Trail – JCO’s last outing: Yamaha Super Tenere 1200 – The Super Tenere 1200 in detail

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JCO’s latest release: Yamaha Super Tenere 1200

Trail - JCO's last outing: Yamaha Super Tenere 1200 - The Super Tenere 1200 in detail

The first French Yamaha ambassador in 1966, Jean-Claude Olivier (JCO) left the Yamaha Motor France box after 45 seasons at the top. A fan of rally-raid, the man bowed out by unveiling the Super Tenere 1200: quite a symbol !

The Super Tenere 1200 in detail

At the center of this new Yamaha Super Tenere, the twin cylinder with 270 ° setting develops a maximum power of exactly 100 hp at 7,250 rpm and a torque of 114.1 Nm 1250 rpm lower. Values ​​extremely close to those of the BMW R 1200 GS (110 hp and 120 Nm for the 2010 vintage) which the Yam ‘intends to nibble on – devour? – shares of its juicy market.

In order to benefit from a relatively thin engine block, Yamaha opted for a bore of 98 mm and a stroke of 79.5 (against 101 and 73 respectively on the Behème). According to the Japanese manufacturer, this configuration would offer "an optimal combination of power at high revs and torque at low and mid revs"… We can’t wait to check !

Mechanical enthusiasts will note that two balancing pendulums are supposed to limit vibrations and that one of them activates the oil pump and the water pump. On the other hand, the dry sump and its integrated oil tank would reduce the height of the twin..

Placed as low as possible in the steel frame to lower the center of gravity of the motorcycle, the new engine – with remarkable finishes – does not affect the ground clearance, which reaches 205 mm. Enough to face roots, fords, sidewalks and other potholes without worry on the handlebars of this bike – great? – versatile !

Yamaha confirms the presence of the "Traction Control" (TC) system and specifies that it has three levels: in TCS1 (standard), the system intervenes as soon as the wheel begins to slip. In TCS2, it allows "a light skating". And in off mode, as its name suggests, the system is inactive: beware of slipping !

Yamaha introduces with its new trail the fact of being able to switch from a Sport (S) map, which allows the engine to respond instantly and vigorously to the demands of the handle, to a Touring (T) map which is more flexible and pleasant, in particular in duo. Sportswomen therefore do not always have the exclusive rights to technological progress. !

On the braking side, the Super Tenere sports two 310 mm discs at the front and a 285 mm disc at the rear, all three cut into "waves". Their calipers are coupled, but only the activation of the front lever triggers the braking of both wheels.

"This system does not work with the rear brake in order to promote control of the motorcycle in off-road riding", explain the Japanese engineers. Likewise,"if a braking action is started with the rear brake pedal, the coupled brake system is not activated". On the other hand, the ABS which equips the Super Tenere as standard cannot be disconnected, which will make it impossible to cross braking. ?

Despite the efforts made to reduce the weight of its newborn as much as possible, Yamaha announces a full weight of 261 kg. As a "comparison", dry the R 1200 GS is given for 203 kg while the next Ducati Multistrada 1200 is supposed to weigh only 189 kg (for 150 hp max)! How will these numbers translate on the road? Only a Site Test will tell !

Unlike BMW and Ducati, Yamaha did not choose to entrust the suspensions and their 190 mm travel to electronics. The pilot can nevertheless adjust – "manually and without tools"- the rebound and preload of its rear shock absorber.

Up front, the 43mm inverted fork will be adjustable for rebound, compression and preload. Still on the front, we note the lateral positioning of the radiator – on the left – and of the electrical components – including the battery, on the right – which makes it possible to limit the wheelbase of the Yam ‘to 1540 mm while giving the arm oscillating a "great length".

This swing arm houses in its left part the cardan transmission, very popular with big rollers, like the saddle and the height-adjustable screen. Backpackers will be delighted with the presence of a 19-inch front wheel (110/80/19 for the tire) and a relatively thin rear tire (150/70/17).

As for the adventurers, they will certainly appreciate the notched contours of the footrests – provided with rubber inserts all the same for comfort on the road -, of the original hand guards or of a handlebars whose position has been "optimized to offer an excellent compromise between sitting or standing driving", assures Yamaha.

Finally, for those who are not completely satisfied with the standard equipment, a list of accessories is already established:

  • High screen

  • Anti-fog (mounting under existing optics or on an optional support)

  • Protection shoe

  • Heated grips

  • Additional air deflectors

  • Tank guards

  • Low seat (less 35mm than standard low position)

  • Tank bag

  • Aluminum type top-case matching the saddlebags

  • Tenere bags for saddlebags and top cases

  • LED turn signals (available in black, chrome or carbon)

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