Yamaha XTZE 1200 Super Ténéré 2015 — Specifications

Imagine a large trail bike that prioritizes reliability over flash, versatility over feats of skill. The Yamaha XTZE 1200 Super Ténéré is that machine, a mechanical block of granite, heir to a legend, which in 2015 focuses more on equipment than horsepower to seduce. With its 112 horsepower at 7250 rpm, the twin-cylinder isn't the fiercest on the field, but its torque of 116.7 Nm, available early, speaks the language of the traveler: suppleness and consistency, not kicks in the back.

Where this E version stands out is through its technological array. It indulges in electronic suspension, a system that saves you from getting your hands dirty with adjustment wrenches. Four preloads and three damping settings offer 84 combinations, enough to adapt from smooth asphalt to rough trails with a simple click on the handlebars. It’s not yet at the level of the semi-active system of some competitors, but it’s a giant step towards customized comfort. Coupled with ABS, traction control, linked braking, and cruise control, the ensemble makes this trail bike a reassuring and complete road companion.

Weight, however, remains its weak point. With 265 kg fully fueled with its 23 liters, the beast commands respect. In the city or on technical trails, you feel the mass, far from the aggressive lightness of a KTM Adventure or the agility of the GS from BMW. It’s a motorcycle for those who ride straight, who prioritize highway stability and directional stability over agility in curves. The seat height of 845 mm can also be intimidating, even if the low center of gravity helps once in motion.

So, who is it for? For the demanding globetrotter who traverses continents without wanting to be a Sunday motocrosser. For those seeking a luxurious and indestructible Swiss Army knife, ready to swallow the highway as well as bumpy trails, without ever causing trouble. The price of €15,999 places the Super Ténéré on conquered ground, facing rivals often more expensive or more spartan. It’s not the craziest, nor the lightest, but it’s a trustworthy machine, packed with equipment, which fully embraces its role as a high-end workhorse. Proof that in the world of large trail bikes, wisdom and technology can sometimes be worth more than a simple impressive spec sheet.