NEW SUPER TENERE (merged)

[mr moto]

all the rumours say that the bike is finished and ready to make it,s first appearance at one of the two major bike shows here in europe , INTERMOT in october and ,EICMA in november . it look,s like one of the publicity shots has been leaked already , no tech details yet .
can anyone translate the text ? thank,s .

[SLK50]

  Translation: Yamaha has no intention of bringing this, or for that matter, ANY of the exciting new models to the U.S. for the foreseeable future. j/k  

[Bad Dad]

But they'll probably send it to Canada There's a group test on it in the September issue of TWO, a Brit. bike mag.

[JamesG]

all the rumours say that the bike is finished and ready to make it,s first appearance at one of the two major bike shows here in europe , .

Yeah, its parked next to the new V5 VFR1000 at Area 51.  

[TheGoose]

  Translation: Yamaha has no intention of bringing this, or for that matter, ANY of the exciting new models to the U.S. for the foreseeable future. j/k  

You may be kidding, but I suspect you're absolutely right.

[mr moto]

Yamaha are holding a press conference on monday 3,rd november , the day before EICMA , the Milan show open,s . the latest i have heard is  , 115 BHP , a 21 inch front wheel , and styling is said to be very different to it,s smaller brother the xt660z tenere . all should be revealed this monday . stay tuned ....

[Aero]

Any news yet?

[Oilhed]

Love it!  Is it a twin?  Witrh ammo can panniers might be a better LD ride than the new F800GS.  I would consider one!

[burnergold2B]

Ammo cans away!! Bead blast the cans, poder coat em red!

It's a twin AND a 1200?! Whoa.

[JamesG]

I would be completely satisfied if Yamaha would just bring us the 660 Tenere...  

[BlueRidgeKat]

I would be completely satisfied if Yamaha would just bring us the 660 Tenere...  

I really thought it would happen for a while but now with the economy, Harley & Suzuki laying people off ect.... I dont think the Tenere will be coming.

I think this bike could have really took some US sales away from KTM, BMW and the ever poplular KLR.

[mr moto]

Latest news/speculation from a greek moto magazine.
http://www.translate.google.com/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http://www.motorsite.gr/article_det.php%3Fracename%3DSUPER%2520TENERE%25202010&sl=el&tl=en&history_state0=

[mr moto]

The 1200 tenere concept bike shown at the Tokyo show  
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/New-bikes/2009/October/oct2109-New-2010-Yamaha-Tenere-concept-is-made-of-cloth/

[squeezer]

"...made of cloth."  

Will we ever see it on this side of the pond?  

[Rincewind]

Apparently the new Super Tenere is Arabic?    

[Oilhed]

1200cc!  Shaft drive!  Twin radiators!  This could be the one, without the burka.

[mr moto]

Europe only new super tenere website .
http://www.yamaha-motor-europe.com/super-tenere/

[protondecay123]

Thanks for the link to the website. I doubt they bring it to North America, but will start agitating Cypress tomorrow. Below are some pics

[Schneegz]

That new Super Ten looks like a far-off concept.  I wonder how long it'll take Yamaha to make it a reality.

[protondecay123]

Allegedly they are looking at Fall 2010 / Winter 2011 to be at the dealers. I doubt we get it here in the states, but I'm calling Cypress today.

(800) 962-7926

[mr moto]

That new Super Ten looks like a far-off concept.  I wonder how long it'll take Yamaha to make it a reality.

There were reports over here in the euro bike press of it undergoing cold weather testing in sweden almost a year ago.I think the basic machine must be ready to go and this concept bike is just to get some reactions as to the final bodywork and styling.Also many euro bike magazine sites have stated a late 2010 release date,at least here in euroland .

[X1rider]

Maybe it will make it here like the FJR did, on a PDP at first.

Come on Yamaha, I have been waiting for this bike for ten years. A high performance parallel twin is the best way to go for a Adventure Tourer.

[protondecay123]

Maybe it will make it here like the FJR did, on a PDP at first.

Come on Yamaha, I have been waiting for this bike for ten years. A high performance parallel twin is the best way to go for a Adventure Tourer.

Here's a few more pics from the Tokyo Motor show















Call Yamaha and let them know of your interest.

[squeezer]

You know, as a way to portray a concept bike, that's freakin' awesome.  

[nanbil]

What I want to know is if Yamaha is going to put this motor in a new TDM and then if they are going to import it into the US of A

[dorklord]

So they've got those clear composite engine blocks down already, awesome!

Seriously, a very unique spin on the concept bike.

[protondecay123]

What I want to know is if Yamaha is going to put this motor in a new TDM and then if they are going to import it into the US of A

Call Yamaha USA at (800) 962-7926

[nanbil]

Call Yamaha USA at (800) 962-7926

Been there, done that... Yamaha USA treated my letter and phone calls with absolute distain.  

[coho]

Apparently the new Super Tenere is Arabic?    

It's a Jawa.




(Not the Czech one )

[kevrider]

You know, as a way to portray a concept bike, that's freakin' awesome.  

+1.

i'm digging that it's a shaft drive.  

[kevrider]

Been there, done that... Yamaha USA treated my letter and phone calls with absolute distain.  

maybe that person was clueless, but i doubt they all are.  i had interest on the phone and a form letter response to my letter.

[nanbil]

maybe that person was clueless, but i doubt they all are.  i had interest on the phone and a form letter response to my letter.

Kevrider the person I talked to on the phone didn't even know what a TDM was, and the form letter I received from Yamaha USA was just that: a form letter (which means that there was no actual thought or discussion regarding my inquiry).    

[squeezer]

Kevrider the person I talked to on the phone didn't even know what a TDM was, and the form letter I received from Yamaha USA was just that: a form letter (which means that there was no actual thought or discussion regarding my inquiry).    

That doesn't mean they're not counting the number of inquiries. I mean, I always get form letters from politicians too, but you can bet they count the letters.

[kevrider]

Kevrider the person I talked to on the phone didn't even know what a TDM was,

doesn't matter, as long as s/he can spell it for the call log.

[kevrider]

I would be completely satisfied if Yamaha would just bring us the 660 Tenere...  

me too.  i'm still interested in the twin, but at 1200 cc, i wonder if it'll be too much of a good thing -- too much weight and bulk.  i would have been content with the TDM twin.  well, i guess we'll see how in comes out eventually... hopefully in person.

[nanbil]

doesn't matter, as long as s/he can spell it for the call log.

"Now let's see was that... a Tedium?"  "No, it's a TDM, that's spelled T-D-M."  

[protondecay123]

Been there, done that... Yamaha USA treated my letter and phone calls with absolute distain.  

Obviously YMMV, but they were extremely courteous with me. IIRC I was passed through two hands. The final person I talked to seemed by their responses to be a non-riding clerical person that took my name and address. They did mention that there had been quite a bit of interest in this bike in particular. It was a non-brutal experience without waiting any more than 1 or 2 minutes.

[kevrider]

okay, now i believe it's real.  

i don't know how to embed a video, so here's a link.

[swimmer]

[Oilhed]

Great Ad!   Still haven't seen the bike!

[mr moto]

Check out the latest update . http://www.yamaha-motor-europe.com/super-tenere/

[Hickey]

They're just slowly leaking out info on that.  Regardless I am interested.  I hope it is awesome and then ends up coming to America.

[nanbil]

Check out the latest update . http://www.yamaha-motor-europe.com/super-tenere/

It looks like Yamaha won't be importing the super-ténére into the states–have a look at the country list on the link.

[Jeff]

That's just because it's Yamaha Europe's website.

[desert_rider]

Came across this on YouTube:

[nanbil]

That's just because it's Yamaha Europe's website.

Well I also looked on the Yamaha's US site and guess what... no super Tenere.

[X1rider]

I forwarded this page and the video to a friend of mine that is a regional sales manager for Yamaha. He seemed interested in asking the cheeses to bring this bike to the US for the following reason: "We need to have a broader product line."

If Yamaha does bring this bike here, I imagine it will be on a PDP like the FJR was initially. If they price it $1200-$1500 cheaper than the competing BMW GS, they will fly out of the dealerships!

Come on Yamaha-read our lips- we want this bike!

[PapiR]

As I continue on toward 1/2 a million miles(453,718 after coming home from work tonite) on my 1992 TDM-850, I'll have a nice chuckle as others debate when Yamaha will bring its latest and greatest to the USA. I'll pickup a Super Ten on the same day I get my TDM-900. You keep debating specs and wishing for the day it comes. As my drill sergeant told me long ago on a rainy nite in FT. Benning, GA. "Wish in one hand and shit in the other. See which hand gets warm first".

[Max Wedge]

I forwarded this page and the video to a friend of mine that is a regional sales manager for Yamaha. He seemed interested in asking the cheeses to bring this bike to the US for the following reason: "We need to have a broader product line."

If Yamaha does bring this bike here, I imagine it will be on a PDP like the FJR was initially. If they price it $1200-$1500 cheaper than the competing BMW GS, they will fly out of the dealerships!

Come on Yamaha-read our lips- we want this bike!

If they price it EVEN with the GS, I think it will fly out of the dealerships. If they do it like the FJR when it first came here (pre-order) they can see the demand.

[protondecay123]

Right here online at 8.00pm CET on 24th February, we’ll be launching an exclusive new Super Ténéré video and detailed photos and information. For the hardcore adventurers among you, we will also reveal how get your hands on a new Super Ténéré in time for summer.

http://www.yamaha-motor-europe.com/super-tenere/

[Rincewind]

An artistic guess at the new Super-Tenere.  Not that it matters much to the US market...  



http://hellforleathermagazine.com/2010/02/2011-yamaha-super-tenere-specd.html

[bubba zanetti]

Right here online at 8.00pm CET on 24th February, we’ll be launching an exclusive new Super Ténéré video

That is about 4 hours from now.

[Schneegz]

From MCN:

[Schneegz]

Lots more pics from Motoblog.it:

[Mookie]

That is sick!

[desert_rider]

Please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please make this come to the US.

[Schneegz]

261 Kg wet weight: too much of a beast for me, but it looks pretty damned cool.

[Mookie]

It'll be too heavy but compared to a GS it'll rule - I hope.

[Schneegz]

It'll be too heavy but compared to a GS it'll rule - I hope.

I'm sure you're right.  I wonder what it'll cost, or if they'll bring it to the US.    I think they'd be crazy not to.

[kurtw]

So that's what a Tenere flyby looks like when you're on LSD, huh?

Looks like a cool bike. Did the smaller Tenere ever see the light of day anywhere?

[Mookie]

Did the smaller Tenere ever see the light of day anywhere?

That was a Europe only release, hence the pessimism about this one getting here.

[Rincewind]

Nice scoot!  Looks like Traction Control and some maps-on-the-fly options per the dash shot (article confirms TCS).  

It looks like a horse's ass, or an emaciated V-strom, but should stack up real well (in Europe).

[squeezer]

Please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please make this come to the US.

+1 for each please.

[DogBoy]

261 Kg wet weight.

Ugh. Too heavy.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Mmmmmm  

[bubba zanetti]

Mmmmmm  

It does look good in hi res ...

[falconati]

A little too heavy for me to consider it, but I'm not really in the market for a bike like that.  For somebody in the adventure market, this will be getting some attention

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Yikes! I didn't look at the weight. That thing is as heavy as my GS!  

[Oilhed]

I want one
http://www.motorcycledaily.com/24february10_stannounced.htm

[Mookie]

Yikes! I didn't look at the weight. That thing is as heavy as my GS!  

Me neither.  I think it's actually heavier than the listed wet weight of the newer GS' by quite a significant margin.  Bummerz.

[R Doug]

575 lbs wet for the Yamaha!?  

GS dry = 439 lbs.
We add gas (5.2 gal @6.5lbs/gal=34 lbs), oil & other fluids, & battery for a total wet weight of 503 lbs. *

GS Adv. dry = 492 lbs.
We add gas (8.7 gal=57 lbs), oil ... & battery ... for a total wet weight of 579 lbs. *




* Per BMW Motorrad site

[motrhead]

 Way too heavy for me too. They should have left off the shaft drive. Too bad.

[kurtw]

575 lbs wet for the Yamaha!?  

+1 That would be on the heavy side if it was purely a road bike.

[1000lbs]

I found this info in engrish today.  http://motoring-news.com/general/yamaha-xt1200z-super-tenere/

Cool bike, not my cup-o-tea.

[supermototourer]

575 lbs wet for the Yamaha!?  

GS dry = 439 lbs.
We add gas (5.2 gal @6.5lbs/gal=34 lbs), oil & other fluids, & battery for a total wet weight of 503 lbs. *

GS Adv. dry = 492 lbs.
We add gas (8.7 gal=57 lbs), oil ... & battery ... for a total wet weight of 579 lbs. *




* Per BMW Motorrad site

Does that include the side bags?   Looks like Yamaha has the bags on the bike in all of the pictures and BMW doesn't.  Should add 20lbs or so.

[Rincewind]

Well it has over 6-gallons of gas included in that weight, too.  It is right in-line with the GS-ADV, so that seems acceptable for the class.  The DL1000 is 525lbs wet - add bags, racks, an extra gallon of gas, AND a shaft-drive, and it would be the same or more.

[Snowbird]

Let the griping begin.

[DogBoy]

Well it has over 6-gallons of gas included in that weight, too.  It is right in-line with the GS-ADV, so that seems acceptable for the class.  The DL1000 is 525lbs wet - add bags, racks, an extra gallon of gas, AND a shaft-drive, and it would be the same or more.

All true and the Supe Tenere will probably be well received. I was hoping for something closer to a Yamaha version of a KTM 990 Adventure which performs better on dirt and pavement than the rest of the class. Instead we got an upgraded V-Strom. I really like V-Stroms and think they are great road bikes. There are plenty of choices in that category but no real alternative to the 990 ADV. However, Yamaha wants to sell a lot of bikes and the market for the R1200GS, Vardero, V-Strom is much larger than the market for 990 ADV type bikes.

[Schneegz]

From MCN:

Yamaha’s XT1200Z Super Tenere will first appear in a limited ‘first edition’ guise during 2010. This first model will come with parts that will be available as optional accessories in 2011.

.....

To underline the limited edition Super Tenere’s off road ability, the bike will come fitted with left and right aluminium 30-litre (tbc) panniers, purpose-fit headlight protector (for off-road use only), and sturdy aluminium bash plate. A unique first edition decal will set this bike apart from the basic model.

Not that it matters to us poor, deprived, neglected 'Muricans.  

EDIT: I forgot to add the link to the article.  It's at the top now.

[Mookie]

So is it 575 pounds with all that stuff on it or plain?

[desert_rider]

Anybody here familiar with the helmet in that picture?

[atadaskew]

A single radiator mounted on the side out of direct air flow?  Awesome.

That worked like crap on my Wing 1800, and this Yam is meant to see more extreme conditions.  Better have some serious tip over protection, weird that it's not standard seeing the 'purpose' of this bike and the likelyhood of being dropped.

[JamesG]

Maybe its an ode to Buell, in that the radiator fan will come on all the time and stay on after the bike is off.  

I like it. It like all of these bikes are firstly for pavement, specalizing in bad pavement, with only secondary offroad capability.

For that, this is awesome. Think of it as a long suspension FJR than a 990 ADV.

[Schneegz]

A single radiator mounted on the side out of direct air flow?  Awesome.

That worked like crap on my Wing 1800, and this Yam is meant to see more extreme conditions.  Better have some serious tip over protection, weird that it's not standard seeing the 'purpose' of this bike and the likelyhood of being dropped.

The special edition includes the engine guard.  



Besides, it's better for Yamaha to offer it as an option.  Most people who buy adventure bikes never actually take them off road.  Where's the sense in making the customer buy an engine guard he/she will never use?  If a customer actually plans to take the bike off road, he/she has the option to buy it.  If not, he/she has the option not to.

Furthermore, what if the customer prefers the engine guard that an after-market supplier - such as SW Motech - will surely offer in a few months?  Where's the sense in making the customer buy the Yamaha engine guard just so he/she can replace it with the SW Motech engine guard?  

It's good to see manufacturers offering so many options, but that's exactly what they should be; options.  

[JamesG]

Thats what ebay is for...

[st2sam]

I like it. It like all of these bikes are firstly for pavement, specalizing in bad pavement, with only secondary offroad capability.

 Think of it as a long suspension FJR than a 990 ADV.

James, you hit the nail on the head, dirt roads and poor pavement. I can't wait untill we get a long term ride report. Oh, and find out for sure if and when it's coming state side.

[Schneegz]

Thats what ebay is for...

So, what makes more sense; paying less for a bike with none of the junk you don't want and buying the stuff you actually want afterward, or paying more for a bike with a bunch of junk you don't want, taking the time and energy to sell all the junk you don't want for less than it's worth on eBay, and then going out and buying the stuff you actually wanted in the first place?  



By the way, MCN just announced the price in the UK:

Yamaha  has confirmed the new ‘first edition’ version of the 2010 Super Tenere 1200 will cost £13,500 in the UK.

The Super Tenere is the bike Yamaha is aiming squarely at the BMW R1200GS and the lucrative and ever-growing adventure bike market.

If you were to spec up a BMW R1200GS to a similar level as the Yamaha Tenere it would take the basic price of £9925 to around £12,200 – just under £1300 less than the Yamaha.

Who knows what that price means for the US if Yamaha ever imports the bike to the US?  

[atadaskew]

1/ So, what makes more sense; paying less for a bike with none of the junk you don't want ...


2/ By the way, MCN just announced the price in the UK:
Who knows what that price means for the US if Yamaha ever imports the bike to the US?  

1/ One slow speed drop on the left side (say parking lot manouver) that takes out your radiator will have you thinking that radiator protection should either be standard, or the radiator should have been in the 'normal' place in front of the engine.

2/ 1300 GBP more than a BMW?  Dang.  This bike will never come to the US at that price level.  Even if it cost the same as a BMW GS Yam will not bring it over.

[chornbe]

I like the weight complaints.

The 1200 Tenere is right in line with the 1200 GS, sub 600lbs in full running order, for a large frame, large-displacement, ruggedly built all-roads bike.

This isn't some sub 300lbtrack bike that will be rebuilt every 3rd race because shit is wearing out. This is a world-crossing monster machine.

Too heavy... youse guys is so cute.

Yamaha management would be flaming idiotic to bring this bike to the US without PDP. This thread alone has gone from "OMFG I WANT IT NOW!" to "Meh, too heavy and too expensive" in just a few days.

Regardless, to even sell one unit here, they have to do the full DOT cert procedures and be prepared to deal with the tariffs and such; They cost time and money.

[Schneegz]

One slow speed drop on the left side (say parking lot manouver) that takes out your radiator will have you thinking that radiator protection should either be standard, or the radiator should have been in the 'normal' place in front of the engine.

And yet it still makes more sense to allow the customer to choose for him/herself whether or not he/she wants Yamaha's engine guard, some other engine guard, or no engine guard.

If the customer really wants the engine guard, what prevents the customer from having it fitted at the dealer?

[atadaskew]

And yet it still makes more sense to allow the customer to choose for him/herself whether or not he/she wants Yamaha's engine guard, some other engine guard, or no engine guard.

If the customer really wants the engine guard, what prevents the customer from having it fitted at the dealer?

Maybe.  Just adds to the poseur posturing factor though that such a 'tough' looking bike in actuality is more fragile than most other streetbikes in a common occurence drop unless it has aftermarket protection.

Forgetting for the moment the wisdom of orienting the radiator in such an inefficient way by minimizing its frontal area.

[st ryder]

One phrase comes to mind when I see this new bike: the real deal.    




Hat's off to Yamaha for building a *true* competitor to the GS, not some half measure or pansified adventure bike like the competition has served up until now. I'd pay more for this bike over the BMW as it's water cooled for starters as well as having a wet, motorcycle type clutch and the shaft drive will most likley not give you service problems and the number of world wide dealers is unmatched afaik.

If you want to go "The long way round" and *actualy make it*, here's your bike.  

[atadaskew]

If you want to go "The long way round" and *actualy make it*, here's your bike.  

So you don't think it will overheat in hot/slow going?

Right here, right now I'm sayin' this sucker is gonna have cooling issues.
Let's see what the real world outcome is going to be.

[chornbe]

One phrase comes to mind when I see this new bike: the real deal.    

I'm in agreement.  

[ConPilot1]

So you don't think it will overheat in hot/slow going?

Right here, right now I'm sayin' this sucker is gonna have cooling issues.

 

I'm in agreement.  

again  

I think it looks awesome. We'll see how it pans out in the real world, but yeah, it's nice to see something out there to compete with the GS

[Mookie]

I doubt it'll be tuned highly enough to really generate a ton of heat - at least enough that the radiators couldn't handle.  Plus it allows the engine to be placed further forward and closer to the front wheel which ought to help in the handling department.  

[atadaskew]

I doubt it'll be tuned highly enough to really generate a ton of heat - at least enough that the radiators couldn't handle.  Plus it allows the engine to be placed further forward and closer to the front wheel which ought to help in the handling department.  

It only has one radiator.  On the left side.
Hey, after watching mine, and many other Wings overheat with 2 side radiators, seeing how hot VTEC Vfrs get w/ 2 side radiators, seeing Honda ditch the side radiators for the traditional front radiator on it's racing RC51s I have little faith in them.
Where they work the worst is in slow going.  Ya know, like when you're on some dirt road/off road living up to its looks..

I guess one parking lot drop on the left side and it's gonna be an air cooled bike anyway.
 

[Schneegz]

Maybe.  Just adds to the poseur posturing factor though that such a 'tough' looking bike in actuality is more fragile than most other streetbikes in a common occurence drop unless it has aftermarket protection.

Forgetting for the moment the wisdom of orienting the radiator in such an inefficient way by minimizing its frontal area.

"Frontal area" isn't what matters with heat exchangers - which is another word for a radiator.  All the engineers had to do was direct air flow through the radiator.  I don't know for sure that Yamaha's engineers did a good job at directing air flow, but neither do you know for sure that they did not.  

Placing a big wheel, tire, two brakes, forks and a fender in front of a radiator generates its own set of disadvantages concerning air flow.



These pics come from Advrider.com.  They were taken by a dude in the UK who saw the bike in person.

[atadaskew]

"Frontal area" isn't what matters with heat exchangers - which is another word for a radiator.  All the engineers had to do was direct air flow through the radiator.

Of course it does.  What do you think would dissipate heat quicker?  Heat up 2 skillets.  Blow a fan on both of them, one with maximum frontal area exposed i.e. perpendicular to the air flow (the traditional radiator orientation), the other at cross section to the air flow (the side radiator orientation).  Which skillet do you think will cool quicker?

Why do you think Honda ditched the side radiators on its racing RC51 for the traditional frontal design?  Why does almost every liquid cooled car/truck/bike made have their radiators situated in such a manner?

Anyway, what matters is the proof in the pudding.  We'll see how this pans out.

[R Doug]

Yamaha  has confirmed the new ‘first edition’ version of the 2010 Super Tenere 1200 will cost £13,500 in the UK.

The Super Tenere is the bike Yamaha is aiming squarely at the BMW R1200GS and the lucrative and ever-growing adventure bike market.

If you were to spec up a BMW R1200GS to a similar level as the Yamaha Tenere it would take the basic price of £9925 to around £12,200 – just under £1300 less than the Yamaha.

So, a comparable GS is £1300 LESS than the Yamaha?

What's up with Honda (e.g. VFR) and Yamaha (w/ this Super Tenere) pricing their bikes higher than BMW?  That's not the market the Japanese manufacturers need to enter.   In regards to the Super Tenere v. GS, the Super Tenere does not appear to utilize the nicer touches which you'll get with a BMW.  Steel braided brake lines come to mind for an example.  In the up-close-and-personal pictures of the Yamaha above, it looks cheap.  

FAIL

[st ryder]

So you don't think it will overheat in hot/slow going?

Right here, right now I'm sayin' this sucker is gonna have cooling issues.
Let's see what the real world outcome is going to be.

So the words "King of the desert..." mean nothing to you?

It does not have big, thick aluminum spars wrapped around the engine to soak up the heat, and it looks like they've paid atention to air flow through the engine bay as well. One rad is all you need depending on how big the core is. Time will tell, but how/why would this bike run any hotter than the new Multistrada, anohter 1200 cc with a 270 crank, in stop and go traffic?  

Better to have the rad on the side when actually flying down stone and rock strewn roads fields or deserts, yes?  

[atadaskew]

So the words "King of the desert..." mean nothing to you?


Better to have the rad on the side when actually flying down stone and rock strewn roads fields or deserts, yes?  

Nope , King Of the Desert means nothing to me.  You can call something whatever you want, does not mean it will live up to it..

As for the rest, we'll see.
 

[kurtw]

Well you have to account for the 30 pounds of extra crash bars that everyone will be bolting on.

I still think the 650 Tenere was a more exciting looking machine but admit that this has the same type of appeal that a big GS would.

[JamesG]

Yeah, I would be happy, heck even prefer, if they would just bring the 660 Tenere here instead...

[Schneegz]

Of course it does.  What do you think would dissipate heat quicker?  Heat up 2 skillets.  Blow a fan on both of them, one with maximum frontal area exposed i.e. perpendicular to the air flow (the traditional radiator orientation), the other at cross section to the air flow (the side radiator orientation).  Which skillet do you think will cool quicker?

Why do you think Honda ditched the side radiators on its racing RC51 for the traditional frontal design?  Why does almost every liquid cooled car/truck/bike made have their radiators situated in such a manner?

Anyway, what matters is the proof in the pudding.  We'll see how this pans out.

That isn't "frontal area", which is the area pointed toward the front.  It's "surface area".  The Super 10's radiator has plenty of surface area as long as the engineers directed air flow effectively.

Why do most cars/trucks/bikes place the radiator in the front?  It's a convenient place to put it, but not necessarily the best.  Like I said, placing the radiator behind a big wheel, tire, two brakes, forks and a fender presents its own set of air flow issues.  

[atadaskew]

That isn't "frontal area", which is the area pointed toward the front.  It's "surface area".  The Super 10's radiator has plenty of surface area as long as the engineers directed air flow effectively.

Why do most cars/trucks/bikes place the radiator in the front?  It's a convenient place to put it, but not necessarily the best.  Like I said, placing the radiator behind a big wheel, tire, two brakes, forks and a fender presents its own set of air flow issues.  

So back to my example, which skillet would you say would cool quicker?..... Like I mentioned twice before, Honda engineers who placed them on the side then moved them back to the front for their race bikes.  Cuz that's where they work the best.  Why else would they do that?

As for cars/trucks/bikes placing the radiator in the front not necessarily being the best place - then what is?

[Schneegz]

So back to my example, which skillet would you say would cool quicker?..... Like I mentioned twice before, Honda engineers who placed them on the side then moved them back to the front for their race bikes.  Cuz that's where they work the best.  Why else would they do that?

As for cars/trucks/bikes placing the radiator in the front not necessarily being the best place - then what is?

1) As I've mentioned twice, all that matters is directing air flow through the surface area effectively.  See that scoop at the top?  Its purpose is to direct nice, clean, cool, laminar air flow unaffected by the turbulence generated by the wheel, tire, brakes, forks and fender into the radiator.  The vents on the side direct flow out.




2) Honda probably moved the radiator to the front of the racing RC-51 to reduce its width, thereby reducing its cross-sectional area, thereby reducing the drag force acting on the bike, thereby increasing the bike's top speed, thereby making the bike more likely to win races.

3) That depends on the intended use of the car, the placement of the engine, etc.  The Lexus LF-A, for example, has its radiators mounted in the back so the hot air flowing out of them is ejected directly into the atmosphere, as opposed to directly onto the engine, which is mounted in the front.  The reason you don't see this on ordinary cars is that it's expensive, inconvenient and makes maintenance more difficult, none of which matters in a car that costs as much as this.  See those big scoops behind the window?  They direct air flow into the radiators.  The vents in the back direct air flow out.

[DogBoy]

2) Honda probably moved the radiator to the front of the racing RC-51 to reduce its width, thereby reducing its cross-sectional area, thereby reducing the drag force acting on the bike, thereby increasing the bike's top speed, thereby making the bike more likely to win races.

The RC51 atadaskew referenced was raced in production-based World Superbike where stock appearing bodywork must be used. Teams could heavily modify the bikes but they couldn't dramatically change frontal area. Its more likely, they had to change the radiator location due to the heat generated by a 180hp engine. 180hp World Championship racing engines aren't relevant to this discussion.

I don't remember any reports of cooling issues on street RC51 or the Superhawk which also had side-mounted radiators. And factories keep developing technology so what was produced a decade ago, or more, is probably not going to be an issue today.

[Oilhed]

I cant wait to see what this looks like in person with various bags on & off, trunk only and that nifty tankbag.  I can imagine walking in with my check and ordering one with EVERYTHING!  Love the blue, too!

[WBill]

Very interesting machine, with a "First Edition" decal on the fairing.  Mindful of how new models have progressed before this one, I think I'll wait till the "Second Edition" hits our shores.  Soon, I hope.  

Out here in The US West, one doesn't have to go looking for unpaved roads.  Long stretches pop up, unexpected, just about everywhere off the Interstate. WBill  

[atadaskew]

1) As I've mentioned twice, all that matters is directing air flow through the surface area effectively.  See that scoop at the top?  Its purpose is to direct nice, clean, cool, laminar air flow unaffected by the turbulence generated by the wheel, tire, brakes, forks and fender into the radiator.  The vents on the side direct flow out.

See that scoop?  It's going to do diddly in the low speed riding that is the condition that I mentioned that will cause the bike to overheat.
Unless you are riding directly into strong winds.

Anyway, like I said, it would be interesting to see how this pans out.  Sad thing is that this bike will not come to the US if it is priced at or above BMW levels.  Yam brought the FJR in at initial special order terms because it was priced a lot less than BMWs

[Schneegz]

See that scoop?  It's going to do diddly in the low speed riding that is the condition that I mentioned that will cause the bike to overheat.
Unless you are riding directly into strong winds.

See that fan?  It's purpose is to force air into the scoop, through the radiator and out the vents when the bike travels at low speeds.

[nanbil]

VI think I'll wait till the "Second Edition" hits our shores.   

I think that you're going to have a long wait... like forever.  Yamaha USA is not interested in bringing Yamaha Motorcycles to the States unless it is a "Star" or a Sport-bike.

[atadaskew]

3) That depends on the intended use of the car, the placement of the engine, etc.  The Lexus LF-A, for example, has its radiators mounted in the back so the hot air flowing out of them is ejected directly into the atmosphere, as opposed to directly onto the engine, which is mounted in the front.  The reason you don't see this on ordinary cars is that it's expensive, inconvenient and makes maintenance more difficult, none of which matters in a car that costs as much as this.  See those big scoops behind the window?  They direct air flow into the radiators.  The vents in the back direct air flow out.

The radiators are in the back of the LFA because, see that massive grill in the front?, that is where the liquid cooled oil cooler sits.  There was no other place to put the radiators.

Let's hope Yam did get it right with the cooling.  I'm just dubious seeing how it hasn't work out well before.  But the huge bummer is we'll never see it in the US.

[R Doug]

Regardless of whether the radiator will do the job or not, it's still located in a precarious position for a bike that will most likely be dropped a time or two.  

[Schneegz]

The radiators are in the back of the LFA because, see that massive grill in the front?, that is where the liquid cooled oil cooler sits.  There was no other place to put the radiators.

Which proves that moving the radiator(s) from their traditional location doesn't hurt heat exchange as long as the engineers designed the vehicle to direct air flow through the radiator(s), which is what I've been saying all along.

[atadaskew]

Which proves that moving the radiator(s) from their traditional location doesn't hurt heat exchange as long as the engineers designed the vehicle to direct air flow through the radiator(s), which is what I've been saying all along.

No, they needed the huge oil cooler by the motor and there was no where else to put the radiators w/o ruining the weight balance.

Either way, radiator efficiency will be the last thing on your mind when you drop that 575lb bike in the parking lot and lose the coolant.

[Jeff]

The RC51 atadaskew referenced was raced in production-based World Superbike where stock appearing bodywork must be used. Teams could heavily modify the bikes but they couldn't dramatically change frontal area. Its more likely, they had to change the radiator location due to the heat generated by a 180hp engine. 180hp World Championship racing engines aren't relevant to this discussion.

I don't remember any reports of cooling issues on street RC51 or the Superhawk which also had side-mounted radiators. And factories keep developing technology so what was produced a decade ago, or more, is probably not going to be an issue today.

I had a Superhawk for 20,000 miles. Not once did I have a cooling issue. Never.

[atadaskew]

I had a Superhawk for 20,000 miles. Not once did I have a cooling issue. Never.

How many radiators did it have?

[st ryder]

Regardless of whether the radiator will do the job or not, it's still located in a precarious position for a bike that will most likely be dropped a time or two.  

It seems very well shrouded. It would have to be one heck of a drop to damage the rad IMO. Plus there are crash bars that can be added to give even more protection against damage. One aspect of having the rad there woud be rider comfort, as what appears to be a high volume fan would otherwise send all that hot air back to the rider. I think Yamaha learned a lot about hot air air mangement from their FJR experience which had a front facing/placed rad and was for many owners a real scorcher, as in boiling-fuel-in-the-tank hot. I see the engine bay seems well vented and the frame is not a heat sink on the Tenere, unlike the FJR that has thick/wide aluminum spars, and "closed" fairings in the early model years. I think it was placed there primarily for safety against flying rocks, ie "real deal" engineering. I don't see it as a deal breaker that's for sure.

[Jeff]

How many radiators did it have?

A small one on each side. No fan mounted on it like the Yam.

Jeff

[JReazor]

Yeah, I would be happy, heck even prefer, if they would just bring the 660 Tenere here instead...