Motorcycle specifications YamahaXT 660 Z Ténéré 2012 Back to Africa

the very mention of the name Ténéré conjures up images of sand dunes, pebbles and adventure. More than 20 years ago, this name was closely associated with the Paris-Dakar Rally. Yamaha's XT range and rally-raids have a long history. In the civilian sector, it was the XTZ 660 Ténéré that kept the dream alive until the end of the 90s, although its performance was more in the road sector. But then the market changed, the trail bikes were squeezed out and mono bikes fell out of favor.

10 years on, the market still favours roadsters and machines with character. What a surprise, then, to discover that Yamaha has decided to revive the 660 Ténéré. How will the market respond? We're skeptical. But in terms of image, it's a knockout! You don't see this kind of adventurer very often. And yet, it can take you far away, in a setting quite different from our formatted environment. Let's head for the track, without the vibrators, but with rocks and dust.

The manufacturer is used to polishing its creations. And this XTZ '08 is a convincing example of the rally-raid spirit. All-track tires mounted on spoked rims, long-travel suspension, fork tubes protected by gussets (as in the good old days), saddle height the good old days), high seat height, "big mouth" fork head with double headlamp, fairing and trekking look - it's all there to cut a rug. All that's left to do is add a few accessories, such as panniers, an aluminum engine cover or handguards, to complete the package.

While its appearance evokes the open spaces of the South, the XTZ will certainly be more accessible in terms of comfort, as befits the Ténéré philosophy, than in enduro or TT riding. Its large 22-liter fuel tank and weight of 183 kg mean that it is not suited to forest trails; Corsican roads seem more appropriate.
Compared to the XT from which it derives, the Z gains an additional brake disc, a new, more complete instrument panel, and specific plastic covers for the frame, engine and fuel tank.
But it's hard to tell from a distance that it's an XT that serves as the basis, as the machine looks so completely new. Launching a machine of this type in today's market is a daring gamble... But no matter. Above all, the XTZ 660 Ténéré embodies a spirit, a smell of warm sand, and lets you get away from it all, whether in Paris, Tunis, Timbuktu or St-Pourçain-sur-Sioule.

M.B
Manufacturer'sphotos