World Crosser for Inspiration

 

"We wanted to show that the core of the Super Ténéré is very sporty and that with a few changes the bike gets a completely different expression" explains Product Planning manager Oliver Grill.

World Crosser show model

Original model

The new show model is a one-off customized version.
"The original model has a lot of functional parts for long distance adventure touring" Oliver continues. "Things like the luggage carrier, the passenger position, the sidecases. We took them off, to show that underneath the bike is a sporty one! Then with the offroad tyres, the ultra light kevlar protector parts and some sports components like the Ohlins suspension and Akrapovic exhaust you have a completely different machine. A machine made for pure fun."

The origins of the Super Ténéré are already oriented towards a good offroad capability, with a low point of gravity and very good traction by the long swingarm and the adjustable traction control system.
The modifications for the show model make the bike tougher and lighter for even more offroad fun.

Final sketch

Earlier sketch

Earlier sketch

Why the name World Crosser?
Designer Olivier Béboux explains: "I've put that name on one of the last sketches because you can cross the world with it, cross country on all those different terrains and surfaces."
Oliver adds "We liked the word 'crosser' because its also implies active riding and that active spirit was always the heart of the Ténéré series."

The design approach was very pure and straightforward: "We did not want to be overly stylish with the shapes and the surfaces. Our intention was to be honest and efficient. The machine should express its purpose, without gimmicks."

The original frame and engine of the bike is kept as there was no need to change that. What components are actually changed compared to the standard model, and why?

Olivier explains us the backgrounds.

• New carbon side panels with mesh inserts:
"Because the carbon is lighter than the original plastic panels, and the mesh is a light and simple solution fit for a rugged machine. The fact that you can somehow see through it is also very interesting."

• Carbon-Kevlar protectors for the front fork:
"Again very light and tough and they look great."

• Carbon-Kevlar protectors under the engine:
"Lighter than aluminum and very sturdy."

• Extra fuel tank on the rear seat: "So you can go far, for long days of fun"

• Tripy offroad GPS navigation system:
"To go cross country where there are no roads on the map."

• Ohlins rear shock absorber: "Under study for production as accessory. It's state of the art and has a very wide range of adjustability."

• Akrapovic exhaust: "Clearly lighter than the original system. Under study as accessory."

• One-piece front windshield: "For stand-up riding"

• Aluminum protectors for the rear brake and the swingarm: "Not only for functional reasons, it also adds to the beauty of the bike"

• Colouring scheme and painting:
"Inspired by rallye bikes and we've applied a very high quality and durable paint. The carbon and kevlar parts have a matt finish which gives a new feeling because often you see this material in a shiny finish."

Designer Béboux at work on the clay

Mission accomplished: the bike in the studio for photography

The final result

Project manager Alessandro Saita had to get everything completed before the motorshows started. "Especially the kevlar parts had a very tight schedule" he says. "We could only get it done by making the molds directly from the clay. Normally you get rough 3D data from the clay, smooth it out in the computer and then use those corrected data make the mold. We made the mold directly from the clay, which means the clay shape had to be made with exceptional, skill and craftsmanship."

The choice for kevlar instead of the usual carbon fiber, for parts that are exposed to outside impacts, was a deliberate one. Saita explains: "Kevlar is an amazing material, stronger than carbon in the sense that it doesn't shatter on impact, that's why they use it for bullet proof vests. And that's why we used it for the protective parts on the bike. It's a very noble material too, with great aesthetic properties."

All in all, the model shows how sporty the basis of the Super Ténéré actually is. With a few changes you can either make it a functional adventure touring bike ready for exploring, and with some other changes you can make it totally dedicated to fun action and exciting riding!