The XT1200Z Super Ténéré ES, especially the second generation, is surprising good. After having put a few thousand miles on it, it’s clear a highly-focused team of engineers and designers created something specifically for riders who put on a lot of miles in interesting places. It’s very clever…and very effective. Its 585 lb curb weight is there for many reasons. The tank is big, it’s shaft-driven, is robustly built, and has a 1200 inline twin made specifically for this application; narrow and with a dry sump. So narrow, in fact, the battery and electronics are on the right side of the engine, and the radiator on the left side; and it’s only 3″ wider than my V-Strom 1000 XT!

Electronically adjustable suspension, cruise control, shaft drive, heated grips, effective windshield, comfortable/adjustable seat, and roomy cockpit: they, together, make it easy to crack off 500+ mile days. And even cruising at 80, it averages 50 mpg. It’s super stable on the highway but can cut a rug in the mountains.

Upgrades:

– Hand guard extenders
– Side air diverters
– Yamaha skid plate
– GIVI E360N hard bags
– GIVI pannier mounting frames
– GIVI T502B Inner liner bags for E360N
– Fly Racing tail bag
– Reax quick-release tank bag
– Oxford tank bag mount
– Front fender extender
– Rear mudguard
– GIVI kickstand foot
– 2 Wheel Dyno Works ECU flash
– Instrument panel screen protector
– Denali SoundBomb Mini horn
– Duraboost Lithium battery
– EBC Double-H sintered pads, F&R
– K&N oil filter

The above upgrades totaled about $2400, and they were all worth the cost and effort. Many more miles to come!