2014 Yamaha Super Tenere First Look Review
Due to its expanding popularity year-by-year, the adventure-touring segment is one of the most competitive markets in the motorcycle industry.
And 2014 witnessed some of the top bikes in the category receiving further upgrades, such as the BMW R 1200 GS receiving the semi-water cooled engine, and the KTM 1190 Adventure getting totally revised.
To remain competitive, Yamaha has updated its Super Tenere, and now offers an “ES” version with electronic suspension – similar to what is used on the FJR1300ES. It was originally unclear if America would receive the ES version, which is only available in Matte Gray/Matte Black color combo, but Yamaha confirmed this week that it will be offered stateside beginning in May. The ES version is offered for an additional $1,100 over the standard’s $15,090 price, and arrives with an additional eight lb. of weight for a total weight of 586 lb.
The Super Tenere’s 1199cc twin continues to feature the 270-degree crankshaft, which imitates the firing order of a 90-degree V-Twin, helping to improve traction. For 2014, the engine has been revised and will feature some gains in power and torque, along with smoother acceleration, though Yamaha did not release the exact figures.
The biggest change for US fans will be the addition of the new electronically-adjusted suspension on the “ES” model. This system features four pre-load settings, three damping adjustments and an additional seven damping fine-tuning adjustments, allowing riders to alter suspension based on the needs of the rider, passenger, luggage and/or terrain. Also, the ES model arrives with cruise control.
Other improvements on both Super Tenere models are revised heated grips with three settings, LED turnlights, and an easier-to-read display. The Ride Modes were also re-calibrated for more notable differences between T (touring) and S (sport) settings.
Other popular features on past Yamaha Super Tenere motorcycles return on both the 2014 standard and ES models, including a three-mode traction-control system, both ABS and Unified Braking System (front lever provides a bit of rear braking), shaft drive, and a seat that’s adjustable for either a 33.3- or 34.3-inch height.
Following are the features, specs, color options and MSRP for the 2014 Yamaha Super Tenere and Super Tenere ES (courtesy of Yamaha). Both models will be available in May 2014.
2014 Yamaha Super Tenere & Super Tenere ES Features:
New Features:
- For 2014, the 1199cc twin enjoys a modest increase in horsepower and torque that makes for an even more exciting engine character with more pulling power. The adjustments also result in stronger and smoother acceleration.
- On ES model, electronically adjusted suspension makes finding the right setting as easy as pushing a button. With four pre-lead settings, three damping adjustments, and an additional seven damping fine-tuning adjustments, the Super Ténéré ES suspension can be dialed perfectly to meet the needs of the rider, passenger and the amount of cargo and terrain.
- New for ES Only: Cruise control adjusts speed via a single push to the switch or, for larger adjustments, by continuously pushing the switch. Application of the brakes, clutch or throttle automatically releases the cruise control function. There is also a resume function that returns the cruise control to the most recent setting.
- New for ES Only: Heated grips with 3 settings dramatically improve rider comfort in cold weather.
- Drive Mode has been re-calibrated to provide more noticeable difference between the T setting and the S setting.
- The windscreen has been redesigned to provide superior wind protection with less wind noise, and the height can be adjusted quickly and easily without tools.
- The handlebar position has been moved 10mm closer to the rider, and 10mm higher, enhancing comfort.
- A new easy-to-read meter displays information in a very clear format; mode selection is simple to operate.
- The turn signals are now LED, adding to the overall visual appeal of the motorcycle.
Engine:
- Compact engine design uses a dry-sump oil supply inside the crankcase plus a side-mounted radiator for surprising narrowness.
- The 8-valve cylinder head optimizes the fuel charge for spirited performance. The cylinder head cover is ultra-lightweight magnesium to help centralize mass.
- Forged aluminum pistons and carburized connecting rods provide durability and performance.
- Downdraft twin bore fuel injection system with 12-hole injectors is tuned for off-road adventures, and is equally at home on long stretches of open highway.
- Proven YCC-T fly-by-wire technology allows for an advanced traction control system, which regulates ignition timing and fuel injection volume and throttle valve opening based on rear wheel spin. Three rider-selected modes are available to match conditions and the rider’s preference.
- Wide-ratio 6-speed transmission has gear ratios optimized for everything from slow dirt roads to higher speed sport riding.
Chassis/Suspension:
- The steel frame is designed to reduce rider fatigue during long rides. Using a steel main frame offers the best balance of strength and flexibility so it can help absorb jolts from uneven road surfaces.
- The ABS and Unified Brake System (UBS) work together to help prevent wheel lock during braking. This system allows the rider to operate front and rear brakes together by simply pulling the front brake lever, especially helpful when riding while standing on the pegs. Applying the rear brake first overrides UBS to provide traditional separate front and rear brake control.
- The Super Tenere and Super Tenere ES comes equipped with adjustable windshield and seat height. One inch of seat height adjustment provides a low height for shorter riders or a roomier riding position for taller riders in the high position.
- The grooved foot pegs show Yamaha’s attention to detail. While the rider is seated, rubber cushions provide excellent comfort. When the rider stands to tackle more technical riding conditions, the rubber compresses, letting the rider’s boots contact the metal foot peg surface.
- Adjustable preload suspension allows the rider to adjust for varying loads or a passenger on the standard Super Tenere. The forks are compression and rebound adjustable and the rear shock is rebound-damping adjustable as well.
Additional Features:
- Handlebar brush guards are standard equipment.
- The optional flexible luggage system design has three possible set-ups: standard with no top case/side bags, top case installed, or side cases installed. Genuine Yamaha top case and side cases designed for adventure touring are available as accessories. These accessories were included during the design of the motorcycle so as to enhance the look of the bike.
- Body components help direct cooling airflow to critical areas of the bike.
- Both side stand and center stand are provided for complete parking convenience.
2014 Yamaha Super Tenere / Super Tenere ES Specs:
Engine
- Type: 1199cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke 2-cylinder DOHC
- Bore x Stroke: 98.0 x 79.5mm
- Compression Ratio: 11.0:1
- Fuel Delivery: Fuel Injection with YCC-T
- Ignition: TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition
- Transmission: Constant mesh, 6-speed
- Final Drive: Shaft
Chassis
- Suspension / Front: Telescopic fork, 43mm tube, adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping, 7.5-in travel
- Suspension / Rear: Monoshock, adjustable preload and rebound damping, 7.5-in travel
- Brakes / Front: Dual 310mm hydraulic disc, ABS/Unified Brake System
- Brakes / Rear: 282mm single disc
- Tires / Front: 110/80R19M/C 59V
- Tires / Rear: 150/70R17M/C 69V
Dimensions
- Length: 88.8 in
- Width: 38.6 in
- Height: 55.5 in
- Seat Height: 33.3 or 34.3 in
- Wheelbase: 60.6 in
- Rake (Caster Angle): 28.0°
- Fuel Capacity: 6.0 gal
- Fuel Economy: 43 mpg
- Wet Weight: 578 lb. on standard; 586 lb. on ES
2014 Yamaha Super Tenere ES Color Option/MSRP:
- Matte Gray/Matte Black: $15,090; $16,190 ES
- Team Yamaha Blue: $15,090; ES Not Available in Blue
