saturday 10am, everyone's here...
Today's program: challenge 2 major trails over 350 km and, above all, get the expert opinion of our two passengers for the day.
trail of the dunes or trail of the fields?
introducing
i find Sandrine and Christelle discussing the look of our bikes for the day.
On my right, the most discreet with its matte black complexion, the Yamaha 1200 Super Ténéré.
And on my left, in a racing color, the KTM 990 Adventure.
It's so much fun to listen to the already divergent opinions of our two beauties of the day.
One, Speedy's sporty wife, is crazy about the Katoche's immaculate white color, the racing double fuel filler cap (which isn't always practical in everyday use) and the bright orange engine guards.
As for my little wife, she points out that the Super-T's saddle is much softer, that the low pot heats up the butt a lot less, and that the fairing looks more protective!
All these remarks are full of common sense (we should listen to our wives more!) but Speedy and I unpack other details.
The Yamaha highlights various technical solutions: anti-slip and dual engine mapping, which will come in very handy during our surprise detour along the way; the cardan shaft, which keeps the rear rim clean at all times; the adjustable saddle, which can be adjusted to suit the rider's needs.the adjustable seat can be lowered from a "very high" 870 mm to a "medium high" 845 mm.
KTM plays the "ready to race" card so dear to the brand: excellent WP suspension, a riding position that invites you to stand up (the saddle does too, but for other reasons), a super-slim and high (90/90-18) front wheel that makes for hyper-incisive handling, and all those little details that make racing easier (grippy footrests, pre-slotted lever in case of a fall, towing loop under the fairing, etc.)...)
Let's go, engine!
the tone is set by a key with the tuning fork's logo and transponder, and the KTM's very "light" key.
Fortunately, I have the good sense to start the Super-T first. The sound of the original exhaust is very discreet and not really sexy. At least the Yamaha's owner will keep in good touch with the neighborhood.
The KTM, on the other hand, is much more punchy. The revs are lively and virile. The two stainless steel gun's already radiate heat when stationary.
Scanning the Yam's dashboard, I check that the mapping is set to S (maximum power, a hefty 110 hp/din) and that the traction control is on TCS1.
When riding in touring mode (and as a duo), I leave the traction control on standard, which can be felt from time to time if the rider tries to put all the power back on when exiting a roundabout or in a tight bend.
The engine feels like it's shrivelling at low revs, which is never a problem, just a little odd at first.
The KTM ignores all these rider aids, only recently accepting ABS.
equipped on both machines, ABS has really become an indispensable safety accessory on today's motorcycles. 25 years ago, I remember the "pro" and "anti" ABS discussions.
For the record, I was on the "anti" side following a humiliating experience for a GS-Abs owner whom I had lost following a straightaway in a campsite, even though I had managed to get through the bend with my TDM without Abs.
here we go for 350 km!
the arrival of my passenger doesn't affect the bike's attitude too much, and the front end seems even lighter!
Gently on the throttle, the 106 hp twin is just waiting to get that front wheel off the ground.
Despite its playful temperament, the Katoche is also a very pleasant companion for two-up travel.
The peppy yet torquey engine lets you roll along at a good pace.
The firm seat and sport-tuned suspension keep the pace sporty.
With the Super-T, we're in a different league.
We're in a much quieter world.
Whether it's the sound of the exhaust, the comfort and thickness of the seat or the much softer suspension settings, the bike is more GT-like.
To each his own, you may say, but each can fill the other's modes.
The KTM can go for a little ride, while the Yamaha, aided by all those electronic extras, can afford to go off-road...
Even rider protection is surprisingly good on both bikes.
The Super-T's two-height adjustable bubble (which unfortunately requires the use of tools - I'd much prefer an electrically adjustable bubble) offers even better protection than the KTM.
In terms of fuel consumption, the KTM's engine behavior results in slightly higher fuel consumption. Around 7 liters per 100 km.
In terms of range, with fuel tanks of at least 22 liters, you'll be out of gas before you know it!
in the final...
as I finish writing this article, I learn that KTM is preparing to release a new model.
It's true that, in terms of looks, it was beginning to show its age. And yet, in terms of handling, it's still right up there.
The last models on sale are going to make people happy.
Starting with a similar look, these two bikes offer bikers different concepts.
The Super-T is a real flagship, ultra-comfortable and very well-equipped; this Yamaha has GT-like road manners.
The KTM, on the other hand, retains the original spirit of the big Dakar trail bike. Well-sprung, lively and powerful, it's the perfect choice for a great trip to Africa.
The choice is yours!
See you soon,
Oli the Belgian
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| KTM 990 Adventure 2012 | Yamaha XTZ 1200 Super Ténéré 2012 | ||||||||
Chassis |
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| Nombre de places | |||||||||
| Frame | |||||||||
| treillis tubulaire an chrome-molybdène | Structure en tubes d'acier | ||||||||
| Fuel capacity | |||||||||
| 19.50 liters (5.15 US gallons) | 23 liters (6.08 US gallons) | ||||||||
| Oil capacity | |||||||||
| Seat height | |||||||||
| Seat height : 860 mm (33.86 in) | seat height adjustable between 845 mm and 870 mm | ||||||||
| Length | |||||||||
| Length : 2,250 mm (88.58 in) | |||||||||
| Width | |||||||||
| 980 mm (38.58 in) | |||||||||
| Height | |||||||||
| Min height : 1,410 mm (55.51 in) | |||||||||
| Ground clearance | |||||||||
| Wheelbase | |||||||||
| 1,570 mm (61.81 in) | 1,540 mm (60.63 in) | ||||||||
| Dry weight | |||||||||
| 209 kg | |||||||||
| Curb mass | |||||||||
| Weight when fully loaded | |||||||||
| 261 kg | |||||||||
| Brake assist | |||||||||
| ABS standard | ABS + combiné | ||||||||
Front axle |
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| Suspension | |||||||||
| telescopic fork Ø 48 mm | Reverse telehydraulic fork Ø 43 mm | ||||||||
| Wheel travel | |||||||||
| 210 mm (8.27 in) | 190 mm (7.48 in) | ||||||||
| Angle de chasse | |||||||||
| Setting | |||||||||
| Brake | |||||||||
| Braking 2 Brembo discs Ø 300 mm (11.81 in) | Braking 2 wave discs Ø 310 mm (12.2 in), 4-piston caliper | ||||||||
| Wheel | |||||||||
| Front tire : 90 / 90 - 21 | Front tire : 110 / 80 - 19 | ||||||||
| Pressure | |||||||||
| 2.4 bar | 2.25 bar | ||||||||
| Handlebars | |||||||||
Transmission |
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| Gearbox | |||||||||
| 6 stage gearbox | 6 stage gearbox | ||||||||
| Transmission | |||||||||
| Secondary by chain | Secondary cardan shaft | ||||||||
Rear axle |
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| Suspension | |||||||||
| monoshock | Mono-damper | ||||||||
| Wheel travel | |||||||||
| 210 mm (8.27 in) | 190 mm (7.48 in) | ||||||||
| Setting | |||||||||
| Brake | |||||||||
| Braking 1 disc Ø 240 mm (9.45 in), 2-piston caliper | Braking 1 wave disc Ø 282 mm (11.1 in), 2-piston caliper | ||||||||
| Wheel | |||||||||
| Rear tire : 150 / 70 - 18 | Rear tire : 150 / 70 - 17 | ||||||||
| Pressure | |||||||||
| 2.6 bar | 2.5 bar | ||||||||
Motor |
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| Motor type | |||||||||
| two-cylinder 75° V-shaped , 4 strokes | two-cylinder online , 4 strokes | ||||||||
| Cooling system | |||||||||
| liquid | liquid | ||||||||
| Fuel system | |||||||||
| Injection | Injection | ||||||||
| Fuel | |||||||||
| Starting system | |||||||||
| Timing | |||||||||
| 2 ACT | 2 ACT | ||||||||
| Number of valves | |||||||||
| 4 valves per cylinder | 4 valves per cylinder | ||||||||
| Displacement | |||||||||
| 999 cc, Bore x stroke: 101 x 62.4 mm | 1199 cc, Bore x stroke: 98 x 79.5 mm | ||||||||
| Power | |||||||||
| 104.5 ch to 8,250 rpm | 104.5 ch to 7,250 rpm | ||||||||
| With compressed air | |||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| Compression | |||||||||
| 11.5:1 | 11 : 1 | ||||||||
| Torque | |||||||||
| 10 mkg to 6,750 rpm | 11.60 mkg to 6,000 rpm | ||||||||
| With compressed air | |||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| Émission sonore | |||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| Motorcycle can be restricted to 34ch (A MTT1 Permit) | |||||||||
| No | No | ||||||||
| Motorcycle can be restricted to 48ch (French A2 Permit) | |||||||||
| No | No | ||||||||
Options/Equipment |
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Practical information |
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| The advantages | |||||||||
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| The disadvantages | |||||||||
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| Performance | |||||||||
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| Country of manufacture | |||||||||
Compare |
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Torque
KTM 990 Adventure 2012
: 10 mkg
Yamaha XTZ 1200 Super Ténéré 2012
: 11.6 mkg
Power
KTM 990 Adventure 2012
: 106 ch (104.50 hp)
Yamaha XTZ 1200 Super Ténéré 2012
: 106 ch (104.50 hp)
Power-to-Weight ratio
KTM 990 Adventure 2012
: 2 kg/ch
Yamaha XTZ 1200 Super Ténéré 2012
: 2.31 kg/ch
*
Torque-to-Weight ratio
KTM 990 Adventure 2012
: 20.9 kg/mkg
Yamaha XTZ 1200 Super Ténéré 2012
: 20.83 kg/mkg
*
Speed
KTM 990 Adventure 2012
: approximately 200 km/h (124.30 mph)
Yamaha XTZ 1200 Super Ténéré 2012
: approximately 200 km/h (124.30 mph)
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Models |
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2009
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2012
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2010
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2012
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Competitors |
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