In 2010, Yamaha jumped into the ADV dogpile with the Super Ténéré, a 1,199cc parallel twin bred for exploring off the beaten path. The company first earned its dual sport stripes with the DT-1 a half-century ago, and the Super Ténéré shows the company’s off-road mojo is still working. For instance, a crossplane crankshaft improves power delivery, while using a side-mounted radiator helps reduce overall width, an excellent strategy in the dirt. Two power modes, three-mode traction control, and a linked ABS help riders maintain control in dodgy conditions. And including both center- and sidestands provides the best shot at parking this beast in off-kilter conditions.
The Super Ténéré ES’ versatility is what separates it from its adventure-touring peers, which basically means it favors long-haul comfort over supremacy in the dirt. The tunable electronic suspension and adjustable seat and adventure-ready ergonomics all chip in to help your cause when you venture both on or off-road. The drive shaft means low maintenance, and a 6.1-gallon fuel tank translates to long distances before a fill-up is needed. The Super Ténéré represents the original adventure bike as we’ve long known it: You can cover long distances in relative comfort, carry luggage and a passenger, and travel unpaved roads. The big Yamaha feels tranquil and enjoyable at a casual pace; it doesn’t want (or need) to be ridden aggressively (a result of its 584-pound heft and lackluster top-end engine performance), but that’s in line with Yamaha’s intent. It’s not trying to be an ADV bike with a superbike engine or a Paris-Dakar race refugee. Company representatives say the bike is meant for relaxed touring; for the long-haul, and the occasional foray into the dirt.
The 2024 Yamaha Super Ténéré ES is available in Granite Gray for $16,299.
