Yamaha is introducing the XT660Z Tenere in Europe, an all purpose commuter, touring, adventure bike and it has a lot of potential. Will Yamaha bring the bike to the U.S.? There’s no indication so far and I have to wonder if the U.S. market would support it. Judging from the comments on our post on the Kawasaki Versys, though, I’d say they should seriously consider it.
Bikes like these are extremely capable, versatile and fun but they don’t fit into the big cruiser, touring or racer replica format that seems to be where all of the emphasis is over here. Touring here means Gold Wings and people commute on their GSX-Rs. Why bother?
The Tenere is powered by a fuel injected 660cc 4 valve single with 5 speeds and a 5.8 gallon fuel tank. That engine could go a long way on 5 gallons, enough for some interesting back road adventures.
If one of the manufacturers would make it a point to push a model like this, getting people to try a demo ride before deciding on which model they really wanted, you might change a few minds. No one watching a chopper show or Superbikes on TV will see this sort of motorcycle or go looking for one but the Long Way Round series had quite a lot of viewers so there’s hope.
Bikes like these tend to focus more on function than style, even though the Paris Dakar style is pretty cool, but if all of your friends ride the latest sport bike, you’ll feel out of place, even though you’ll be more comfortable and probably just as fast or faster riding around the actual roads found most everywhere and you’ll have options those other guys don’t. When you’re touring on that big Wing or blasting around on your Gixxer, what happens when you see that inviting gravel road? You ride right by because your bike doesn’t go there but on this type of motorcycle, if you have the time, you can take that turn and explore. Does anyone else find that appealing? It sounds good to me. If you don’t see the point, watch Long Way Round again.
Thanks for the tip, Richard!
Link: Yamaha Europe
Related: Kawasaki Versys
aaron says
just to play devil’s advocate, what about the klr650? that has been fairly successful over the years and has just been revamped for 2007. I’d prefer to have a choice between the two, but at least we do get one bike that largely fits your description…
Matt in NC says
I like thumpers. This could be a great commuter, and the shots from the Euro site, with the hard sided panniers look better than the one here. I would consider one of these, especially considering the price of the target competition BMW F-650.
The problem I see with this in the US market is that these style bikes are being marketed all wrong. These should be sold as urban commando machines, not some J Peterman/Indiana Jones type adventure wannabe. I want to see ads depicting these things jumping econobox cages and WalMart shopping carts! Lets see them tearing down traffic laden streets in NYC, tearing the mirrors off cabs and limos along the way. I want to see some guy sitting in traffic on the freeway in a Hummer, and then this guy hears a bike and looks in the mirror, but doesn’t see anything, then he looks to the shoulder or median and sees this bike tearing past all the congestion and flinging dirt and grass all over the place.
Sure, that’s all irresponsible, but it’d sell. Way better than some guy riding like a stuffed shirt, and claiming how good his mileage is.
Chris says
I had a 04′ KLR; while it was a blast when I owned it…it just seemed to be lacking balls for it’s weight, and the suspension just sucked. I put so many add-ons to make it more functional at highway speeds, it was just plain uncomfortable driving down the highway to get to my favorite logging roads. I wonder if Yamaha’s got a better all around product. I’ll definately test it and consider trading in my FZ6 if it makes it here and tests out well.
kneeslider says
Matt, I like those advertising ideas and that might be exactly what is needed to break through the tunnel vision of most motorcycle advertising you usually see. If riders are shown the practical application of this kind of motorcycle in city and commuter riding (even if exaggerated for TV), they might buy one and get the chance to try the other things this type of bike offers. You just need a critical mass of riders to start riding these bikes and before long they start to pick up the cool factor.
todd says
Of course it won’t be coming here. Yamaha has had their XT660 and motard for some time now in Europe. They’ve had plenty of opportunity to make some money with those here – but they’ve chosen not to. I used to think it was because Yamaha had a No-Compete agreement with MZ but that looks not to be the case. You are perfectly correct; why bother? For lightweight commuters they offer their 200’s and scooters. For speed and power they have their FZ and R lines. Manufacturers have watched the Huge Success of the BMW GS and figure it isn’t worth building a Dual Sport in the US unless it is heavy and very large/unmanageable. Maybe Yamaha only thinks it will work if they put a VMax motor in one.
A few years ago I went on a very fast ride with a bunch of guys. One of the fastest was a guy on a BMW F650GS pushing hard on the tail of a Ducati.
-todd
mark says
I don’t know if this bike in particular would necessarily be very successful in the US, but the adventure-touring segment here in general does seem to be expanding quickly. Suzuki dealers can’t keep V-Stroms on the sales floor, and I expect the Versys will be a big hit as well.
Thing is, I think the people buying these types of bikes intend to do a good amount of touring on them, not just commuting, which is why the larger, heavier, multi-cylinder machines seem to be selling better. The BMW F650GS has a sufficiently refined engine that it can compete, and the KLR as well, apparently. But I would not, for example, choose to build an adventure-touring bike out of my Honda XR650L because the engine vibrates a lot and the bike becomes very uncomfortable after 100 miles or so. For touring I intend to get a V-Strom.
What surprises me is that Honda has no apparent plans to reintroduce the V-Twin Transalp or Africa Twin to the US market.
PigIron says
I love enduros and “adventure tourers”. I just wish the manufacturers stylists wouldn’t put all that doofus bodywork on them.
Erik says
Boy that looks an awful lot like my V-Strom got together with a KLR or a BMW Thumper. And I’ve never owned a motorcycle as capable as the ‘Strom. Comfortable, quick (enough) and superb for commuting.
Richard says
That thing is ugly! “Doofus bodywork” just about sums up the look.
It also looks like it would be a fairly good general purpose bike, but… [fill in your own reason why something else would be better suited to your own purpose.] I have never found a single bike that I could comfortably ride down the highway and was light enough to make a good off-road bike. It’s either too heavy for off-road, or too weak for the highway, or both. Plus, the suspension never works well for both purposes.
Bryce says
That’s an absolutely awesome looking bike. The clever workaround for Matt in NC’s advertising idea is to basically have it be a daydream dream sequence. If it’s someone imagining the things he/she *could* do, then it’s copacetic because they aren’t in fact doing the things they are being depicted doing.
Tony says
I currently have a ’06 KLR650 that I commute with and take an occasional trip on, and I would like to see the XT660 come to the U.S. The twin feature will make this a much smoother rider than my single and I like the 35″+ seat height. With the increased popularity of motorcycling in general I believe there is a good chance of this coming to our shores. Just look at the U.S. market of the Japanese brands and you see it is just saturated with cruisers
and sport bikes. The largest displacement Yamaha offers in enduro form is the XT225 but Suzuki, Kawasaki and Honda all offer 650’s. My KLR can go anywhere a cruiser and sport bike go and EVERYWHERE they can’t.
Keith says
That thing is hideous .
JohnnyRed says
When I see a great bike like this and hear that it will not make it to the states it does not surprise me. It probably would not make financial sense to plan the needed marketing (e.g. Matt in NC’ idea), get epa approvals and ship them over. But what a great opportunity for smaller companies to capitalize on. Hopefully certain Chinese and Korean companies see the need for this style of bike, make something similar and send it to the US. It would make more sense than trying to out-R1 yamaha or out-sv650 suzuki.
But back to Yamaha… to cut costs of building popularity in the US they should do a more targeted marketing program for this bike. Advertise on niche community based sites like advrider.com and theKneeSlider (of course). Advertise directly to the audience that appreciates bikes that are not mainstream. This will start to build the critical mass needed for very low cost.
I hope they figure something out because I love that bike.
PigIron says
Under 300 lbs. should be the target. The manufacturers should use the lightweight aluminum frames from their motocrossers for their street legal enduros. The new Yamaha WR250R is certainly a step in the right direction and it would really be nice to see a street legal 450 version. A lightweight DRZ 400 would be nice too. Put on a quick detach clear windshield and soft bags for touring and just stay off the interstate.
Willie Schmitz says
Plenty ugly. Probably to heavy also. Dual sport is a hard deal to get right.
I like the Honda CFR450X Motards I’ve seen running around. Light, good handling and pleasant to the eye. They aren’t exactly right for the freeway. They need added c.c.’s and oil capacity. Niether adds much wieght and keeps the bike’s weight right for the boonies.
todd says
A commuter bike in the US (to be successful) would need:
cupholders
automatic transmission
means of steering with the lap/knees leaving hands free to dial a cell phone
a place to put your lap top and work on it on the move
a rear view mirror to help with shaving or applying foundation
total climate control
a “booming” system
turn signals not required
…
-todd
aaron says
now that I’m more awake, I’ll add the ktm and bmw entries to what is available in north america. with 3 variations to chose from, the bmw should fit just about what everyone would want from a bike like this.
but the problem is, between bmw, kawasaki and ktm, I still see relatively few of these 5 models about. no wonder yamaha isn’t interested in bringing over the mt-03 or xt660z
Brad says
Hi, Man you guys just don’t get it?? I ride a 06 KLR650, and I don’t want and don’t need others out there riding the same type of bike as me or being able to go where I can go?? The idea of a dual purpose bike for me is to leave all the judgements and attitudes at the gas station where the sunday after church crowds go to ride and leaving it all there with there street machines and some times bad attitides and leaving it all behind. There is nothing nicer than riding around on fire roads seeing nature and enjoying the quiet solitude of the mountains or praries without a bunch of loud and obnoxious riders tearing it all up and wrecking it for me?? HAHAHA You see it is all about me and I like to ride alone without the hassels that come with riding with others, PLEASE PLEASE don’t bring another bike that can follow me where I want to go?? Then again now you know why a dual purpose bike is so important to some of us?
RATS
35 years in the saddle old crotchedy and sometimes even cranky?
Matt Fisher says
For the most part, no one in the US needs a motorcycle. For us, it’s a toy, a fun way to commute, pass the time, or just try to look cool. Bikes like this 660 or a KLR650 pale when compared to a GSXR or HD Fat Boy. No doubt a utilitarian thumper is vastly more practical and economical than a R1 or Valkarie, but practical doesn’t get showroom traffic or turn the balance sheets into black ink.
coho says
I can’t imagine that Yamaha would send this bike to the US. They still won’t bring back the TDM (based on the early ’90s rally biike, the Super Tenere) which, if only because of its larger engine, is much better suited to Yankee tastes.
Torbjorn says
I own a Hyosung GT650 and I’m taking it offroading (sometimes without knobblies on). It’s a strange thing to do, but I figure the hell with it, it can be done. 😉
Prester John says
The 35″ saddle height means that like the KLR650 this bike could be flatfooted by less than 15% of the adult American population.
Gee, I wonder why dual sports don’t sell in large numbers?
Tom
dualz says
What’s so important about flat-footing a bike? All you need is a toe down at a stoplight. I’m 5’8″ and ride a KLR650 and DR-Z400S. No problemo. I’d love to see the Yammy here since Kawi didn’t put any more horses into the KLR for ’08. Streety types need not comment on bikes they don’t understand. Stick to the tarmac, mates, and keep that tunnel vision.
palegreenhorse says
almost a bike i would buy, but not quite. as mentioned already it is too heavy & tall. i own a bmw 650gs and have ridden it a fair number of miles mostly street. i also own a yamaha xt225 and have less miles but probably about the same time as it is mostly dirt.
i would like a dual sport more like the bmw hp2 but for short people who don’t want to kill themselves with that much power. because i’m honest with myself i know i’m not up to the skill level to ride the hp2. i still enjoy flatfooting my bike on the road and on the trail, just because every now and again it helped me not drop the bike.
power? on the freeway i could definitely go for something more than the 225. but i have taken that up to 80 mph. yup, i’m still young enough to not care too much about the vibrations. but a bit more power would be nice.
if someone put out a 450 dual sport that
1. had some luggage options for when i want to tour
2. is light enough to actually ride on the dirt even if you aren’t a super hero on dirt
3. is short enough that i don’t have to tip-toe one foot barely
4. has some power to compete with the traffic on the LA suburb i live in so i don’t get mowed over riding to the trail…
i’d buy it tomorrow
Radsrider says
Amen, Palegreenhorse! One more thing to add; low service intervals like the DRZ. I’d love a KTM 525 but don’t want to wrench so frequently. I have a plated DRZ400E and love it, but it’s obviously not enough for long tours. I’ve done 1000 mile motorcycle ‘backpacking’ trips where the bike was perfect, but the new Yamaha would be a sweet option for less dirt and more pavement. It would be sweet if Suzuki took their new EFI RMZ450, ditched the ti valves for steel, added a 6th gear and license plate, and tuned the suspension for offroad. I can dream, can’t I?
Sean says
Transformers, robots in disguise…
RobC says
Nice looking bike, but I prefer simpler technology for a dual purpose bike… try fixing a fuel injection bike in the bush. My KLR still uses a carburettor that can be stripped and cleaned with simple tools. Especially out here in Africa that is a plus factor. 🙂
Now if I can just stop falling off…
GregD says
If Yamaha would import this into the US, it would be my next motorcycle. IMO, there has to be a decent size market for dual sports that fit in between the heavy and expensive BMW GS and the ancient Honda XR/Kawasaki KLR models. (Yeah, the KLR got a recent update, but it’s still a big, heavy and old machine underneath, no offense intended to current/future owners.)
I have been a sportbike rider, but now that I’m in the latter half of my 30’s, I’m not interested in crouching over anymore. I’d mainly use this as a commuter/weekend machine, and enjoy the ability to hit a fire road when possible.
Personally, I love the styling of the new Tenere. IMO, it has a bit of that Bimota angular design.
Yamaha, bring it over the pond and you’ve got at least one sale!!!
DeanW says
If this bike came to the US, Kawasaki dealers would suddenly find a glut of KLRs on their floors.
The XT660 has the power to get you to the trail, the suspension (and face it, crashability) to deal with the trail, and the range to get home again. Something the KLR had (except for the power…) until this year.
The Versys is actually a better KLR than the new KLR is- if only it had a 19″ front wheel, or someone made good dual-sport rubber for a 17″ front.
B. Rodgers says
These Paris/Dakar type bikes really work well.Here in the states if it looks different ones here are not interested in.My transalp has 143,000 miles on it and going strong.Honda needs to bring over the Varadero,or the new 750 transalp,and Yamaha, bring over the Tenere. I will promote these bikes.Any takers like to see what I can do to make this happen.I,ll bet I could get interest in them.Its about the passion of riding and more so function.Luggage, tank bags with good riding gear,lets do a few thousand miles.Yamaha,Honda contact me so we can get the U.S.A back to the basic,s..good down right ADVENTURE RIDING……BR
Kyle says
I ride a 06 KLR650. I too would like to see something with more power. But also we must realize that sometimes “less is more”. For a DP bike having all that gadgetry, water cooled, electronics, fuel-injection, & so fourth just doesn`t cut it when your out in the “bush”. The more things that can go wrong and harder to fix and more costly to maintain. I love my KLR but I`m now wishing for a XRL or a DR, less things that can go wrong & lighter weight. The only reason why I got my slightly used KLR was the stock six gallon tank, bargin price, better fit for a larger person, and luggage options. I needed a bike quick to join in on a “thumper” ride too Alaska two years ago mostly on gravel rodes (2,000 miles worth). Last summer I`ve done a couple of cross country trips also. I`m very pleased. Not a single hiccup or problem, just a little slow on interstates. Sometimes LESS IS MORE.
dennis newland says
I own a ZRX 1200S which I am reluctant to sell because it is so damn good and midrange poke is phenominal Who needs 300kph been there done that.
My other treasured Bike is an 06 KLR 650 I love this machine and can’t wait for the next back road trip here in South West Australia, no cops no signs everywhere. great. We don’t tackle extreme obstacles because most of us are carrying camping gear, food and other items around 30kg (66lbs). But we do manage almost non existent forrest trails and water crossings (deep). If I were to design an off road traily it would be similar to the KLR. 153kilo’s dry. The new tenere Looks great has decent headlights/brakes etc but Oh the weight who wants to carry 185 kilos plus fuel plus 30kg baggage plus rider into the woods. Why Oh why do you need dual exhausts save those for the motard a couple of extra horses isn’t going to match the lesser weight of the KLR in the bush (except possibly in top speed). Stick a Pipe on the KLR and you’ll get those horses if you really need them. I cruise at 125kph for 2,3 or even 4hrs on bitumen without any major problems and i’m over 60. hard arsed maybe but it does the job.
Trim the weight on the Tenere give it one muffler but keep the lights and it might just have a chance.
Dave says
Once again more bikes (Tenere and Transalp)that aren’t sold in the US. Why won’t the Japanese bring these models in to compete with the BMWs? I would put either of these bikes up against a BMW GS for reliability and price. I realize that the American rider mentality seems to settle on big cruisers and sport bikes, but I think there are enough adventure bike riders, and more in the wings, who would like to see more offerings at the dealerships. Come on Honda and Yamaha!
Ian WILKIE says
After 30 years of owning mainly large capacity road bikes I’m selling my current FJR1300A to get into the adventure touring dual purpose bikes. If I could get a price for the Tenere in Australia I would definitely consider it but at the moment no one can tell me what the cost will be. It also looks like a couple of my mates will also be getting rid of there road bikes and getting into the dual purpose area. After considering the 650 V-strom and Honda Transalp, the 2008 KLR650 is looking like a good thing for my purposes, particularly so since it is a proven and simple design. I note its also lighter than the yammy, which after owning the ST1100,ST1300 and FJR1300A, the weight will not really be an issue for me.
Igor says
Fuel prices go up every week and more people, even new to motorcycling, or, formerly, weekend warriors, commute on motorcycles. Euro 3 standards are pretty stringent, so the bike should not have trouble passing the EPA muster.
American riders follow fashion and “image” more than function, so Japanese designers need to give their US-destined bikes an “edginess” or “badness” to be successful with US riders. But, look, KTM did it, and for the top dollar one gets high-quality hardware and style. Good money will have to be spent on quality advertisement, as one rider noted on this blog.
Just like with SUVs, the profit margin for a manufacturer is higher with race-replica sport bike or with chromed-out cruiser, so we are not likely to see the function-over-form approach here, alas…
Alex says
I am sure the new XT660z Tenere would have a surprisingly strong demand in the US. It would definetely be a success.
I see no rational or strategic reason not to have it in this market.
Yamaha should definetely offer it to the US !!!
WE ARE WAITING !!!
Nick says
Because of the earlier success in Europe for the XTZ 660 and XTZ 750 (end 80’s untill mid 90’s) it is hardly to understand why these bikes weren’t sold/introduced in the States. The US has so many opportunities (roads, space etc). The regulations are maybe to harsh for these bikes to enter the US. I owned two XTZ 750’s and still wondering why I sold them! But one argument which I read from one of the other reviewers was that when all your mates ride a sportsbike, you may hesitate to buy an all purpose bike. (offroad/on road). My intention is to buy the bike asap when available again in The Netherlands.
The new XTZ660 Tenere allready sells very well overhere and in the rest of Europe!
Our fuel prices are a lot higher f.e.: one liter cost over 1,60 euro (2,53 US dollar), so it may be more economic when commuting and less traffic jam in the end!
Hopefully for all commuters and adventurers Yamaha decides to ship this bike into the US, Suzuki allready did it with there V-Strom and has a lot of success.
Best regards form The Netherlands.
duncan says
WHY DOESNT YAMAHA PUT TWO YZ 426 ENGINES TOGETHER IN PARALEL TWIN FORMAT AND INTRODUCE A PROPER SUPER TENERE.
THAT 660 IS TOO HEAVY AND LACKS POWER.
Nic says
Duncan, rumor has they are going to produce a 1200 tenere
Sin says
Yamaha XT660Z? I bet is good and all but the front end is ugly as hell! like awfully disturbing ugly design… yak!
FreezerRider says
@Sin: Dude.. its supost to look like a proper Rally Raid bike… like a Pari-Dakar bike… and your dislike of its styling is eaxctly what Yamaha is afrade of and thus adds to there Hesitation to import it to the US.
IMO I think it looks bloody awsome… And I shure as hell hope enough Yanks agree with me too so that Yamaha will hury up and get this bike stateside!
jim webb says
I have one of the new teneres, its a great bike and yes it may be a little heavy and tall but at low speeds it handles great. It has enough balls to get you up and cruising at 80 mph. Looks like most of you dont even know what you want, i have read comments about 450 CR’s and 400 DRZ, WTF these are diffrent machines all together. I had a WR450 that i used to ride in the desert of Oman. I would not think about loading it with panniers and running on the highway as it is not geared correctly, If you want a ture enduro bike buy an enduro bike if you want a super moto buy one but dont come spouting crap and comparing it to something its not. It is a great alternative to the unreliable alternatives that cost a lot more. Like it ? i love it
Giske says
I wonder if I am to tall for Tenere. I am 6,4 fot tall and I don’t fit on every motorcycle.
Edgar says
My 1989 Yamaha XT600 take me to places that my ex suzuki gsr750 could not.
I am very pleased with Yamaha I NEED A 2008 YAMAHA XT660Z A.S.A.P.
PLEASE CALL ME 704-361-4698.
this is my dream come true in motorcycle.
I NEED this bike!!
since last year.