The Yamaha XT660Z Tenere is a great value, superbly capable adventure bke with real off road capability. Global treks aren’t really on the cards as the Yamaha XT660Z Tenere’s vibey single cylinder engine makes hard work of pulling its 185kg dry weight. Useful touches such as the durable crash panels and front towing hoop put it in a class of it’s own.

Engine: The Yamaha XT660Z Tenere’s engine is used in a number of other machines (including the Aprilia Pagaso, MT-03, Derbi Mulhacen as well as the XT660 X and R models) complaints of a jerky throttle, stalling and mid rev hunting have been fixed on the Tenere. The engine accelerates cleanly from a closed throttle and pulls well (for a single) up to 70mph. Intrusive Vibes begin at 5000rpm.

Ride And Handling: Despite the relatively heavy weight and tall seat height the Yamaha XT660Z Tenere’s wide bars and good balance gives slow speed confidence. Like most motorcycles with off road abilities the forks dive harshly under braking and the rear squats under acceleration leading the bike wide out of turns. Off road the chassis will cope with all but the severest conditions.

Equipment: Durable ‘rally raid’ panels are fixed to vulnerable areas on the Yamaha XT660Z Tenere’s fuel tank and engine and are designed to prevent excessive damage in a fall. Small fairing is surprisingly effective even without the optional taller screen. Genuine, but expensive, Yamaha accessories such as metal panniers are available.

Quality And Reliability: The Yamaha XT660Z Tenere’s engine is used across a wide range of machines and fuelling glitches aside, is a solid and dependable motor. Yamaha have obviously spent time on the detail of the Tenere and tried to make the bike as user repairable as the Euro 3 rules allow.

Value: The Yamaha XT660Z Tenere has an impressive blend of on and off road ability with some neat and well thought out design touches which makes it excellent value for money. If you steer clear of Yamaha’s expensive option list and source aftermarket parts it’s possible to have a genuine (if slower) alternative to BMW’s F650/800GS range for £1500 less.

New price £4,899
Engine size 660cc
Power 46bhp
Top speed 120mph
Insurance group 10

This article was taken from: Motorcycle News