BMW’s best-selling R1200GS and successful GS Adventure have encouraged some unlikely competitors to produce similar bikes for these markets. Ducati is due to launch its new Multistrada later this year with lots of electronic aids and clever accessories. Look out for more details in a later article. Meanwhile, Yamaha has released the specifications of its new Super Ténéré, which employs an upright twin-cylinder water-cooled layout.
This Adventure bike is said to produce 81kW from its 1 199cc motor. Equipment includes a three stage traction control system (Yamaha Chip Control) and ABS with a linked brake system. Yamaha says applying the rear brakes only disables the linked system, thus allowing the rider to control the front and rear individually. Applying the front brake first brings in the linked system. By fitting a dry sump to the engine, Yamaha have kept the engine low in the frame, thus lowering the bike’s centre of gravity.
With a 98mm bore, Yamaha have found it necessary to fit two spark plugs per cylinder to get an even flame, and to meet tightening emission control regulations. Fully adjustable suspension, front and rear, will allow the rider to set the bike up for different surfaces.
Shaft drive has the advantage of being maintenance-free and clean, but brings with it extra weight and handling quirks. This will be an interesting bike to ride on SA’s dirt roads. It’s not light with a wet weight of 261kg compared to BMW’s R1200GS at 229kg, and is even heavier than the R1200GS Adventure at 256kg.
Yamaha’s success in local off-road racing should generate plenty of interest by the time the Super Ténéré arrives in the second quarter.
