2018 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere Specifications

Name: 2018 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere
Brand: Yamaha

Super motard • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2018 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere Overview

For 2018, Yamaha offers the XT1200Z Super Tenere as a super motard motorcycle with 1199 cc on tap. The 2018 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere is built around a Twin, four-stroke engine running Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation, a compression ratio of 11.0:1. Internally, bore and stroke are 98 x 79.5 mm. Out on the road, the XT1200Z Super Tenere delivers 117 Nm @ 6000 Revolutions of torque. In everyday use, the 2018 XT1200Z Super Tenere tips the scales at 257 kg, carries a 23.09-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 846 mm and spans a 1,539 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 70.2 kg heavier than the average super motard motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2018 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere spec sheet below.

2018 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere compared with other bikes in the Super motard category

Measured against other bikes in the Super motard category in our database (up to 305 models, one entry per model), the 2018 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere comes out as follows.

With 1199 cc, the XT1200Z Super Tenere has the joint largest engine displacement of 305 bikes in the Super motard category, 113% above the category average of 564 cc.
Torque of 117 Nm is higher than that of 189 of the other 200 bikes in the Super motard category.
Only 17 of the other 147 bikes in the Super motard category have a heavier wet weight than the 257 kg of the XT1200Z Super Tenere.
Narrowing the field to the 141 models within five model years of it, the engine displacement of 1199 cc is larger than that of 130 of the other 140.

Versus the 2017 model

The figures we track are unchanged from the 2017 model: peak torque, wet weight, displacement and seat height all match.

2018 XT1200Z Super Tenere - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Fuel injection: No choke, no jetting, no altitude compensation to think about - fuel injection just works across a wider range of conditions than carburetion.
Strong front braking: The double disc front brake bites hard and stays consistent - a solid foundation whether it's stock or upgraded with braided lines.
ABS fitted: With ABS on board, hard braking on a damp or gravelly surface is far less likely to end in a locked wheel.
Large fuel range: With a 23.09-litre tank, this isn't a bike you'll be stopping for fuel every hour - a real asset on longer trips.
Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.

Considerations

Tall seat height: An 846 mm seat puts flat-footing out of reach for a lot of riders - sit on it in person before committing.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Fuelling & injector care

Fuelling on the XT1200Z Super Tenere comes from fuel injection. Cold starts and throttle response stay consistent across altitude and temperature, the main practical edge over a carbureted equivalent.

Valve clearance checks

Valve clearances on Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-equipped engines like the XT1200Z Super Tenere's drift slowly with mileage rather than failing suddenly - sticking to the service interval keeps it a non-issue.

Brake disc and pad wear

Double disc with ABS and hydraulic up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.

Suspension condition on used examples

Suspension duties are handled by Telescopic fork, 43mm tube, adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping, 7.5-in travel up front and Monoshock, adjustable preload and rebound damping, 7.5-in of travel at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Shaft final drive on the XT1200Z Super Tenere removes chain and belt maintenance entirely - the trade-off is a little extra unsprung weight and periodic gear-oil changes.

Frame & chassis check

The Steel tube backbone chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.

Handling the weight at a standstill

The XT1200Z Super Tenere's 257 kg kerb weight is worth factoring into how you handle it at a standstill - parking-lot manoeuvres need a bit more deliberate technique than on a lighter machine.

XT1200Z Super Tenere - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

A pre-purchase check on the 2018 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere with its 1199 cc super motard should cover the same ground every time: service history, drivetrain condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. This model runs shaft final drive, so ask for proof the shaft-drive gear oil has been changed on schedule - it's easy to overlook since there's no chain to draw attention to it. Now 8 years old, this super motard is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept XT1200Z Super Tenere settles to a smooth idle within seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for the XT1200Z Super Tenere's 1199 cc twin, four-stroke - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. With an 11.0:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.

Fuel system care

Injector systems like the XT1200Z Super Tenere's hold up well with basic care - decent fuel, an occasional cleaner additive, and draining old fuel before any layup longer than three months.

Valve clearance service

There's no reliable seat-of-the-pants way to tell if an XT1200Z Super Tenere's valve clearances are in spec - a light top-end tick is the only real warning sign, and by then some wear has already happened. Service records are the only proof.

2018 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2018 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere have?

The 2018 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere uses a Twin, four-stroke engine with 1199 cc of displacement.

How much does the 2018 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere weigh?

The 2018 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere weighs 257 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much torque does the 2018 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere produce?

The 2018 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere produces 117 Nm @ 6000 Revolutions of torque.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2018 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere?

The 2018 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere has a 23.09-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 384-461 km between stops.

Is the 2018 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere suitable for shorter riders?

The 2018 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere has a seat height of 846 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.

What brakes does the 2018 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere have?

The 2018 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere uses double disc with ABS and hydraulic at the front and single disc with ABS at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2018 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere use?

The 2018 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere runs 110/80-R19 front and 150/70-R17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere Spec Evolution

The Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere was produced across 7 model years (2011-2019). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification	2011	2012	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019
Wet Weight	260.8 kg / 575.0 lbs	260.8 kg / 575.0 lbs	262.2 kg / 578.0 lbs	262.2 kg / 578.0 lbs	257.0 kg / 566.6 lbs	257.0 kg / 566.6 lbs	257.0 kg / 566.6 lbs
Seat Height	845 mm / 33.3 in.	845 mm / 33.3 in.	846 mm / 33.3 in.	846 mm / 33.3 in.	846 mm / 33.3 in.	846 mm / 33.3 in.	846 mm / 33.3 in.
Fuel Capacity	22.71 litres / 6.00 gallons	22.71 litres / 6.00 gallons	23.09 litres / 6.10 gallons	23.09 litres / 6.10 gallons	23.09 litres / 6.10 gallons	23.09 litres / 6.10 gallons	23.09 litres / 6.10 US gallons
CO2	-	-	126.9 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)	126.9 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)	126.9 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)	126.9 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)	139.2 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Ground Clearance (mm)	99 mm	221 mm	-	-	190 mm	190 mm	190 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)	3.9 inches	8.7 inches	-	-	7.5 inches	7.5 inches	7.5 inches
Comments	-	-	Small windshield.	Windshield.	Windshield.	Windshield.	Windshield.
Displacement (cc)	1199.00 cc	1199.00 cc	-	-	1199.00 cc	1199.00 cc	1199.0 cc

Key Specifications

Engine

Twin, four-stroke

Power

Not recorded

Torque

117.00 Nm (11.9 kgf-m or 86.3 ft.lbs) @ 6000 Revolutions

Top Speed

Not recorded

Weight

257.0 kg / 566.6 lbs

Fuel Capacity

23.09 litres / 6.10 gallons

Full 2018 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere Specifications

Comments Windshield.

Colours Blue, Black

Warranty 1 Year Limited Factory Warranty

Ground Clearance (in.) 7.5 inches

Ground Clearance (mm) 190 mm

Seat Height 846 mm / 33.3 in.

Wheelbase 1,539 mm / 60.6 in.

Height 1,410 mm / 55.5 in.

Length 2,256 mm / 88.8 in.

Width 980 mm / 38.6 in.

Fuel Capacity 23.09 litres / 6.10 gallons

Wet Weight 257.0 kg / 566.6 lbs

Max Torque 117.00 Nm (11.9 kgf-m or 86.3 ft.lbs) @ 6000 Revolutions

Displacement (cc) 1199.00 cc

Displacement (ci) 73.16 cubic inches

Engine Type Twin, four-stroke

Fuel Control Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)

Bore x Stroke (in,) 3.9 x 3.1 inches

Bore x Stroke (mm) 98.0 x 79.5 mm

CO2 126.9 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)

Fuel System Injection. Fuel Injection with YCC-T

Compression Ratio 11.0:1

Engine Lubrication Dry sump

Fuel Consumption 5.47 litres/100 km (18.3 km/l or 43.00 mpg)

Ignition Transistor Controlled Ignition

Starter Electric

Valve System 4

Final Drive Shaft drive (cardan)

Gearbox 6-speed

Primary Drive Constant mesh

Frame Type Steel tube backbone

Suspension - Front Telescopic fork, 43mm tube, adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping, 7.5-in travel

Suspension - Rear Monoshock, adjustable preload and rebound damping, 7.5-in of travel

Rake 28.0°

Trail 126 mm / 5.0 in.

Wheel Travel - Front 191 mm / 7.5 in.

Wheel Travel - Rear 191 mm / 7.5 in.

Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) 12.2 inches

Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) 310 mm

Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) 11.1 inches

Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) 282 mm

Brakes - Front Double disc. ABS. Hydraulic.

Brakes - Rear Single disc. ABS

Tyres - Front 110/80-R19

Tyres - Rear 150/70-R17

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.