A Man and His 2016 Yamaha Super Tenere

A young man takes a 2016 Yamaha Super Ténéré out for a ride and remembers his Dad's old Super Ten…
When you look back to the history of Dakar racing, Yamaha’s Super Ténéré was at the forefront of the sport for a few years, then all of a sudden it went off the radar. The Europeans lapped the bike up but it was never that popular in Australia. Adventure bikes just hadn’t imprinted themselves on our psyche at that stage…
In 2010 Yamaha re-released the XT1200ZE Super Ténéré to the public, and while the new ST had certain design cues from the original, like the parallel-twin cylinder engine, it’s nothing like the Dakar racers of today, not like the original was 25 years ago. Named after the Ténéré desert region in the Sahara, these days the ST is more gentleman’s adventure tourer than Simpson Desert assault weapon.
Off the boil…
Sitting on its sidestand you are well aware the bike is designed for fun adventure riding and touring, not for single trail work. It’s a big bike, with a big tank, a big engine and everything that goes with it.
Even though the engine is 1199cc it’s still been designed to be as compact as possible. In Yamaha fashion the gearbox is positioned in a way to allow a shorter set of crankcases, and the six speeds are widely spaced, perfect for the intended use of the bike. In keeping with this on and off-road philosophy is the shaft drive and 19- and 17-inch laced wheels with road-biased adventure tyres.
Right of the bat, I liked how the Super Ténéré has a bullet style of cowl instead of the bird’s beak style of fairing that is commonly seen on this style of adventure bike and in my opinion: Yamaha’s 60th anniversary colours that it comes in looks plain horn.
It has a riding position made for long distance, with a great seat, massive tank, and good protection thanks to the screen. Manually adjustable, the screen works well but cannot be adjusted on the move. You can switch from sitting down to standing up easily, and even though the bike isn’t small it never feels ‘too big for the job’. The Super Ténéré is off-road capable as far as adventure bikes go, though this machine isn’t meant for hard-core off-roading, aimed more towards those dirt roads which take you to the secret little hideouts you think only you know about.
In standard trim the ST has a number of off-road style features such as a skid plate, Barkbuster-style handguards and of course that lovely long-travel electronic suspension to wave away the bumps. You can select a myriad of different settings via the multi-function handlebar switch. There’s four pre-load, and three damping settings, so if you can’t find something to suit the conditions you will be hard to please.
The standard seat gives you an inch of adjustment to play with, but for the extra shorties or the long riders among us there is a lot of options available from the accessories catalogue. An optional low-seat is available which is narrower and lowers the seat height around 40mm over the standard seat and a windscreen is available that is almost 50mm taller that standard. There is also a range of various sized travel bags suited for those long hauls into the wilderness.
Rounding out some of the notable features which come standard on the ST is cruise control and dual cat-eye projector headlights. Honestly I was a bit sceptical about the cruise control but since using it I don’t know why most bikes don’t come with it standard. It’s widely accepted that adventure frames should be steel as they provide more give in rough terrain. It’s always easier to find a bloke with a stick welder in the Outback than one with a TIG welder… Yamaha has continued the steel set-up with the latest ST, but it does have an alloy subframe, which is more likely to be damaged in the event of a spill. If the ST’s steel frame is damaged enough to need welding, chances are you’re in a painkiller-induced alternate reality and don’t give a stuff about the bike anyway. Yamaha says the frame design is part of the whole mantra of trying to get the weight as low as possible to help with manoeuvrability, and fair enough: it feels lighter than it looks.

[@got_to_roll]

Love my 2015 Super Tenere ES. Ridden about 12,000 miles in 8 months of ownership, enjoyed every mile. *update 12 months, 16,000 miles, 4 PNW States. Washington, Idaho, Montana, Oregon. I love this bike!

[@Doug_Morgan]

Love the chain bit at the end. lol

[@CbusLowRider]

Excellent video!! I grew up loving Harley Davidsons and have owned two now. I like them for a lot of reasons, but the adventure touring bike class has really peaked my interest. I have liked every Yamaha I’ve ever ridden at demo events. The Super Ten is calling my name!! Thanks for sharing 🤙

[@barend63]

I hopped from a Vmax 1200 onto an S10. When I hit sixth gear, I was in love. There are many great and fancy big adventure bikes available today. Don't be fooled by all the gizmos and marketing bla bla. The S10 is exactly what the XT500 was. A big thumping reliable workhorse that will get you where you want to go. All the time. It is in a class of its own. It was never designed to compete with the current models. This bike is like an old Landrover. It does not have an engine. It has a heart...

[@swampmarshy]

The difference being. it is a Yamaha. So therefore it will always be more reliable than the Land Rover can even dare to dream about.

[@charliesadv8493]

Rudi, are you South African. Judging from your name and surname, I would say you are a boertjie like me :-). If not, sorry for the mistake.

[@barend63]

@@charliesadv8493 Yebo yes

[@charliesadv8493]

Het jy nogsteeds 'n ST? Van waar is jy?

[@barend63]

@@charliesadv8493 Myne het 'n i10 hemel toe gestuur. Gelukkig het ek die trein gemis. Het nog my max, maar kyk weer uit vir S10. Fantastiese fiets. Mag moontlik gaan vir die 700 wanneer hy hier land, maar bou nou eers vir my 'n huis. Ek is in Jhb.

[@Ramjet257]

A friend's motorcycle shop (Yamaha dealership) had a demo model in all white, but I so loved the retro yellow colour scheme I bought a bike through another dealer who had a yellow Anniversary demo with only 512 km and was fitted with the sump guard and larger optional screen. I have recently completed a 10,000 km return trip to the east coast from Western Australia and absolutely loved the bike, as I expected I would. Having done the trip several times before on non-cruise control bikes I rate the cruise the best aspect. It took me a while to sort out the best suspension setting when loaded with Givi panniers but once done the bike was like a lounge chair with a motor. Managed one 1700+ km day, from Nullarbor Roadhouse (South Australia) to home in Perth's (Western Australia) northern suburbs on the return trip. The seat became a pain but so would any seat over that distance. Gel seat would fix that. Having never owned a bike with a big screen before I got sore shoulders from not having the wind on my chest to reduce the weight on my wrists etc, but that has improved over time. The taller screen proved invaluable in the minus 6 degree conditions on several mornings as did the heated grips, no special winter gear was used other than a set of long john thermals worn under kevlar jeans and a long sleeve shirt under my n normal riding jacket. The bike proved economical sitting on or just above the legal 110 kph limit, but I am not sure of the exact fuel figures as I have never worried about that. Out on the Nullarbor I carried a ten litre container of fuel as the fuel stops out on the Nullarbor are often 200 km apart, and 95+ octane not available everywhere. For those moments I also carried a small bottle of octane booster. With loaded panniers and camping gear I was getting in excess of 400 km per tank before refuelling, either from the bowser or my reserve. Next crossing to the east coast I hope to fit more dual purpose tyres and search out the original Eyre Highway from the days when there was hundreds of kilometres of unsealed roads from before 1974 when the sealing was complete. Travelled it by car several times but not on a bike. I have had not a single issue with the bike, and have only done the mandatory oil changes and fitted new rear tyre for the return to Perth. Only mod is the fitting of a lithium battery in a somewhat pointless attempt to reduce the weight. The standard battery creates some level of fear as it sounds like it is turning the engine over too slowly, but it never failed. Despite the bike having a "sport" mode, any pretence of its sporting prowess is somewhat imaginary. (For those sorts of moments I have a Triumph Thruxton R ! ) Maybe I should leave the panniers off to attempt sporting mode!. Only point of conjecture I must inject into this text is that I am glad I chose this bike over the BMW 1200GS, the running costs are so must more sustainable. Lower initial cost, lower insurance cost, cheaper parts, more dealers. Next trip I hope to do the Great Central Road, with approx 1200 km of dirt between Perth (WA) and Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. RIDE ON !

[@scottpyrchalla202]

I have this same bike. It is my new love in my life. I can tell you that if you want to have some real run you need to find mountain single tracks and try riding it there. I live in Colorado and in the heart of the mountains. I am surrounded by all the variations of trails and roads. And to add to your challenge, put the side boxes on and it changes the weights and balance of the bike. Happy trails!!!

[@John-hw3ds]

Scott Pyrchalla Did the Alpine Loop and Ophir pass on mine! Won't do it again on a big bike...lol!

[@karlschulz2424]

Every time I see a Yellow S10, makes me want to re-paint my black bike.

[@mose717]

Me too.

[@andrewdods2236]

Noooo !!!!

[@yamrz500]

Love that Yellow Yamaha Racing color my 2012 was first year it came to the USA love it very much but sure they have improved a lot in 5 years! Great choice!

[@drumsnbass]

That classic yellow is the best!

[@andrewdods2236]

Oh no no no !

[@whostolemycrabs]

Great video! The chain lube thing was very funny...

[@stephenhadley2490]

I had the first Tenere, the first Super Tenere and I now own a 2014 ES Super Tenere.

[@allarmecasa6607]

Wich is better (for a real owner)?

[@stephenhadley2490]

allarme casa they’ve gotten bigger and heavier over the years. They are really just touring bikes now.

[@allarmecasa6607]

@@stephenhadley2490 I've got a first edition now I would buy again one, asking for that

[@paulvanreenen6986]

Loved your clip mate. Mine's a blue '14 Super Tenére.... Best bike I ever owned. Does really well with Mitas E-07+ Dakar rubber. 👍

[@derrickmurphy9512]

Beautiful bike.why do some people write nasty comments?were these people sneered and mocked as kids lol.good video mate fair play safe riding.

[@RebelRDX]

Really nice short film on the big Tenere, I enjoyed that :)

[@mjay6508]

Hoi Hoi Hoi, excellent riding mate...... good to see 1200 cc’s being ridden hard in the dirt... well done champ...... your dad’s story brought it all full circle.... can’t beat experience..... 👍😎

[@richardjonsson1745]

I got a 2012 as my second bike. Love it. That "not lubing the chain" kind of broke me.. :-D

[@turbo311]

Nice short video! Loved the last bit with the chain lube LMAO! Love the anniversary colors on this bike! I want one but the FJR1300 is going to win my money.

[@brotherbrenden]

I've got an fjr and a super tenere . Best of both worlds I reckon

[@eatcommies1375]

Nice 👍!Even the license plate matches the bike color;) One my dreams is to cross Australia on my ST, I’m kind of far away but for now Colorado will do:)

[@andrewdods2236]

Co. is beautiful! I would love to zoom up Pike’s Peak on a bike, any bike!

[@davidrosen5137]

Love my Super Tenere.

[@edteach3r]

Just love the ST in the yellow Speedblock livery.

[@GeordiLaForgery]

Lovely bike, great vid.

[@JojoCrazyCat]

Yamaha has been making some good stuff, last 3 years.

[@bh8671]

Jojo Crazy Cat Yamaha has always made good gear.

[@poqjaq]

Yamaha Super Tenere also legend in Dakar Rally.

[@pinkiewerewolf]

Great riding, excellent photo and editing production. The yellow Kenny Roberts retro paint (and the blue variation) are the only colors Yamaha should have made the Big Ten in. 👍

[@TheBreadman24]

Love the video mate, Awesome

[@pandrdoberman]

Yellow one very rare 💛

[@rugby3874]

Beautiful machine

[@yamahaking6137]

Great video chief!! I have found same bike 2016 same color and miles 15,000 what should I watch out for ? Let me know thanks

[@RidinCountry]

TwistyGrip, the Tenere is boss bud!! 🐐

[@HansWurst-cs1fs]

Hey what about this Chain Lube? Does it work well on the ST? :D :D I love mine too! Got a blue 2011.

[@sgt6711]

Great bike!!!

[@JaYwALk1973]

Geez mate....you’ve just bloody so,d me!

[@petitflocon647]

xtz is cool bike.

[@aldosaetta6998]

Compliments 👏🏻 is the Yellow color a stock one or did you personalize it ?

[@cycletorquedotcom]

Stock

[@piraltas]

Haha chain lub was fun

[@juliovillagran2012]

Hi. I have a question. For off road the supertener can not take off the ABS. So, Can I put a switch to cut off the ABS. I want to buy one but this case stop me. I want a 2019.

[@leegraves101]

You can wire in a switch, but to temporarily disable abs you just put it on center stand, start the engine and run it in 2nd gear. This confuses the abs and causes it to switch itself off.

[@juliovillagran2012]

@@leegraves101 Thanks Lee. Finally I put the switch boton and works fine.

[@andrewhlnojos5419]

Never hurts to give it a little chain lube... 😂

[@paulbunyun3663]

Mines shaft drive

[@Kbenzito]

Haha. Goes to lube chain... shaft driven.

[@mickbetts2176]

Good vid mate, well done. I too have an S10 and love it. But you clean it?! Haha I never clean mine, looks much better covered in sh1te!

[@mistery00t29]

Why tenere having exhaust on the left hand side?

[@Jungleland33]

I hear they're changing it to the right hand side soon.

[@jaimevillarreal2446]

The best

[@huseyinklc7179]

Nice

[@AHMED_355]

Good luck and good Wonderful wonderful I have a full album for this bike and daily see the album and I dream I have I love her so much and dream in my life that I have one like her I hope I have the same Your friend Ahmed Palestine

[@Auxinelectro]

great riding.. what's the weight like tho?

[@cycletorquedotcom]

There's no doubt it's a heavy bike, but all the 1200s are.

[@Auxinelectro]

Cheers mate looking into them all at the moment and reckon this is a hidden beaut

[@zzxx33mh]

No doubt it's cool bike specially with that color..yamaha build high quality bike..But diffenetly the S10 need major refresh,..now the T7 on its way to hit hard,Japanese fuel up the arm race on mid wight adventure.. motorcycle..wish they do something for Big Brother..

[@salomp1452]

Does this have a USB Socket?

[@cycletorquedotcom]

Not sure.

[@Cicciorocky]

wich kind of tyres you have?

[@cycletorquedotcom]

Sorry, we cant remember what tyres were fitted… whatever is the standard fitment.

[@andrewdods2236]

Bridgestone Trailwing? Some guys like Pirelli Scorpion Rally(e) (?)

[@andrewdods2236]

Excellent bike. Just not in yellow, oh no no no ! :-/

[@AHMED_355]

Cycle Torque@Cycle Torque

[@bfee20021]

What accent is that? Alabama?

[@cycletorquedotcom]

+bfee20021 Australian. Didn't you notice he was riding on the 'Wrong' side of the road?

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Needs to shed about 100 pounds and gain some power.

[@doctorhelicopter]

Adv. Bikes are a light bike plus 70 kilo of stuff you may or may not need. Not gonna get the extra stuff in a light bike, just not gonna happen.

[@andrewdods2236]

Flash it. Extra 20 HP. And fit aftermarket pipe / full system for more weight loss :-)

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Doesn't matter. Yamaha isn't going to continue it for Euro5 regulations.

[@wildone2163]

freedom on 575 lb bike? LOL, I don't think so...

[@cycletorquedotcom]

You can't have freedom without structure.