2018 Yamaha Super Ténéré/ES

For 2010, Yamaha jumped into the ADV dogpile with the Super Ténéré, a 1,199cc parallel twin bred for exploring off the beaten path. The company first earned its dual-sport stripes with the DT-1 a half century ago, and today’s Super Ténéré shows the company’s off-road mojo is still working. For instance, a crossplane crankshaft improves power delivery, while using a side-mounted radiator helps reduce overall width, an excellent strategy in the dirt. Two power modes, three-mode traction control, and a linked antilock braking system help riders maintain control in dodgy conditions. And including both center- and sidestands provides the best shot at parking this beast in off-kilter conditions.

Actually, we should have said “big” beast here, because the Super Ténéré weighs a claimed 575 pounds full of fuel, while the Super Ténéré ES, which includes electronically adjustable suspension, weighs 584 pounds. Add 300 or more pounds for the pilot, a passenger, optional side cases, and luggage, and the whole Super Ténéré ensemble may approach 1,000 pounds Helping in a small manner here is the adjustable seat, which can be positioned at 33.3 or 34.3 inches above terra firma.

Likes: Low-maintenance shaft drive, overall adjustability, big 6.1-gallon gas tank

Dislikes: Street-oriented tires, heavy for serious off-road work

Verdict: Key West to Fairbanks, no problem