In 1983 Yamaha produced the first 600cc single cylinder Enduro. The XT600Z Ténéré was named after the most difficult section of the Paris-Dakar Rally. It started a new trend in Enduro bikes. With its large 28 litre fuel tank and long-travel (255/235mm) suspension, it no longer had much in common with its predecessors, the XT500/XT550. It was in total contrast to the XT500 with its small tank and modest spring travel.
This first model is commonly referred to as the 34L model in many countries.
It was the first time the MONOCROSS system, well known on motocross models, was used on an Enduro bike. This transformed the heavy (165kg) Enduro in to a perfect touring machine for motorcycle travellers. The engine produced 43HP with a flexible but extremely strong performance at low engine speeds. The 34L model Ténéré was successfully sold for 3 years from 1983 to 1985.
A few small modifications were made in 1985 and this is referred to as the 55W model in some countries but this model is essentially the same as the 34L model.
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Model | XTZ600 |
| Years built | 1983 - 1985 | |
| Displacement | 595cc | |
| Power | 43HP | |
| Torque | 49Nm | |
| Starter | Kick | |
| Fuel tank | 28 L | |
| Wheels f / r | 21" / 18" | |
| Suspension f / r | 255 / 235mm | |
| Dry weight | 165kg |
In 1986, Yamaha made several major modifications to the Ténéré. This model is commonly referred to as the 1VJ model in many countries.
In addition to the kickstarter it received an electric starter. The air filter box was moved from under the seat to under the fuel tank. This reduced the capacity of the fuel tank to 23 litres. The fuel tank also had lowered sides which improved weight distribution. However, then a fuel pump was necessary. The oil cooler was mounted in front of the cylinder head on the right hand side. With this change and the lowered tank sides, suddenly the Ténéré had engine overheating problems. Yamaha tried to overcome this problem with longer stud bolts at the cylinder head and an increased diameter (from 27mm to 28mm) in the secondary throat of the carburettor. But the latter not only increased fuel consumption but led to irregular engine running at high altitudes. Spluttering
Ténérés were not a rarity in these years on alpine passes.
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Model | XTZ600 |
| Years built | 1986 - 1987 | |
| Displacement | 595cc | |
| Power | 46HP | |
| Torque | 49Nm | |
| Starter | Electric / Kick | |
| Fuel tank | 23 L | |
| Wheels f / r | 21" / 18" | |
| Suspension f / r | 255 / 235mm | |
| Dry weight | 179kg |
Altogether the 86/87 model badly damaged the reputation of the Ténéré as a reliable travel companion. By attacking only the symptoms one does not solve the fundamental problem.
Therefore in 1988, with the third model, more major modifications were made. This model is commonly referred to as the 3AJ model in many countries.
A frame-mounted fairing with twin headlights and a small screen provided better travel comfort. The small shaky speedo and tacho were replaced by large round instruments. The rear wheel received a disc brake. The overheating problems of the 86/87 model were eliminated with the transfer of the front mudguard to directly over the wheel. Also the cooling fin surface area was increased by one third. In addition, the lubrication circuit was optimised and fifth gear was strengthened. Thus the Ténéré again became a reliable long-distance touring companion.
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Model | XTZ600 |
| Years built | 1988 - 1990 | |
| Displacement | 595cc | |
| Power | 46HP | |
| Torque | 49Nm | |
| Starter | Electric | |
| Fuel tank | 23 L | |
| Wheels f / r | 21" / 18" | |
| Suspension f / r | 255 / 235mm | |
| Dry weight | 185kg |
In 1991 the XTZ660 appeared, the last model of the single cylinder Ténéré. This model no longer has much in common with the first Ténéré. The petrol tank shrank again to 20 litres and the suspension travel was shortened to 220mm at the front and 200mm at the rear. The whole appearance of the XTZ660 model was lower, heavier and longer than the original 1983 model.
More than the appearance, the new engine characterised this Model. The first single cylinder with five valves provided a agreeable engine characteristic The engine is not quite as flexible as that of the original Ténéré, but in the middle and upper range it clearly had more power. The oil tank was moved again into the frame - same as the XT500 - and water-cooling provided more stable engine temperature control. The somewhat longer wheelbase provides better straight line stability at high speed and the dual-piston front disc brake provided better stopping power.
Altogether the XTZ660 is a good-natured, solid Enduro which does not, however, have much in common with the concept of the first Ténéré. For trips on desert routes, which was the original idea, it should only be used with caution. In 1994 Yamaha added a broad fairing with double headlights, but this did not have much impact on sales of the XTZ660 Ténéré. Thus production was stopped in 1999.
Yamaha now had no model between the fast twin-cylinder XTZ750 and the new light single cylinder machines.
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Model | XTZ660 |
| Years built | 1990 - 1999 | |
| Displacement | 659cc | |
| Power | 48HP | |
| Torque | 57Nm | |
| Starter | Electric | |
| Fuel tank | 20 L | |
| Wheels f / r | 21" / 17" | |
| Suspension f / r | 220 / 200mm | |
| Dry weight | 195kg |
In 1989 Yamaha present the Super Ténéré. The new developed two-cylinder twin engine has five valves and downdraft carburettors. The Model set new maximum performance values in the Enduro scene. It's not as light as a single cylinder bike and so not to use for everything. But if one gets used to the weight you can use it quite well off road. The Super Ténéré is a solid motorcycle for travelling long distances with much comfort.
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Model | XTZ750 |
| Years built | 1989 - 1996 | |
| Displacement | 749cc | |
| Power | 68HP | |
| Torque | 67Nm | |
| Starter | Electric | |
| Fuel tank | 26 L | |
| Wheels f / r | 21" / 17" | |
| Suspension f / r | 255 / 235mm | |
| Dry weight | 226kg |
Translation by Brian Foster: Tenere Owners Club of Australia
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