Yamaha’s Super Ténéré has received some updates for the 2014 model year. The liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 1199cc parallel twin (98.0mm x 79.5mm, bore x stroke) has been enhanced with a “modest increase in horsepower and torque,” according to Yamaha. The D-Mode, or Drive Mode, settings have been recalibrated to create a more noticeable difference between the T and S settings, the only two settings. The windscreen has been reshaped to provide more wind protection and less noise and the height can be adjusted quickly without tools. The handlebar has been moved 10mm higher and 10mm closer to the rider to increase comfort. And the instrument panel is new, easier to read and simpler to adjust modes, says Yamaha.
The Super Ténéré still comes with Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T), a.k.a. ride-by-wire throttle, four-way-adjustable Traction Control, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Unified Braking System (UBS), and a multi-function carrier system to accommodate optional luggage or touring accessories.
The parallel twin engine features a 270-degree crankshaft that allows both forged aluminum pistons to fire closely together, enhancing traction, according to Yamaha. The engine also has four valves per cylinder, an 11.0:1 compression ratio, double overhead camshafts, a dry-sump, a side-mounted radiator and 12-hole nozzles on its fuel-injectors.
The engine and the six-speed wide-ratio transmission are carried in a steel main frame. The inverted from forks are fully-adjustable, and the rear shock is adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping. The braking system includes dual 310mm (12.2 inches) front discs arrested by four-piston calipers and a single 282mm (11.1 inches) disc and its single-piston caliper stop the rear wheel. The wire-spoke wheels carry a 110/80R19 front tire and a 150/70R17 rear tire. Final drive is via a shaft. Wheelbase is 60.6 inches (1539mm), rake is 28.0 degrees, trail is 5.0 inches (127mm), seat height is adjustable from 33.3 inches (846mm) to 34.3 (871mm), fuel capacity is 6.0 gallons, claimed wet weight is 578 pounds (262 kg), and manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) is $15,090.
The 2014-model Super Ténéré ES, which has an MSRP of $16,190, differs from the standard machine in that it comes with cruise control and the suspension settings can be adjusted electronically.
The 2015-model SR400 is a continuation of a Yamaha classic first introduced in 1978. The latest version keeps its retro-styling including an air-cooled engine, twin rear shocks, chrome fenders, and a kick-starter and combines it with some modern convenience, like fuel-injection. The SR400 is propelled by a 399cc four-stroke single cylinder engine with a bore of 87.0mm, a stroke of 62.7mm and a compression ratio of 8.5:1. Two valves per cylinder are actuated by a single overhead camshaft. The transmission has five speeds.
The engine and transmission are carried in a double-cradle tubular steel frame. The swingarm is also formed from tubular steel, and the front forks are raked at 27.7 degrees with 4.4 inches (112mm) of trail. The 18-inch wheels carry a 90/100-size front tire and a 110/90-size rear tire. A single 268mm (10.5 inches) disc and two-piston caliper make up the front braking system, and a 150mm (5.9 inches) drum arrests the rear wheel. Wheelbase is 55.5 inches (1410mm), seat height 30.9 inches (785mm), claimed wet weight is 384 pounds (174 kg) and MSRP is $5990.
For more information, go to www.yamaha-motor.com.