There is a saying that racing is the testbed for road vehicles, and the 2020 Yamaha Super Tenere ES stands as proof of that. Using a race-derived 1,119cc, DOHC, fuel-injected parallel-twin that raced in many Dakar Rally races throughout the past two decades, the Super Tenere produces 110 crank HP and 84 lbs-ft of torque, much of it accessible across the entire mid-RPM range. This places it perfectly in the position for both road-cruising as well as attacking a sand dune or dirt mound.
The Super Tenere ES comes standard with both a side kickstand and a center body stand for quick repairs in the middle of nowhere, as well as variable mode traction control, dual-zone ABS with an option to set unified braking (the front brake lever will also activate the rear brake at an electronically controlled rate), and throttle-by-wire using Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T).
As well, a range of suspension and engine modes are electronically controllable, most notably the fully adjustable Electronic Suspension (ES) that even includes a diagnostic mode should anything fail, allowing the bike to run in “limp home” mode.
The 2020 Yamaha Super Tenere ES starts at $16,299 US/$18,499 CA
On this page:we’ve curated specs, features, news, photos/videos, etc. so you can read up on the new Yamaha Super Tenere ES in one place.
Compact and Powerful Engine
The Super Ténéré® ES is built for adventure, with an exceptionally compact 1199cc parallel twin using a unique 270° crank for excellent torque and traction. Engine mass is kept low for great handling. Narrow 2-cylinder inline engine is slim and compact for carving tight lines in twisty mountain roads.
Electronic Suspension
Electronically adjusted suspension makes finding the right setting as easy as pushing a button. With four pre-load settings, three damping presets and an additional seven fine-tuning damping 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.
All-Purpose Drivetrain
Wide-ratio 6-speed transmission has the right gear, whether on the open highway or off-road. The durable enclosed shaft drive is protected from the elements while providing a direct, responsive connection to the rear wheel.
Advanced Fuel Injection
Twin downdraft throttle body fuel injection with YCC-T® (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle) delivers optimum throttle control and acceleration. Two-position “D-Mode” (Drive Mode) throttle response allows the rider to adjust mapping for conditions or preferences.
Traction Control
Traction control lets the rider get on the gas with confidence. This very advanced system regulates ignition timing, fuel injection and throttle valve opening based on wheel spin, providing a smooth response that is not abrupt like the competitors. Three modes available to match rider preference, including off.
Assured Braking
Super Ténéré ES has both an Antilock Braking System (ABS) and Unified Braking System (UBS). With UBS, squeezing the front brake lever also provides some rear-wheel braking; pressing the rear brake first overrides UBS for traditional separate front and rear braking action.
Convenience and Comfort
Whether riding across town or crossing a continent, rider comfort and convenience are important. Super Ténéré ES delivers, with cruise control, an adjustable seat height and windshield, tuneable front and rear suspension, low-maintenance shaft drive, centerstand and more.
ENGINE
Crossplane Crankshaft Engine
The 1199cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine features a unique 270° crossplane crankshaft for superior traction. It’s almost like having a big-bore thumper without the uncomfortable vibration.
Adventure-Ready Motor
Compact engine design uses a dry-sump oil supply inside the crankcase, boosting ground clearance, while a side-mounted radiator makes the Super Ténéré ES surprising narrow and protects the radiator from rocks and debris.
Advanced Fuel Injection
Downdraft twin bore fuel injection system with 12-hole injectors is tuned for on- or off-road adventures, and is equally at home commuting as it is on long stretches of open highway.
Traction Control
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.
Cruise Control
The Super Ténéré ES includes a cruise control system powered by the YCC-T. The rider can easily select or adjust a set speed to ease long-distance touring on the highway.
D-Mode Throttle
Yamaha’s D-Mode throttle offers two response settings: “T-mode” for Touring and general riding, giving a softer response, and “S-mode” for Sport riding when the rider wants the most performance possible.
All-Purpose Drivetrain
Wide-ratio 6-speed transmission has gear ratios optimized for everything from slow dirt roads to higher speed sport riding. The durable enclosed shaft drive is protected from the elements while providing a direct, responsive connection to the rear wheel.
CHASSIS/SUSPENSION
Electronic Suspension
Electronically adjusted suspension makes finding the right setting as easy as pushing a button. With four pre-load settings, three damping presets and an additional seven fine-tuning damping 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.
Robust Steel Chassis
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.
Assured Braking
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.
Customizable Comfort
The Super Ténéré ES comes equipped with both adjustable windshield and seat height. One inch of seat height adjustment provides a lower height for shorter riders or a roomier riding position for taller riders in the high position, while the windscreen can be easily adjusted 2.3 inches vertically without tools.
Adventure-Ready Ergonomics
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.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Luggage Ready
The optional flexible luggage system design has three possible setups: standard with no top case/side bags, top case installed, or side cases installed. These accessories were included during the design of the motorcycle so as to enhance the look of the bike.
Beefy Controls
Wraparound handlebar brush guards are standard equipment, mounted to a tough rubber-mounted handlebar.
Standard Centerstand
Both side stand and center stand are provided for complete parking convenience.
