Gear Review Yamaha Super Tenere Review Yamaha XT Adventure Weeke Cederberg Weekend 2
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Issue Sixt33n This time again hey? Well time flies when you The Cape Adventure Bike Challenge is also are out having fun, especially on 2 wheels. upon us and there are only a few tickets available. Best you book yours and come We head of into the Cederberg with a couple say hi! www.cabc.co.za of mates and had a jol of a time. We got a nice little loaner Super Tenere 1200 that we put to Enjoy the issue, the test...properly. I would like you guys to support our The Yamaha XT Adventure weekend is coming advertisers because without them, we wont soon and as most of you have questions, Sean be here. from Yamahas PR department sent me a nice Till next month! little FAQ to share. This way we get you guys Please submit your stories to prepared. info@adventuremagazine.co.za
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Overdrive
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New Rides The XT1200Z Super Tenere (pronounced Ten -a -ray) made headlines across the world. The bike was released a couple of months ago and while Yamaha fans and adventurers alike were waiting in anticipation, the bike they came about with was a great big tourer instead of a hardcore bigboreenduro, as most hoped for. The Super Tenere is a big bike. There is no denying that it’s heavy and bulky, but what makes it a great piece of kit is how fresh it looks. There is simply no bike currently available that looks as fresh as the new Yammie. The controls and dash layout is simple, yet modern and, well, everything else just falls to place. The dash is logical; speedo on the left and tacho on the right. Things like fuel consumption, temperature, air temperature and the fuel gauge are all easily visible. There are also 2 trip meters for added functionality. Yamaha reckons it should do close to 5l/100km and they are pretty spot on. I averaged around 19km/l for my 1000km.
the rear brake, the unified system is disabled and you have full control over front and rear. It was hardly even necessary to use the back brake as the front lever worked so well! Scrubbing off speed on dirt was very easy as the ABS works like it should. Get on the brakes hard and the it will cut it before you go into a long slide, but still locks it up for a split second. The traction control is what really did it for me. This bike is basically un-crashable due to how well this system works.Leave it on setting one with tour mode selected and you have a very mild throttle with over intrusive traction control to control any sort of wheel spin at the back. This works very well if you are a novice
Let’s get to the technical specifications. First off are the brakes; the 2 310mm front discs with ABS will stop you quickly with a squeeze of the right hand. The unified braking system distributes a very precise braking bias to front and back, to eliminate nose dive. If you decide to stomp on
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New Rides rider. You can open the throttle wide in 1st gear and the bike will simply not wheel spin. Setting two is more suited to off-road work. The traction control will allow a certain amount of wheel spin before things get too wild. It will still save your bacon, should things go wrong… and boy, they can if you turn the traction control off and select sport mode from the right. With the traction control off, sport mode enabled, the Super Tenere just comes into a life of its own. Power sliding through the corners without
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any effort - the long wheelbase and the shaft drive keeping things oh so stable. The suspension works well. It’s a little too ‘european’ for my liking, but it all comes down to preferences. There is, however, a certain amount of compromise between sporty road use and hardcore off-road riding. But I never once had the bike bottom out with me and I rode some mean terrain. Speaking of terrain, the stock MetzelerTouranceExp tires are just not suited to real hardcore off-road riding. I suppose most riders will opt for the TKC80 upfront (like
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our testbike) just for added stability of lower center of gravity, but better and smoother on the road. different terrain. The adjustable seat is a clever idea, All I can say is your choice has just got more complicated when you need to however, simply put, just a plastic bracket that moves the seat mounts choose your next big trail bike! Watch to a lower (hollow) mounting point, is out BMW. actually pretty clever. The adjustable screen works well. I rode the majority of my 1000km with an MX type helmet and goggles and while wind noise on the helmet was bad, buffeting was really not an issue. Now comes the big debate and I was asked this a couple of times. What’s it
up against? For starters, it’s not a 990 Adventure. The suspension on the Yamaha is nothing like the WP units, but it’s much better on the road. It’s stable and steady, even at high speeds. We didn’t do a top speed run, but it felt adequate when pushed. It ran to 190kph very quickly and I’m almost certain there is more. I did find a slight error with GPS speeds vs. clock speeds, but most bikes are generally faster on the speedo than on the GPS. So it’s not a KTM Adventure? It’s nearly as good off-road and has a
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1. What is the Yamaha XT Adventure Rally ? Essentially, it’s a get together of Yamaha XT and TT enthusiasts and the opportunity to ride and socialise in an environment where the bikes are in their true element - the great, wide open spaces and rugged paths and tracks of Africa. The fact is that over the years, XT’s and TT’s have been the bikes of choice for trans-Africa travel.
q Fa
pitched FREE Yamaha tent.
Note that you must register when you arrive at the event.
That evening we’ll all get together, have a couple of beers at the bar, chat and have As Yamaha are subsidizing a large portion of supper. the costs involved in hosting such an event, it’s also a big thank you to all XT and TT riders After supper, we’ll have a riders briefing detailing the next day’s riding. for supporting the Yamaha brand. 2. Where does the event take place?
Friday
Hawane Resort in Swaziland. Check it out at www.hawane.co.sz
Note. This year there will be no guided rides and riders will rely on their GPS’s. We will also provide maps which you can follow.
3. When does the event take place ? Thursday 23rd to 26TH September (Fri 24th is a public holiday)
After a quick breakfast, we’ll leave on the ride at between 8am and 9am. This day’s ride will be around ± 300 km, mainly on 4. What is the basic sequence of events at dirt roads, two track and some tar. A few the XT Adventure Rally ? interesting passes will be included. Thursday We’ll aim to be back at base at around 4pm. Most riders will probably arrive around That evening we’ll have a bit of a blikskop, late afternoon and get settled in to their lots of bench racing and a couple of beers backpackers accommodation, chalets, or preand Captains. Supper will be served at about
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deposit the money into the account specified, and e-mail or fax back your entry with proof of payment.
7pm Saturday
Two options are available for Saturdays Please note that registration is only ride. complete when you have paid your registration fee. Option 1 6. When do entries open and close ? Free ride to local attractions such a Sidebe Rock, Ngwenja Glass Factory, the Candle Entries open immediately and close on factory, Malandelas House on Fire etc. This the 15th Sept 2010 or when entries are full, list will be expanded. whichever comes first. Only 60 entries available! Option 2 7. How much does it cost enter ? This will be a guided ride on tough two track and single routes ride suitable for 660’s That depends on your accommodation preferably with knobblies. Distance about requirements. 100 km. Be prepared for a bit of work but nothing too radical. • Chalet accommodation R1,900 pps • Back packers accommodation R1,200 pps We plan on getting back to Hawane at about • Camping accommodation with free, take 2 pm and will immediately direct you to the home Yamaha tent R950 pp skills challenge area. This will be great fun. That evening we’ll have a big opskop and prize giving. Everyone will be a winner. 5. How do I register to take part ?
This includes breakfast and supper, pack lunches on Friday and Saturday and your entry fee.
To register to take part in the event, just 8. What happens if I’m forced to cancel ? send an e-mail to Lachais Fivaz at lachaisf@ If you notify us 48 hours before the start of yamaha.co.za requesting that she send you the event you will get a 50% refund. an entry form. Alternatively you can call her on Tel 012-427 8717. Once you receive your entry form either by e-mail or fax, just fill in all the details, Adventure Magazine
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9. What does my entry fee include ? Your entry fee includes your chosen accommodation, use of all the facilities on the resort, medical support, mechanical and recovery support, breakfast, two pack lunches and supper plus guided routes. The only things you’ll have to pay for are your drinks, fuel and any additional meals/snacks. 10. What will the riding be like ? There will be lots of dirt, some tar, a few great mountain passes, two and single track trails and one or two serious sections where you may need to buddy up with your mates on Saturday, option 2. The scenery is absolutely awesome and the ride will take you through some of the best areas. 11. Will I need knobblies ? Knobblies are always great in the dirt but they will not be a necessity. 12. Can I trailer my bike to the event ? Riding your bike to and from the event is the ideal scenario for gnarly adventurers. But we understand that many of you live quite far away and time is short. So yes, you will be allowed to trailer your bikes in. Plenty of parking is available.
13. Can I bring a pillion passenger ? 22
You can bring a pillion passenger. The same entry fees apply to anyone who accompanies you to the event. Friends and family who are not participating as a pillion are not allowed at the event. 14. What about fuel ? Fuel stops will be scheduled along the route. A fuel station about 10 km from Hawane exists. 15. What bikes are eligible to take part ? Any street legal Yamaha XT, TT or TT-R motorcycles. As this is Yamaha sponsored event and a reward for riding Yamaha motorcycles, no other motorcycle brands are eligible to take part. 16. What gear do I need to bring along with me ? If you’re camping, your branded Yamaha tent is included in your entry. You can bring your own tent if you wish, you will still need to bring the rest of your camping gear. For your motorcycle you need have all the usual tools, puncture repair kit and whatever you need to reasonably self sufficient on the road. As far as rider gear goes, boots, helmets and gloves are compulsory. We recommend enduro style gear here. Rain gear and cold weather gear is also
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recommended just in case, as the weather in the area can be unpredictable. A small back pack for all your odds and ends is also useful. Also don’t forget to bring along some cash for fuel and snacks on the route. There is also a cash bar at the venue. The nearest ATM would be in Mbabane about 20 km from the venue. Note that breakfast, dinner and lunch packs are included in your entry fee regardless of whether you’re camping in staying in a chalet or the back packers. 17. Do I need a GPS ? No but make sure your buddy has one so you can follow him, or you can follow the maps which we will provide. 18. How do I download the routes to my GPS. Downloads will be done at the venue on the Friday afternoon. 19. Do I need a passport ?
Yes, a passport is needed for Swaziland!!
NB!!! Please check closure time at the various border control entry points. Aim to be there no later than 3-30pm in the afternoon.
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Cederberg
The jewel of the Ca
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A couple of us Cape Town riders decided it was time to go and visit the Cederberg, which is located just outside of Cape Town in the Western Cape. We got all the troops together, met in Ceres and headed off together.
dirt where everything started to fall into place. The scenes, with the majestic backdrops of epic mountains, were beautiful and it really had me in awe. This part of the country
Myself (Super Tenere 1200), Nick (KTM 640 Adventure), Anton (KTM640 Adventure) and Peter with his girlfriend ( KTM990 Adventure) headed out to the Gydo Pass and eventually up to some
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is truly beautiful and deserves more tourism on a more frequent basis. We headed down the dirt, sweeping through the bends, going up and down mountain passes and
power” he said… Our first thought was, is it getting fuel? After a bit of fiddling here and there, Anton’s ride was over resulting in calling Gehard to come fetch him with the trailer. Nick and I continued to press on to Clanwilliam. after about 70km of relaxed riding we got to our spot. The infamous Cederberg Oasis, run by Gerhard and his lovely wife. As with all arrivals, one of the first things was to get something to drink… and relax for a bit. I proceeded to put up my tent and jump into the shower – man, a shower is a good thing after a ride! Supper that evening was a choice of either 400g T-bone steaks or 300g rump steaks - both prepared with style. As the evening grew to a close, I hopped into the tent and arose the next morning to a great breakfast, lots of coffee and some great company. Nick and I then proceeded to get our
gear sorted and headed off to Clanwilliam where he wanted to get some ribs for the braai that evening. The ride there was done at a slow pace with lots of photo stops and just looking at the scenery. We game across Anton and his 640 Adventure alongside the road… things did not look good as he had the toolkit out.
We got to Clanwilliam… as with all towns around lunchtime; it’s busy, with residents scrambling to get food and other groceries for the weekend. After a reasonable wait, Nick had his package of pork ribs in his hand and we got it onto the bike. Our route home was set a little differently; up to Pakhuis Pass and
“The bike just lost
The usual “its not orange its a lemon” approach Adventure Magazine
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New Rides
Cederberg Oasis
Endless dirt roads. 28
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Super Tenere spares?
A little bit of sand?
On top of Pakhuis Pass.
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then into the Biedouw Valley and onto Wuppertal. Once we got to Wuppertal, we met up with Wayne, Gavin, Alex and Paul. We shot over Eselbank and my biggest concern, riding the biggest piggy of all was my speed. I would not be able to keep up with the guys, riding the lighter bikes.
The Super Tenere rock hopped up there like a froggie though! All about line and weight placement‌ On the top I had my next little workout waiting for me‌ those little marble sized stones which seems to carry on forever! Things eventually became better and we just pressed on.
When we got back to Oasis, everybody was having a drink and Gerhard was sorting out the braai. I opted for a simple plain-jane hamburger, but was greeting with a huge 2 x 200g double beef burger with pepper sauce. Really the way to go! We kept on chatting into the night, things got a little cooler and some of us sipped on some Old Brown Sherry - the only real way to stay warm when you are sleeping solo without the missus in the tent! My weekend came to an abrupt end when I left the following morning and headed back home. It was great to get away and great to spend it with awesome people!
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