Stable as the Tokaido Bullet Train

[supert]

For those who do not have a subscription to Motorcyclist magazine (highly recommended), the latest first ride review from the Feb issue is on line:

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/firstrides/122_1011_first_ride_2012_yamaha_xt1200z_super_tenere/index.html

 

[Koinz]

Pretty good review - Seems like the Tenere get's huge accolades on the Suspension and tracking. Strong motor too. It's going to be a long winter

 

[fredz43]

The first review I have read that thought it felt heavier than a GS1200. Also it was the first to list dry weight, 538. That will help in comparisons as most bikes have listed dry weights instead of the wet weight, 575 that Yamaha lists for the S10. I realize that many are changing to wet weights nowadays, but that hasn't been the case in the past.

 

[trinc4me]

Pretty good review - Seems like the Tenere get's huge accolades on the Suspension and tracking. Strong motor too. It's going to be a long winter

Very long winter indeed!

 

[kgfire]

I've read most of the stateside reviews of the S10 and the one thing they all seem to have in common is the ... er ... lackluster engine performance.
Words like manageable, linear, smooth, and usable, when referring to the engine all make it sound pretty tame. I guess when we see it compared to other bikes we will have a better idea of how it stacks up. A smooth engine is always good but a smooth boring engine is not so good.
That being said ... I still want one!

 

[20valves]

A smooth engine is always good but a smooth boring engine is not so good.

I'm not sure how lively I want the engine to be on a near 600# dirt bike. Predictable (boring?) and useful will be just fine for me. I'll leave the horsepower excess to my real lightweight dirt bike.

 

[caveman]

Dont fret about the power delivery, the first 1000km was boring due to run in restrictions but when you have the first sevice behind you and the stock exhaust in the bin you will smile every time you throw the leg over.
Keeping a big twin under 4k rpm makes any bike feel pedestrian, I have never got back from a ride yet wishing I had more horsepower or feeling the power delivery made it boring. If you did feel that way maybe you shouldnt be looking at adventure bikes

 

[Swagger]

..... A smooth engine is always good but a smooth boring engine is not so good ....

Boring it ain't

 

[Venture]

What's the redline on the motor?

 

[Swagger]

.... What's the redline on the motor? ....

7,800 RPM or thereabouts.

 

[Chadx]

I've read most of the stateside reviews of the S10 and the one thing they all seem to have in common is the ... er ... lackluster engine performance.
Words like manageable, linear, smooth, and usable, when referring to the engine all make it sound pretty tame. I guess when we see it compared to other bikes we will have a better idea of how it stacks up. A smooth engine is always good but a smooth boring engine is not so good. That being said ... I still want one!

It will feel like a ton of power compared to my 25hp WR250R dual sport. Ha. I've been on a self-imposed "under 100hp" kick for the last year, which has been good for me (survival life, limb and license). It has reminded me that I have a heck of a lot more fun riding a small bike fast than a big bike slow. Wringing the neck on the two-fiddy has been a riot on both street and trails. The contrast in power has also been fun. When I would hop on my wife's BMW 650CS (before we sold it last fall), it felt like a hot rod. All 50hp.

The Super Tenere is going to be the perfect companion bike to the WR250R dual sport. By the way, I'm not brand loyal at all and I buy whatever bike suits my needs the best at the time. Interesting that for my current needs (small and heavyweight dual sports), that Yamaha is the one for both categories.