Yamaha Super Ténéré XTZ1200

Yamaha have been making large dual purpose motorcycles under the (Super) Ténéré banner for something like 20 years now, but none of the earlier models have a lot in common with the new monster that is the Super Ténéré 1200. Clearly the crew from Iwata are dead set to seize the "big bore dualsport" crown from BMW's R 1200.

The new Super Ténéré sports its own unique high-tensile steel backbone frame and fuel injected 270-degree parallel twin engine, which work together to centralise the bike’s mass and lower its centre of gravity. 

Suzuki GSX 1100G - the Shaft Drive Gixxer

When the GSX1100G was introduced in 1991, the bike press didn't really know what to make of it. Here was a derivative of the mighty GSX-R1100 "slingshot" engine, in a heavyweigt touring chassis with distinctive retro styling reminiscent of the VX800 model introduced around the same time.

Just like the earlier GS Suzuki models, ”G” after the model name tells that GSX1100G was shaft driven. The package was completed by 5-speed gearbox, oversize disc brakes front and rear, and 6-spoke light alloy wheels.