Yamaha XT660Z Tenere from Bikes in the Fast Lane

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Yamaha XT660Z Tenere

October
2007

  File under Yamaha New Products
  Author: Mike Werner
  Location: Normandy, France

REBIRTH OF THE FAMOUS YAMAHA TENERE

The name Tenere has been synonymous with Yamaha’s rugged Adventure Sport dual-purpose models since the original machine was first launched in the early 1980’s. Developed from Yamaha’s highly successful Dakar race-winning factory bikes, the original Tenere models built up a huge following of loyal owners during the 1980s and 90s. The famous Dakar Rally was inspired by the original XT500 model way back in the 1970s.

For 2008 Yamaha introduce at the Paris "Mondial du Deux Roues" Motorcycle Exhibition

the all-new XT660Z Tenere that is designed to offer a new generation of adventure-seeking riders the opportunity to explore a new world of possibilities. True to the original ‘go-anywhere’ design philosophy.

Powering the new XT660Z Tenere is a 660cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke single cylinder SOHC engine which has been tuned to deliver strong low to mid-range power.

This powerplant makes the Tenere 660 a strong performer in a wide range of riding situations, from urban commuting through to highway touring and off road exploring.

Too bad Yamaha has not released the power and torque figures.

Equipped with a highly efficient 4-valve cylinder head with a 10:1 compression ratio, and featuring bore x stroke dimensions of 100mm x 84mm, the new fuel-injected Tenere engine delivers excellent throttle response for lively off-the-line and roll-on acceleration.

The 5-speed transmission is equipped with gear ratios that are designed to optimise the motorcycle’s strong low to mid-range torque output, and the 2.9 litre transmission oil capacity ensures efficient engine operation even under severe conditions. The clutch is a wet, multiple-disc coil spring.

The XT660Z Tenere is equipped with an all-new chassis whose rugged, go-anywhere character perfectly complements the big-single engine. The extremely strong yet new light semi-double cradle frame is compact and slim, and has been designed to offer an optimum balance of strength and rigidity for good handling qualities on and off road.

In order to deliver high levels of rider and passenger comfort, and to be able to take handle a variety of off road terrain, the new Tenere is equipped with long-travel forks which give 210mm of front wheel movement.

Complementing this rugged front suspension is a lightweight aluminium swinging arm, which reduces unsprung weight for enhanced rear suspension performance, and offers 200mm of rear wheel movement that’s designed to soak up the bumps.

Underlining the machine’s serious long-distance potential is a large-capacity 22 liters fuel tank. Despite its generous capacity, the width and height of the fuel tank is kept to a minimum by extending the fuel tank beneath the rider’s seat, which has the added advantage of helping to centralise mass for neutral handling characteristics. The dry weight of the Tenere is 183 kilos.

For a distinctive new look, a new dual-bulb headlamp assembly with a vertically stacked low and high beam is used. As well as projecting a powerful beam, this new ‘over and under’ assembly keep the cowl’s frontal width to a minimum for improved aerodynamics.

The front cowl features durable protectors on either side of the bodywork which help prevent accidental damage, while the engine is also equipped with lightweight guards on either side of the cylinder. And to help prevent damage when riding off road, the engine cases are also fitted with compact guards.

Each of these protectors can be easily replaced if they are damaged, allowing the owner to keep their machine in first class condition.

Available colours:
Competition White