TouraTech USA Essential Accessories XT1200Z

[bikerdoc]

Essential Accessories - Yamaha Super Tenere XT1200Z
Jan 11, 2013

Having just returned from a ten day off-road expedition across the state of Colorado, Touratech-USA’s General Manager, Paul Guillien, reviews the ten essential Touratech accessories for the Yamaha Super Ténéré XT1200Z. These are parts Paul feels are necessary for anyone interested in riding their Super Tenere off-road, or on an extended adventure touring trip.

Touratech has designed a wide selection of parts for the Super Ténéré, to include luggage solutions, protection and guards, lights, ergonomics, navigation, and many other accessories.

Featured below are Paul’s ten essential accessories for the Super Ténéré XT1200Z:

#1 – Aluminum Skid Plate $327.20

The engineers at Touratech have incorporated all the experience gained at countless rally races and enduros in the design of this extremely tough skid plate for the Yamaha Super Ténéré XT1200Z.

This engine guard was designed to evenly distribute any impacts or load over the entire engine block of the Yamaha. The angled front makes it much easier to slide over rocks, roots, or stumps.

The base plate of the engine guard is made of 3 mm thick aluminum sheet, reinforced by 2 mm stainless steel sheet. The stainless rivets create a visually appealing, sturdy and highly resistant connection of the aluminum and stainless plates.

#2 – Touratech Crash Bars $419.99

Precision made of electro-polished or black epoxy coated stainless steel, these Super Ténéré crash bars from Touratech will protect your vulnerable tank and fairing pieces wherever your adventure takes you.

The plastic fairing pieces are very easy to damage, even in minor falls and drops in the parking lot. These crash bars for the Yamaha Super Ténéré XT1200Z are extremely strong and can protect your plastics and tank, saving you a lot of money in the long run and keeping your bike running during that long off-road tour.

#3 – Zega Pro Pannier System $1325.70 (Zega Pro Topcase: $653.10)

The clear choice for luggage on your Yamaha Super Ténéré XT1200Z is the Zega Pro pannier system from Touratech. With countless miles of on and off-road touring and testing under their belts, the desgners and engineers at Touratech have created the most robust, functional and attractive motorcycle luggage system on the market.

Touratech Zega Pro panniers have provided secure dry storage for adventure riders the world over. The body and removable lid feature rounded lines with rugged corner protection that is easily replaceable. Low profile anchor loops provide a flat surface that makes the pannier a good seat at the campfire. Crafted with 1.5mm aluminum and welded/stainless steel rivet construction these sturdy panniers are available in 31, 38 and 45 liter sizes.

#4 – Passenger Seat Luggage Rack $134.10

This luggage rack from Touratech installs in place of the passenger seat, creating the perfect platform for strapping down dry bags or other luggage to your Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere. By adding a platform close to the rider, you are able to keep the weight closer to the rider and thus balancing the bike better with a full load. Pair this passenger seat rack with our tail rack, and have a continuous flat surface to tie luggage down to.

#5 – Touratech Expandable Tank Bag $330.90

The designers at Touratech have pulled out all the stops in developing this Super Ténéré specific tank bag, which combines a whole range of features. Expandability, waterproof zippers, triple-partitioned outer pocket with two-way zipper, organizer in the lid with document pocket, a removable credit card pocket, backpack function with included shoulder straps, large map pocket, and reflective trim are just some of the great features this tank-bag offers. Made of water-resistant teflon-coated cordura, this bag will hold up for years to come on your Super Tenere.

#6 – Quick Release Headlight Guard $130.80

Protect your headlight from rocks kicked up by cars, or other bikes. With the TOURATECH Headlight Guard for the Yamaha Super Ténéré XT1200Z, you’ll never worry about an expensive, cracked headlight.

Continuous steel mesh, laser-cut from stainless steel sheet, securely protects your headlight. The headlight guard is held firmly in place with steel structure specifically fitted to the Yamaha Super Ténéré XT1200Z.

#7 – Side Stand Foot $39.20

Wet grass, soft asphalt, deep gravel – often there is no solid ground available where you park your motorcycle! The original side stand easily sinks into soft surfaces, but the Touratech larger sidestand foot provides a simple and effective way to keep your bike upright in any conditions.

#8 – Touratech Auxiliary Xenon HID Light $612.20

These auxiliary lights from Touratech offer considerable improvements in visibility and safety to the Super Ténéré . Thanks to the high-tech lamps from Hella, your path is much better illuminated at night and in foul-weather conditions. During the day, the intense light pattern makes you and your motorcycle much more visible to other motorists. The fog light ensures significantly better close range visibility in foggy and rainy conditions, while the Xenon (HID) light, which operates in combination with the high beam headlight, provides far brighter illumination down the road. These auxiliary headlights are available separately, but work perfectly together as a pair.

#9 – Adjustable Windscreen with GPS Mount $163.50

With the success of the Touratech Desierto fairings for the BMW GS motorcycles, Touratech decided to apply the same technology to the Yamaha Super Ténéré. This windscreen adjustment bracket for the Super Ténéré gives you infinite height and angle adjustment for the stock Yamaha windscreen. As an added bonus, this bracket even includes a GPS mounting bar to locate your Touratech GPS mount over the motorcycle's gauges in the line-of-sight.

#10 - Garmin Montana GPS & Touratech Locking Mount $65.30

The Garmin Montana GPS has proven itself to be one of the most rugged and capable GPS units on the market for dual-sport and adventure motorcycle riders. With its large 4" touch-screen display, ruggedized case, and high sensitivity receiver, the Montana is the perfect choice, and Touratech makes it easy to set-up on your bike with this GPS and mount kit.

Source: http://www.touratech-usa.com/Adventure/Blog/xlUgjP/Essential-Accessories-Yamaha-Super-Tenere-XT1200Z

Open ya wallet :exclaim:

 

[terrysig]

Hey Doc, Do you get to Shanghai? Just booked for March. Typical three week stay.

 

[bikerdoc]

I was living there many years ago (for a couple of years). I'm based just South of Shanghai near Ningbo, Zhejiang province. It is about a 3 hour trip across the Hanghzou Bay bridge expressway (which unfortunately motorcycles are banned from most Chinese Expressways, so the alternative trip via the Hangzhou coathanger takes a good 7-8 hours).
When you are here in March, swing on down this way if you have some time spare. Buses depart 2-3 times daily from the Shanghai South Railway Station to Ningbo for the three hour trip as well as to other destinations nearby, and last I checked the price for a one way ticket on the bus was about CNY100 (US$13-14).

If you can get down here from Shangers' then drop me a PM before time.

 

[terrysig]

Sounds good. I actually know the bridge you speak of. As the resident expert on Shanghai I get to take newbies out on weekends and often include Hangzhou. They always get a kick out of the fireworks display and the tea farms. And I stay close to the South Railway station so will try to keep my schedule clean for a run down. Thanks.

 

[thfraser]

Interesting list. I don't have any of the Touratech stuff, but it appears that I have pretty much completed that list, except for:

Headlight guard and Passenger Seat Luggage Rack.

List seems reasonable if you are going to go off road. I'm still debating about headlight protection. Anyone actually break a headlight? I ride with my wife fairly often, so a passenger rack is not a high priority item for me. If she isn't with me, I'll just strap stuff over the seat.

I do like the way their HID lights look, with the cover and mounting system, pretty cool, but damn are they expensive!

I'll keep going with my LED spots I get from my Hong Kong Ebay connection for about $140 a pair, including a dimmer, dimmer remote and mounts for crashguards. Excellent service too. I had one go bad on me recently, I considered it more my fault as the glass lens cover broke, elements got into it, and I believe that killed the circuits. I asked for a replacement, I was going to pay for it, but he is shiipping a new replacement light to me for free!

 

[bikerdoc]

Sounds good. I actually know the bridge you speak of. As the resident expert on Shanghai I get to take newbies out on weekends and often include Hangzhou. They always get a kick out of the fireworks display and the tea farms. And I stay close to the South Railway station so will try to keep my schedule clean for a run down. Thanks.

Great stuff, just give me a shout when you are heading this way. Never know might need a favour for an item or two to be bought over... if you're up for it ;D

 

[jettcity1]

thats easily over 4,000.00 worth of stuff and yes, it is great stuff.
I do buy a lottery ticket occasionally and I drool over the catalog on a weekly basis as I look at my OEM equipment on my Raven.
I'd like to have all that and don't forget the stickers all over the bike, you left those off the list.

 

[advswede1981]

I got a couple of Touratech items on my bike and it's top quality, but also at a top price. There are a couple of other vendors out there that sell the same stuff for much less though, and it would be difficult to argue the difference in quality. In my opinion the best product Touratech sells are their zegapro pannier system. I have spent a lot of hours researching panniers and their stuff is solid and looks very nice as well.

 

[snakebitten]

Their headlight protector is Macho Bling. Whether you really need it or not.

 

[terrysig]

Great stuff, just give me a shout when you are heading this way. Never know might need a favour for an item or two to be bought over... if you're up for it ;D

Ha! yeah the expates on site always have a pretty good list!

 

[True Grip]

Their headlight protector is Macho Bling. Whether you really need it or not.

I"ve been thinking about one of those. I can"t keep a clean windshield on our cages around here. I get one fixed and a few months later another chip. The S10 headlight is alot smaller target but the protection would only have to work once to pay for itself. I"ll have one before I run the Dalton hwy if I ever get the chance.

 

[RCDantzscher]

Well of course Tourtech wants you to buy these 10 things...
I've knocked off 26K miles in the last year, to both coasts and to the deep south...what is essential? You can shorten this list and add one or two other things to be ready, safe and comfortable.
1. You don't need a skid plate unless you ride your 1200 like a 250...95% of your riding will likely be on asphalt. Save your money.
2. A good set of panniers is essential. Typically about $1400 +/-
3. A bigger footprint/pad on the kickstand is extremely wise. $40
4. A handy tank/map bag adds to comfort $75
5. A medium size Ortlieb bag will be more than enough to carry you personal items. $110
6. headlight guard? Nope, save your money.
7. Extra lights?...save your money
8. Bigger windshield...purely personal choice, the stock one works adequately.
9. With the money you saved from NOT buying the bling you don't need, use the savings to purchase a decent seat, cuz the 'concrete' stock seat is horrible; As a matter of reflection, this should probably be the FIRST accessory you get. Russel Day Long is tops, but a Corbin will work well, too.
10. GPS...??? Well, a $10 road map works just fine, too. Unless your in an unfamiliar city, then GPS is pretty decent...but its not necessary for sure.
but if you love to bling up your bike, all those other things from Tourtech are nice to have. Just not essential. ::021::

 

[sail2xxs]

I'm impressed with the Zega Pro panniers I have from Touratech, but remain generally unconvinced about most of their other offerings for the S10. Here's what's on my bike. I'm finished with farkling:

1) Skidplate - Nothing beats the RideonADV plate from Jaxon. Add up to Touratech bling you can skip just because of the coverage provided by this plate, and it starts to make a lot of sense if you need serious protection and want the only totally frame mounted plate available.
2) Lights - Baja Designs Squadrons. They really throw a lot of light. More than any other auxiliary light I've seen on a bike so far.
3) Crashbars - ALTRider. Awesome coverage, and when you're stuck in the mud, they provide a great handhold for anyone who might be helping you.
4) Tailplate - ALTRider. It's one of the most intelligently designed plates I've ever had on a bike. I've never lacked for a spot to put a bungy cord or strap.
5) Sidestand foot - RideonADV. Beautiful machining, and it works.
6) Seat - Sargent
7) GPS mount - SW Motech (from Twisted Throttle). Hold my Garmin Nuvi 550 just above the instrument panel. I prefer to have the GPS in this central spot. Handlebar mounts tend to get in the way when tree branches are whipping around...

Headlight guard - OEM Yamaha, sourced from Canada. Pops off for easy cleaning in the bathroom of gas stations where the windshield squeegee thing is full of dust or was used to wash the side of a truck after someone spilled diesel.

Chris

 

[markjenn]

Essential and necessary? Maybe to Touratech's bottom line.

- Mark

 

[True Grip]

Essential and necessary? Maybe to Touratech's bottom line.

- Mark

It could read "nonessential" must haves. My bike is a luxury to me and so is the stuff i put on it. My wife on the other hand might call my bike a nonessential but she puts up with me anyways. Its not want always what we need but what we want ::025::

 

[Tallgears]

Well of course Tourtech wants you to buy these 10 things...
I've knocked off 26K miles in the last year, to both coasts and to the deep south...what is essential? You can shorten this list and add one or two other things to be ready, safe and comfortable.
1. You don't need a skid plate unless you ride your 1200 like a 250...95% of your riding will likely be on asphalt. Save your money.
2. A good set of panniers is essential. Typically about $1400 +/-
3. A bigger footprint/pad on the kickstand is extremely wise. $40
4. A handy tank/map bag adds to comfort $75
5. A medium size Ortlieb bag will be more than enough to carry you personal items. $110
6. headlight guard? Nope, save your money.
7. Extra lights?...save your money
8. Bigger windshield...purely personal choice, the stock one works adequately.
9. With the money you saved from NOT buying the bling you don't need, use the savings to purchase a decent seat, cuz the 'concrete' stock seat is horrible; As a matter of reflection, this should probably be the FIRST accessory you get. Russel Day Long is tops, but a Corbin will work well, too.
10. GPS...??? Well, a $10 road map works just fine, too. Unless your in an unfamiliar city, then GPS is pretty decent...but its not necessary for sure.
but if you love to bling up your bike, all those other things from Tourtech are nice to have. Just not essential. ::021::

It is very obvious that there are different requirements for different riding styles.

I've only got half as many miles on my Tenere... 13k.

BUT, I can't imagine not having a skidplate, headlight guard, or extra lights. You must not ride much off road, ever get roosted, or ride at night for hours trying to get somewhere for those items to be considered a waste of money.

Just my POV.. different riding styles different essentials

 

[Karson]

It's absolutely relative to your riding style. extra lights aren't necessary if you stay on the hard ball roads during the day. But once the stars come out, I can't imagine what it'd be like going back to halogens and no aux lights. The $100 headlight guard might seem unnecessary until you take a branch or rock to the housing. Have you spec'd out what a new OEM housing costs?

Most of their stuff is top notch, but some of their products (e.g. LED blinkers) are nothing but identical, repackaged taiwanese knockoffs you can get for a fraction of the price on eBay. I have to admit, they do a hell of a job marketing their product and most of their stuff can back it up. However, I'd rather give my money to the mom and pop shops that have a face and reputation based around their product.

::008::

 

[~TABASCO~]

Yea, thats a great commercial..... They have a very strong fallowing. If it says TT on it there are guys that go eat that S&&T up....

I think there panniers are just about the very best................. Other than that, there are better parts out there.......

I think im going to make a top ten list with my Tenere.... I bet my RIDE ON ADV parts will beat his top ten for the Tenere...

If I have a few million in capital investment, we could smoke those dudes......

 

[True Grip]

They started in a garage Jaxon. Who knows what the future holds for you? You do make great parts ::008::

 

[Tallgears]

. The $100 headlight guard might seem unnecessary until you take a branch or rock to the housing. Have you spec'd out what a new OEM housing costs?

::008::

This is exactly what did it for me lol.. I went out the same day I found out what the OEM costs and bought the Cee Bailey cover...

To the OP, good post, it was an interesting read.