Yamaha XT660 Tenere, the legendary winner of the Paris trophy raid - Dakar of the seventies, marked the beginning of the lineup of Japanese-made sports motorcycles. Among them were almost unique. So, the Yamaha XT660Z Tenere became an outstanding model among all. The ancestor of this motorcycle - the very legend of the XT660 - was the first motorcycle with a four-stroke engine to take part in the rally. Thanks to its advantages compared to push-pull competitors, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer Yamaha managed to take a leading position in the market. The indestructibility and invincibility of this model was an excellent impetus for other manufacturers who began to develop their enduro.
Motorcycle Description
For a long time, no changes were made to the design and specifications of the Yamaha XT660Z Tenere. Only in the mid-2000s was a liquid cooling system installed and a carburetor engine power system replaced.
Experts and motorists disagreed about these alterations: on the one hand, increased environmental requirements, which forces the manufacturer to comply with them, on the other hand, opponents of changes in reviews of the Yamaha XT660Z Tenere pressured that the design became more complicated, expensive, which affected reliability.
Yamaha manufacturer continues to bet on the patency of the legendary enduro. The XT660Z is equipped with a 48 horsepower injector engine, a completely redesigned undercarriage and a modified brand rubber tread. Similar features allow the motorcycle to easily overcome off-road. Difficulties can arise with sandy tracks, however, Yamaha XT660Z Tenere also has excellent cross-country ability, provided it is retrofitted to a suitable rubber.
The austerity of motorcycle design, however, does not detract from its external harmony and attractiveness. Driving at high speed is more than comfortable thanks to the high windshield that protects the driver from the oncoming air stream. The body kit with sharp edges, characteristic, rather, for rally motorcycles, emphasizes the simplicity, utility and off-road character of the Yamaha XT660Z Tenere, the photo of which is presented in the review.
Specifications and Features
An important parameter for Enduro class motorcycles is autonomy. In the case of the XT660Z, a fuel tank volume of 23 liters, with a fairly low fuel consumption, allows you to travel long distances without refueling. An additional advantage is the ability to install a larger tank, which increases the range.
Among the main features and technical specifications of the Yamaha XT660Z Tenere, the owners note a large fuel tank, an injection engine and the ability to adjust suspensions with a long stroke. The volume of the fuel tank, so praised in reviews and reviews, is enough for 600 kilometers, which in comparison with other motorcycles cannot but surprise.
Engine
The motorcycle is equipped with a single-cylinder four-stroke engine with a displacement of 660 cubic centimeters and a capacity of 48 horsepower. The maximum torque is 58 Nm. According to the Yamaha XT660Z Tenere manual, the peak speed is 170 km / h, acceleration dynamics - 5.9 seconds.
Transmission
The motorcycle has a five-speed gearbox with chain drive. The transmission is reliable and does not cause complaints from the owners. Soft and smooth gear shifting makes the ride as comfortable and convenient as possible.
Dimensions
The curb weight of the Yamaha XT660Z Tenere is 183 kilograms. The length of the body is 2248 millimeters, the height is 1477 millimeters, the width is 864 millimeters. The full wheelbase is 1,500 millimeters, and the height including the saddle is 896 millimeters. For a tourist model, the motorcycle has quite compact dimensions.
Chassis and brake system
Exterior Yamaha XT660Z for tourist enduro is very attractive, despite the fact that some motorists are of the opinion that the appearance could be more attractive. The frame of the model is steel, tubular type, spoke wheels of standard design.
The rear suspension is represented by a monoshock-absorber, the front - by a telescopic fork 43 mm long. The brake system is disc, with a two-piston caliper and a 245 mm disc mounted on the rear, and two 298-mm discs with two-piston calipers in the front.
Mass production
The first Yamaha XT660Z Tenere was launched in 2007. The motorcycle has been produced over the past ten years, which is largely due to its popularity among motorists and more than good characteristics for a tourist enduro, not inferior to its competitors.
Owner and specialist reviews
Most motorists, the undoubted advantage of the Yamaha XT660Z Tenere consider a powerful engine that demonstrates excellent traction over the entire rev range. Torque is maintained at low speeds, which is important for the road model of the motorcycle and is quite rare among competitors. The XT660Z engine is sharp, without the inherent softness and smoothness of the Transalp. Such characteristics require the driver’s habits and over time become a category of advantages, not disadvantages.
Yamaha's adjustable suspension sometimes seems inadequate, but it copes with all the roughnesses of the roadway and softens them. The basic suspension settings specified in the motorcycle's operating instructions are, oddly enough, the best for road surfaces of all types, which is often and surprisingly noted by Yamaha XT660Z Tenere owners in reviews. The motorcycle is not particularly suitable for racing on city streets, in addition, at high speed, the rear axle begins to skid, which affects comfort and handling and makes the pilot nervous.
The considerable weight of Tenere - almost two hundred kilograms - is normal for motorcycles of this class, but it can cause inconvenience to beginners who first find themselves in the saddle of the model. To cope with such a colossus at high speed when driving on the road is quite difficult. The lack of physical strength of the pilot can become an obstacle when controlling the XT660Z, and therefore the manufacturer put a lot of effort into reducing the weight of the machine. For this purpose, the motorcycle was equipped with a plastic protective body kit and an aluminum rear fork.
Some motorists are of the opinion that a comfortable and powerful injection engine is not the best option for a tourist motorcycle, because it is too demanding on the quality of the fuel being poured and can fail if poor-quality fuel is used. Given that the Yamaha XT660Z Tenere is designed to travel on difficult routes in areas where fuel quality is not discussed, the operation of such an engine can cause serious problems for the owner. Despite such nuances and features, the motorcycle attracts a lot of attention and is very popular among motorists.