The Yamaha Super Tenere 2012+ Carbon Fiber Exhaust Heat Shield Cover (SKU CBYA-TENE-EHC) is a direct-fit replacement for the factory heat shield on all 2012-and-later Yamaha Super Ténéré models. It is built from 100% pre-preg Toray carbon fiber, autoclave-cured in matched-metal molds, and backed by a lifetime warranty against UV yellowing.
What does the exhaust heat shield do on a Super Ténéré?
On the 2012+ Super Ténéré (XT1200Z), the exhaust heat shield sits between the exhaust system and the rider. It deflects radiant heat away from your right boot, riding pants, and soft luggage mounted near the pipe, and it prevents contact burns on a pipe that runs at several hundred degrees under load. Because it's also a large, visible panel on the right side of the bike, a faded or discolored stock shield is one of the first things that ages an otherwise well-kept Ténéré.
Why replace the stock heat shield with carbon fiber?
- Weight reduction. Carbon composite is dramatically lighter than the factory shield assembly — a small but real saving on an adventure bike where riders watch every gram added back in luggage and crash protection.
- Lower surface temperatures. Carbon fiber conducts heat far more slowly than metal, so the outer face of the shield stays noticeably cooler than a bare metal guard after a long highway stint.
- No corrosion. Carbon doesn't rust, and the composite structure is immune to the road-salt and water-crossing abuse ADV bikes see.
- Appearance. A genuine carbon weave reads as purpose-built hardware, not plastic trim — and it ties in with any other carbon parts on the bike.
How is Bestem carbon fiber made?
Every Bestem part starts as 100% pre-preg Toray carbon fiber — the same aerospace-grade material used in motorsport and aviation. The layup is cured in an autoclave under heat and pressure inside matched-metal molds, which produces a dense, void-free laminate with consistent wall thickness and exact mounting-hole positions. This is the same autoclave plus 100% pre-preg construction that premium European carbon makers such as Ilmberger built their reputation on — Bestem uses that same technology and adds a superior UV-resistant coating on top of it.
This is not a hand-laid, wet-lay, or resin-infused part, and there is no fiberglass core hiding under a single cosmetic layer of carbon. Bestem has been manufacturing carbon fiber since 2005 — over 20 years — and supplies OEM carbon parts to car and motorcycle manufacturers, so the process behind this shield is production-grade, not garage-grade.
Will the carbon fiber turn yellow in the sun?
Sun-ray (UV) yellowing is the single most common defect riders see on carbon fiber parts: the clear coat ambers and clouds, and the weave underneath looks milky. It's the first thing to check on any used bike with carbon fairings, and it's the main reason cheap carbon looks tired after a couple of seasons.
Bestem's proprietary UV-resistant clear coat is rated to roughly 3,000 hours of UV exposure — about 3× the ~1,000 hours a standard OEM clear coat survives before yellowing — which is why this heat shield carries a lifetime warranty against sun-ray (UV) yellowing.
For an adventure-touring bike that lives outdoors, gets parked at trailheads, and racks up miles in direct sun, that coating is the difference between a shield that still looks new in year five and one that needs replacing in year two.
Does it fit the 2012+ Yamaha Super Ténéré?
Yes. The carbon fiber exhaust heat shield cover is designed specifically for the 2012-and-later Super Ténéré. It is a full replacement for the factory shield — not a stick-on overlay — and it bolts directly to the OEM mounting points using the stock hardware. Because the part is metal-molded rather than hand-trimmed, the bracket spacing and edge profile match the factory piece, so there's no drilling, filing, or forcing.
How do you install the heat shield?
Installation is one of the simplest jobs on the bike. Let the exhaust cool fully, remove the fasteners holding the stock shield, lift it off, and bolt the carbon shield onto the same mounting points. Basic hand tools and a few minutes are all it takes. As with any carbon part, snug the hardware down evenly rather than over-torquing a single fastener — the matched-metal molding does the alignment work for you.
All Bestem parts are stocked in our Atlanta, GA warehouse and ship daily, worldwide, and our staff answers the phone live every business day if you have a fitment question before ordering.
FAQ
Do carbon fiber exhaust heat shields turn yellow?
Low-quality ones do — UV exposure ambers the clear coat over time. Bestem's proprietary UV-resistant coating is rated to ~3,000 hours of exposure versus ~1,000 hours for standard OEM clear coat, and the shield carries a lifetime warranty against UV yellowing.
Can carbon fiber handle exhaust heat?
Yes. Pre-preg, autoclave-cured carbon/epoxy is engineered for sustained elevated temperatures, and the shield mounts offset from the pipe with an air gap, exactly like the stock part. Carbon also conducts heat more slowly than metal, so the outer surface stays cooler to the touch.
Will this fit my 2012 Super Ténéré?
Yes — the shield is designed for all 2012-and-later Yamaha Super Ténéré models and bolts to the factory mounting points with the stock hardware.
Is this a full replacement or a stick-on cover?
It's a complete replacement heat shield that installs in place of the factory unit. It is not a vinyl wrap, overlay, or adhesive trim piece.
Where does Bestem ship from?
All parts are stocked in Bestem's Atlanta, GA warehouse and shipped daily, worldwide. Live phone support is available every business day.