Photo: Oberdan Bezzi
It looks like all-rounder bikes are once more becoming a strong segment of the motorcycle industry, and models that manage to bridge various categories are increasingly popular. Is there a place for a Super Tenere-derived 1200cc TDM version in Yamaha's line-up? Maybe there is...
We don't know if Yamaha has, indeed, plans to make such a bike, but we certainly believe that we'd enjoy a TDM1200 quite a bit. Yamaha TDM has not gained quite the traction Iwata hoped, despite being a machine that could do well on both asphalt and rougher terrain.
Not a full off-road motorcycle in any of its incarnations, Yamaha TDM proved to be a nice travel bike that could effortlessly carry a rider, passenger and luggage, both at highway speed and up twisty mountain roads.
Yamaha could create a 1200cc version of the TDM fairly easily, starting from the XT1200Z Super Tenere engine and even frame. Of course, suspensions that are a bit more street-friendly are a must, but that's also an easy bit.
The main concern would be to make the TDM1200 low enough for riders with a shorter inseam, and thus, extend the customer pool for the model. Despite its rather big engine, the Yamaha TDM1200 could be a very good commuter, and with a top case, it could also be a good shopping companion on the way back from work.
The TDM1200 will still have plenty of power and top speed for the more aggressive and experienced of riders, being a neat canyon carver if need be. At the same time, ridden more cautiously, it might prove friendly enough for the average rider.
Needless to say, the travel accessories that can be added to the Super Tenere could also work with the big TDM, so vacations in the saddle become a real thing.
Oberdan Bezzi proposes a potential design for the Super TDM 1200, obviously largely-based on the Super Tenere. The TDM1200 loses the chain and employs the shaft drive of Yamaha's flagship maxi-enduro, but this only means less maintenance and less chain lube gunk on the rear wheel and your hands.
Cue 17" wheels and the Super TDM might be a superb crossover that wins the hearts of many Yamaha fans.
Not a full off-road motorcycle in any of its incarnations, Yamaha TDM proved to be a nice travel bike that could effortlessly carry a rider, passenger and luggage, both at highway speed and up twisty mountain roads.
Yamaha could create a 1200cc version of the TDM fairly easily, starting from the XT1200Z Super Tenere engine and even frame. Of course, suspensions that are a bit more street-friendly are a must, but that's also an easy bit.
The main concern would be to make the TDM1200 low enough for riders with a shorter inseam, and thus, extend the customer pool for the model. Despite its rather big engine, the Yamaha TDM1200 could be a very good commuter, and with a top case, it could also be a good shopping companion on the way back from work.
The TDM1200 will still have plenty of power and top speed for the more aggressive and experienced of riders, being a neat canyon carver if need be. At the same time, ridden more cautiously, it might prove friendly enough for the average rider.
Needless to say, the travel accessories that can be added to the Super Tenere could also work with the big TDM, so vacations in the saddle become a real thing.
Oberdan Bezzi proposes a potential design for the Super TDM 1200, obviously largely-based on the Super Tenere. The TDM1200 loses the chain and employs the shaft drive of Yamaha's flagship maxi-enduro, but this only means less maintenance and less chain lube gunk on the rear wheel and your hands.
Cue 17" wheels and the Super TDM might be a superb crossover that wins the hearts of many Yamaha fans.
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