New Super Tenere - Honda where are you??

[Lord Stig]

So, we see in yesterday's MCN that there is to be a new XTZ1200 Super Tenere. Only a mock up picture and little is known, but hey, Yamaha again are coming up with the goods. Even 'The Mole' is questioning why Honda has not come up with a competitor to the flurry of new adventure touring iron, and suggests the name 'Africa Twin' should be used. It's nice to know we are not alone in thinking the same thing!

Apologies if this has been flagged up elsewhere - good news is worth saying twice anyway...

[icenian]

there is to be a new XTZ1200 Super Tenere

1200?!? That's a bit daft. Surely the 900cc of the TDM motor is enough?

Besides, by the time Jenna's finished it'll be at least 1500

[Lord Stig]

I said something similar in the thread on this over in Chatter - why does a bike like this need so much power?

[Wee Jack]

I said something similar in the thread on this over in Chatter - why does a bike like this need so much power?

There is no logic involved here - the competition are in that size bracket so everyone feels they need to be there , to capture the "my dick is bigger than your dick" customers.

[Lord Stig]

Well said! I reckon it's also the abiding sense in motorcycling that bikes are about riding like a nutter as fast as you can. Not true, though that is one of the best parts to be sure.

[icenian]

I'd really like a twin that makes about 70-80bhp and is light in weight. I couldn't care less about how much the other side of 100mph a bike will go, when light weight and fuel economy are benefits that should actually be noticeable.

I wonder though how much engine capacity is needed, and how much fuel burned, in order to carry fuel injection, catalytic converters, restrictive exhausts and all the rest? I suspect that if Honda had wanted to develop the Africa Twin to meet current standards it would be making about 40bhp. So the obvious way to go is to make it bigger and heavier...

[The Mountie]

I'd really like a twin that makes about 70-80bhp and is light in weight. I couldn't care less about how much the other side of 100mph a bike will go, when light weight and fuel economy are benefits that should actually be noticeable.

I wonder though how much engine capacity is needed, and how much fuel burned, in order to carry fuel injection, catalytic converters, restrictive exhausts and all the rest? I suspect that if Honda had wanted to develop the Africa Twin to meet current standards it would be making about 40bhp. So the obvious way to go is to make it bigger and heavier...

You need a TDM as that's exactly what you've described.

[z-weiser]

the other way to look at it is - if that 1200 lump can be tuned for more bottom end torque than top end power, then great! and better for those 2 up with luggage and the kitchen sink trips!

[icenian]

You need a TDM as that's exactly what you've described.

Dead right. With long travel suspension, 21" front wheel and skinny tyres. A Super Tenere with the TDM lump ought to fit the bill...

Or an F800GS

[Chad]

Dead right. With long travel suspension, 21" front wheel and skinny tyres. A Super Tenere with the TDM lump ought to fit the bill...

Or an F800GS

theres no getting away from it...bmw have just done the right thing with the 800 whilst honda still have there heads up their asses