Yamaha Xt1200z Super Tenere
The Yamaha Xt1200z Super Tenere has a top speed of 200 km/h, produces 110 hp and weighs 261 kg. Motoryk rates it 8/10.
The Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré was introduced in 2010 as a successor to the legendary original Super Ténéré of the late 1980s, which had won the Paris-Dakar Rally. Designed as a serious long-distance adventure tourer, it featured a newly developed 1199cc parallel-twin engine with a 270-degree firing order for strong low-end torque. It received notable updates in 2014 including a revised suspension and traction control system, cementing its reputation as a capable and comfortable world-travel motorcycle.
110 hp
Power
117 Nm
Torque
261 kg
Weight
200 km/h
Top Speed
5.5–6.5 L/100km (typical real-world average)
Fuel
Faired
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Unified Brake System
The XT1200Z features Yamaha's Unified Brake System (UBS) with ABS, linking front and rear brakes for superior stopping control on mixed terrain. This system is highly regarded for adventure touring safety but can be expensive to service if sensors fail.
Watch the Shaft Drive
The shaft drive eliminates chain maintenance, but early models (2010-2013) had reported issues with the final drive unit wearing prematurely — always check service history for rear drive replacements before buying used.
Strong Resale Value
The Super Ténéré holds its value exceptionally well compared to competitors, largely due to Yamaha's reputation for reliability and the bike's proven long-distance touring capability with its dual 23L fuel tank system.
Generations & Specs by Year
Debut of 1199cc parallel-twin, 270-degree crank, traction control, ABS, semi-active suspension option introduced.
Revised suspension settings, updated electronics, traction control refinement, new color schemes, minor ergonomic tweaks throughout run.
Used Buyer Review
"Underrated adventure bike offering serious capability at genuinely honest money."
$6,500-$10,500 usedThe Super Ténéré is Yamaha's answer to the GS, and honestly? It's a better motorcycle than most people give it credit for. The parallel twin is smooth, torquey from dead low, and genuinely capable on gravel or highway. The traction control and ABS systems are well-calibrated, not intrusive. For a used buy, you're getting serious adventure hardware at a significant discount over BMW money. That said, go in with eyes open. The dashboard electronics on pre-2014 bikes can throw gremlins, and the suspension — while adjustable — feels wooden unless you've spent real money on a revalve. Check the chain and sprockets hard, because previous owners often neglect them. Fuel economy is acceptable but not class-leading, sitting around 42-46mpg loaded. Find a good 2014-2016 example with the updated dash and under 25,000 miles, and you've got a genuinely world-class touring adventure bike. They're bulletproof mechanically when maintained. This one rewards patient, experienced riders who actually use it.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Yamaha Xt1200z Super Tenere — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 1 CRITICALCheck shaft housing for oil residue near rear wheel
Listen for uneven idle, feel for surging at low RPM
Scan for fault codes, check warning lights on dash
Test cold start, listen for grinding or slow cranking
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Solid adventure bike, maintenance-sensitive above 40k miles
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Yamaha Xt1200z Super Tenere
Bmw R 1250 Gs
Bmw R 1200 Gs
Kawasaki Versys 1000
Yamaha Super Tenere 1200
Ktm 1190 Adventure
Honda Africa Twin Crf1000l
Compare Yamaha Xt1200z Super Tenere Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Yamaha Xt1200z Super Tenere vs Bmw R 1250 Gs
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Yamaha Xt1200z Super Tenere vs Bmw R 1200 Gs
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Yamaha Xt1200z Super Tenere vs Kawasaki Versys 1000
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Yamaha Xt1200z Super Tenere vs Yamaha Super Tenere 1200
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Yamaha Xt1200z Super Tenere vs Ktm 1190 Adventure
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Yamaha Xt1200z Super Tenere vs Honda Africa Twin Crf1000l
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
More Yamaha Xt1200z Super Tenere Guides
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Yamaha Xt1200z Super Tenere? +
Final drive shaft seal failure, oil leaks: Check shaft housing for oil residue near rear wheel (moderate) | Throttle body sync issues, rough idle: Listen for uneven idle, feel for surging at low RPM (moderate) | ABS/traction control sensor faults: Scan for fault codes, check warning lights on dash (moderate)
Is the Yamaha Xt1200z Super Tenere a good motorcycle? +
Underrated adventure bike offering serious capability at genuinely honest money. Rating: 8.0/10. Best for: Experienced tourers wanting BMW quality, not BMW prices. Avoid if: New riders or anyone wanting lightweight flickability.
What is the horsepower of the Yamaha Xt1200z Super Tenere? +
The Yamaha Xt1200z Super Tenere produces 110 hp @ 7,250 rpm, with 117 Nm @ 6,000 rpm of torque. Top speed: 200 km/h.
Is the Yamaha Xt1200z Super Tenere good for beginners? +
Not really — the Yamaha Xt1200z Super Tenere is better for experienced riders (110 hp can be intimidating). Experienced tourers wanting BMW quality, not BMW prices Avoid if: New riders or anyone wanting lightweight flickability
Is the Yamaha Xt1200z Super Tenere reliable? +
Owners report 1 critical issue to watch for on the Yamaha Xt1200z Super Tenere, notably: Starter motor failure on high mileage bikes (Test cold start, listen for grinding or slow cranking). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Yamaha Xt1200z Super Tenere good for daily use? +
Experienced tourers wanting BMW quality, not BMW prices Fuel: 5.5–6.5 L/100km (typical real-world average).
How fast is the Yamaha Xt1200z Super Tenere? +
The Yamaha Xt1200z Super Tenere reaches a top speed of 200 km/h, producing 110 hp at 261 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Yamaha Xt1200z Super Tenere? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Yamaha Xt1200z Super Tenere, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/yamaha/xt1200z-super-tenere/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
