2013 Yamaha Super Tenere 1200 in Boone, NC

The XT1200Z Super Tenere is powered by an 1199cc Parallel Twin engine. The 270-degree crank allows for a piston firing order that is offset but close together. A 98 x 79.5mm bore and stroke churn out smooth, tractable power that lacks any real surge from the eight-valve plant. Two D-mode (drive mode) settings are available, Touring (T-mode) and Sport (S-mode). Touring further tames the already moderate power delivery while Sport packs maximum performance. The Yamaha spun 90.75 horsepower on the dyno in S-Mode at 7300 rpm. The power curve is straight and smooth and stays with the gnarly Ducati until around 5300 rpm. From there it beats the rest of the bikes until peaking out with the earliest rev limiter while all of the others continue to climb. The torque curve generally tops the rest of the machines with exception to the Ducati, and is essentially flat from 3000 to 7000 rpm before tapering off to the 8100 rpm redline. Maximum torque is 71.19 lb-ft. at 5500 revs.