance, but which excels in endurance.

Where the shoe pinches is in the electronic equipment and the chassis. We have a cruise control and traction control, but the whole thing lacks finesse and personalization compared to the arsenals offered by the Austrians and Germans. The steel frame and 43 mm inverted fork are solid, designed to swallow imperfection, but they lack adjustments and lightness. The weight is felt in tight turns, where the motorcycle demands commitment. It is comfortable on the road, capable on the track, but it dominates neither of these two areas. It's an honest trail-GT, a compromise that will suit the traveler seeking a reliable and comfortable travel companion more than the track rider seeking raw sensations.

What is the audience for this machine? Clearly, the mature traveler who prioritizes reliability and comfort over absolute performance. It’s the motorcycle for those who travel thousands of kilometers on European asphalt with the occasional foray onto a dirt track. Its 23-liter tank and comfortable seat make it a choice ally for long distances. It’s also amusing to note that its reputation for robustness and low-speed maneuverability led it to be chosen by some police units, such as the Brav-M, to navigate dense environments. A detail that says a lot about its controlled temperament.

So, should the Super Ténéré still be considered in 2019? If you are looking for the latest technology and featherweight performance, move on. But if you are looking for an indestructible engine, a well-thought-out ergonomics for travel, and mechanics that will never let you down, it still deserves your attention. It’s a motorcycle that doesn’t make waves, but which traces its path with a disarming consistency. In a world of increasingly complex trails, there is a form of nobility in that.