YAMAHA XT1200Z SuperTenere 2013 & WorldCrosser

The factory YAMAHA has been long in the adventure business. They have a lot of experience from desert rallies, racing generally and touring. The basic YAMAHA XT1200Z SuperTenere 2013 model is a genuine allroad touring enduro and the more adventurous kit version is the YAMAHA XT1200Z SuperTenere 2013 WordCrosser. Depending on tyres in question, the SuperTenere can take you far beyond the tarmac roads and then some. It is capable of carrying easily a load of two with the luggage providing comfortable allroad touring and performance. Distinctive 2 cylinders in line with controlled riding features and fully adjustable suspension system translates to adventurous allroad touring. The YAMAHA XT1200Z SuperTenere 2013 is a great every day bike too, having fine rider ergonomics.

The YAMAHA XT1200Z SuperTenere 2013 is a true competitor in the allroad adventure touring class every way. It has essentially the allroad basics in order, handles very well and is offroad capable.

YAMAHA XT1200Z SuperTenere 2013 Features

A small draw back is perhaps the fuel tank which is only 23 liters and the overall weight. The SuperTenere may require additional fuel canisters at least for extra long legs in the outback. As long as the ground supports the weight, SuperTenere rider adventures on, but perhaps the most challenging routes should be left for more aggressive and lighter alternatives. The standard windscreen is also relative small at least for taller riders and long tarmac legs. The YAMAHA dealer provides a taller accessory touring windshield which can be also tune further on with a universal spoiler when necessary. The standard YAMAHA XT1200Z SuperTenere 2013 technical specifications:

YAMAHA XT1200Z SuperTenere 2013 Traction Control

The YAMAHA XT1200Z SuperTenere 2013 twin cylinder in line engine is quite narrow and generates beyond adequate performance for touring. Therefore the traction control TCS comes every now and then handy. The SuperTenere TCS has 3 modes, touring, sport and OFF which is sufficient for most of us. Although the way of keeping the traction control off, requires +2 second pressing of the TCS switch in every engine start. Otherwise the TCS is automatically turned back to previous mode. The traction control reads both wheels and smoothens the over throttling, still allowing a reasonable amount of wheel spin without slipping too much. Especially when wet or slightly muddy, you can really appreciate such safety features. In addition SuperTenere has 2 throttle response YCC-T modes, touring and sport.

YAMAHA XT1200Z SuperTenere 2013 Adjustments

The SuperTenere allows you to adjust few ergonomic factors such as the seat and the windscreen. The rider seat can be placed at 845 or 870 mm. hight. With an accessory seat the lowest position would be 810 mm. and the seat is also more narrow allowing better ground access for shorter riders. Further adjustments can be done by changing the foot pegs and installing a handlebar riser. The standard foot pegs are designed mainly for urban touring. Therefore I recommend to change them into wider offroad pegs with better grip and support.

YAMAHA XT1200Z SuperTenere 2013 Comparison

Compared to the BMW R1200GS 2013, the YAMAHA XT1200Z SuperTenere 2013 is 23kg (50.7lbs.) heavier, offers 15HP / 11Nm. less engine performance and 3kg (6.6lbs.) less payload, but 3L (0.79USgal./ 0.66UKgal.) more fuel capacity and 20W more alternator performance. From the equipment point of view, the SuperTenere offers on top hand guards, traction control, throttle response modes and cross spoked rims as standard features, but no engine guard. From the ergonomics point of view, the SuperTenere has a fixed windscreen and the GS offers an adjustable windscreen with a turn knob. Another technical difference is that the SuperTenere offers no cruise control as an accessory like the GS. The YAMAHA XT1200Z SuperTenere 2013 is clearly a more traditional allroad touring enduro with slightly less comfort and perhaps more simplicity. The BMW R1200GS 2013 is slightly more sporty, more versatile to tune up and provides better ergonomics.

Compared to the KTM1190 Adventure 2013, the YAMAHA XT1200Z SuperTenere 2013 is 31kgs (68.3lbs) heavier, offers 19kgs (41.9lbs) less payload capacity and 38HP less engine performance, but the joy of the shaft drive, the same fuel and 150W more alternator capacity. From the equipment point of view, they both have same size cross spoked rims and electronic riding aid, but the KTM traction control MTC is more advanced and the onboard computer more comprehensive. The KTM has also better wind coverage with quick adjustment. From the riding point of view, the KTM1190 Adventure 2013 is a lot sportier and due to better handling, the KTM is more capable for adventurous allroad touring. The YAMAHA XT1200Z SuperTenere 2013 is more traditional allroad touring enduro for slightly less demanding conditions.

Compared to the KTM 1190 Adventure R 2013, the YAMAHA XT1200Z SuperTenere 2013 is 26kgs (57.3lbs) heavier, offers 14kgs (30.9lbs) less payload capacity and 38HP less engine performance, but the joy of the shaft drive, the same fuel and 150W more alternator capacity. From the equipment point of view, the standard SuperTenere has no crash bars like the KTM, but with the WorldCrosser kit they become similar. They both offer moderate wind coverage due to the small windscreens, but the KTM windscreen can be quick adjusted. From the riding point of view, the KTM1190 Adventure R 2013 is a lot sportier and due to bigger wheels and superb offroad handling, the 1190R matches with challenging adventure touring requirements. The YAMAHA XT1200Z SuperTenere 2013 is more comfortable and traditional allroad touring enduro for reasonable conditions.

Compared to the TRIUMPH Tiger 1200 Explorer 2013, the YAMAHA XT1200Z SuperTenere 2013 offers 3L (0.79USgal./ 0.66UKgal.) more fuel capacity, but is 2kgs (4.4lbs) heavier, offers 13kgs (28.7lbs) less payload capacity, 27HP less engine and 350W less alternator performance. The TRIUMPH is ride by wire throttled and offers a cruise control as standard feature, but the SuperTenere is more traditional and offers no such equipment. On the other hand, the SuperTenere has cross spoked rims as standard which translates to wider spectrum of roads and better comfort features. Clearly the TRIUMPH Tiger 1200 Explorer 2013 is a more sporty from nature and offers more features for urban touring, but in comparison suffers slightly from cast aluminium wheels and therefore limited routing alternatives. The YAMAHA XT1200Z SuperTenere 2013 is a more traditional and basic allroad touring enduro for every road scenario.

Compared to the HONDA VFR1200X CrossTourer 2013, the YAMAHA XT1200Z SuperTenere 2013 is 14kgs (30.9lbs) lighter, offers 1,5L (0.4USgal./ 0.33UKgal.) more fuel capacity, but 19HP and 12Nm. less engine performance. They are quite similar on paper. They both use the shaft drive, have similar cross spoked rims the same size, offer very modest wind coverage, include traction control and onboard computer as standard features. The HONDA windscreen can be placed in 2 positions, but is still very old school arrangement. The SuperTenere two piece seat is adjustable, but the HONDA single peace seat is not which limits the basic ergonomics even more. The HONDA VFR1200X CrossTourer 2013 is a basic urban touring enduro and a practical everyday bike with one of the finest engine performance. The YAMAHA XT1200Z SuperTenere 2013 is more versatile and agile allroad touring enduro with a promise of an adventure.

YAMAHA XT1200Z Super Tenere WorldCrosser 2013 Kit

The YAMAHA provides exceptionally wide set of accessories for the YAMAHA XT1200Z SuperTenere 2013. The equipment providers continue from there and without a doubt the SuperTenere can be tuned for serious allroad adventure touring. The WorldCrosser is not another model of SuperTenere. It is a conversion kit which includes carbon side panels, -fork and -frame protectors, aluminium skid-plate, drive shaft shield and a rear brake protector. From the regular accessory list one can also choose a crash guard, 509 taller windshield with wind deflectors, fog lights, Akrapovic exhaust and more aggressive offroad tyres.