In defense of the power this bike puts out, it really doesn't matter to me "how much", but instead is just "how". I bought this unique bike for its mostly unique mission. And for me, it is splendid. If the number was 98, 108, or 128, it wouldn't have mattered to me if it did its job disappointingly. AND, the whole problem most have with the ~98 is because it is from a 1200!
That too, doesn't matter to me. It could have been 98 from a 998cc motor. As long as the bike still delivered the same experience.
I have had plenty of bikes where HP mattered. I've chased that demon for years. Thank goodness a 2002 SV650 unexpectedly delivered me my freedom! Lol (bought it for the wife. Finally had to admit it gave me a bigger grin than my GSXR)
Having said all that, I am not against improving the performance of my Super Tenere. But gaining higher output numbers on a dyno run is just not the measuring stick I would use for this one.
And finally, I personally find great comfort in the advantages of getting these modest hp numbers from a large displacement motor. It MUST be very understressed by todays standards. No wonder the rental bike with 70,000 kilometers on it ran so perfectly! Can you imagine a harder 70K? Rent miles!?
It pulled like a mule loaded 2-up maxed out climbing mountain grades at altitude. It was so gratifying to know my pampered and loved bike at home promised to be every bit as dependable.
Yamaha engineered this bike this way on purpose. I commend them for not losing focus and being side tracked by fear of numbers. On paper, she ain't too sexy. Weight and HP both have fooled more than a few folks.
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