2011 KTM 125 Duke Officially Named

After holding an online contest to name its 125cc four-stroke based learner street bike, KTM has shockingly come to the conclusion that it should stick to its Duke nomenclature. Schedule to be the 2011 KTM 125 Duke, KTM debuted the concepts at the 2009 EICMA show in Milan. KTM’s plan is to engage young riders with the “Ready to Race” mantra, making them lifetime Team Orange riders with this stepping-stone model

Video: Josh Brookes Shows Us the Fastest Line over “The Mountain” at Cadwell Park

The Mountain at Cadwell Park, as it is known, is like the British version of the Corkscrew at Laguna Seca: another one of those special points on a race track, that would not exist on the computer-generated courses we see today. Famous for lofting bikes into the air, The Mountain makes for spectacular photographs, and should be on every rider’s track day bucket list. Finding the fastest racing line over The Mountain can be difficult though, as riders have to contend with keeping the front of their motorcycles down, but such is not the case for HM Plant Honda’s Josh Brookes…

Lost Knee Puck Hinders Hayden at Indy

Track conditions were the talk of the paddock this weekend at the Indianapolis GP, as riders battled the changing tarmac surfaces, and undulating bumps of the Indy infield. Perhaps most vocal of his displeasure with the course was Ducati rider Casey Stoner, who called the Indianapolis Motor Speedway not a world class track, and specifically complained about plastic drains that would catch riders as the ventured in towards the edge of the track (Rossi also complained of these drains). Teammate Nicky Hayden was less critical before Sunday’s race though, saying that Stoner’s comments could be applied to many of the courses on the MotoGP calendar. However after losing a knee puck to one of the drainage grates that Stoner criticized earlier, Hayden may be re-thinking his tune.

Rossi Waiting to Hear if Burgess Will Retire

Talking after the Indianapolis GP, Valentino Rossi explained that he is waiting to hear from Jeremy Burgess as to whether the Australian Crew Chief will retire next season. Assured of the fact that Burgess would not stay behind at Yamaha, and would not work with another rider, Rossi stated the buzz around whether Burgess would move with the Italian to Ducati, hinges as to when Burgess plans on retiring from motorcycle racing.

Nicky Hayden Renews Contract with Ducati

Under the lights of the Indy Mile, where motorcycle racing began for the Kentucky-born MotoGP racer, Nicky Hayden has signed a two-year contract with Ducati Corse for the 2011 & 2012 seasons. Not the biggest surprise in the paddock, Hayden’s contract renewal has never really been questioned this season as the American started the season off with series of strong finishes and continues to be a strong brand ambassador for Ducati in the United States. Hayden will be joined the next two years by former teammate Valentino Rossi, the pair rode for Repsol Honda in 2003, with Hayden finishing the season 5th in his rookie GP season.

World Superbike Responds to Ducati Exodus

Infront Motor Sports, rights holder to the World Superbike Championship series, has responded to the news that Ducati Corse will be leaving the series in 2011. Responding with an official press release, IMS’s message essentially boils down to poking holes in Ducati’s statement about technical regulations. Stating that the 2009 season was dominated by the Ducati 1198 Superbike, sans one Ben Spies, the Italian firm has clearly been able to be competitive with the current formula. IMS goes on to basically say that WSBK is about more than one manufacturer, and can’t cater to Ducati’s whims even if they do have a lengthy history together.

Ben Spies to Factory Yamaha Team

As expected, Ben Spies and Yamaha have announced that the current World Superbike Champion and MotoGP rookie will move up to the factory Yamaha team (noticeably not called Fiat-Yamaha in the press release) for the 2011 season. Spies’ move to the factory squad has lovingly been referred to as the “second worst-kept secret in MotoGP,” right after Rossi’s departure from the Fiat-Yamaha team to Ducati Corse.

Colin Edwards – “I’m going fishing. Screw this sh*t.”

No one makes the MotoGP media center come alive with emotion more so than Colin Edwards. A veteran of the sport, and born with no filter between his brain and mouth, the Texan Tornado captured the spotlight during the pre-race press conference at the Red Bull Indianapolis GP. A stark contrast to the polished veneers of other riders, Edwards isn’t afraid to tell things the way he sees it, even if it involves some colorful language. To get an idea of what we mean, check out a portion of the press conference transcript after the jump.

Ducati Trademarks “Diavel” Name in the UK

Ducati has recieved a trademark with the UK Intellectual Property Office for the Bolognese word for devil, or “Diavel”, which according to MCN is to be the name of the company’s new performance cruiser (shown here in a render done by Bar-Design exclusively for Asphalt & Rubber). Interestingly enough, Ducati has not trademarked the Diavel name with the United States Patent & Trademarks Office (USPTO). However with the British government, Ducati has reserved the Diavel mark for virtually every use possible, including lifestyle items like shirts, perfume, watches, and our personal favorite: skin cleansing lotions and creams.

Casey Stoner Ducati 1198S Phillip Island Replica

Missing three races because of a mystery illness, Casey Stoner put any critics he had from his sudden departure in 2009 to bed with his masterful race at Phillip Island. Racing in front of his home crowd, Stoner slid around the Australian course to a decisive victory, in what we called one of the top races of 2009. Making the moment even more special for Australian fans, and Ducatisti alike, was the special race livery that Stoner ran for his home race. Hoping to commemorate that race and Stoner’s contributions to the Marlboro Ducati team (Stoner is leaving Ducati for HRC next year), a French Ducati dealership in Moulins-lès-Metz has decided to sell a limited number of Casey Stoner Ducati 1198S Phillip Island replicas.

2010 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré [Updated]

Wed 02/24/2010 @ 11:40 am, by Jenny Gun

Home » Bikes » 2010 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré [Updated]

UPDATE: Pricing abroad for the 2010 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré looks to be £13,500 & €15,000, with some variation because of individual country tariffs.

With its latest bike the Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré, Yamaha is stepping up its game and getting serious about the adventure-tourer motorcycling segment. The Dakar inspired Super Ténéré is a ground-up production for Yamaha, making it the first Japanese manufacturer to get serious about this emerging (and very profitable) market segment.

With 1,199cc under the hoood, the XT1200Z Super Ténéré is aiming its sights on the class-leading BMW R1200GS and new-comer Ducati Multistrada 1200. The powerplant features a parallel twin motor with four valves per cylinder, and makes 108hp @ 7,250 RPM and 84lbs•ft @ 6,000 RPM. Read more about the Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré after the jump.

For a wiz-bang factor, the Super Ténéré features a bevy of techno-goodies like ride-by-wire throttle control, three-mode linked & ABS brakes, dual-riding modes (street and touring), and Yamaha’s traction control system (YCC-T). Ensuring that the fun doesn’t stop is the bike’s 6.07 gallon gas tank, which should make all the die-hard adventure/touring folks very happy. However, the bike’s 575lb wet weight is likely to turn a few upside down frowns the wrong way around.

As was done on the YZF-R1, Yamaha seems to be taking the lessons learned on the MotoGP race track, and is applying their cross-plane crankshaft design (if you can call it that on a two cylinder motor) to the Super Ténéré. The 270° crank allows the Super Ténéré to deliver its power pulses in a manner that allows for better traction between the tire and road, which has a huge benefit in off-road situations.

No price has been announced yet, but expect it to undercut the KTM, BMW, and Ducati’s of the world…and for real bad news, the Super Ténéré has not been confirmed for the US market.

Technical Specifications of the 2010 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré:

ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, inline 2-cylinder, 4-valve, fuel injected, twin spark engine
Displacement: 1199cc
Bore x stroke: 98 x 79.5 mm
Compression ratio: 11.0:1
Firing intervals: 270- and 450-degree points
Max. Power: 80.9kW (110PS) @7,250rpm
Max. Torque: 114.1 Nm (11.6kgf･m) @6,000 rpm
Lubrication system: Dry sump
Fuel supply system: Fuel Injection
Clutch type: Wet, multiple-disc diaphragm spring
Ignition system: Twin spark
Starter system: Electric
Transmission system: Constant mesh, 6-speed
Final transmission: Shaft
Throttle system: Yamaha Chip-Controlled Throttle (YCC-T)
Yamaha D-MODE: 2 modes, Sport (S) and Touring (T)
Traction control: 3 modes, TCS1, TCS2 and OFF
Exhaust System: 2-into-1

CHASSIS
Frame: Steel tube backbone
Front suspension: Upside-down telescopic fork, 43 mm inner tube, adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping
Front wheel travel: 190 mm
Rear suspension: Monoshock, adjustable preload and rebound damping
Rear wheel travel: 190 mm
Front brake: Hydraulic Twin 310 mm wave discs, ABS/Unified Brake System
Rear brake: Hydraulic Single 282 mm wave disc
Front tyre: 110/80/19
Rear tyre: 150/70/17

DIMENSIONS
Overall length: 2,250 mm
Overall width: 980 mm
Overall height: 1,410 mm
Seat height: Adjustable 845-870 mm
Wheelbase: 1,540 mm
Min. ground clearance: 205 mm
Wet weight: 261 kg (includes full oil and fuel tank):
Fuel capacity: 23 litres
Oil capacity: 4.2 litres

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Tagged under: 2010 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré, 2011 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré, Adventure, adventure bike, adventure-tourer, Super Ténéré, XT1200Z, XT1200Z Super Ténéré, Yamaha, Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré

Comment:

akatsuki says:

02/24/2010 at 12:01 PM

Sounds good, but the styling should have gotten a bit more attention from Yamaha. The Multistrada is almost gorgeous (minus the beak). Better looking than the R1200GS anyway. And that weight? Ouch.
Peter says:

02/24/2010 at 12:03 PM

“With 1,999cc under the hoood”
That’s one big engine..
;-)
Dave says:

02/24/2010 at 12:03 PM

1,999cc? Sounds 700cc too high. Still rather have a regular tenere. Those at least seemed more capable for the weight…
Jenny Gun says:

02/24/2010 at 12:06 PM

My bad, I got distracted by the 575lb weight quote, and goofed on the displacement. It’s 1,199cc’s.
Peter Lombardi says:

02/24/2010 at 12:17 PM

i personally like the styling, it’s rugged and that looks like something i would ride through anything and not give a damn haha.

agreed on the Multistrada, yeah, minus the inescapable beak, is sexy, but i’d feel horrible if i ever got a ding, dent, or scratch. with this Yamaha, i feel as it would give it just that much more appeal.

the weight does scare the crap out of me though.
-peter
VisionPhotos says:

02/24/2010 at 12:19 PM

I was perfectly happy with my FZ1 until I saw the Yamaha XT1200Z http://bit.ly/bXPw6I #motorcycle (via @Asphalt_Rubber )
Eric says:

02/24/2010 at 1:07 PM

I don’t know about this thing, it looks like a pig. The KTM990 Adventure has all the power you need for a huge adventure tourer, but it “only” weighs 430lbs or so. 575lbs is absolutely absurd. Why won’t they just sell the Tenere 660 in the USA? I see KLR’s all over the place, is there some reason why they think the 660 won’t sell over here?
Ted Dorsey says:

02/24/2010 at 5:12 PM

RT @Asphalt_Rubber: 2010 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré http://bit.ly/bXPw6I
Ferd says:

02/24/2010 at 5:26 PM

The weight seems high at 575lbs but I think Yamaha should import the Tenere 660 to the USA. I think BMW has the 1200cc class wrapped up with the R1200GS and GSA. The BMW will be a tough bike to take on as it is established and has a very loyal following. The BMW’s have tons of aftermarket company’s making add-ons for the GS line-up. Still I guess I really don’t have to worry because the USA will not get these anyway. If Yamaha would import the 660 I would buy one tomorrow.
Lucas Co. Choppers says:

02/24/2010 at 8:51 PM

RT @Asphalt_Rubber: 2010 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré http://bit.ly/bXPw6I
timmy-bear says:

02/25/2010 at 12:51 AM

Yamaha better damn well bring this thing to the US. I used to be a big Honda fan, but I really thing Yamaha is where it’s at (they got Rossi didn’t they?). The new Tenere is a direct competitor to the Multistrada 1200, and the BMW GS. So long as Yamaha keeps the pricing down, this thing will sell like hotcakes. Otherwise, it’ss suffer the same fate as the TDM 850 of ‘92-’93
Hayabrusa says:

02/25/2010 at 9:00 AM

I agree with timmy-bear, but alas, I fear the US will get the shaft again – I find it interesting (and frustrating) that some ya-hoo in a foreign country ‘decides’ that a bike won’t be good for the US market! Gee, I wouldn’t bother trying it, on the off-chance it could be a huge success! D’oh!! Anyway, the bike is cool, and I bet you won’t notice the weight once you’re underway, unless you do a lot of slow-speed off-roading.
Hayabrusa says:

02/25/2010 at 9:03 AM

. . . which you really shouldn’t be doing with those tires anyway! Nice ‘fake’ off-road picture, Yamaha!
tc says:

02/25/2010 at 12:52 PM

Wow, Heavier than my 02 Bandit 1200 by over 50lbs, radiator to get damaged if dropped, Higher compression motor but similar power curves. Guess I don’t get it???
My husky 610 covers the dirt riding that the Bandit can’t complete.
pwr says:

02/25/2010 at 3:11 PM

I like adventure touring bikes for sport touring, but I hate chains. There aren’t any shaft-drive adventure tourers besides the Stelvio and the R1200GS, and who’s going to take a Guzzi into the boonies? This is bound to be a good bit cheaper, if it ever gets here. I’ll watch with interest.
Serge says:

02/25/2010 at 4:05 PM

C’mon YAMAHA!! please bring that bike in North America PLEASE Listen….We want one here in Canada…We need one to explore James Bay, Labrador, Abitibi….We are going to kick the ass of the GS this the SuperTénéré!!!! PLEASE YAMAHA….Listen
Mondo Endo says:

02/26/2010 at 9:37 AM

You would think that because of how well the BMW GS series sell they would at least give us a shot at it. Look at the chance that BMW took with the new 1000rr going against the status quo in the super sport market and from all Ive read its a great bike and doing well sales wise. I would love to have the new 1200, I cant count how many times Ive gone on a( lets see where this road leads me ride) only to have to turn around because of a dirt road or trail. I dont want a full on dual sport I want a street bike with off road as an option. Ive ridden a 990 KTM adventure and wasnt impressed on the street, Im sure its way better off road than the Yam or BMW but since I spend more time on road thats more important to me. I guess I could always convert my Bandit 1250 into a adv tourer, hell it weighs about the same. Where can I get high pipes for it? lol
Suzzy Lyric says:

04/08/2010 at 3:04 PM

I dont really read blogs or even comment on blogs but I did find your pretty intresting toread through, Do you mind if I ask what skin you are using for this blog, Im guessing its a wordpress website?

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