What To Know
- It offers a good balance of features, performance, and value, making it a solid choice for adventure riders on a budget.
- While the Africa Twin excels in off-road capabilities and suspension comfort, the Super Ténéré delivers more power and a more comprehensive feature set.
- The Yamaha Super Ténéré and the Honda Africa Twin offer a similar range of electronic features, but the Super Ténéré lacks wheelie control and keyless ignition.
Introduction:
The adventure motorcycle market is a fiercely competitive one, with manufacturers constantly vying for supremacy. Two of the most renowned contenders in this arena are the Honda Africa Twin and the Yamaha Super Ténéré. Both machines boast impressive capabilities and loyal followings, but which one reigns supreme? In this comprehensive comparison, we pit the Honda Africa Twin against the Yamaha Super Ténéré, examining their key features, performance, and overall value to determine which motorcycle emerges victorious.
Engine and Performance
Honda Africa Twin:
The Africa Twin is powered by a 1084cc parallel-twin engine that produces 101 horsepower and 77 lb-ft of torque. This engine is known for its smooth power delivery and ample torque, making it well-suited for both on- and off-road adventures.
Yamaha Super Ténéré:
The Super Ténéré is equipped with a 1199cc parallel-twin engine that generates 112 horsepower and 81 lb-ft of torque. This engine offers slightly more power and torque than the Africa Twin, resulting in more spirited acceleration and passing power.
Suspension and Handling
Honda Africa Twin:
The Africa Twin features a Showa suspension system with long-travel forks and a Pro-Link rear shock. This setup provides excellent ground clearance and allows for a plush ride on rough terrain. The handling is nimble and responsive, making the Africa Twin a joy to ride both on-road and off-road.
Yamaha Super Ténéré:
The Super Ténéré’s suspension system consists of adjustable KYB forks and a Monocross rear shock. It offers a slightly firmer ride than the Africa Twin but still provides adequate comfort for long-distance travel. The handling is stable and predictable, making the Super Ténéré a capable choice for both highway cruising and off-road exploration.
Features and Technology
Honda Africa Twin:
The Africa Twin comes standard with a comprehensive suite of electronic rider aids, including traction control, wheelie control, and cruise control. It also features a TFT instrument cluster, LED lighting, and a keyless ignition system.
Yamaha Super Ténéré:
The Super Ténéré offers a similar range of electronic features, including traction control, cruise control, and a TFT instrument cluster. However, it lacks wheelie control and keyless ignition.
Price and Value
Honda Africa Twin:
The base price of the Honda Africa Twin starts at around $14,000. It offers a good balance of features, performance, and value, making it a solid choice for adventure riders on a budget.
Yamaha Super Ténéré:
The Yamaha Super Ténéré has a slightly higher base price of around $15,000. It offers more power and a few additional features compared to the Africa Twin, but it may not be the best value proposition for all buyers.
Which Motorcycle is Right for You?
The choice between the Honda Africa Twin and the Yamaha Super Ténéré ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize off-road performance, suspension comfort, and a lower price, the Africa Twin may be the better choice. If you value more power, a more comprehensive feature set, and a slightly firmer ride, the Super Ténéré could be the ideal adventure companion.
Final Verdict:
Both the Honda Africa Twin and the Yamaha Super Ténéré are exceptional adventure motorcycles that offer a unique blend of performance, features, and value. While the Africa Twin excels in off-road capabilities and suspension comfort, the Super Ténéré delivers more power and a more comprehensive feature set. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific riding style and priorities.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Which motorcycle has a more powerful engine?
A: The Yamaha Super Ténéré has a slightly more powerful engine than the Honda Africa Twin.
Q: Which motorcycle is better off-road?
A: The Honda Africa Twin is generally considered to have better off-road performance due to its plush suspension and nimble handling.
Q: Which motorcycle has more electronic features?
A: The Yamaha Super Ténéré and the Honda Africa Twin offer a similar range of electronic features, but the Super Ténéré lacks wheelie control and keyless ignition.
Q: Which motorcycle is more affordable?
A: The Honda Africa Twin has a lower base price than the Yamaha Super Ténéré.
Q: Which motorcycle is more comfortable for long-distance riding?
A: Both motorcycles offer comfortable seats and adjustable suspension, but the Super Ténéré may have a slight edge in highway cruising comfort.