Yamaha XT1200ZE Raid Edition

New pre-accessorised 1200 sits at the top of Yamaha’s adventurers

It might look like a ‘see what you can do’ image from their accessory catalogue, however the Raid Edition is the new flagship of the Super Ténéré range. Standard-fit bits include a larger screen, sizeable bash plate, fog lights, and aluminium panniers giving a handy 74 litres of stashing space. Although it’d be even handier if someone broke the tradition of using litres as the unit of measurement. It’s not as if you’re going to fill them with petrol, or beer (there’s a thought). Why can’t we have ‘20 fish ‘n’ chip suppers’ or maybe ‘200 pairs of pants’ instead? These new cases are also designed so extra clutter can be strapped on top. This is good: little looks as cool as a well-used adventure bike with tent and tool roll bungee’d on. As all these adornments are made to the ZE version of the 1200, it means you also get electronic suspension adjustment, ABS with ‘intelligent’ linked system, traction control, riding modes, cruise, an adjustable seat height, the Super Tén’s usual 23-litre tank and a stitch-less seat – so no frayed edges from repeated lazy leg-swinging. We’re big fans of the 1200 on Bike. With all this, maybe the Raid is the that’ll stop the XT being so unfairly overlooked. Here in March.