2012 Yamaha Super Tenere Feature A new model in Europe this year, the 2012 Yamaha Super Tenere adventure motorcycle will be imported into the United States beginning in 2011. The U.S. adventure-touring segment expands next year with Yamahas decision to import the on/off-roading Tenere for the American market. And not too soon, as adventure-touring fans in the U.S. have clamored for over a year for this machine.
The first thing that struck me about the Super Tenere was the comfortable riding position. It is bolt upright with no weight on the wrists. There is a seemingly huge amount of leg room even though I never had the seat in the highest of the two optional positions. Together with a comfortable seat, riding the Super Ténéré is genuinely refreshing in the sense that virtually none of the ergonomic compromises found on most modern motorcycles is present.
The engine wears an eight-valve cylinder head with dual overhead camshafts operating the valvetrain. Similar to its sportbike line, the Tenere employs Yamaha’s Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) ride-by-wire system as well as the D-Mode, a toggle on the handlebar which allows riders to switch between two engine maps based on road conditions or riding preference. More technology comes in the form of a three-way adjustable traction control system. Engine power is transferred through a manual cable-actuated clutch; 6-speed transmission and shaft final drive, which was chosen for its all-around durability and relatively-low maintenance.
The Super Tenere features an all-new steel frame that is designed to reduce rider fatigue during long rides. The steel main frame allows the bike to enjoy balanced strength and flexibility, while the suspension set-up on the bike gives the Super Tenere the comfortable riding characteristics a bike of its name deserves. The suspension consists of 43mm forks on the front with 7.48" of travel and adjustable preload, compression, and rebound dampening, plus an adjustable pre-load suspension on the rear that allows the rider to adjust for varying loads or a passenger with the simple turn of a knob.
