-Engine: 91hp, 71 ft-lb torque, 1199cc parallel twin. An all-new powerplant for a new niche market for Yamaha, this parallel twin has gobs of low-down torque and easy, quiet operation. I did notice that the throttle on the test unit was very twitchy and it felt almost "jumpy," insofar as it had a tendency to lurch a little at low speed. Could just be me getting used to it, or need an adjustment, but it was very pronounced. Acceleration was brisk and the Ténéré feels like it would have no issues hitting triple digits in short order. Of note, however, and this is becoming a huge gripe of mine: like the the R1200GS/A, this is yet another buzzy, harsh feeling motor. At 65mph, the vibration was considerable in the handlebars and footpegs. For the asking price of $14,500, I would expect better isolation from NVH in the powertrain department.
Overall, I'd say that this is a very efficient, powerful package and on par with the R1200 in terms of usable power on the road, which is where the majority of these will most likely be ridden.
4.5/5
-Chassis/Handling: This is a big bike, weighing in at 575lbs, it's no KLX250, but nor is it an R1200GS/A. With the standard Bridgestone Battlewings, this bike handles curves and straights with aplomb. I felt no wobble or quivers in the suspension on the roughly 11 mile test loop, and it felt as if it could easily keep up with my Concours on a particularly twisty road. Of note too, for those graduating to bigger adventure tourers from KLRs or V-Strom 650s: this bike does not feel as heavy as it is, and leaning into a particularly sharp turn, one feels that they are on a much lighter bike. It could be a combination of how the suspension is set up and the tyre pressures, but overall, I was impressed with the on-road handling of this bike, so much so that I'd say this is quite a bit sharper/sportier than the R1200.
4.8/5
-Comfort and Ergonomics: Throw a leg over one of the most comfortable bikes I've ridden in the touring segment. Everything is here: good bar spacing, excellent seat to pegs height, a firm, but supportive saddle and standard Japanese button placement. All controls are easy to reach and there was very little guesswork in how the Sport/Tour modes work: push the button once, Tour mode is activated. Push it again, and Sport mode is activated. A simple instrument cluster greets the rider, with a digital speedometer and analogue tach. I was disappointed to see that there was no option for showing fuel consumption, though perhaps it's hidden in a menu button somewhere, along with the button for the traction control, which neither I, nor the dealer rep could figure out.
Perhaps a call to Kawasaki or BMW would enlighten the Yamaha engineers on how to label buttons correctly... All in all, a very comfortable package with plenty of legroom and a very relaxed, upright riding position. On par with the V-Strom in that this is one of the most comfortable motorcycles I've ever ridden.
4.5/5
-Features and Build Quality: This is a very high quality machine, and it shows in the paint, the fasteners and the overall attention to detail for the entire package. In creating the Ténéré, it's clear that Yamaha has built a machine to take on the world (and subsequently, BMW) with a machine that just feels good. It's in the smoothness of the button operation, the lustre of the paint, the careful selection of components and materials that will clearly hold up for a very long time. That being said, I would like to have seen a storage cubby of some sort on the fairing up near the gauge cluster. How hard can it be to build something just big enough to keep an EZ-Pass, a spare key, and maybe some chewing gum? It's 2012, and surprisingly, few bikes have this.
4/5
-Utility: If it's utility you want, the Ténéré has it in droves: HUGE, and I mean HUUUUGE panniers are available, at additional cost from your local dealer. These appear to be made by TRAX or Hepco Becker, in their design and overall heft. I would guess that one could easily carry a week's worth of groceries in these, for a family of four, with few issues. The large rear luggage rack and the ability to also add a trunk are a nice touch. However, it would be nice if some sort of storage were available that were built-in, preventing the need to carry a backpack if the bags are off.
4/5
-Range: Various sources (both print magazines and websites) have quoted estimated fuel mileage in the 42-44mpg range. With a 6 gallon tank, that translates to about 240-250 miles between fill-ups. Not enough if you're going to ride the Trans-Labrador, nor will it be sufficient to cross the Darien Gap. Best bring Jerry cans for any long-distance adventures in remote regions.
4/5
-Price: $14,500, as per Yamaha's website. Considering that the R1200GS is $16,150, not a bad deal. However, adding on the luggage, bash plates, and other long-distance touring accessories will very quickly bring the price of the Ténéré well over the $17,000 mark if one goes a bit too crazy in the accessories catalogue. Best to see if you can get your local dealer to throw in a few odds and ends to sweeten the deal.
3.5/5
Overall Rating - 4.3/5
TL;DR - The Yamaha Super Ténéré is an excellent adventure-touring motorcycle capable of efficient, long-distance touring as well as plenty of canyon carving once you arrive at your destination. It's clear to me that this market of primarily road-based but off-road-capable bikes is going to keep getting bigger, with Triumph's new Tiger Adventure and the possibility of Honda coming out with the new CrossTour, we're going to see quite a few rivals to the venerable R1200GS. Overall, I like the Ténéré, and would definitely recommend going and taking one for a test ride.
(Test motorcycle courtesy of Xtreme Machines of Millstone, NJ.)
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