Why Yamaha's New Bike Keeps the Tenere Name Special

First launched in 1983, Yamaha's Tenere motorcycle has gone through many evolutions over the years and remained a firm favourite all the way through. Now, more than 25 years on, the Japanese company has unveiled its latest revision, the 2010 Super Tenere 1200.

Revealed exclusively at the Turkish Bike Show in Istanbul, the new adventure bike boasts a 1200cc parallel twin motor with 108bhp and 84ft lb of torque. It also features three-mode ABS, dual mode throttle response and an advanced traction control system. Widely seen as a direct competitor to BMW's R1200GS, the Super Tenere is initially available in a limited first edition for 2010, featuring extra accessories that will not come as standard in future models.

Dealers will not get their hands on this limited edition version of the Super Tenere 1200; prospective buyers can only secure one by reserving it online via the Yamaha website. The special edition bike will be fitted with twin aluminium panniers with a capacity of 30 litres each, and aluminium bash plate and a purpose-fit headlight protector - although the latter is only for off-road use.

The first version of the Super Tenere will also come with an exclusive decal finish, setting it apart from future versions. The 'regular' version of the bike will follow in 2011 and those wanting to spec the bike up in a similar fashion to the limited edition version will be able to do so by buying optional accessories for their machine.

The limited edition 2010 Super Tenere 1200 will cost £13,500 - and while that's a fair bit more than the standard BMW R1200GS, there are the extra accessories to take into account. Those who bag the limited edition motorcycle look set to be the envy of the biking world, and while they'll pay a premium price, they'll also have something of a collector's item on their hands. And with great deals on Yamaha motorbike insurance available from specialist bike insurers, owners needed break the bank getting their new pride and joy on the road.

It truly looks to be a special bike and the interest in owning one of the special edition machines is expected to be unprecedented. So if you're interested in owning a piece of motorcycling history then be sure to make your move sooner rather than later. If you have no need for all the extras and aren't so bother about owning an 'exclusive' bike, however, then it might be best to hang on for the 2011 edition and spec your machine according to your specific needs.

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