We look back at the bikes that carried the famous name…
1983 Yamaha XT600Z Ténéré (34L)
Inspired by the Paris-Dakar racers, basically an XT550 with an over-bored engine, 30-litre tank and race colours. Power was 43hp with no electric start.
1986 Yamaha XT600Z Ténéré (1VJ)
Electric start and ‘only’ a 23-litre tank, due to the repositioning of the air filter from under the seat to under the fuel tank. Power was increased to 46hp.
1988 Yamaha XT600Z Ténéré (3AJ)
A complete redesign, with frame-mounted fairing and twin headlights. More changes to the engine; modified cylinder head and larger cooling fins. Rear disc brake fitted.
1989 Yamaha XTZ750 Super Ténéré
All-new parallel-twin Ténéré came with twin front discs and a 26-litre tank. Race 750 and then 850 versions went on to win Paris Dakar six times.
Discontinued in 1996.
1991 Yamaha XTZ660 Ténéré (3YF)
More road-biased, with a five-valve liquid-cooled engine, said to improve reliability and minimise maintenance. Power rose to 48hp. Smaller 20-litre tank and shorter stroke suspension.
1994 Yamaha XTZ660 Ténéré (deleted 1998)
Completely new streamlined bodywork, featuring dual lights influenced by the Ténéré 750ccc twin. No significant mechanical changes to engine or chassis.
2006 Yamaha XT660Z Ténéré
All new single-cylinder design based on the 2004 XT660X. It was Ténéré reborn, with a 23-litre tank and long-travel suspension.
Popular as a world traveller.
2010 Yamaha XTZ1200 Super Ténéré
Followed the same basic template as the old XTZ750 – parallel-twin engine, twin headlights and a steel frame. Three-way traction control linked ABS and a cross-plane crank.