I've been hoping this would happen and now Yamaha has officially announced their big adventure bike, the Super Ténéré, will be coming to the US next year as a 2012 model. This is great news for the adventure rider as it brings more competition to the adventure/tour segment here in the States. The BMW GS bikes seem to pretty much rule the roost around here for adventure bikes save for the rare KTM or the somehwat more street oriented VStrom from Suzuki. The Super Ténéré coming to the USA along with the new Triumph adventure bikes on the way means more choices for riders who enjoy the roads less traveled. Perhaps Honda might even bring their excellent Transalp and/or Varadero bikes to our shores (or "back to" in the case of the Transalp), but I digress. This is about the new Yamaha so hit the Read More link below to read their press release and see some more photos.

Cypress, California – Where the pavement ends the adventure begins for the all new 2012 Super Ténéré. With its heritage going back to the famous Paris to Dakar rally, the Super Ténéré is the perfect machine to experience all facets motorcycling has to offer. Equally adept at handling the open road, tight and twisty canyon roads or the unpaved back roads, there truly isn’t a place in the world where the Super Ténéré doesn’t feel right at home.

The heart of the Super Ténéré is an ultracompact DOHC 1200cc parallel twin engine with a very unique 270 degree crank whose close firing order gives the engine its unrivaled power characteristic. The engine is feed by a downdraft twin bore full injection system utilizing 12 hole injectors.

The electronics of the 2012 Super Ténéré incorporate Yamaha’s proven YCC-T fly by wire technology which is matched to an all-new traction control system, which regulates ignition timing and fuel injection volume based on rear wheel spin. Three rider-selected modes are available to match conditions and the rider’s preference. Also Yamaha’s D-Mode has two settings: “T-mode” for Touring and general riding, giving a softer response; “S-mode” for Sport riding when the rider wants the most performance possible. A two axis primary balancer ensures all the engine vibration is smoothed out for all day riding comfort.

Power is put to the ground through a six speed wide ratio transmission which cruises at highway speeds just as easily as it climbs its way out of a muddy back road. A clean and reliable shaft drive system is used to transfer the power to the hypoid rear gear to ensure everything is as compact as possible.

The Super Ténéré features an all-new steel frame that is designed to reduce rider fatigue during long rides. Using a steel main frame offers the best balance of strength and flexibility, one good at absorbing jolts from uneven road surfaces. The engine is a stressed member of the frame. Locating the crankshaft low and close the foot pegs gives the bike a remarkably light feel, even off road.

The Super Ténéré features a very sophisticated ABS and Unified Brake System (UBS) that work together to help prevent wheel lock during braking. This new 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. Front and rear hydraulic discs are both wave-type for great performance on or off road.

The suspension on the Super Ténéré is fully adjustable both front and rear. The 43mm forks have 7.48 inches of travel and feature adjustable preload, compression and rebound dampening. The rear shock has a unique adjustable pre-load suspension that allows the rider to adjust for varying loads or a passenger with the simple turn of a knob. The rear shock also features rebound-damping adjustment as well.

Nothing stops a good road trip faster than have to stop at the gas station every few miles. The Super Ténéré features a generous 6-gallon fuel tank that allows for long touring with less down time for fill-ups.

We fully understand there is no universal size when it comes to motorcycle riders so the Super Ténéré comes equipped with an adjustable seat height. 1 inch of adjustment provides a low height for shorter riders or a roomier riding position for taller riders in the high position.

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.

The 2012 Super Ténéré will be available through a Priority Delivery Program at Yamaha dealerships nationwide beginning in September with customers placing advance deposits of $500.00 and deliveries beginning in May of 2011. The Super Tenere has a starting MSRP of $13,900 and will be available in Blue as pictured as well as Raven.

Full information on all Yamaha models can be found at http://www.yamaha-motor.com.