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• Intermediate gas: the new Tenere
• Down to earth in light metal
• Technical data – Yamaha XT 660 Z Tenere

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Driving report Yamaha XT 660 Z Tenere

Intermediate gas: the new Tenere

A quarter of a century ago, the Tenere changed the off-road world with its concept. In 1999 the aging lady was removed from the model range. For the 2008 season, Yamaha will start again with the Tenere legend.

The sharp-edged stones hit the engine guard like a barrage, the fork and strut pump each other excitedly in the bumps through their 20 centimeter long spring travel. Here, in the vastness of the desert of southern Morocco, every beat of the tinny, pulsating single sounds like a cry of joy at the comeback of a big name: Tenere.

What hasn’t this motorcycle embodied since it was first introduced in 1983: Dakar flair, extreme travel, adventure. A perfect fit for the globetrotters of that generation. But the world and people changed. In 1999 the single disappeared from the program.

And now? To a new one. That’s exactly how it stands. Brand new. Some say futuristic. Others qualify the detached line of the front and side panels as Bionicle from Legoland. Anyway, the plastic combo makes perfect sense at first. In the event of a fall, the sturdy, matt gray plastic casing effectively protects the tank and exhaust manifold from scratches and can be easily replaced. And the exposed water pump and the alternator cover are also protected by the raised contour of the protectors during take-off.

The coarse chunks are still pattering on the base plate. It’s your own fault, after all, the periphery of the Tenere encourages a forced desert ride. With the front pulled far up, the high steering head and the relatively narrow knee joint, it can be driven relaxed even while standing, suggests the Tenere rally feeling. But do it. This invitation should not be taken too seriously. An estimated 205 kilograms (183 kilograms dry weight plus oil, cooling water and 22 liters of fuel) and the Metzeler Tourance tires, which are designed for asphalt use, quickly cool off the overcoat in the field. Despite the narrow 21-inch front wheel, the XTZ likes to push outwards over the front in tight bends, and the seat height of almost 90 centimeters does not only let short-legged people stumble uncertainly for support. Not surprising, after all, the new Tenere clearly follows its predecessors in character? the motorhome designed for the occasional gravel ride.

Down to earth in light metal

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Dakar style: tidy instruments behind the windshield in a rally look.

That is why the unchanged four-valve single with petrol injection, known from the XTZ 660 since the 2004 season, chugs in the new chassis. With just under five liters of consumption, it is economical and quite reliable (MOTORRAD long-term test 6/2006)? with 48 hp, however, also very good. From 3000 rpm the short stroke pushes, runs smoothly between 4000 and 5000 revs and then lets it be good at 7000 revs. Not exciting, not intoxicating, down-to-earth in light metal. At least it’s enough for ?? according to the speedometer ?? almost 170 km / h top.

A speed at which the revised chassis is well presented. Because both the single-loop frame and the cast aluminum swing arm are new. From the dangerous lurching of the MOTORRAD endurance test XT 660 X, the Tenere is left with only a hesitant oscillation at higher speeds. Probably also because the driver is effectively protected from the wind by the towering rally front. This generous feeling of space is also preserved on the country road. High handlebars, well-padded bench and open knee angle add up to a relaxed sitting position ?? In which it can be done almost 400 kilometers on one tank of fuel.

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Two are better than one: for the first time a Tenere with two brake discs.

Also better: the new double disc system with Brembo brake calipers requires noticeably less manual force. The trail of the red pencil can, however, be followed in the spring elements. The fork and shock absorber can only be adjusted in the spring base; the rear end only stubbornly puts away larger potholes.

With the revival of the Tenere, Yamaha has opened a niche. The only remaining single-cylinder competitors, the BMW G 650 Xchallenge and the KTM 690 Enduro, are much more sporty. The two-cylinder BMW F 800 GS, which is only marginally comparable, is priced more than two and a half thousand more than the 7,000 euro expensive Tenere. So what is missing is another revival? that of globetrotters with a single-cylinder weakness.

Technical data – Yamaha XT 660 Z Tenere

engine

Water-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine, an overhead, chain-driven camshaft, four valves, rocker arm, dry sump lubrication, injection, ø 44 mm, regulated catalytic converter with secondary air system, alternator 291 W, battery 12 V / 8 Ah, mechanically operated multi-plate oil bath clutch, five-speed gearbox , O-ring chain, secondary ratio 45:15.
Bore x stroke 100.0 x 84.0 mm
Cubic capacity 660 cm³
Compression ratio 10.0: 1, rated output 35.3 kW (48 hp) at 6000 rpm
Max. Torque 58 Nm at 5500 rpm

landing gear

Single-loop frame made of steel, telescopic fork, ø 43 mm, adjustable spring base, two-arm swing arm made of aluminum, central spring strut with lever system, adjustable spring base, double disc brake at the front, ø 298 mm, double-piston floating caliper, disc brake at the rear, ø 245 mm, single-piston floating caliper.
Spoked wheels with aluminum rims 1.85 x 21; 2.75 x 17
Tires 90/90 21; 130/80 17

Dimensions + weights

Wheelbase 1505 mm, steering head angle 62.0 degrees, caster 117 mm, spring travel f / r 210/200 mm, seat height 895 mm, dry weight 183 kg, tank capacity / reserve 22.0 / 6.7 liters.
Two year guarantee
Colors black, white, brown
Price 6,995 euros
Additional costs 165 euros

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